Blueshirt Banter 2025 NHL Mock Draft: Picks 23-32

Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached the end of this year's Blueshirt Banters Official Mock Draft, presented by Chris Feldman and Roberto Solis-Byxbee.

If you weren’t privy to it last year, our mock draft serves two purposes: to talk about what each of these prospects bring to the table ahead of the big day, and to make our best guesses on who ends up where. And, of course, to make mention of who could, and should, be on the radar for the New York Rangers.

If you missed picks 1-10, you can read those here, and then you'll find picks 11-22 here. Without further ado, wrap up the first round with picks 23-32 for this year’s draft class!

23. Nashville Predators (via TBL) 

Roberto: Malcolm Spence - RW/LW, Erie Otters, OHL: This past year wasn't easy for Malcolm Spence, but he still showed his skill and potential. The Erie Otters lost their star defenseman, Matthew Schaefer, and went through some organizational changes, but Spence managed to nearly double his goal total this season. He has many of the basic tools, but will need support to develop them fully together. Next year, he'll ply his trade at the University of Michigan, a great program that has consistently developed bonafide NHLers.

Chris: Logan Hensler - Defenseman, University of Wisconsin, NCAA: A right-handed defenseman with the size and stature that GM’s always love, Hensler had a bit more hype when he was with the U.S. National Development Team. He didn’t blow anyone away in his freshman year at Wisconsin, which is a shame since it was also the season leading up to his draft year. Still, he’s a mobile offensive-defenseman who is effective in all areas but, as a result, doesn’t really stand out too much. Some knocks on his game are that he isn’t overly competitive and can be easy to play against. But in the right situation, he can definitely turn into a really effective NHL defenseman. He seems like the type of player Barry Trotz and the Predators would like to take a chance on. 

24. Los Angeles Kings 

Roberto: Blake Fiddler - Defenseman, Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL: The first thing scouts notice about Blake Fiddler is his hulking size, standing at 6-4. Most teams will gamble on a player of that size, regardless of whether the skill is there or not. Additionally, his dad played in the NHL, which makes a stronger case for Fiddler to go earlier. His skill level has always been decent; he doesn't excel or stand out in any particular area, but with focused coaching, he will be good enough. And with the Kings poised to lose Vladislav Gavrikov, I can see them investing in a defenseman of the future.

Chris: Malcolm Spence - RW/LW, Erie Otters, OHL: This is a player who can really become a steal later in the draft. Malcolm Spence has the potential to be the type of 16-game player all 32 general managers are hunting for come playoff time. He plays the game with a level of tenacity that is sure to turn heads. He’s a good player in both ends of the ice and has plenty of skill that, if developed properly, can translate into being a really effective point producer. 

25. Chicago Blackhawks (via TOR) 

Roberto: Lynden Lakovic - C/LW - Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL: He's another behemoth of a player, but Lynden Lakovic has the skills of a smaller-stature skater. He can skate, handle the puck, pass, and shoot all incredibly well. The Warriors missed the postseason this year, and a big reason for that is Lakovic sustained several injuries throughout the season. Yet he still managed to lead the team in points. A few teams and scouts have pointed out that he is a perimeter player and doesn't often put in the work of backchecking. But with the skill set and size he has, many NHL teams will take a shot at him to see if they can teach that part of his game to the big forward.

Chris: Sascha Boumedienne - Defenseman, Boston University, NCAA: Born in Finland, representing Sweden in international play, but also spending time as a teenager playing in the States, Sascha Boumedienne is a fascinating prospect—one I believe has the potential to become one of the best players from this draft class when we look back on this five years from now. Boumedienne joined Boston University at just 17-years old and still has plenty of room for development. However, he’s a phenomenal skater, defends well and plays a responsible two-way game. There is certainly room for improvement, specifically when it comes to decision making and physicality, but this is a really good player that is going to get even better after a few more seasons at BU.  

26. Nashville Predators (via VGK and SJS)

Roberto: William Moore - Center, U.S. NTDP: Moore is a kid who has yet to grow into his frame, but once he does, everyone will need to game plan to slow him down. Moore had several highlight reel moments throughout the year and even more chances where he just couldn't make the final move to break away and finish the job. With more development, he'll add that extra step and power he needs to reach the next level. He'll have plenty of time to add muscle since he's committed to joining the prestigious Boston College Eagles next season.

Chris: Milton Gastrin - Center, Modo Jr. Swe: Milton Gastrin sort of reminds me of Linus Eriksson from last year’s draft class who was projected to be a late first round pick but ended up falling to the second round to the Florida Panthers (lol). A good two-way center who was a leader for team Sweden several years in a row, Gastrin has a great shot, competes hard, and drives play. He brings a strong net-front presence, can make plays, and put up pretty good numbers in Sweden last year. At his best, he could pan out to be a middle six center and he seems exactly like the type of player the Predators would take a chance on. 

27. Washington Capitals  

Roberto: Justin Carbonneau - Right Wing, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL: Carbonneau led the Armada in points this year and went on an absolute tear to finish the regular season, but then disappeared come the playoffs which led to a quick exit for his team. These are the issues that have plagued the young forward, but 89 points in 62 games is nothing to sneeze at and the skill level is high enough where a team's interest will be piqued and the rough assertive game fits in with the Capitals brand of hockey.

Chris: Bill Zonnon - Center, Rouyn-Noranda, QMJHL: One of the top players in the QMJHL, Bill Zonnon skates fast, plays the game hard and can be a key contributing factor for a team offensively. A center that will likely shift over to the wing as he turns pro, Zonnon’s got size, speed and plays a decent enough all around game. There’s a good chance he falls to the second round but something about him seems like a great fit for Washington so I think they pick him up with their late first round pick.   

28. Winnipeg Jets

Roberto: Cole Reschny - C/LW, Victoria Royals, WHL: A smaller forward lacking elite skating is usually a red flag most teams will avoid like the plague, but the thing about Cole Reschny is he just finds a way. He posted an incredible 92 points in 62 games for the Royals, so more than one NHL team is likely to consider him high on their board. I believe that even with the concerns, he's a first-round talent, and he'll go around pick 28.

Chris: Cullen Potter - Center, Arizona State University, NCAA: Originally a Michigan State commit, Cullen Potter left the USNDT and headed to ASU to kickstart his NCAA career. In 35 games played he put up 22 points registering 13 goals and 9 assists, which is even more impressive as a 17-year-old. Potter is an exceptional skater that handles the puck like a pro and has a great shot to back it all up. It will be interesting to see if he stays at ASU or ends up transferring at some point, but with the right development I could see him becoming a player that leaves fans wondering why so many other teams passed on him in his draft year. 

29. Carolina Hurricanes

Roberto: Joshua Ravensbergen - Goaltender, Prince George, WHL: In recent history, all NHL teams unknowingly participate in a game as everyone waits for the first team in the draft to claim a goalie. This year, the top goalie is Joshua Ravensbergen. He checks many boxes for a perfect goalie prospect—massive size, decent agility, and an off-hand glove—pointing to him going in the first round. Several teams are in need of a top goalie prospect, but the Hurricanes are among the top in that regard, with some major question marks surrounding Pyotr Kochetkov and Frederik Andersen.

Chris: Joshua Ravensbergen - Goaltender, Prince George, WHL: There isn’t always one that’s guaranteed to be a first round pick, but every year someone has to be the first one to draft a goaltender. And this is a situation where it might make sense for Carolina to do it late in the first round. Some people have Joshua Ravensbergen ranked higher, but the fact is there’s always a level of uncertainty that comes with drafting a goaltender in the first round unless they are as close as a sure thing gets. At 6-5, and as a right-handed catching goalie, Ravensbergen certainly has desirable assets that warrant becoming a first round pick. He plays an aggressive game and is good for the occasional highlight reel save. He had an excellent rookie year in the WHL with a record of 26-4-2 and a .907 save percentage. He got more starts this past season which resulted in his save percentage dropping, but not by that much (.901). It doesn’t appear that Carolina is fully sold on Pyotr Kochetkov, and Frederik Andersen is playing on borrowed time. The Hurricanes need a guy to become the guy in net for them, perhaps that guy is Joshua Ravensbergen.  

30. San Jose Sharks (via DAL) 

Roberto: Simon Wang - Defenseman, Oshawa Generals, OHL: There is a good chance this one won't happen, but teams have paid attention to Chinese-born Simon Wang as he joined the Oshawa Generals and proved immediately effective. His 6-5 height and intimidating wingspan make him an intriguing project player, and he also has subtly good skating. He needs significantly more time with focused coaching and development, but he's committed to Boston University and will receive it over the next four years. The Sharks have a few opportunities, and with the guarantee of a top prospect with their third overall pick, a boom-or-bust player is very likely to be the direction they take with this pick.

Chris: William Moore - Center/Left Wing, USNDT: This late in the draft, William Moore could be a really solid choice. At 6-2, 175 pounds, he has good size for the NHL and has the versatility that could make for a strong middle six forward. A product of the U.S. National Development Team, Moore can play either center or wing and be used in a number of different situations. He doesn’t truly stand out in any one area but is an all-around strong player with two-way talent, great vision, and can contribute offensively. He’s committed to Boston College which could really help his development in the coming years. With all the star-studded talent the Sharks have, they could really use a guy with the potential to pan out as a valuable middle-six forward, perhaps along the lines of a Connor McMichael or Anthony Beauvillier. 

31. Philadelphia Flyers (via EDM)

Roberto: Bill Zonnon - Center, Rouyn-Noranda, QMJHL: There is a lot to appreciate about the set of skills Zonnon offers. As Chris mentioned earlier, he is a borderline first-round pick, but his consistent energy and skill make him almost certain to reach the NHL, and more than one team will be eager to draft him.

Chris: Mason West - Center, Fargo Force, USHL: Another unique and interesting prospect, Mason West was being recruited to play D1 football as much as he was hockey. Nonetheless, he committed to play hockey at Michigan State and is expected to be a late first, early second pick in this year’s draft. At 6-6, 215 pounds, he certainly has NHL size already but will need some time in college to continue developing. People have compared him to Michael Rasmussen which makes sense seeing as he has the potential to be a solid middle six center down the road. I can very much see Philadelphia taking one look at this kid and having a ton of interest with this late first round pick. 

32. Calgary Flames (via FLA)

Roberto: Eric Nilson - Center, Djugarden Jr. Swe: There are many options for the Flames with the last pick of the first round, but I prefer a feel-good story, and the team selecting former Calgary Flame Marcus Nilson's son Eric satisfies that. It's not all nepotism, though. Nilson has consistently kept up with faster linemates, and when he's on the ice, he gets right into the thick of things and plays a significant role in his team moving the puck up and down the ice.

Chris: Ivan Ryabkin - Center/Wing, Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL:  There were times where Ryabkin was being regarded as the next Matvei Mitchkov but his game has fallen off a bit which resulted in him coming over to the USHL from Russia. There's tons of talent with this player but there are also plenty of inconsistencies. He has a great shot, fantastic hands and outstanding vision. In terms of offense, there’s no reason he shouldn’t go in the first round. But his skating is average, he doesn’t have the spark to his game that will draw attention and is known to be a bit temperamental. Nonetheless, the Flames need goalscorers, they’d be wise to take a chance on him.