2025 NHL Draft: Best value picks from first round
LOS ANGELES – NHL teams are always chasing value at the NHL Draft.
And with one day in the books, 32 players had their dreams realized. Some players went a little later than initially expected, which will make for interesting talking points down the road.
Players will fall for various reasons. Some teams might have positional needs, while others might be concerned about a player’s flaws. But using Daily Faceoff’s final top 120 draft rankings as a basis, these are some of the best value picks after Day 1 of the 2025 NHL Draft:
6. Philadelphia Flyers: Porter Martone, RW (Brampton Steelheads, OHL)
Final Rank: 3
The Flyers could have taken a center here (they did with their next pick). But they made the right decision and took the best player of available. He has arguably the best vision in the entire draft class and has some of the best offensive IQ, too. While Martone’s skating might lack and some scouts wish he’d be more physical, everyone agrees that he’s one of the smartest players in this draft class. He just understands the game and how to exploit opportunities. Martone will probably need to line up with a play-driving center to continue producing at the next level, but his ability to absolutely dominate with the puck – and impact the offensive zone without it – makes him so lethal. Philly has a great one here.
16. New York Islanders: Victor Eklund, RW (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)
Final Rank: 9
Most expected Eklund to fall because he’s a bit smaller, but this far? That felt like a stretch, so full credit to the Islanders. Eklund is tremendously skilled, and many people close to him credit his upbeat personality. He makes things happen with the puck that very few can, and he’s got an excellent shot, to boot. I loved him at the World Juniors because it felt like he was always involved in the puck play. He might not be big at 5-foot-11, but he does have some decent strength. Defensively, he needs work, but it shouldn’t stop him from playing high in the lineup. Get ready, Isles fans. He’s a top-six forward.
17. New York Islanders: Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD (Barrie Colts, OHL)
Final Rank: 10
One pick later. Not too shabby. The Islanders’ blueline looks much tougher to play against now thanks to Ka$h Money. He has the potential to be an intimidating force in the NHL – someone who just gives opponents nothing to work with. His physicality is the best attribute of his game because he’s willing to get involved with just about anyone. Aitcheson finished the regular season with 26 goals and 59 points while registering 88 penalty minutes – making him a brutal player to deal with every time he hit the ice. Aitcheson isn’t an outstanding skater, and his playmaking can be a bit of a mixed bag. But I think the raw talent and the pure tenacity is so enticing.
23. Ottawa Senators: Logan Hensler, RHD (Univ. of Wisconsin, NCAA)
Final Rank: 18
This could really pay off for the Senators, who drafted a couple other big, strong defenders a year ago. Hensler is a 6-foot-2, mobile blueliner who has good reach and can rough guys up. He’s even better in his own zone. His mobility is tremendous, too, and that should allow him to have a solid NHL career. I think there’s a good chance he becomes a second-pairing defenseman who plays a safe defensive game. If he can add some more offensive flair, he’ll be even more lethal. But at 23, I think this is a worthwhile pick for the Sens.
32. Calgary Flames: Cullen Potter, C (Arizona State University, NCAA)
Final Rank: 17
This is the one many in the public scouting community were excited about. Potter is s 5-foot-9, but his pure skill and ability to make things happen with the puck should keep him high in the draft conversation. Overall, I like his commitment to playing in all three zones, and he anticipates plays and gets himself where he needs to be better than most of the draft class. I think the ceiling is higher for Potter than many others around this part of the draft, but he needs to show he can handle the physical challenge. Obviously, there are challenges associated with smaller forwards, but the Flames bet high on skill and I love that.
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