Mock drafts by their very nature don’t hold a ton of value, but when mired in last place it’s never too early to look ahead for brighter days.
The 2025 NHL draft has been characterized, perhaps misunderstandingly, as a weak draft, as if it was heard once or twice and is now repeated as a fact on the internet. To be sure, there is no Sidney Crosby/Connor McDavid/Auston Matthews type of franchise-changing first overall pick that is an obvious future contender for Rocket Richard and Art Ross trophies and there are certain weaknesses perceived in this draft.
Bob McKenzie at TSN had some thoughts from scouts in his January mid-season rankings that give the lay of the land a little better.