NHL Draft Lottery 2025: Why Matthew Schaefer tops the class and what other NHL teams stand to gain

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 5, 2025, 20:53 IST

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The 2025 NHL Draft presents crucial opportunities for struggling teams. Matthew Schaefer, a top defenseman, leads a class of talented centers and playmakers. Teams like San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Nashville Predators are vying for top picks. The draft lottery will determine their fate. Acquiring Schaefer or a franchise center could reshape these teams' futures.

NHL Draft Lottery 2025: Why Matthew Schaefer tops the class and what other NHL teams stand to gain

NHL Draft Lottery 2025 (via Getty Images)

The 2025 NHL Draft class lacks a generational name such as Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini, but it still offers defining chances — particularly for those teams dwelling in the league's basement. Headlined by elite blueliner Matthew Schaefer of the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters, this year's class has a well-defined top tier, led by versatile centers and high-IQ playmakers.

Matthew Schaefer towers above the 2025 class of the NHL Draft

2025 NHL DRAFT RANKINGS | PRE LOTTERY TOP 32

With the lottery draft to dictate the first 16 picks — and two different draws deciding on the top two picks — stakes are high for teams such as the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins. Every team arrives at the proceedings with a clear roster profile and vital roster deficiencies.
Even after injury setbacks this year, 6-foot-1 defenseman Matthew Schaefer has become the clear runaway top overall prospect. With his unparalleled skating and two-way acumen, Matthew Schaefer overwhelms defensively and in transition.
He's being compared to top NHL minute-munchers because of his capacity to play in all situations — power play, penalty kill, and even-strength — and remain calm under duress. When healthy, he's played firmly at every level.

If the San Jose Sharks, who have the best lottery chance (25.5%), pick No. 1, Schaefer becomes their top defensive prospect overnight, even ahead of 2024 first-rounder Sam Dickinson.

What all the lottery teams have to look forward to

San Jose Sharks: Need for an elite defense cornerstone; Matthew Schaefer is a fit.
Chicago Blackhawks: Possessing Connor Bedard, but still requiring an authentic scoring arm at winger or center.
Nashville Predators: Seemingly in need of elite center talent.
Philadelphia Flyers: In search of a franchise center to go along with established wing depth.
Boston Bruins: With an aging core happening in a hurry, this may be their one opportunity at an actual rebuild cornerstone.

Lottery odds and how to watch

The NHL Draft Lottery telecasts Monday, 7 p.m. ET, on ESPN, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports.
Top five lottery odds:

San Jose Sharks – 25.5%
Chicago Blackhawks – 13.5%
Nashville Predators – 11.5%
Philadelphia Flyers – 9.5%
Boston Bruins – 8.5%

Also read: NHL Draft Lottery to be held live for fans, for the first time in 30 years
The ultimate outcome might redefine the destiny of a number of franchise— particularly those within reach of acquiring Matthew Schaefer or a foundation center.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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