The first-overall pick in the NHL Draft is always highly anticipated. This article compares the last nine No. 1 picks with this year’s top prospect, Matthew Schaefer, based on rankings from NHL scouts and executives.

Following the NHL Draft Lottery on Monday, NHL.com deputy managing editor Adam Kimelman and senior draft writer Mike G. Morreale make their predictions for how the first 16 selections of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft could turn out.

IIHF U18 World Championship is in the books, and the NHL draft lottery has already shaken up the board. With both out of the way, it’s officially time to take a fresh look at the top prospects heading into June’s NHL Draft.