2025 NHL Draft | NOTEBOOK

The picks are in! Check out the Notebook below for all your 2025 Draft coverage!

Day 2

Around the League

• The Washington Capitals signed forward Justin Sourdif to a two-year, $1.65 million contract.
• The Calgary Flames signed Restricted Free Agent defenseman Kevin Bahl to a six-year extension carrying a $5.35M average annual salary.
• The L.A. Kings traded defenseman Jordan Spence to Ottawa for the 67th pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026.
• The Buffalo Sabres acquired Connor Timmins and Isaac Belliveau from Pittsburgh for Connor Clifton and the 2025 39th overall pick.
• The Detroit Red Wings acquired goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for goaltender Petr Mrzaek and a 2nd round pick in 2026 and a 4th round pick in 2027.

Devils Select Conrad Fondrk 50th Overall

With the 50th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Devils took Conrad Fondrk, a skilled center from the U.S. National Team Development Program. Fondrk brings a complete, high-IQ game and a reputation for doing all the little things right. As an alternate captain with the NTDP, he showcased leadership, reliability, and a true team-first mentality throughout his draft year.

Fondrk is known for his heavy shot, excellent hockey sense and two-way responsibility. He can play center and wing and was a fixture in all situations for the NTDP—power play, penalty kill, and even-strength—demonstrating his coaches’ trust in his game. Whether he’s winning faceoffs, disrupting plays with a strong stick, or making smart passes under pressure, Fondrk has the kind of well-rounded foundation that coaches love to build around. His compete level is off the charts, and he’s the type of player who raises the performance of his linemates.

Offensively, Fondrk has real upside. He boasts a quick, deceptive release and good vision in the offensive zone, with flashes of creativity that suggest there’s more to unlock. He had 19 goals and 39 points in 55 games last season. While his numbers were solid, what stands out is his consistency in creating chances and reading the play. He has the puck skills to beat defenders one-on-one and the smarts to exploit defensive breakdowns. He broke his leg near the end of the season, ending it prematurely but will be fully recovered before next season.

Fondrk is headed to Boston University in the fall, where he’ll continue to develop in one of college hockey’s premier programs. With his blend of maturity, versatility, and work ethic, there’s every reason to believe he’ll take major strides at the NCAA level.

Ben Kevan Chosen 63rd Overall

With the 63rd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Devils added another exciting piece to their prospect pool by selecting Ben Kevan, a fast and skilled winger from the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers. Kevan plays the game with pace, energy, and a creative edge that jumps off the ice. He’s the kind of player who keeps defenders on their heels—constantly moving, always engaged, and looking to make something happen every time he touches the puck.

His skating is arguably his biggest asset. Kevan has that effortless glide and explosive acceleration that allows him to create space both in transition and along the boards. Combine that with sharp hands and strong vision, and you’ve got a winger who can drive offense in a number of ways. He posted 43 points in the USHL and showed really well internationally with the U.S. U18s—proving he can produce and make an impact against top competition.

What’s really encouraging about this pick is the runway. Kevan is committed to Arizona State, where he’ll have time to round out his game and add more strength without being rushed. He already plays with great pace and confidence—now it’s just about layering in experience and consistency. The upside here is real.

For a late second-rounder, this is a great swing by New Jersey. Kevan brings skill, speed, and energy, with the kind of foundation that could make him a very effective NHLer in a few years. It’s another smart, future-focused move that speaks to how well the Devils are building out their pipeline.

Mason Moe Picked 90th Overall

With the 90th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Devils selected Mason Moe, a dynamic center from the USHL’s Madison Capitols. At 6′1″ and 185 lb, Moe is a powerful two-way pivot who brings high hockey IQ, a strong offensive instinct, and physical presence—an ideal fit for today’s game. His breakout USHL season featured 17 goals and 26 assists in 51 games, capped off by an impressive postseason surge with five goals in six Clark Cup contests.

Moe consistently demonstrates advanced playmaking ability. He generates an elite 1.89 Grade‑A chances per game, excels in transition with smart support, and protects the puck well in tight spaces.

With a reliable shot—capable of finishing in traffic and off the rush—he’s proven he can produce in various offensive roles and adapt his game to situational needs. Beyond offense, Moe’s tracking effort and 200-foot game stand out. He records strong puck recoveries and takeaways, presses defenders effectively, and consistently shows effort on both ends of the ice.

He’s also earned a reputation as a supportive linemate—especially alongside Ryker Lee—where his accountability and work ethic helped elevate his line . Committed to the University of Minnesota Gophers next season, Moe now has a prime development environment ahead of him.

He’ll build strength, refine his faceoffs, and polish his shot while competing in one of college hockey’s most respected programs. Moe projects as a dependable, smart bottom-six NHL center or versatile winger.

Devils Take Big Goalie in Round 4

With the 99th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Devils took a big swing—literally and figuratively—by selecting towering goaltender Trenten Bennett. At 6-foot-7 (some listings even have him at 6’8”), Bennett is one of the largest goalies in this year’s class, and he uses every inch of that frame to his advantage. He fills the net naturally, plays with confidence, and has shown the poise and adaptability that teams love to see in young netminders.

Bennett split his year between the Kemptville 73s of the CCHL and the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL. He posted a solid .912 save percentage in junior A before making the jump to major junior and immediately proving he belonged, putting up an impressive .923 in limited action. That kind of upward trajectory is exactly what you want to see from a goaltender—he rises to the occasion when the competition gets tougher.

Beyond the numbers, what really stands out about Bennett is his calmness in the crease. Despite his size, he moves well and doesn’t overplay pucks. He squares up cleanly, tracks the puck through traffic, and already shows signs of strong technical fundamentals. Scouts have praised his ability to stay composed under pressure, something that bodes well as he continues to develop against faster, more skilled shooters.

Bennett is committed to St. Lawrence University, giving him a strong runway in the NCAA to keep refining his game. Goaltenders often take a bit longer to develop, and the college path should offer the ideal mix of time, coaching, and competition. For the Devils, this pick adds a high-upside goaltender to the pipeline—one with the raw tools and mentality to become a legitimate option down the road.

With his size, athleticism, and upward trend, he’s a fascinating project pick—and exactly the type of goaltender you’re thrilled to take a chance on at this stage of the draft.

Gustav Hillström Goes 118th Overall to the Devils

With the 118th pick in the fourth round, the Devils secured a smart, dependable center in Gustav Hillström from Brynäs IF in Sweden. Standing 6’2”, Hillström brings the kind of size and hockey IQ that teams crave in a middle-six pivot. While he may not light up the scoreboard, his consistent work rate across all three zones ensures he’ll make a meaningful impact on games.

Hillström excelled in Sweden’s J20 Nationell this season, scoring 16 goals and 38 points in 43 games, while also earning meaningful minutes in the SHL—18 pro games, registering a goal, an assist, and solid results in the faceoff circle. Scouts have been impressed by his stickwork in the corners, his ability to anticipate puck plays, and his poise defensively—tracking lanes and supporting teammates when it matters.

Offensively, Hillström may not flash dynamic scoring, but he offers a reliable passing touch and a nose for rebounds and playmaking opportunities in the slot. Others have noted his high-quality chance passing and possession smarts, citing elite metrics in defensive-zone positioning and transition reads—traits that translate well to the pro game.

At his core, Hillström is a high-floor, coachable centerman—structured, responsible, and poised to develop into a valuable depth player. He profiles as a future bottom-six pivot with PK trust, strong faceoff reliability, and steady minutes. He’s not flashy, but he’ll matter on nightly shifts. For a fourth-round pick, this is the type of pick that can quietly blossom into a dependable NHLer—and the Devils continue to show sharp drafting acumen.

David Rozsíval Selected in Round 6

With the 161st pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Devils selected David Rozsíval, a smart, two-way winger from Bílí Tygři Liberec in Czechia. At 6-foot and 185 pounds, Rozsíval plays a mature, structured game and brings a reliable presence to every shift. He’s a player who may not have received major headlines heading into the draft, but those who watched him closely know he checks a lot of boxes—especially for a sixth-round pick.

Rozsíval, the nephew to former NHLer Michal Rozsival, skates well, with smooth edges and strong acceleration that allow him to pressure defenders on the forecheck and track back effectively on defense. He’s active in puck pursuit, creates turnovers with a good stick, and is comfortable playing in traffic. Offensively, he’s not just a grinder—he has touch around the net and a head for making the right play. He racked up 38 points in 43 games at the Czech junior level this past season and even earned a call-up to the Extraliga, where he didn’t look out of place against men.

What stands out most about Rozsíval is his feel for the game. He knows where to be, supports the puck well, and doesn’t force plays. His decision-making and responsibility away from the puck make him the kind of player coaches trust, and that’s no small thing. Whether it’s winning battles along the boards, cycling effectively, or covering for a pinching defenseman, he’s often doing the little things right.

There’s still room to grow in his game—adding strength, refining his release, and continuing to develop his offensive confidence—but the foundation is solid. Whether he stays in Europe or eventually comes over to North America, Rozsíval has the tools and mindset to earn his way into a pro role over time.

Devils Make Big Swing with Holmgren in Final Selection

With their final pick of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Devils selected Swedish defenseman Sigge Holmgren, 178th overall in the sixth round. A smooth-skating, right-shot blueliner out of the Brynäs IF system, Holmgren is a classic late-round swing: smart, mobile, and full of long-term upside. At 6-foot-2, he brings good size and composure to his game, showing poise far beyond his years when handling the puck and managing transitions. He missed this past season due to injury which could result in a home run swing with him off the radar of a number of teams.

Holmgren stands out with his ability to move the puck cleanly and consistently make the right play under pressure. He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient—whether it’s making a smart first pass out of the zone or jumping into the rush when the opportunity is there. Scouts have praised his skating stride and vision, both of which are well-suited to the modern NHL game.

Defensively, Holmgren plays a structured game. He keeps good gaps, anticipates well, and doesn’t overcommit. While he’ll need to continue adding strength and refining his play without the puck, the foundation is solid. He already shows strong positioning and an understanding of how to close space without taking unnecessary risks—traits that often take young defensemen years to develop.

Holmgren is the kind of player who could quietly rise through the ranks with a few more years of development in Sweden. This coming season will be monitored very closely considering how he did not play last year. The Devils took a big swing at him this year with the hope next year he has a big season. If he went undrafted this year, that could have projected him as an early or mid-round selection in 2026.

Round 1

Schaefer Goes 1st Overall to Islanders

The New York Islanders selected Canadian defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters with the first pick of the 2025 draft.

Notes:

• The Penguins held the No. 12 pick in the draft but traded down with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers received the 12th pick in exchange for the 22nd and 31st overall picks.
• Montreal traded picks 16 and 17 and forward Emil Heineman to the New York Islanders for defenseman Noah Dobson.
• Ottawa traded its 21st overall pick to the Nashville Predators for the 23rd and the 67th pick.

• The Kings traded pick 24 to Pittsburgh for the 31st and the 59th pick in the draft.