As anticipation builds for the next crop of rookie talent, 2025 NHL Draft odds are now available online! With hockey fans wondering who will be the first player off the board, bettors can wager on their top pick in this year’s entry draft.
Below, I explore the latest odds, handicap the best bets, and make my NHL Draft predictions!
NHL Draft 2025 Betting Odds
The following NHL Draft No. 1 pick odds are courtesy of BetUS:
| PLAYER | ODDS |
|---|---|
| James Hagens | +200 |
| The Field | -300 |
As NHL betting sites release more odds, we’ll include them here with our prediction. Currently, BetUS is offering one market for the No. 1 pick of the draft in Los Angeles.
Highly touted Boston College center James Hagens has been the subject of a plethora of hype. However, Hagens is not favored to be the first overall pick, according to the latest prices.
At -300 for the field, it’s expected that at least one other player will be drafted before Hagens at No. 1. In short, there is a 75% implied chance that Hagens won’t hear his name heard first.
You find the latest NHL Draft odds at BetUS by navigating to Sportsbook > Ice Hockey > NHL Draft.
NHL Draft Format and Key Info
The 2025 NHL Draft is scheduled for Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28. The event will be held at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, CA. A total of 224 NHL prospects are expected to be drafted across seven rounds.
All 32 franchises in the NHL is eligible to participate in the NHL Draft. Barring any trades made before a selection is made, every team will be granted one pick per round. Teams can swap draft picks or trade for players throughout the draft.
NHL Draft 2025 First Overall Pick Prediction
Hagens has long been mentioned as the next can’t-miss hockey prospect. As he rose through the ranks, it was hard not to take notice of his talent. The 18-year-old’s elite skating ability and playmaking tools haven’t been a secret to scouts for years now.
What a beaut from Hagens 😮💨 #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/9baH1mJjeu
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) January 2, 2025
Although Hagens isn’t the fastest player in the 2025 draft class, he more than makes up for it with his ability to cut on a dime and change direction. Hagens possesses spectacular balance on the ice that makes him particularly special. Making players around him better is one of his best attributes.
Nevertheless, the BC Eagle and member of Team USA’s World Jr.’s team, is falling out of favor for the top pick. The San Jose Sharks are the most likely organization to have the honor of selection first. They are currently behind the Chicago Blackhawks for last place in the NHL.
The Sharks are loaded with young forwards who appear to have a bright future ahead of them. Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund are all exciting talents 22 years old or younger. What the Sharks need to address is their blue line. In other words, things are shaping up really well for Erie Otters’ defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
The 17-year-old native of Hamilton, ON, might be the most complete player in the 2025 NHL Draft. If the Sharks want a big defenseman who can be an anchor for them on defense for years to come, Schaefer has to be their guy. There is clearly a need in San Jose, as the Sharks are dead last in the NHL in goals against this season.
Matthew Schaefer. A natural born leader AND a big starting lineup reader. 😂
The @ErieOtters defenceman and projected No. 1 NHL Draft Pick joined Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino live from the Hockey Central studio. pic.twitter.com/6YDA7YYFXf
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 27, 2025
Schaefer possesses the rare combination of size, agility, and ice vision that makes him the safest pick at No. 1. Even if the Blackhawks slip to last and select first, they’ll probably have their sights on Schaefer. Additionally, Hagens may very well fall to third or fourth, with Michael Misa generating increased attention from scouts recently.
With this in mind, the field looks like the right side for your 2025 NHL Draft picks!
Where to Bet on the 2025 NHL Draft?
After reviewing The Sports Geek’s NHL betting guide and checking out our 2025 NHL Draft betting picks, it’s time to lock in your elections! Note that not every online bookmaker offers NHL Draft odds, so it’s key to have an account at a trustworthy betting site with this market.
As our top recommendation, BetUS is giving bettors the chance to pad their bankroll on the NHL Draft! BetUS has what every bettor needs for wagering on NHL Draft prop bets, including a reliable platform, superior odds, and quick payouts.
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