NHL Scouting Combine Sparks Trade Talks Ahead of 2025 Draft

Buffalo, New York – The 2025 NHL Scouting Combine took place this past weekend in Buffalo, a venue that set the stage for significant discussions ahead of the upcoming draft. Unlike previous years, the draft will be centralized in Los Angeles, limiting teams’ interactions with prospects to the combine.

This year’s combine featured interviews and fitness tests, conducted in private suites at the KeyBank Center. Players, in 15-minute intervals, faced what some have humorously dubbed the ‘interrogation gauntlet.’ General managers and assistant general managers evaluated prospects without the usual opportunity to take them out to dinner or meet their families.

Matthew Schaefer, the top-ranked prospect, is expected to be selected first overall, with the New York Islanders poised to make that pick. Meanwhile, James Hagens has inspired interest among teams ranging from the Islanders to the Utah Mammoth, who pick fourth.

Notably, the Chicago Blackhawks, holding the third pick, chose not to take any players to dinner, raising eyebrows about their strategy. Their recent absence of dinners aligns with a past decision to keep under wraps their interest in potential draftees, suggesting a calculated approach.

During the combine, top prospects engaged with multiple teams. Hagens, for instance, met with a wide array of teams, while the Flyers sought positions to fill, especially at center. Brady Martin, whose stock has risen recently, could become a valuable pick within the top ten.

Interestingly, various teams employed unique interview techniques. Some used video playback to assess decision-making skills, while others sought to gauge prospects’ personalities through lighthearted questions about survival scenarios. The combine ambiance was lively, with many executives present, and it set the tone for potential trades leading to draft day.

A notable presence was Roger McQueen, whose back injury overshadowed his performance, yet he completed the combine without issue, alleviating some concerns among teams. Meanwhile, Will Horcoff impressed with record-breaking jumps, further enhancing his draft prospects.

As discussions continue and teams evaluate prospects, the hype around potential trades intensifies. The combine serves as a pivotal moment in shaping this year’s draft narrative.

Overall, the buzz surrounding the prospects and the interplay of trades promises a thrilling lead-up to the draft.