AI Predicts a Wild First Round in the 2025 NHL Draft: Is Matthew Schaefer the Next Big Thing?

The anticipation is building for the 2025 NHL Draft, set to take place next week. The New York Islanders, after a surprising lottery win, hold the coveted first overall pick. Can they capitalize on this opportunity to inject much-needed talent into their roster?

After a season of near misses, turning those overtime losses into wins is crucial for the Islanders' playoff aspirations. Could this year's top prospect be the key to unlocking their full potential?

While there isn't a consensus generational talent akin to Macklin Celebrini last year, the draft is filled with intriguing prospects. One name consistently at the top of the list is defenseman Matthew Schaefer. But can Schaefer truly transform the Islanders and propel them back into contention?

To explore the possibilities,someone turned to artificial intelligence, tasking four different AI programs – Microsoft Copilot AI, Meta AI, Google Gemini AI, and ChatGPT AI – with simulating the entire first round of the draft.

The results are filled with potential surprises. While Matthew Schaefer is the overwhelming favorite for the Islanders at No. 1, the rest of the first round is a mixed bag of predictions.

For the San Jose Sharks at No. 2, Microsoft Copilot AI deviates from the pack, projecting Swedish center Anton Frondell. Meanwhile, the other three AI models predict Michael Misa, a dynamic center from the Saginaw Spirit.

Later in the top 10, Brady Martin's stock seems to be rising in the eyes of the AI. Several platforms consistently place him as a potential top-ten pick. The projections also showcase the varying opinions on players like Radim Mrtka and Roger McQueen.

The AI simulations also highlight the depth of the draft, with a diverse range of forwards and defensemen projected across the first round. From Jake O'Brien to Victor Eklund to Kashawn Aitcheson, there's no shortage of potential stars.

The projections showcase the varying opinions on players, suggesting a draft filled with intrigue and potential for teams to find hidden gems.

The 2025 NHL Draft is scheduled for Friday, June 27, at 7 p.m. ET. The first round will be broadcast on ESPN. Rounds 2-7 will follow on Saturday, June 28, at 12 p.m. ET on NHL Network. The event will be held at L.A. Live's Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.