Pre Lottery BRHL Mock Draft
I revisit the draft as we count down the season.
Pre-Lottery 2025 BRHL Mock Draft
With the season nearing completion I went back and mocked up a draft as I build my list with many early picks based on player performances in their draft +1 year and our team needs. I am having some fun where I am really struggling with choices…and asking for computer assistance. Some interesting selections result.
1. Ducks – no brainer top pick is Macklin Cellebrini no matter who wins our lottery, they will run up and make this selection!
2. Kraken/Leafs– It is a brawl for 2nd overall that will be dictated at end of days by lottery…Either way…. The best player available will be taken and best player on board in Ivan Demidov. Best season for age in history of KHL and should be the 2nd player off board.
3. Kraken/Leafs – The draft really starts at 3….and I don’t think whoever hold the pick will go by Artyem Levshunov who is BRHL ready after good rookie year in AHL and NHL. Guy is playing well now in NHL and will be patrolling the Hawks blueline as their top dman for years to come.
4. Hurricanes – Rich out tanked me….Several players interest. Sennecke rocketed up draft boards and has been lights out to start year, but did not make WJC team. Sam Dickinson has been a force for the Knights on back end at more than a point per game and plays a physical style on top of it. Berkley Catton continues to put up points so lots of options. I suspect if pushed at four, with a top defenseman taken last year, Rich will take Sennecke slightly over Dickinson. He might even entertain a trade down.
5. Jets – My pick will all depend on what has happened at 3-4 if I have not won the lottery. Might be moved for more ready player/spect but if I keep I can’t see me not taking a dman here. Given year Dickinson has had, record breaking year Parekh has had or the elite year Buium has had, one of the three will go here if I keep the pick. For fun, I have asked chat GPT as I can’t decide for the three and it has told me to pick….
Sam Dickenson (San Jose Sharks)
· Position: Defense
· Strengths: Dickenson is a smooth-skating, offensive-minded defenseman. He has the ability to move the puck well and is a threat on the power play. His hockey IQ is strong, and he reads the game well both offensively and defensively.
· Why Pick Him: If you need a high-ceiling, offensive defenseman with a lot of potential to run a power play and make an impact on the offense, Dickenson might be your guy. He's got great vision and a well-rounded skill set.
Zayne Parekh (Calgary Flames)
· Position: Defense
· Strengths: Parekh is a bit of a sleeper in terms of his potential. He's a solid, two-way defenseman with a lot of upside. His defensive game is quite good, and he plays a strong physical game while also being effective in transition. His skating is solid, and he's a responsible player in his own end.
· Why Pick Him: Parekh could be the choice if you value a more well-rounded, stable defensive presence who can contribute on both ends of the ice. His physicality and reliability in his own zone might make him a great option for a team looking for a more defensively stable defenseman.
Zeev Buium (Minnesota Wild)
· Position: Defense
· Strengths: Buium is a very well-rounded, strong defensive prospect with good size and skating ability. He plays a smart, responsible game and is known for his strong positioning and ability to read the play. He has a good shot from the point and shows promise as an all-around defenseman.
· Why Pick Him: Buium is the type of defenseman who is going to be reliable in all situations. His combination of size, positioning, and smarts make him a potential future top-four defenseman. If you’re looking for someone who is mature, dependable, and can transition to the next level smoothly, Buium would be a solid choice.
My Pick: Zeev Buium
Given his combination of size, defensive stability, and ability to contribute in all aspects of the game, I’d lean towards Buium. He’s the kind of player who can fit into a top-four defensive role fairly quickly and be a mainstay for years. His well-rounded game is appealing, especially if you're building a team with a long-term view.
That said, if you're specifically looking for offensive upside, Dickenson could be a better pick. If you’re looking for a mix of defense and physicality, Parekh could be your guy. It all comes down to the style of play you want to complement your existing team!
An interesting pick….particularly the comments about offense vs defense for Dickinson vs Parekh as I would have Parekh as more offensive then Dickinson!
6. Pens– The run of top pairing projected dmen continues with the Jackets taking who they think is the best of the next. Parekh, Yakemchuk, Silayev, or Dickison. Based on the year had, I cannot see it not being Dickinson or Parekh. The Pens already have Luke Hughes to run a PP so perhaps the more rounded dman in Dickinson? Why not.
7. Golden Knights – Joe will take the BPA and Parekh is there, he will be the pick
8. CBJ – Another pick that I am not sure where it will go. Offense with Iginla, Catton, Lindstrom and his injury risk? Or more defense with Silayev, Yakemchuk? So I went back to AI to predict to see what would say.
If all these players were available in a redraft, my ranking would be based on overall upside, positional value, and NHL projection. Here’s how I’d order them:
Cayden Lindstrom (C, 6'4", 215 lbs) Lindstrom has the highest ceiling of this group. He’s a rare combination of size, speed, skill, and physicality—think of a power forward who can dominate at both ends. Injuries hurt his draft stock, but if he stays healthy, he could be the best player from this draft. A future top-line center with elite upside is hard to pass up.
Tij Iginla (C/LW, 6'0", 190 lbs) Iginla’s rise up the draft board wasn’t a fluke—he has an elite shot, high hockey IQ, and a relentless work ethic. He’s the kind of player who thrives in the playoffs, and his two-way game makes him a safe bet to be an impact NHLer. If a team is looking for a high-end scoring winger with leadership qualities, Iginla is a fantastic pick.
Anton Silayev (D, 6'7", 211 lbs) Silayev is an athletic freak—he’s massive, skates incredibly well for his size, and is already a shutdown defenseman in the KHL. His offensive upside is still developing, but his defensive dominance makes him a potential franchise cornerstone on the blue line. If I needed a No. 1 defenseman, he’d be my choice.
Berkly Catton (C, 5'11", 170 lbs) Catton is the most skilled and dynamic playmaker of this group. His skating, vision, and offensive instincts are elite, but his size and strength are question marks. If he can bulk up, he has the potential to be a top-line center. He might be the biggest boom-or-bust player here.
Carter Yakemchuk (D, 6'3", 194 lbs) Yakemchuk is an offense-first defenseman with a heavy shot and the ability to run a power play. His defensive game is still a work in progress, which is why he ranks lower than Silayev. If a team needs a top-pair offensive defenseman, he’s a good option, but he’s more of a high-risk, high-reward pick.
Final Pick Order (Based on Overall Upside & NHL Projection):
1️⃣ Cayden Lindstrom – High-ceiling, power forward center
2️⃣ Tij Iginla – Goal-scoring, two-way winger
3️⃣ Anton Silayev – Shutdown, potential No. 1 defenseman
4️⃣ Berkly Catton – Dynamic playmaking center
5️⃣ Carter Yakemchuk – Offensive defenseman with size
I think this very much depends on what Jesse sees as franchise type potential. If he thinks the injuries are in the past, Lindstrom is the pick, but Jesse might not and needs defense. Silayev has number 1 dman upside and suspect he swings for fence with him as the pick.
9. Sharks via the Blues – Sumit is going a volume approach and suspect he will take BPA on NHL draft board. That is Cayden Lindstrom and so the slide stops here.
10. Wild – Devon has taken over from Al and the team remains exactly the same spot in this mock as they were at mid-season. Berkley Catton had 109 pts in draft +1 season and will be a top 6 forward soon for the Kraken of the NHL and think he is the pick.
11. Senators – are in a rebuild and will look to take whomever they feel is the best player available. On my board, Yakemchuk or Iginla are the ones. Braydon’s team has several quality forward prospects, but no high end defense and as such, I suspect will go with Yakemchuk.
12. Canadians – Steve has started a retool. He will take whoever is top of his board, and given the slide of Iginla, suspect it might be him.
13. Kings – Continue to build through the early draft. Could be anyone at this stage. One of the top forward prospects suspect is go, and given Luchanko has had NHL and AHL time suspect might go that direction.
14. Tbay via Philly – Tampa has quality defensive youth so do suspect is an offensive player. The top names on my board are Helenius, Eiserman, Greentree and Chernyshov. I can’t pick so back to AI to help:
Cole Eiserman (LW, 6'0", 195 lbs) – Elite Goal Scorer
Eiserman is hands down the best pure goal-scorer in this draft. His shot is already NHL-level, and he has the potential to be a 40+ goal scorer. The concerns about his skating and playmaking drop his stock slightly, but teams needing an elite finisher would take the risk. If his overall game develops, he could be a game-changer.
Konsta Helenius (C, 5'11", 181 lbs) – Smart Two-Way Center
Helenius is the safest and most NHL-ready player here. He’s got a high hockey IQ, a strong two-way game, and can play in all situations. While he doesn’t have Eiserman’s goal-scoring ability, his well-rounded game makes him a strong candidate for a top-six center role. If a team values a reliable playmaker over pure scoring, Helenius is the pick.
Igor Chernyshov (LW, 6'2", 192 lbs) – Powerful Two-Way Winger
Chernyshov is a skilled, power-forward type with good skating, puck protection, and a solid shot. He plays a strong 200-foot game, which makes him a valuable winger who could be a strong top-six option. The "Russian factor" (contract commitments and availability) might make him a riskier pick, but his blend of size and skill is appealing.
Liam Greentree (RW, 6'2", 198 lbs) – Skilled Playmaking Winger
Greentree has great offensive instincts and hands but lacks high-end speed, which could limit his ceiling. If his skating improves, he could become a top-six playmaking winger. He has size and skill but isn’t as dynamic as the other three.
Final Ranking (Based on Upside + NHL Projection):
1️⃣ Cole Eiserman – High-risk, high-reward sniper, best goal-scoring upside
2️⃣ Konsta Helenius – Safe two-way center, could be a long-term top-six pivot
3️⃣ Igor Chernyshov – Big, skilled two-way winger, potential power forward
4️⃣ Liam Greentree – Playmaker with size, but skating limits upside
If I needed an elite sniper, Eiserman is my pick.
If I wanted a responsible, well-rounded center, Helenius is the safest bet.
If I wanted a mix of size, skill, and two-way ability, Chernyshov is a great choice.
I will predict goal scoring is the order of the day and Eiserman is Eric’s pick.
15. Sharks via Kraken – Another NHL bpa and that is Helenius.
16. CGY via Wings – Kevin never drafts for position so will be whoever he has on his big board as next best available. Total guess, but given the elite year that Liam Greentree has had with over 50g and 110 points, it might be him.
17. Panthers – I suspect that Tyler might move this pick, but otherwise, will take their BPA on board. This could be any of Hage, Jiricek, Brandsegg-Nygard, or Chernyshov.
Back to AI choice:
Adam Jiricek (D, 6'2", 181 lbs) – Two-Way Defenseman with Top-Pair Potential
Jiricek is the best defenseman of this group and has the highest upside at a premium position. He’s a mobile, two-way defenseman with great size and hockey IQ. While injuries have slowed his development, his potential to be a top-pair, all-situations defenseman makes him the safest and most valuable pick here.
Igor Chernyshov (LW, 6'2", 192 lbs) – Power Winger with Strong Two-Way Game
Chernyshov is a well-rounded power forward who skates well, protects the puck effectively, and plays with strong defensive awareness. His mix of size, skill, and hockey sense gives him top-six upside. If a team needs a strong two-way winger with goal-scoring ability, he’s a solid choice.
Michael Hage (C, 6'1", 190 lbs) – Skilled, Playmaking Center
Hage is a smooth-skating, creative playmaker who plays with high pace and skill. He’s a little underrated but has a strong upside as a top-six center. His offensive talent is undeniable, but his defensive game is still developing. If a team needs a skilled center with offensive upside, he’d be the pick.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (RW, 6'1", 200 lbs) – Hard-Nosed, Physical Winger
Brandsegg-Nygård is a high-energy power forward who plays a relentless, physical game. He’s great on the forecheck, strong defensively, and brings leadership qualities. His offensive upside isn’t as high as the others, but he has a high floor as a bottom-six NHLer who could develop into a strong top-nine winger.
Final Ranking (Based on Upside + NHL Projection):
1️⃣ Adam Jiricek – Best long-term upside as a two-way, top-four defenseman
2️⃣ Igor Chernyshov – Skilled power forward, strong two-way potential
3️⃣ Michael Hage – High-end playmaking center, but needs defensive growth
4️⃣ Michael Brandsegg-Nygård – Safe pick, high floor, but lower offensive ceiling
Who I’d pick:
· If I need a future top-four defenseman → Jiricek
· If I want a high-upside power forward → Chernyshov
· If I need a dynamic center → Hage
· If I want a physical, two-way winger → Brandsegg-Nygård
Adam Jiriceck is the pick.
18. Sharks via UTH – Another BPA. On the NHL draft board, that is Bransegg-Nygard. Solid year in SHL as a youngster.
19. Isles via Buf – Joe has a solid development system with little weaknesses on his club. He will take BPA. Of course not sure who is on his list, but on mine it would likely be Michael Hage. Strong NCAA season with a pt per game for UofM.
20. Jets via Stars – Freely admit I either trade up for a player earlier, or I trade for an established talent for this pick. However, if I keep the pick, might go with best forward remaining. That to me is Sacha Boisvert, Nikita Artarmanov or Yegor Surin. Boisvert who had nearly a pt per game as freshman for a UND team that was not that strong this year. Artamanov and Yegor Surin both had a solid KHL year as a teens but Artamanov was elite with 22 goals. The Russians might make me go against my trend of not drafting Russians early. Artamanov if I am picking here.
21. Capitals – Larry will go perceived BPA. Who is that? Did the Rags have an early pick in 24? EJ Emery is a big dman. A freshman in a rebuilding UND program, Emery put up a grand total of 1 pt in 31 gp. I can’t see him using a first on that output. So will go with his teammate Boisvert I nearly took at 20.
22. Kings via Rangers – I think Rump takes first goaltender with his later pick. Carter George at times has looked elite and given his need for a young goaler, think he makes the move here.
23. Canucks – I am not sure as a new guy where Tyler goes here. Surin, Connelly, Gridin, Hutson are some of the top of my board at this point. Connelly did not have a strong season, but has turned pro for the Knights and suspect will have a good first pro season next year. Hutson has been elite in NCAA and is climbing up boards with 46 pts in 37 gp. Given these numbers, I can’t see him getting out of the first round. Is this the spot? I suspect so. Cole Hutson is the pick.
24. Sharks via Flames –BPA on NHL board. Periscak is that guy of those left. Had a dip in his offensive output, but remains a quality first rounder.
25. Sharks via Devils – BPA on the NHL board again. Surin is that one at this point and goes now.
26. Flames via Bruins – Kevin goes BPA and I suspect he goes for the guy sneakily climbing boards some BRHL boards in Stian Solberg. Has come to the AHL this year and has 4 pts in 6 gp.
27. Col – Pat will find some draft list he likes and will follow it. Suspect goes with one of Connelly, Gridin, Beaudoin and Vanaker. I suspect Connelly slide might end here but lets check with AI for these 4 picks.
Trevor Connelly (LW, 6'1", 161 lbs) – Dynamic Offensive Winger
Connelly is the most skilled player in this group. He’s an elite skater, highly creative with the puck, and has game-breaking offensive ability. He could become a top-line winger if he refines his two-way game and adds strength. However, some character concerns have affected his draft stock. If those aren’t an issue, his offensive ceiling is the highest here.
Matvei Gridin (LW, 6'1", 190 lbs) – High-IQ Playmaker with Goal-Scoring Ability
Gridin is an underrated offensive talent—he’s smart, has a great shot, and plays a mature, well-rounded game. He doesn’t have Connelly’s explosive speed or flash but is more consistent and reliable. If a team wants a skilled offensive winger with a strong hockey IQ, he’s a fantastic pick.
Cole Beaudoin (C, 6'2", 209 lbs) – Big, Two-Way Center
Beaudoin is a strong, physical center with great defensive instincts. He plays a hard, two-way game and is great in the faceoff circle. While he may not have the high-end offensive upside of Connelly or Gridin, he has a very high floor and could become a valuable middle-six center.
Marek Vanacker (LW, 5'11", 180 lbs) – Skilled, Hard-Working Winger
Vanacker is a strong play-driving winger who competes hard every shift. His offensive upside isn’t as high as Connelly or Gridin, but he has a well-rounded game that could translate into a solid middle-six role. He’s more of a complementary piece than a game-changer.
Final Ranking (Based on Upside + NHL Projection):
1️⃣ Trevor Connelly – Elite offensive skill, highest upside, but some risk
2️⃣ Matvei Gridin – Smart, reliable offensive winger, slightly safer pick
3️⃣ Cole Beaudoin – Big, two-way center, strong NHL projection but lower offensive ceiling
4️⃣ Marek Vanacker – Hard-working, skilled winger, but not a game-breaker
Who I’d Pick:
· If I want pure offensive upside → Trevor Connelly
· If I want a balanced, skilled winger → Matvei Gridin
· If I need a strong, two-way center → Cole Beaudoin
· If I want a high-effort, depth winger → Marek Vanacker
I agree with the AI and go Connelly.
28. Habs via Hawks – Steve will continue to restock with BPA. Going to go with the strong two way centre in Beaudoin. Got to build strength up the middle and is an excellent two way player with a pt per game.
29. Wild via the Island – will be BPA as they restock. Of the remaining guys on board, I am torn between Gridin, Vanacker, Danford and Brunicke. Danford recently was voted the best defensive player in the OHL and might be the pick. Brunicke rocketed up draft boards after strong camp with Pens and solid WHL year. He has joined the AHL early and playing well thus far. Suspect Danford is the pick to leverage leafs Fans into overpaying!
30. Sens via Preds – BPA. Sam O’Reilly vs Gridin vs Vanacker. I think that Sens go OHL so is O’Reilly vs Vanacker. O’Reilly continued to impress in 2nd half. With all Oiler fans, I suspect he goes here.
31. CJB via Lightning –Matvei Gridin has been solid in QMJHL this year after transfer from USHL. 79 pts in 56 games has him being the pick.
32. Ducks via Oilers – I don’t know Matt well enough to get a feel for where he goes. My BPA ranges from 2nd rounders to guys who have slid. Ilya Nabokov did nothing to lose his 2nd round status and suspect he climbs in our draft to the end of the first given the run of tenders that is likely to happen around this point. Elite KHL numbers with 2.22 GAA and 0.923 save percentage in over 40 GP in KHL.
Anyone missing on your lists?
