The Michigan Wolverines hockey program is poised for a notable showing in the upcoming 2025 NHL draft, with the potential to tie or surpass their record of seven players selected in a single draft. The event kicks off Friday in Los Angeles, with the first round, and continues on Saturday for rounds two through seven.
A significant change this season is the lifting of the ban on Canadian Hockey League players participating at the NCAA level, expanding the pool of prospects. Michigan has actively recruited CHL players, which includes three incoming Wolverines from the Ontario Hockey League: forward Malcolm Spence, goalie Jack Ivankovic, and defenseman Henry Mews. All three are considered strong NHL prospects, with Spence and Ivankovic projected to be early-round picks this year.
Spence, who netted 32 goals and 73 points in 65 games with the Erie Otters, is a prime candidate to extend Michigan’s streak of first-round picks to nine consecutive years. Analysts are high on him, with Scott Wheeler predicting he will be picked by the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 25, while ESPN and TSN rank him within the same range. His combination of physical play and scoring ability is seen as a significant asset to the Wolverines.
Team dynamics may also be enhanced by rising sophomore Will Horcoff, who has attributes that suggest he could be selected in the first round, possibly by the Philadelphia Flyers at No. 31. Horcoff’s size and hockey intelligence are recognized as key factors that contribute to his potential as a power forward.
Although it is rare for more than two players from Michigan to be selected in the first round, the program had a historic five players chosen in 2021. Incoming freshman center Cole McKinney could potentially sneak into the first round as well, with prospects ranking him in the early second round range.
In the goaltender position, Ivankovic is anticipated to be one of the first goalies off the board, despite being undersized. His experience and winning track record could see him selected within the first three rounds.
There are additional Wolverines likely to be drafted, including incoming freshman forwards and rising sophomores. If all seven anticipated players get chosen, it would mark a significant achievement for Michigan, being the first time since 2015 the program has seen this occur.
This draft represents an exciting opportunity for Michigan’s hockey program to showcase its talent on a national scale, enhancing its reputation and potentially contributing to the professional careers of several players. With a strong influx of skilled players and an atmosphere of renewed competitiveness, the Wolverines are set to leave their mark on the 2025 NHL draft.