Following the NHL Draft Lottery on Monday, NHL.com deputy managing editor Adam Kimelman and senior draft writer Mike G. Morreale make their predictions for how the first 16 selections of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft could turn out.

O'Brien would be a steal at this point in the draft, as Buffalo could try to replace center Dylan Cozens for the long haul with the sharpshooting O'Brien. He's coming off a 32-goal, 66-assist season in the OHL.

The New York Islanders will get their pick of the 2025 NHL draft. The Islanders jumped nine spots to claim the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft during Monday's draft lottery. The San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks both hold top-five picks for the third straight draft.