Whose NHL draft stock rose, declined at the scouting combine?

The 2025 NHL scouting combine recently unfolded in Buffalo, offering a fresh look at rising talents just ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles. With teams scrambling to finalize their strategies in this increasingly competitive environment, it’s crucial to analyze whose draft stock has seen significant changes during this crucial event.

This year’s combine was unique; due to the decoupling of the draft from the combine, many execs conducted interviews from their respective headquarters. This prevented the traditional pre-draft dinners where team executives bond with prospects and their families, adding a new layer to the combine and intensifying the pressure on players.

### Fitness Testing and Interview Dynamics

At the combine, prospects endured rigorous fitness testing while also facing rapid-fire interviews with team executives. Each player navigated a series of 15-minute discussions in private suites at the KeyBank Center, where scouts evaluated not just athletic aptitude, but character and strategy. This year’s format starkly contrasts the usual interactions, where deeper connections are historically made during draft week.

Prospects like Matthew Schaefer, ranked as the top player, were carefully scrutinized. Schaefer’s position minimizes the need for broader discussions with teams—notably, the New York Islanders and the San Jose Sharks, who hold the first two picks, respectively.

Meanwhile, players such as James Hagens and Porter Martone faced a bit more uncertainty. They attended several meetings with teams interested in their potential, underscoring the competitive dynamics at play. The Islanders notably hosted Schaefer, Michael Misa, and Hagens at dinner, a strategic move to solidify potential relationships before the draft.

Interestingly, not all teams utilized traditional methods; the Chicago Blackhawks, picking third, did not take any players to dinner. Speculations abound regarding their strategy—perhaps they plan to engage in more intimate settings during the draft week itself.

### Players Making Waves

Draft prospects like Hagens are gaining traction, with impressive showings leading to predictions of a high selection. As more teams express interest, it becomes clear that scouting decisions during the combine will have lasting impacts.

The Philadelphia Flyers are in a particularly fortuitous position, selecting sixth overall. They met with numerous prospects, trying to fill organizational gaps. Notably, they are keen on securing a center, which lends weight to their interest in players like Brady Martin, whose stock has notably risen. Martin’s on-ice performance parallels the breakout playoff performance of Sam Bennett, embedding him firmly in the conversation among early selections.

Additionally, the Vancouver Canucks have shown curiosity about Braden Cootes and Roger McQueen. The latter, despite facing back issues, demonstrated his fitness, leading to speculation that his draft position may not be as adversely affected as initially thought.

### The Interview Experiences

Each team comes with its own set of interview techniques, adding to the variety of experiences for the players. The Pittsburgh Penguins, under the leadership of Kyle Dubas, have adopted a high-tech approach, replaying clips of each prospect’s gameplay to assess their decision-making skills under pressure. In contrast, the Ottawa Senators chose a more lighthearted route by asking players to tell a joke—an intriguing method to discern personality and quick-thinking ability.

The Canadiens, known for unconventional queries, kept the atmosphere playful yet inquisitive by posing bizarre hypothetical scenarios—like being trapped in a desert with dwindling resources.

### Injuries and Their Impact

In the midst of athletic prowess, injury concerns loom large. Roger McQueen’s back issue remains a talking point among scouts. Despite completing the combine testing, his potential availability in the early teens signals a fluctuation of power dynamics within the ranks of top prospects. Conversely, Will Horcoff broke records in fitness tests, showcasing exceptional fitness and solidifying his position as a must-watch player.

### Looking Ahead

As trade scenarios and draft talks ripple through the NHL community, it’s undeniable that teams are deeply invested in making the right choices come draft day. With scouts and team executives congregating in Buffalo, potential trade discussions heated up, setting the stage for an electrifying draft period ahead.

The prospect of shifting draft picks further feeds the growing buzz. Teams like the Canucks and Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly open to moving their picks in pursuit of immediate assets, resulting in an unpredictable lead-up to the draft.

### Conclusion

As we move closer to the draft in Los Angeles, the momentum from the combine suggests a more dynamic landscape in terms of prospect evaluations and trades. It serves as a critical window for organizations to rethink strategies and fortify their rosters. Talent, potential, injury concerns, and individual performances at the combine will undoubtedly shape the future of many players and teams.

While some stock is rising, others may face unexpected declines—an inherent part of the pre-draft uncertainty. As always, the NHL Draft represents not just the culmination of individual efforts but a collective dance of strategy and foresight among multiple franchises. The excitement is palpable, and hockey fans are poised for what’s next in this thrilling season of player selection.

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