The New York Islanders possess the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft and are expected to take defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Forward Michael Misa should be the second overall selection to the San Jose Sharks, but after that, a handful of options await the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 3.

The Hawks currently hold the third and 25th overall selections, but trades or unexpected selections — by them and other teams — could mix things up tremendously on Friday night.

The Chicago Blackhawks are still very much a rebuilding team. They are farther along than some other rebuilding squads, but there is still so much work to be done. The 2025 NHL Draft is an event that can help them take another step in their quest to become a winner again.