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.

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.

Matthew Schaefer is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. When healthy, he’s an elite skating defenseman with size, offense, a high compete level and the potential to be a legit two-way No.