Analyzing the Anaheim Ducks' 2025 Draft Picks

At the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Anaheim Ducks achieved notable success by selecting 10 players across seven rounds. This strategic effort resulted in the acquisition of five forwards, four defensemen, and one goalie, thereby enriching their already promising pool of talent. As the season nears its end, it's a good time to assess the progress of these players and their future prospects.

Roger McQueen, a Canadian center, was the team's first pick in the first round, 10th overall. Excitement around McQueen quickly grew due to his elite offensive abilities and his connection to the popular Disney franchise, Cars. Fans expressed their enthusiasm for the arrival of another young and talented forward, following Beckett Sennecke, and speculated about the team's future with both players working in tandem.

McQueen played at Providence College this season as an NCAA rookie, where he accumulated 11 goals and 16 assists, totaling 27 points in 35 games. Despite Providence's elimination in the first round of the NCAA regional tournament, McQueen's performance has been promising. He currently doesn't have an NHL contract, which keeps his future uncertain. However, it wouldn't be surprising if the Ducks took a chance on another young forward, considering the success of players like Beckett Sennecke and Cutter Gauthier this season. The possibility of seeing McQueen at training camp in the fall is yet to be determined.

In the second round, the Ducks selected Eric Nilson at number 45. The Swedish center has played for Michigan State University this season, accumulating 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 33 games. He also participated with his country in the World Junior Championship (WJC), where he contributed to his team's victory with three points in seven games. Although Nilson's performance in North America hasn't reached the same level as in his Swedish teams, he showed an impressive performance in 2024-25 with Djurgardens IF, with 38 points in 37 games. He will likely need more time to adapt to the North American hockey style before he is ready for the NHL. The decision of whether he will stay at Michigan State University or sign a contract to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) remains to be seen.

Lasse Boelius, selected in the second round, at number 60, is a Finnish defenseman who plays with Assat in the Liiga of his country. Boelius, a defensive defenseman, has scored one goal and recorded seven assists in 40 games. In the WJC with Finland, he had an impressive points-per-game average, totaling seven points in the same number of games. Unfortunately, he was ruled out for the rest of the season in February due to an undisclosed injury. Given that he has a contract with Assat until next season, fans will have to wait another year before Boelius signs an NHL contract.

Noah Read, selected at number 72, is a forward for the Niagara IceDogs. This season, Read has accumulated 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 60 games. Due to his consistent performance, he has been named "Player of the Game" on several occasions. The IceDogs secured a spot in the OHL playoffs, and Read has already registered an assist in the postseason. He will likely need more time at the junior level before signing with the Ducks.

Drew Schock, an American defenseman, was selected in the fourth round, at number 101. In his rookie season at the University of Michigan, he has accumulated 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 36 games. Elijah Neuenschwander, the only goalie selected, was chosen at number 104. The Swiss player has had a stellar performance in his 17 games, with a goals-against average of 1.95 and a save percentage of .911. Alexis Mathieu, a Quebec defenseman selected in the fifth round, at number 136, has accumulated 14 points in 61 games. Émile Guité, a forward for the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, was selected at number 159 and has had a phenomenal season in the QMJHL, with 32 goals and 33 assists. Anthony Allain-Samake, selected in the sixth round, at number 186, is a left-handed defenseman who plays with the University of Connecticut. Brady Turko, the last pick for the Ducks, was taken at number 200 and has totaled 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) in 66 games.