Hockey fans in Los Angeles are in for a major event as the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft is set to take place at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater on June 27 and 28.
The highly anticipated event will bring the NHL’s top prospects, league executives, and media attention to the heart of the city, making it a historic moment for Los Angeles and its hockey community.
L.A. welcomes the future of the NHL
For the second time in history, Los Angeles will host the NHL Draft. The last time the event took place in the city was in 2010 when the Edmonton Oilers selected Taylor Hall as the first overall pick.
This time, the format will be different. Teams will be making their selections remotely, with prospects and fans gathering at Peacock Theater for the official announcements.
The decentralized format of this year’s draft marks a shift from the traditional setup, where teams usually gather at a single venue. Instead, NHL executives, scouts, and coaches will participate virtually, while the top draft prospects and league officials will take center stage in Los Angeles.
Who will be the No. 1 Pick?
As anticipation builds for the draft, several top prospects are emerging as potential first-overall picks. Among them is Matthew Schaefer, a standout defenseman from Erie in the Ontario Hockey League. Despite recovering from an injury, Schaefer remains one of the leading candidates.
Other notable prospects include:
- 🏒 James Hagens (Boston College, Hockey East) – a skilled center with dynamic playmaking abilities.
- 🏒 Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit, OHL) – a versatile forward known for his scoring ability.
- 🏒 Porter Martone (Brampton, OHL) – a powerful winger with size and skill.
When is the 2025 NHL Draft?
The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft will take place on Friday, June 27 in L.A. It will be televised on ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet, and TVAS. Rounds 2-7 will continue on Saturday, June 28, with coverage on NHL Network and ESPN+.
Fans attending the event can expect exclusive activations from Upper Deck, the official trading card partner of the NHL. The company has been a longtime supporter of the draft and will bring unique collectible experiences for attendees.
Information about tickets and additional fan experiences will be announced soon. L.A. is preparing to host a world-class event that celebrates the future of hockey.