2025 NHL Draft prospect rankings: Defensemen

If the New York Islanders want to reach the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, they need starting goaltender Ilya Sorokin to bounce back from two subpar seasons, particularly improving his performance on the penalty kill. With his GAA and SV% declining, the team hopes new strategies under Bob Boughner will enhance Sorokin's game, keeping him fresh as Semyon Varlamov recovers from surgery. Want More Context? 🔎

The Buffalo Sabres boast one of the NHL's deepest prospect pools, attributed to high draft selections from missed playoff opportunities, despite limited developmental success. Among their notable prospects is left winger Melvin Novotny, selected 195th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, who excelled in Sweden's junior league and will play in the USHL before attending U.Mass (Amherst) in 2026. Want More Context? 🔎

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Philip Tomasino enters the 2025-26 season on a one-year, $1.75 million contract after being traded from the Nashville Predators last November. Following a mixed performance with 11 goals and 23 points over 50 games, Tomasino aims for consistency and a potential top-six role, while the Penguins focus on youth development with ample cap space for future signings. Want More Context? 🔎