The 2025 NHL draft will introduce the league's new crop of players on Friday, with the New York Islanders set to make the first selection. Matthew Schaefer, a defender from the OHL's Erie Otters, is ranked No. 1 on ESPN's draft rankings. Schaefer had seven goals and 15 assists with the Otters this season.
Here's a look at how the past five No. 1 picks in the NHL draft fared in their respective rookie seasons:
Macklin Celebrini (2024-25)
The San Jose Sharks selected Celebrini with the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft after Celebrini compiled a record-breaking freshman season at Boston University.