On the first day of the 2025 NHL Draft, held Friday, six impactful trades reshaped the early selection order and team strategies. As the draft now moves into its second day, these moves highlight teams’ intentions to build and retool their rosters, with the Noah Dobson Canadiens trade standing out among the key deals.
Detailed Breakdown of the Six Key Trades on Draft Night
The Carolina Hurricanes traded the No. 29 overall pick to the Chicago Blackhawks, receiving Chicago’s No. 34 and No. 61 picks along with a fifth-rounder in 2027. The Blackhawks used the No. 29 pick to select forward Mason West from Fargo.
In a separate deal, the Los Angeles Kings moved down from pick No. 24 to picks No. 31 and No. 59 by dealing with the Pittsburgh Penguins, adding depth with the additional late second-round pick. Pittsburgh took advantage of the higher slot by drafting University of Michigan winger Will Horcoff, son of former Edmonton Oilers captain Shawn Horcoff.
The Ottawa Senators swapped the No. 21 pick to the Nashville Predators and received picks No. 23 and No. 67 in exchange. Nashville selected defenseman Cameron Reid from Kitchener with the No. 21 pick.
The Pittsburgh Penguins traded their No. 12 pick down to No. 22 and No. 31, which allowed the Philadelphia Flyers to move up and use the No. 12 selection to draft Windsor center Jack Nesbitt, thereby maintaining two first-round selections.
In another notable trade, the Colorado Avalanche acquired forward Gavin Brindley, the No. 77 pick in the third round, and a conditional second-round pick in 2027 from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus, in return, gained added speed and physicality along with some salary cap flexibility.
The New York Islanders made a high-profile move by sending defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Emil Heineman and Montreal’s first-round picks at No. 16 and No. 17.
Expert Perspective on Canadiens’ Acquisition of Noah Dobson
Shortly after acquiring Noah Dobson, the Montreal Canadiens secured the defenseman’s future with an eight-year, $76 million contract that carries an annual cap hit of $9.5 million. This reflects their commitment to Dobson’s long-term role on their blue line.
NHL analyst Craig Button shared his analysis on TSN 690 radio, remarking:
“I think it’s a phenomenal trade for the Montreal Canadiens. Let me emphasize — phenomenal… Where do you find top-pair defensemen going to be 25 years of age? I mean, he’s an Olympic candidate for certain. He’s got only growth ahead in his game.” —Craig Button, NHL analyst
“It’s almost larceny by the Montreal Canadiens getting Dobson.” —Craig Button, NHL analyst
Dobson’s performance last season, registering 39 points in 71 games, has established him as one of the league’s most promising young defensemen, reinforcing the Canadiens’ confidence in their investment.
Impact and Implications of Draft Day Moves
The trades on Day 1 of the 2025 NHL Draft, particularly the deal involving Noah Dobson, demonstrate how teams are aggressively repositioning to strengthen their rosters and secure top talent. For Montreal, acquiring Dobson signals a focus on building a strong defensive core with a player who has significant upside and international potential.
Moving forward, the Canadiens will rely on Dobson’s development as they aim to enhance their competitiveness. The draft’s later stages and future seasons will reveal how these strategic moves affect team dynamics across the NHL.