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Big Ten CommunicationsPublished: 6/29/2025, Last updated: 6/29/2025
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Twenty-Three Big Ten Players Selected in 2025 NHL Draft

Draft class highlighted by four first-round picks

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Twenty-three players with connections to the Big Ten Conference were chosen in the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft, held June 27-28 at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This year's draft class, which included selections from all seven schools, features current Big Ten players and future commitments.

Michigan landed seven selections (which tied a program record) while Minnesota had five picks and Penn State four draftees. Michigan State (2), Ohio State (2), Wisconsin (2) and Notre Dame (1) also had players chosen.

This year’s draft class is the largest in Big Ten Hockey history, surpassing the 21 selections that occurred in 2019 and 2022.

The first round, which was conducted Friday, saw four players chosen. Jackson Smith, who will be attending Penn State this fall, went 14th overall to Columbus. Wisconsin defenseman Logan Hensler was chosen 23rd by Ottawa, Michigan center Will Horcoff taken 24th by Pittsburgh, and incoming Michigan State forward Ryker Lee selected 26th by Nashville.

Since forming a hockey conference in 2013-14, the Big Ten has attracted 39 first-round selections, including eight top-five recipients.

2025 NHL DRAFT 
NAMESCHOOLROUNDPICKNHL TEAM2024-25 TEAM
Jackson Smith, DPenn State1st14Columbus Blue JacketsTri-City (WHL)
Logan Hensler, DWisconsin1st23Ottawa SenatorsWisconsin
Will Horcoff, CMichigan1st24Pittsburgh PenguinsMichigan
Ryker Lee, RWMichigan State1st26Nashville PredatorsMadison (USHL)
Jacob Rombach, DMinnesota2nd35Nashville PredatorsLincoln (USHL)
Malcolm Spence, LWMichigan2nd43New York RangersErie (OHL)
Shane Vansaghi, RWMichigan State2nd48Philadelphia FlyersMichigan State
Charlie Cerrato, CPenn State2nd49Carolina HurricanePenn State
Cole McKinney, CMichigan2nd53San Jose SharksUSNTDP
Jack Ivankovic, GMichigan2nd58Nashville PredatorsBrampton (OHL)
Kieren Dervin, CPenn State3rd65Vancouver CanucksSt. Andrews College
Mace'o Phillips, DMinnesota3rd80Calgary FlamesUSNTDP
Mason Moe, CMinnesota3rd90New Jersey DevilsMadison (USHL)
Drew Schock, DMichigan4th101Anaheim DucksUSNTDP
John Mooney, CMinnesota4th113Montreal CanadiensUSNTDP
Asher Barnett, DMichigan5th131Edmonton OilersUSNTDP
Will Belle, RWNotre Dame5th137Toronto Maple LeafsUSNTDP
Jackson Crowder, COhio State5th155Washington CapitalsChicago (USHL)
Bruno Idzan, LWWisconsin6th181Ottawa SenatorsLincoln (USHL)
Edison Engle, DOhio State6th188Winnipeg JetsDubuque (USHL)
Kale Dach, CPenn State7th201Pittsburgh PenguinsSherwood Park (BCHL)
Jacob Kvasnicka, RWMinnesota7th202New York IslandersUSNTDP
Aidan Park, CMichigan7th223Edmonton OilersGreen Bay (USHL)


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