“Welcome to the NHL” Offers Exclusive Look at 2025 Draft Prospects in New Episode
NHL Productions’ acclaimed series “Welcome to the NHL,” presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink, returns with a new installment focusing on the leading contenders for the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft. the second episode, titled “Class of 2025,” premieres Thursday at 7 p.m. ET on SN1 in Canada and Friday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+ in the United States, with an additional airing on NHL Network saturday at 4 p.m. ET.The frist episode, “Meet the Prospects,” debuted June 24.
“Class of 2025” provides in-depth coverage of the draft process, featuring prospects Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, Porter Martone, and James Hagens, alongside their families and the NHL teams evaluating them.
The episode captures the emotional weight of draft day,including Schaefer’s poignant tribute to his mother,Jennifer,who passed away in February 2024. He carried a picture of them, along with a ladybug – a symbol of remembrance – sewn into his suit jacket. “A ladybug was a big thing for me,” Schaefer saeid. “I saw them as signs when my mom passed away.”
Cameras documented Schaefer’s selection as the No.1 overall pick by the New York Islanders, capturing his emotional reaction and the personalized touches added to his jersey by the team. The series also followed Brady martin, whose draft experience unfolded while he attended to farm responsibilities in Elora, Ontario. Martin was selected No.5 overall by the Nashville Predators, with General Manager Barry Trotz stating, ”Ther’s no chance taken on you. You’re going to be a great young man for us and a great player.”
Viewers will also gain access to the draft rooms of teams like the Boston bruins as they finalized their decision to select Hagens at No. 7.
The episode extends beyond the draft itself,following the players to growth camp and,for some,their first NHL games. The series features footage of Schaefer’s NHL debut against Sidney Crosby and the pittsburgh Penguins, as seen through the eyes of his father, Todd Schaefer, who remarked, “Pinch me that Matthew Schaefer is on the ice with Sidney Crosby.”
Concluding the episode, Matthew Schaefer emphasized his commitment to continued growth, stating, ”The work doesn’t stop here. Just getting started.”
