The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, Ontario concluded with notable developments, including unexpected outcomes that shifted the dynamics of the tournament. One of the most significant upsets occurred when the host nation, Canada, was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Czechia, demonstrating the unpredictability and competitive spirit of international junior hockey. On a contrasting note, the United States triumphed over Finland in the Gold Medal game, marking a remarkable achievement as it was the first time the U.S. won this tournament in consecutive years. Furthermore, the championship showcased several top prospects for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Among the promising talents on display was Team USA center James Hagens, who emerged as one of the tournament's leading scorers. At just 18 years old, Hagens has become a frontrunner for the first overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft. As the 2024-25 season reaches the halfway mark, it presents an opportune moment to revisit and update the NHL Mock Draft, taking into account the current standings as of January 8, 2025. The updated mock draft reflects player rankings from experts such as Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis, TSN’s Craig Button, Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala and Sam Cosentino, as well as The Hockey News’ Tony Ferrari. Player statistics and other relevant information were sourced from Elite Prospects.

The Chicago Blackhawks have been noted for their depth in prospects across various positions. However, past assessments indicated a continued need for bolstering their blueline prospects, a necessity that persists. With that in mind, the Blackhawks are projected to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer from the OHL’s Erie Otters. The 6'2", 183-pound Schaefer has accumulated 22 points in 17 games this season and was performing well for Canada at the WJC before suffering a broken collarbone in a 3-2 loss to Latvia. His injury significantly impacted Canada’s performance in the tournament, and the Otters now face a substantial period without his defensive contributions. Nonetheless, Schaefer's strong early-season showing indicates he could develop into a key player for the Blackhawks as they continue their rebuilding efforts.