The 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles turned into a star-studded event, with prominent figures from Hollywood and beyond making appearances to announce first-round picks. The Peacock Theater, located across from the Kings’ home at Crypto.com Arena, served as the venue for this memorable night. The first round was broadcast live on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+, with rounds 2-7 scheduled for the following day.

Highlighting the night were movie names Adam Sandler and Jerry Bruckheimer, who announced picks for the Boston Bruins and Seattle Kraken, respectively. Adam Sandler, in character as Happy Gilmore and sporting his iconic Bruins jersey, announced James Hagens, a center from Boston College, as the No. 7 overall pick for the Bruins. Following the announcement, Sandler delighted the crowd by performing Gilmore’s signature horsey ride with his hockey stick. Jerry Bruckheimer, a part-owner of the Seattle Kraken and a known hockey enthusiast, announced winger James O’Brien as the Kraken’s pick. Bruckheimer also notably organized celebrity hockey games in Los Angeles, including ones with Tom Cruise.

Other celebrities who graced the stage to announce picks included NBA legend Charles Barkley for the Philadelphia Flyers (No. 6), Goo Goo Dolls co-founders John Rzeznik and Robby Takac for the Buffalo Sabres (No. 9), and Mighty Ducks film franchise alums Joshua Jackson and Marguerite Moreau for the Anaheim Ducks (No. 10). Jackson and Moreau, who walked the red carpet in matching Ducks jerseys, expressed their honor in being part of a young player’s dream. Dave Coulier of Full House announced for the Detroit Red Wings (No. 13), and Entourage series regular Kevin Connelly for the New York Islanders (No. 16).

Beyond the celebrity buzz, the draft saw significant selections that will shape the future of NHL teams. The New York Islanders, as anticipated, secured defenseman Matthew Schaefer from the Erie Otters as the No. 1 overall pick. Following closely, the San Jose Sharks ended weeks of speculation by drafting dynamic center Michael Misa of the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit as the No. 2 overall pick. Misa, who wore a Sharks sweater with No. 25, expressed his immediate goal of playing in the NHL in the upcoming season, acknowledging the need for a strong summer to get stronger.

Sharks General Manager Mike Grier discussed Misa’s potential, noting his talent and the opportunity to have him grow alongside existing young stars like Macklin Celebrini (No. 1 pick in 2024), Will Smith (No. 4 pick in 2023), and William Eklund (No. 7 pick in 2021). Grier emphasized the importance of strength down the middle for the team's future. While transitioning from major junior hockey directly to the NHL is rare, Grier did not rule it out for Misa, referencing recent examples like Connor Bedard and Zach Benson. Misa expressed excitement about joining the Sharks and learning from players like Celebrini, who had a successful rookie season.

Other top picks included Swedish center Anton Frondell, who went third overall to the Chicago Blackhawks, Caleb Desnoyers to the Utah Mammoth at No. 4, Brady Martin to the Nashville Predators at No. 5, and Porter Martone to the Philadelphia Flyers at No. 6. The Sharks, after considering offers to move their No. 2 pick, ultimately decided that Misa was too special a player to pass on, a decision reinforced by Misa’s positive interview with Grier and the scouting staff at the NHL Combine.