The Rangers' first 2025 NHL Draft pick is the 18-year-old Michigan commit, who is from Mississauga, Ontario, and has spent the past three years with the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters. In 195 games from 2022-25, Spence totaled 177 points on 67 goals and 110 assists.

The first round of the 2025 NHL draft is in the books. Locally, the Red Wings added some skill and grit by selecting winger Carter Bear of the Everett Silvertips in the Western Hockey League. Michigan and Michigan State each produced first-round picks.

The New York Rangers had to wait 43 picks to make their first selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, but snagged what most experts considered one of the best values of the second round. Malcolm Spence, a forward from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, was taken by the Blueshirts with pick No. 43 overall on June 28.