2025 NLL Draft Preview: Toronto Rock Controls First Round as Elite Prospects Await Their Moment
A Landmark Moment for Professional Lacrosse
The National Lacrosse League (NLL), North America’s largest professional lacrosse league, continues to grow its influence, having welcomed over 1 million fans for the third straight year during the 2024-25 season. The league now comprises 14 franchises across Canada and the United States.
Draft Day Details and Coverage
The 2025 NLL Draft is scheduled for Saturday, September 6 at 1 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the entire first round streaming live exclusively on NLL+, with hosts Teddy Jenner and Pat Gregoire providing coverage from the League’s studio at DOME Productions in Toronto.
Toronto Rock’s Historic Position
The Toronto Rock holds a commanding position with the first three overall picks in the draft. Their selections are expected to include CJ Kirst from Cornell/Mimico Mountaineers Jr. A, Ty English from UNC/Oakville Rock MSL, and Owen Hiltz from Syracuse/Peterborough Lakers MSL.
Top Prospects and Their Potential
Leading prospect CJ Kirst comes with an impressive pedigree, having broken both his university’s all-time scoring record and the NCAA all-time record. His recent achievements include being selected first overall in the Premier Lacrosse League College Draft by the Philadelphia Waterdogs, and leading Cornell to its first national championship in almost half a century.
Draft Class Depth and Talent
The 2025 class is anticipated to deliver another strong group of impact players. The league has prepared extensive draft coverage, including a 2025 NLL Draft Preview video exclusive to NLL+, debuting Thursday, September 4, along with top player editorials across social channels and NLL.com.
As NLL Commissioner Brett Frood noted, “The NLL Draft is one of the most exciting days of the year for our constituents, but especially for our draft picks and their families. It represents new beginnings, renewed hopes, and the continued evolution of talent within our league. We’re thrilled to showcase this next generation of athletes.”
