Brock
Registered User
1. Dallas Stars - Shane Wright
The Stars have drafted some great young players in recent years, but they now get the chance to get their cornerstone down the middle. Elias Pettersson may or may not stick down the middle, but either way Wright gives Dallas another great young piece to build around.
2. New York Rangers - Logan Cooley
Would be shocked if GM Sean Gaffney looked the other way from Cooley and the chance to draft a top notch center to truly build around. After Alexis Lafreniere’s development has been a bit slower, I can’t see him going with Slafkovsky, a similar kind of power winger with skill.
3. Detroit Red Wings - Juraj Slafkovsky
If he’s there, Slaf is just a real Niece (son and father) kind of player. The big power winger gives the Wings another young piece to build around. Maybe there’s a bit of a temptation to take Jiricek here to pair with Drysdale, however after dealing for Ekblad, the need on the back-end is less pressing. Picking this early, you have to take the player you like best regardless of need.
4. Seattle Kraken - Simon Nemec
Would like to think that Seattle opts for one of Nemec or Jiricek to build around on the back-end. If it was me, I’d take Nemec because he seems like a sure thing to be a fantastic and well rounded SIM player. But the potential and allure of Jiricek might be more attractive to Richardson. If there is one thing that the Seattle GM proved in his first draft, it’s that he prefers players with high IQ’s and that’s Nemec.
5. Edmonton Oilers - Matthew Savoie
New GM Jay is still relatively unknown when it comes to what he might look for, but he is a Vancouver Canucks fan. Means he is probably familiar with Savoie’s exploits on the West coast. The choice could very well be Jiricek here, but I think the high upside and allure of Savoie could fit.
6. New York Islanders - David Jiricek
GM Zack Szweras jumps at the chance to add another high end defender to his rapidly improving prospect pool. Jiricek and Kaiden Guhle give the Isles two potentially big, mean, and athletic rearguards who can anchor this team back to glory.
7. Pittsburgh Penguins - Brad Lambert
Who the Pens select is a bit of a mystery because we don’t yet know who the NHL Vancouver Canucks will select. Could see Yurov as an option here as GM Robb Doduck has never shied away from Russian players. However, I think the offensive upside of Lambert might be the selling point.
8. Vegas Golden Knights - Frank Nazar
Why not keep the Michigan train rolling after the Golden Knights already have Owen Power and Luke Hughes in the system. Nazar heads there next year and the speedy forward has among the highest upside of any player in the draft. That said, teammate Cutter Gauthier might fit the draft tendencies of GM Jon Lemoine a little bit more.
9. Arizona Coyotes - Kevin Korchinski
I could see the Coyotes looking at both Korchinski and Pavel Mintyukov here. Conor Geekie also fits the kind of player typically targeted at forward. However, Korchinski has been a massive riser over the course of the draft year and his offensive capabilities could make him a very valuable SIM player in the near future.
10. Buffalo Sabres - Cutter Gauthier
Gauthier would give GM Joe Bubanj a true two-way center with a real safe projection as a quality SIM player. Lots to like here and the Sabres center depth could use a great injection. Could also see them going Kemell here given Bubanj’s love for smaller, but skilled forwards.
11. Chicago Blackhawks - Jonathan Lekkerimaki
One of the top goal scoring options available gives the Hawks another quality scorer to pair with Bobby Brink in the future. Could also see Yurov being an option here as Dryden Lewis has shown Russians love in the past.
12. Montreal Canadiens - Joakim Kemell
He may have had a bit of an up and down year, but Kemell remains a quality scoring line prospect with his skill and goal scoring ability. There has definitely been some love shown to Finland by GM George Bachul.
13. Nashville Predators - Marco Kasper
I mean…it has to be right? Not only is Kasper a good pick here after a strong finish to the season, but he’s a local guy Tony K would likely love to add.
14. Minnesota Wild - Conor Geekie
If there is one thing that GM Hasnain Jessa seems to love, it is strong two-way players. Geekie is a hard nosed, two-way center whose skating has concerned some. However, he fits the mold that the Wild like and he could form a heck of a scary one/two punch with Mason McTavish in the future.
15. Carolina Hurricanes - Pavel Mintyukov
A hyper creative and exciting offensive defender, Mintyukov has among the highest upside of any defender available this year. He would be a great add to Carolina’s improving farm system. Plus, GM Darryl Solly has been all over the OHL train of late.
16. Minnesota Wild - Danila Yurov
When you have a bunch of first round picks, you can take chances. Insert Danila Yurov, potentially one of the better players in this class, but one with political issues and one who barely played this year. Huge home run swing that could be well worth it.
17. Arizona Coyotes - David Goyette
Maybe a tad early for Goyette, but this is a pick that could follow an OHL pattern for the Coyotes. After taking Korchinski earlier, Goyette gives them another player with high offensive upside. He won’t be around the next time Arizona picks, so it could be someone they pull the trigger on.
18. Ottawa Senators - Seamus Casey
Another new GM in Ray, Casey is the type of player that you either really like or don’t have time for. He’s either someone you feel possesses immense upside, or you wonder why he didn’t produce as much offensively this year. I think that there could be a fit there.
19. New York Rangers - Ryan Chesley
The Rangers go back to the NTDP for a defenseman and Chesley looks the part of a future HFNHL stalwart. He’s the kind of player who could be very valuable in the SIM with a well rounded profile and he gives New York a kind of player their system lacks currently.
20. Washington Capitals - Isaac Howard
There’s definitely a bias for GM Josh Howell when it comes to drafting, with the focus primarily on the US and Europe. Howard just seems like a Josh Howell kind of player. Smart. Quick. He could be a long time top six future for the Caps. Wouldn’t shock me at all to see him go with Ivan Miroschnichenko too.
21. Vegas Golden Knights - Denton Mateychuk
A bit of a fall for Mateychuk who could definitely go earlier. However, Vegas jumps at the chance to add him into the fold after grabbing Frank Nazar earlier. Mateychuk is a potential top four defender who is better defensively than some give him credit for,
22. Florida Panthers - Ivan Miroschnichenko
The Panthers under Brock Otten don’t draft Russians very much, but when they do, they tend to work out like Nikita Kucherov. This would be a major curveball as many likely wouldn’t anticipate him taking him, but with a strong roster and farm system, they can afford to swing for the fences and take the big Russian winger who seems nearly fully recovered from lymphoma.
23. Boston Bruins - Filip Mesar
A new mystery GM (soon to be announced) will be making his HFNHL entry draft debut soon. Hard to say which way he takes this pick, but something tells me that he could be coerced into taking the speedy and talented Mesar here.
24. Florida Panthers - Jagger Firkus
While Miroschnichenko may seem like a far fetched for the Panthers to make at #22, Firkus looks a lot more like an Otten type pick. Highly productive player who is kind of laying in the weeds currently.
25. Los Angeles Kings - Owen Pickering
This is another pick that just screams the tendency of their GM. Mike McEwan loves taking toolsy players like Pickering, who are still growing into their frames. He is not afraid of a long term project, and Pickering is just that thanks to a massive late growth spurt. There is a potential top four two-way defender here.
26. Boston Bruins - Jiri Kulich
This pick currently belongs to the Blues, but once the new Bruins GM is brought into the fold, their first decision will be whether to take this pick or a 2024 one as part of future considerations. My guess is that the new GM grabs this pick to bring excitement to their first draft. As such, look for them to grab another quality forward like Kulich who is still on the board. Noah Ostlund could be an option too.
27. Nashville Predators - Lian Bichsel
This is a player who is likely to go much higher than this on NHL draft day because of their athletic tools. The Preds love his physicality and potential to develop into a strong stay at home type. But maybe the offensive tools are still developing?
28. Minnesota Wild - Ty Nelson
Maybe a bit shocking to see Nelson go this high as he has fallen a bit on many draft lists heading into the draft. However, Hasnain may see the opportunity to take a chance on Nelson with three first round picks, thinking that he might not be available to select when he picks next.
29. Dallas Stars - Noah Ostlund
After taking Shane Wright at number one, the Stars go to Sweden #29 for Ostlund, another player who could very well go higher than this. This would be a great pick for Dallas as Ostlund has great offensive potential as he fills out his frame and gets stronger.
30. Vancouver Canucks - Calle Odelius
Sean Keogh loves his Swedes and this would be a very savvy pickup for him. A strong skating two-way defender, Odelius was a standout at the U18’s with his smart puck play and positioning. While he may ultimately look for a higher upside player (cough Sam Rinzel, or cough Liam Ohgren), Odelius seems like a really nice pick. Would wonder if Rutger McGroarty could be an option here too.
31. Tampa Bay Lightning - Liam Ohgren
Don’t see the Lightning over-complicating things this year. Ohgren is the best player available at this spot, so they go for him here. The forward has one of the highest IQ’s of any player available this year and he’s well ranked by just about every independent scouting agency.
32. Detroit Red Wings - Nathan Gaucher
Kind of an unsexy way to finish off the first round, but Gaucher would be a great selection if still available here. He seems like a lock to be a quality third line center, at the very least. This would be a great way for the Wings to find a very pro ready player to help them rebuild quickly.
BONUS - First ten picks of Round Two
33. Colorado Avalanche - Mattias Havelid
The Avs love Sweden and Finland, there’s no doubting it. Havelid is a great pick at this spot and fits the regional bias. Maybe he’s a bit too similar to Emil Andrae already in the system, but Colorado always just takes the BPA and worries about the rest later.
34. New York Islanders - Gleb Trikozov
The favourite son of the internet and twitter scouting community, the Islanders are going to try to swing for the fences by taking the skilled Russian forward. Lots of picks this year and that means they can take a personal favourite, even if it’s a tad risky.
35. Seattle Kraken - Tristan Luneau
Sure, the Kraken used a first on a defender, but why not go back for a second at #35 if they are the best player available? Adam Richardson loves his Q players and Luneau is flying under the radar because of an early season injury. Building from the backend out makes a lot of sense.
36. Edmonton Oilers - Mats Lindgren
We mentioned that new GM Jay is a west coast guy, so Lindgren could make a lot of sense here for them. A strong skater with a high offensive ceiling, Lindgren will need to improve defensively. But there is a potentially strong SIM player here.
37. New York Rangers - Rutger McGroarty
A US NTDP hat trick? Why the hell not. McGroarty has to be considered one of the best players available here and is a highly intelligent, two-way forward with a chance to play through the middle of the lineup if he can continue to improve his skating.
38. Colorado Avalanche - Sam Rinzel
This is not a typical Avs pick. It could very well be someone like Jani Nyman here. But if Rinzel is still here at #38, I could see the Avs taking a chance on him given his high end potential. There’s a lot to like if you’re patient and Colorado can afford to be that.
39. Pittsburgh Penguins - Jimmy Snuggerud
At this point in the draft, getting Snuggerud is a great pick. He’s not a sexy player, but he is incredibly efficient and his athletic tools have improved greatly in the last calendar year. Could be a very versatile SIM player in the future.
40. Vegas Golden Knights - Owen Beck
Nazar and Mateychuk go with their first two selections, so the Golden Knights go with a different kind of player again here. Speedy and tenacious, Beck is at worst a Paul Byron type, but at best a quality top six, well rounded player. The Golden Knights love players with Beck’s profile.
41. Arizona Coyotes - Luca DelBelBelluz
The Coyotes go back to the OHL for this one and make it back to back Steelheads. DelBelBelluz improved a ton this year and has a great IQ and skill combination down the middle. The feet need to improve, but there’s room for that.
42. Buffalo Sabres - Lane Hutson
Back to back NTDP players for the Sabres too, but Hutson is a great pick here. If you can overlook his lack of size, his upside is immense. Getting Gauthier and Hutson would be a very good haul for Buffalo.
The Stars have drafted some great young players in recent years, but they now get the chance to get their cornerstone down the middle. Elias Pettersson may or may not stick down the middle, but either way Wright gives Dallas another great young piece to build around.
2. New York Rangers - Logan Cooley
Would be shocked if GM Sean Gaffney looked the other way from Cooley and the chance to draft a top notch center to truly build around. After Alexis Lafreniere’s development has been a bit slower, I can’t see him going with Slafkovsky, a similar kind of power winger with skill.
3. Detroit Red Wings - Juraj Slafkovsky
If he’s there, Slaf is just a real Niece (son and father) kind of player. The big power winger gives the Wings another young piece to build around. Maybe there’s a bit of a temptation to take Jiricek here to pair with Drysdale, however after dealing for Ekblad, the need on the back-end is less pressing. Picking this early, you have to take the player you like best regardless of need.
4. Seattle Kraken - Simon Nemec
Would like to think that Seattle opts for one of Nemec or Jiricek to build around on the back-end. If it was me, I’d take Nemec because he seems like a sure thing to be a fantastic and well rounded SIM player. But the potential and allure of Jiricek might be more attractive to Richardson. If there is one thing that the Seattle GM proved in his first draft, it’s that he prefers players with high IQ’s and that’s Nemec.
5. Edmonton Oilers - Matthew Savoie
New GM Jay is still relatively unknown when it comes to what he might look for, but he is a Vancouver Canucks fan. Means he is probably familiar with Savoie’s exploits on the West coast. The choice could very well be Jiricek here, but I think the high upside and allure of Savoie could fit.
6. New York Islanders - David Jiricek
GM Zack Szweras jumps at the chance to add another high end defender to his rapidly improving prospect pool. Jiricek and Kaiden Guhle give the Isles two potentially big, mean, and athletic rearguards who can anchor this team back to glory.
7. Pittsburgh Penguins - Brad Lambert
Who the Pens select is a bit of a mystery because we don’t yet know who the NHL Vancouver Canucks will select. Could see Yurov as an option here as GM Robb Doduck has never shied away from Russian players. However, I think the offensive upside of Lambert might be the selling point.
8. Vegas Golden Knights - Frank Nazar
Why not keep the Michigan train rolling after the Golden Knights already have Owen Power and Luke Hughes in the system. Nazar heads there next year and the speedy forward has among the highest upside of any player in the draft. That said, teammate Cutter Gauthier might fit the draft tendencies of GM Jon Lemoine a little bit more.
9. Arizona Coyotes - Kevin Korchinski
I could see the Coyotes looking at both Korchinski and Pavel Mintyukov here. Conor Geekie also fits the kind of player typically targeted at forward. However, Korchinski has been a massive riser over the course of the draft year and his offensive capabilities could make him a very valuable SIM player in the near future.
10. Buffalo Sabres - Cutter Gauthier
Gauthier would give GM Joe Bubanj a true two-way center with a real safe projection as a quality SIM player. Lots to like here and the Sabres center depth could use a great injection. Could also see them going Kemell here given Bubanj’s love for smaller, but skilled forwards.
11. Chicago Blackhawks - Jonathan Lekkerimaki
One of the top goal scoring options available gives the Hawks another quality scorer to pair with Bobby Brink in the future. Could also see Yurov being an option here as Dryden Lewis has shown Russians love in the past.
12. Montreal Canadiens - Joakim Kemell
He may have had a bit of an up and down year, but Kemell remains a quality scoring line prospect with his skill and goal scoring ability. There has definitely been some love shown to Finland by GM George Bachul.
13. Nashville Predators - Marco Kasper
I mean…it has to be right? Not only is Kasper a good pick here after a strong finish to the season, but he’s a local guy Tony K would likely love to add.
14. Minnesota Wild - Conor Geekie
If there is one thing that GM Hasnain Jessa seems to love, it is strong two-way players. Geekie is a hard nosed, two-way center whose skating has concerned some. However, he fits the mold that the Wild like and he could form a heck of a scary one/two punch with Mason McTavish in the future.
15. Carolina Hurricanes - Pavel Mintyukov
A hyper creative and exciting offensive defender, Mintyukov has among the highest upside of any defender available this year. He would be a great add to Carolina’s improving farm system. Plus, GM Darryl Solly has been all over the OHL train of late.
16. Minnesota Wild - Danila Yurov
When you have a bunch of first round picks, you can take chances. Insert Danila Yurov, potentially one of the better players in this class, but one with political issues and one who barely played this year. Huge home run swing that could be well worth it.
17. Arizona Coyotes - David Goyette
Maybe a tad early for Goyette, but this is a pick that could follow an OHL pattern for the Coyotes. After taking Korchinski earlier, Goyette gives them another player with high offensive upside. He won’t be around the next time Arizona picks, so it could be someone they pull the trigger on.
18. Ottawa Senators - Seamus Casey
Another new GM in Ray, Casey is the type of player that you either really like or don’t have time for. He’s either someone you feel possesses immense upside, or you wonder why he didn’t produce as much offensively this year. I think that there could be a fit there.
19. New York Rangers - Ryan Chesley
The Rangers go back to the NTDP for a defenseman and Chesley looks the part of a future HFNHL stalwart. He’s the kind of player who could be very valuable in the SIM with a well rounded profile and he gives New York a kind of player their system lacks currently.
20. Washington Capitals - Isaac Howard
There’s definitely a bias for GM Josh Howell when it comes to drafting, with the focus primarily on the US and Europe. Howard just seems like a Josh Howell kind of player. Smart. Quick. He could be a long time top six future for the Caps. Wouldn’t shock me at all to see him go with Ivan Miroschnichenko too.
21. Vegas Golden Knights - Denton Mateychuk
A bit of a fall for Mateychuk who could definitely go earlier. However, Vegas jumps at the chance to add him into the fold after grabbing Frank Nazar earlier. Mateychuk is a potential top four defender who is better defensively than some give him credit for,
22. Florida Panthers - Ivan Miroschnichenko
The Panthers under Brock Otten don’t draft Russians very much, but when they do, they tend to work out like Nikita Kucherov. This would be a major curveball as many likely wouldn’t anticipate him taking him, but with a strong roster and farm system, they can afford to swing for the fences and take the big Russian winger who seems nearly fully recovered from lymphoma.
23. Boston Bruins - Filip Mesar
A new mystery GM (soon to be announced) will be making his HFNHL entry draft debut soon. Hard to say which way he takes this pick, but something tells me that he could be coerced into taking the speedy and talented Mesar here.
24. Florida Panthers - Jagger Firkus
While Miroschnichenko may seem like a far fetched for the Panthers to make at #22, Firkus looks a lot more like an Otten type pick. Highly productive player who is kind of laying in the weeds currently.
25. Los Angeles Kings - Owen Pickering
This is another pick that just screams the tendency of their GM. Mike McEwan loves taking toolsy players like Pickering, who are still growing into their frames. He is not afraid of a long term project, and Pickering is just that thanks to a massive late growth spurt. There is a potential top four two-way defender here.
26. Boston Bruins - Jiri Kulich
This pick currently belongs to the Blues, but once the new Bruins GM is brought into the fold, their first decision will be whether to take this pick or a 2024 one as part of future considerations. My guess is that the new GM grabs this pick to bring excitement to their first draft. As such, look for them to grab another quality forward like Kulich who is still on the board. Noah Ostlund could be an option too.
27. Nashville Predators - Lian Bichsel
This is a player who is likely to go much higher than this on NHL draft day because of their athletic tools. The Preds love his physicality and potential to develop into a strong stay at home type. But maybe the offensive tools are still developing?
28. Minnesota Wild - Ty Nelson
Maybe a bit shocking to see Nelson go this high as he has fallen a bit on many draft lists heading into the draft. However, Hasnain may see the opportunity to take a chance on Nelson with three first round picks, thinking that he might not be available to select when he picks next.
29. Dallas Stars - Noah Ostlund
After taking Shane Wright at number one, the Stars go to Sweden #29 for Ostlund, another player who could very well go higher than this. This would be a great pick for Dallas as Ostlund has great offensive potential as he fills out his frame and gets stronger.
30. Vancouver Canucks - Calle Odelius
Sean Keogh loves his Swedes and this would be a very savvy pickup for him. A strong skating two-way defender, Odelius was a standout at the U18’s with his smart puck play and positioning. While he may ultimately look for a higher upside player (cough Sam Rinzel, or cough Liam Ohgren), Odelius seems like a really nice pick. Would wonder if Rutger McGroarty could be an option here too.
31. Tampa Bay Lightning - Liam Ohgren
Don’t see the Lightning over-complicating things this year. Ohgren is the best player available at this spot, so they go for him here. The forward has one of the highest IQ’s of any player available this year and he’s well ranked by just about every independent scouting agency.
32. Detroit Red Wings - Nathan Gaucher
Kind of an unsexy way to finish off the first round, but Gaucher would be a great selection if still available here. He seems like a lock to be a quality third line center, at the very least. This would be a great way for the Wings to find a very pro ready player to help them rebuild quickly.
BONUS - First ten picks of Round Two
33. Colorado Avalanche - Mattias Havelid
The Avs love Sweden and Finland, there’s no doubting it. Havelid is a great pick at this spot and fits the regional bias. Maybe he’s a bit too similar to Emil Andrae already in the system, but Colorado always just takes the BPA and worries about the rest later.
34. New York Islanders - Gleb Trikozov
The favourite son of the internet and twitter scouting community, the Islanders are going to try to swing for the fences by taking the skilled Russian forward. Lots of picks this year and that means they can take a personal favourite, even if it’s a tad risky.
35. Seattle Kraken - Tristan Luneau
Sure, the Kraken used a first on a defender, but why not go back for a second at #35 if they are the best player available? Adam Richardson loves his Q players and Luneau is flying under the radar because of an early season injury. Building from the backend out makes a lot of sense.
36. Edmonton Oilers - Mats Lindgren
We mentioned that new GM Jay is a west coast guy, so Lindgren could make a lot of sense here for them. A strong skater with a high offensive ceiling, Lindgren will need to improve defensively. But there is a potentially strong SIM player here.
37. New York Rangers - Rutger McGroarty
A US NTDP hat trick? Why the hell not. McGroarty has to be considered one of the best players available here and is a highly intelligent, two-way forward with a chance to play through the middle of the lineup if he can continue to improve his skating.
38. Colorado Avalanche - Sam Rinzel
This is not a typical Avs pick. It could very well be someone like Jani Nyman here. But if Rinzel is still here at #38, I could see the Avs taking a chance on him given his high end potential. There’s a lot to like if you’re patient and Colorado can afford to be that.
39. Pittsburgh Penguins - Jimmy Snuggerud
At this point in the draft, getting Snuggerud is a great pick. He’s not a sexy player, but he is incredibly efficient and his athletic tools have improved greatly in the last calendar year. Could be a very versatile SIM player in the future.
40. Vegas Golden Knights - Owen Beck
Nazar and Mateychuk go with their first two selections, so the Golden Knights go with a different kind of player again here. Speedy and tenacious, Beck is at worst a Paul Byron type, but at best a quality top six, well rounded player. The Golden Knights love players with Beck’s profile.
41. Arizona Coyotes - Luca DelBelBelluz
The Coyotes go back to the OHL for this one and make it back to back Steelheads. DelBelBelluz improved a ton this year and has a great IQ and skill combination down the middle. The feet need to improve, but there’s room for that.
42. Buffalo Sabres - Lane Hutson
Back to back NTDP players for the Sabres too, but Hutson is a great pick here. If you can overlook his lack of size, his upside is immense. Getting Gauthier and Hutson would be a very good haul for Buffalo.
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