I'm going to give my honest reaction to all three picks
1. Holtz: Honestly, I was a little disappointed we didn't take the two guys in this draft I am especially high on, Quinn and Perfetti. Quinn especially sting because I've spent awhile going through the Quinn vs Holtz debate and always come out liking Quinn a lot more. Holtz was my third highest player left on the board. Now, although I was disappointed, do I think it was a bad pick: no, I really don't. Holtz began the year ranked essentially as a top 5 pick and has maintained that positioning all this year. Many people in the hockey world are super high on he kid, and for good reason. In terms of raw shot, I'd argue his is better than Quinn. Overall, though, Holtz is an extremely raw prospect. He has a ridiculous shot but the rest of his game definitely needs time for developing and refining. Let him play for two years on the top line on an SHL team and light it up over there, round out his offensive game a bit better (specifically in the IQ department, just better understanding situational stuff), and keep improving in the physicality department (important for a bigger body like him). Time will tell how he develops: at best case, we have a poor man's Ovechkin (stylistically hopefully). At worst, we have a middle 6 PP specialist. Overall, I give the pick a B.
2. Mercer. Honestly, not much to say about this one. Just a super solid pick. Mercer is a fantastic well rounded player, he is great defensively, has a slick set of hands, and fulfills a very important position of need for us. Could probably step into a role with the team after this season on the third line. Plays a little like TJ Oshie/Justin Williams, just one of those guys you can shove all over the lineup and fulfill his role perfectly. I rate this: A+
3. Mukhamadulin: Definitely didn't expect this one, but surprises aren't always a bad thing. I had Mukhamadulin ranked in the 25-35 range recently, and its for good reason. The dude is a 6'4" Russian with a big shot, tons of offensive potential, and experience playing in the 2nd best league in the world. Not only experience, but he is performing fantastic right now. He is on pace to have the best U-19 season for a defenseman of all time in the KHL, albeit not among notable company. One of the more recent names on the list is Dmitry Orlov, though, so there is some proof of being able to succeed well at the NHL level. It definitely hurts to pass up a kid like Perreault, but lets not act like he was picked next; he went 7 picks later. Mukhamadulin has just as much upside for his position as a kid like Perreault, so lets see if he pans out. Grade: B
Overall grade: B+