StevenToddIves
Registered User
2020 Devils-centric Mock Draft 2.0 for March
First off, I based the draft order on winning percentage. This has been discussed by multiple prominent hockey writers, and would also be good for the Devils in that they would keep the #6 (NJ) and #10 (ARI) picks, as well as retaining Vancouver’s top pick at #17.
Again, this is not a draft ranking, but rather a mock draft created by judging consensus ratings of prospects, then combining them with organizational draft tendencies and needs. The draft lottery is not taken into account, though if any of you had any questions about how the top of the draft might go in the event of any possible lottery combination, I’d be glad to answer them on this thread.
1 Detroit LW Alex Lafreniere, Rimouski QMJHL the complete package — a truly elite combo of vision/scoring/compete level/athleticism rarely seen and ready to make an NHL impact right away.
2 Ottawa C Quinton Byfield, Sudbury OHL the best pure athlete in the draft is 6’5-215 with elite skating and offensive tools, his talent ceiling is almost immeasurable -- like a Lindros/Eichel hybrid.
3 Ottawa RD Jamie Drysdale, Erie OHL a dream scenario for the Senators, as they get the top center and top defenseman in a stacked draft class back-to-back; compares nicely to Calder candidate Cale Makar.
4 Los Angeles C/LW Tim Stutzle, Mannheim DEL the Kings add to an already stacked prospect pool with this electrifying offensive talent. His skating is elite, while his hands and passing ability can only be described as “remarkable”. Destined to challenge Leon Draisaitl as the best German-born player in NHL history.
5 Anaheim RW Alexander Holtz, Djurgardens SHL Anaheim loves to draft big kids and out of Sweden; Holtz is the Patrick Laine of the 2020 class — his shot is just ridiculous and his all-around game is extremely advanced.
6 New Jersey Devils C Marco Rossi, Ottawa OHL I’ve been connecting Rossi to the Devils for quite awhile — they have certainly seen tons of him with virtually half of their prospects developing for a juggernaut 67’s squad. Rossi is the best two-way center in the draft — and there’s quite a few good ones. He’s a rare mix: gritty and dynamic with a hockey IQ that is as good as it gets.
7 Buffalo LW/RW Lucas Raymond, Frolunda SHL the Sabres have been thus far unable to surround superstar C Jack Eichel with wingers of his skill level, but Raymond is a dazzling puck handler and playmaker with lightning in his skates. Has not produced to expectation in 2019-20, but his skills/style are comparable to a young Mitch Marner.
8 Montreal LW Cole Perfetti, Saginaw OHL Montreal does not score enough and Perfetti is the cure; his hands are like a pair of magic wands and his hockey sense is second to none in the class of 2020. Matches the skill of a Claude Giroux, but plays with a higher compete level and a superior hockey IQ.
9 Chicago C Anton Lundell, HIFK FIN the Blackhawks won’t have Toews forever, and while Dylan Strome has rounded out as a very good NHL 2C, Lundell has the upside to be a top-line pivot. Lundell mixes ideal size and skill with a tremendous shot and a mature, intelligent 200-foot game.
10 New Jersey Devils LD Jake Sanderson, US-NTDP USHL I’ve been connecting Jack Quinn to this pick for awhile, but I’m veering off as Sanderson’s stock has risen even more sharply in the past months. Sanderson has many desirable Ryan Suter-like qualities — he simply excels in every single aspect of the game and lacks any flaw whatsoever. He’s the best shut-down D in the draft and also adds a capability of 40-50 point NHL seasons, he’s an all-situation minute-muncher who will be the bedrock of any NHL blueline.
11 Minnesota C Connor Zary, Kamloops WHL new Wild GM Bill Guerin needs to restock a prospect pool which is strong at LW and lacking everywhere else after a season-plus of gross mismanagement by ex-GM Paul Fenton. Zary is a two-way force who plays at a terrifically high tempo with a more dynamic offensive game than many give him credit for — a future top 6 NHL center.
12 Winnipeg C/RW Dawson Mercer, Drummondville QMJHL the Jets like them both tough and skilled and Mercer is that kid you can slot anywhere in the line-up. His versatility allows him to shine up the middle or on the wing, while his mix of high-octane offense and relentless defense will allow him to excel on a checking or scoring line. This kid can do it all — great shooter, great passer and a scintillating stickhandler with a physical edge and tremendous compete level.
13 NY Rangers LW/RW Rodion Amirov, Salavat Ufa, KHL in recent years, no organization has scouted Russia better than the Rangers, who can add a goal-scoring winger with mesmerizing puck skills and huge scoring upside. Amirov may take three to four years to arrive in North America, but he’ll be worth the wait.
14 Florida RW Jack Quinn, Ottawa OHL if there’s a Mark Stone in the 2020 draft it’s Quinn, who has rocketed up draft rankings all year thanks to insane goal-scoring ability (topping the 50 plateau for the 67s), tremendous vision and a flawless 200-foot game.
15 Columbus LW Dylan Holloway, Wisconsin NCAA no one plays a Tortorella-style game like Holloway, a big-bodied banger who hits everything in sight. But Holloway compliments this with the skating and offensive skills to play on top lines with high-caliber offensive talent; an uncommon combination which will see him go in the top 20 come draft day.
16 Calgary RW Noel Gunler, Lulea SHL the Flames have long-sought a RW to compliment their top-line duo of Monahan/Gaudreau, and hope they find it here. Gunler is extraordinarily talented with elite skating/shooting/puckhandling skills, but his compete level and 200-foot game have come into enough question that he drops behind RWs Mercer and Quinn come draft day.
17 New Jersey Devils LW/C Jan Mysak, Hamilton OHL the Devils need goal-scoring wingers in the prospect pool, and Mysak is dynamic in that respect. The best Czech available in 2020 has elite goal-scoring acumen to add to incredible wheels and astounding puck-skills. Mysak missed the cut-off for the 2021 draft by only one day, and has incalculable development potential to one day be a top-line sniper at the NHL level.
18 Nashville G Yaroslav Askarov, Ska-St. Petersburg VHL hailed by many as the best goaltending prospect since Carey Price, Askarov has struggled some in the 2019-20 campaign but his potential remains sky-high. The Predators are built from the defense on out, but are facing goaltender questions with an aging Rinne and a middling but unspectacular Saros between the pipes.
19 Carolina LD Jeremie Poirier, Saint John QMJHL the Hurricanes showed a willingness to draft all-offense blueliners in recent years, notably with selections of Honka and Fensore in 2019. Poirier possesses more offensive upside than any defender in the class of 2020 this side of Drysdale, but his defensive game and compete level both require tremendous improvements.
20 Edmonton RW Jacob Perreault, Sarnia OHL the Oilers seek fast, skilled wingers to flank superstar centers McDavid and Draisaitl, and the son of ex-NHL-er Yanic surely fits this bill. He’s a sharp-shooting sniper with elite skates who can turn any defensive miscue into a goal-scoring opportunity, but he needs to work on his play without the puck.
21 Ottawa C Hendrix Lapierre, Chicoutimi OHL a center with top-line upside; his passing vision and acuity as good as anyone in the draft, Lapierre would be talked about as a top-10 possibility were it not for multiple concussions which derailed his draft year. With a trio of first round picks, the Senators can afford to take a chance on this player’s lofty potential.
22 Dallas C/RW Mavrik Bourque, Shawinigan QMJHL the Stars are painfully thin on young, high-end forward talents and Bourque certainly fits that bill. Though not big at 5’10-170 and not especially fleet of foot, every other aspect of Bourque’s game is a plus — he’s an incredible shooter, passer and puck-handler with incredible attention to detail in every aspect of his game.
23 NY Rangers LD Shakir Mukhamadullin, Salavat Ufa KHL here I have the Rangers once again leaning on their Russian scouts, this time to grab a potential boom-pick. Mukhamadullin combines a projectable 6’3-180 frame with a bomb of a shot and a penchant for physical play; though perhaps several years from the NHL, the Rangers have a stocked prospect pool and can afford to be patient with their picks.
24 Minnesota LD Kaiden Guhle, Prince Albert WHL there is reason to believe that the Wild would take Sanderson at #11, but in this scenario they don’t get him and instead bolster a weak prospect pool at D with Guhle, a formidable shut-down rearguard boasting a powerful physical edge and a cannon-like shot from the point.
25 Philadelphia C Ty Similanic, US-NTDP USHL the Flyers drafted heavily out of the US high school ranks in recent drafts, and Similanic gives them another reason to. The top center for the premier development program in the world combines a big body with elite skating ability and a rocket of a shot. He projects to a dangerous and physical two-way mid-6 NHL pivot.
26 San Jose RW/C Seth Jarvis, Portland WHL following years of competing for the Cup and trading off draft picks, the Sharks are absolutely desperate for skill all throughout their prospect pipeline. Skill is what Jarvis offers in spades — he’s an elite goal-scoring and passing talent whose sheer sneakiness is second to only Perfetti in this draft class; tore up the WHL for 98 points in just 56 games.
27 Colorado RW Sam Colangelo, Chicago USHL my first “shocker” of the 2020 draft is not without explanation. The Avs are overflowing with talent both at the NHL and prospect level, but if they have any need at all it is for complimentary scorers. Colangelo boasts an uncommon mix of size (6’2-205) with terrific skating, passing vision and shooting. He’s a raw prospect in need of development, but he tore up the USHL this year and has been compared to Blake Wheeler for his scarcely-found mix of tools.
28 Vegas RD Braden Schneider, Brandon WHL the best shut-down defenseman this side of Sanderson available in 2020, Schneider is a terrific skater with lights-out outlet passing and an intimidating physical edge. His offensive upside is likely in the 30-45 point range, but he’s the perfect guy for your top pairing with an offensive minded LD, much like a young Brent Seabrook was for Duncan Keith.
29 Washington C/LW Marat Khusnutdinov, SKA-1946 MHL most people not only won’t be able to pronounce his name and many won’t recognize it, but this kid could be the best player to come out of Russia this year. Flashy and lightning quick with explosive offensive abilities, Khusnutdinov plays with a fire and brashness. He’s a high-compete, 200-foot player with high-octane scoring chops to match, he’s dynamite to watch and he’s deserving of a first round selection.
30 St. Louis RD Justin Barron, Halifax QMJHL top-pairing RD are premium commodities in today’s NHL, making Barron a risk worth taking. Why the risk? Going into this season, Barron was the consensus #2 D after only Jamie Drysdale, but his draft year was borderline disastrous. After a rough start to the season, blood clots slowed him down and Barron was never truly at 100%. The reason you draft him, however, is what he’s capable of when healthy — Barron is a 6’1-195 two-way force who skates quite well and is willing to play a physical game when need be. He’s an all-situation, minute-munching stud.
31 Anaheim LW Jake Neighbours, Edmonton WHL here’s a kid who plays a power game but compliments it with a great deal of skill. Though not huge at 5’11-195, Neighbors plays a prototypical power game and backs down to absolutely no one. When not crashing creases and mixing it up with the opposition, Neighbours will wow you with elite vision and passing skills off the wing.
Any questions? Disagree? Agree? Let’s escape all the depressing pandemic talk and discuss the hockey draft on this thread. Everyone be safe out there!
First off, I based the draft order on winning percentage. This has been discussed by multiple prominent hockey writers, and would also be good for the Devils in that they would keep the #6 (NJ) and #10 (ARI) picks, as well as retaining Vancouver’s top pick at #17.
Again, this is not a draft ranking, but rather a mock draft created by judging consensus ratings of prospects, then combining them with organizational draft tendencies and needs. The draft lottery is not taken into account, though if any of you had any questions about how the top of the draft might go in the event of any possible lottery combination, I’d be glad to answer them on this thread.
1 Detroit LW Alex Lafreniere, Rimouski QMJHL the complete package — a truly elite combo of vision/scoring/compete level/athleticism rarely seen and ready to make an NHL impact right away.
2 Ottawa C Quinton Byfield, Sudbury OHL the best pure athlete in the draft is 6’5-215 with elite skating and offensive tools, his talent ceiling is almost immeasurable -- like a Lindros/Eichel hybrid.
3 Ottawa RD Jamie Drysdale, Erie OHL a dream scenario for the Senators, as they get the top center and top defenseman in a stacked draft class back-to-back; compares nicely to Calder candidate Cale Makar.
4 Los Angeles C/LW Tim Stutzle, Mannheim DEL the Kings add to an already stacked prospect pool with this electrifying offensive talent. His skating is elite, while his hands and passing ability can only be described as “remarkable”. Destined to challenge Leon Draisaitl as the best German-born player in NHL history.
5 Anaheim RW Alexander Holtz, Djurgardens SHL Anaheim loves to draft big kids and out of Sweden; Holtz is the Patrick Laine of the 2020 class — his shot is just ridiculous and his all-around game is extremely advanced.
6 New Jersey Devils C Marco Rossi, Ottawa OHL I’ve been connecting Rossi to the Devils for quite awhile — they have certainly seen tons of him with virtually half of their prospects developing for a juggernaut 67’s squad. Rossi is the best two-way center in the draft — and there’s quite a few good ones. He’s a rare mix: gritty and dynamic with a hockey IQ that is as good as it gets.
7 Buffalo LW/RW Lucas Raymond, Frolunda SHL the Sabres have been thus far unable to surround superstar C Jack Eichel with wingers of his skill level, but Raymond is a dazzling puck handler and playmaker with lightning in his skates. Has not produced to expectation in 2019-20, but his skills/style are comparable to a young Mitch Marner.
8 Montreal LW Cole Perfetti, Saginaw OHL Montreal does not score enough and Perfetti is the cure; his hands are like a pair of magic wands and his hockey sense is second to none in the class of 2020. Matches the skill of a Claude Giroux, but plays with a higher compete level and a superior hockey IQ.
9 Chicago C Anton Lundell, HIFK FIN the Blackhawks won’t have Toews forever, and while Dylan Strome has rounded out as a very good NHL 2C, Lundell has the upside to be a top-line pivot. Lundell mixes ideal size and skill with a tremendous shot and a mature, intelligent 200-foot game.
10 New Jersey Devils LD Jake Sanderson, US-NTDP USHL I’ve been connecting Jack Quinn to this pick for awhile, but I’m veering off as Sanderson’s stock has risen even more sharply in the past months. Sanderson has many desirable Ryan Suter-like qualities — he simply excels in every single aspect of the game and lacks any flaw whatsoever. He’s the best shut-down D in the draft and also adds a capability of 40-50 point NHL seasons, he’s an all-situation minute-muncher who will be the bedrock of any NHL blueline.
11 Minnesota C Connor Zary, Kamloops WHL new Wild GM Bill Guerin needs to restock a prospect pool which is strong at LW and lacking everywhere else after a season-plus of gross mismanagement by ex-GM Paul Fenton. Zary is a two-way force who plays at a terrifically high tempo with a more dynamic offensive game than many give him credit for — a future top 6 NHL center.
12 Winnipeg C/RW Dawson Mercer, Drummondville QMJHL the Jets like them both tough and skilled and Mercer is that kid you can slot anywhere in the line-up. His versatility allows him to shine up the middle or on the wing, while his mix of high-octane offense and relentless defense will allow him to excel on a checking or scoring line. This kid can do it all — great shooter, great passer and a scintillating stickhandler with a physical edge and tremendous compete level.
13 NY Rangers LW/RW Rodion Amirov, Salavat Ufa, KHL in recent years, no organization has scouted Russia better than the Rangers, who can add a goal-scoring winger with mesmerizing puck skills and huge scoring upside. Amirov may take three to four years to arrive in North America, but he’ll be worth the wait.
14 Florida RW Jack Quinn, Ottawa OHL if there’s a Mark Stone in the 2020 draft it’s Quinn, who has rocketed up draft rankings all year thanks to insane goal-scoring ability (topping the 50 plateau for the 67s), tremendous vision and a flawless 200-foot game.
15 Columbus LW Dylan Holloway, Wisconsin NCAA no one plays a Tortorella-style game like Holloway, a big-bodied banger who hits everything in sight. But Holloway compliments this with the skating and offensive skills to play on top lines with high-caliber offensive talent; an uncommon combination which will see him go in the top 20 come draft day.
16 Calgary RW Noel Gunler, Lulea SHL the Flames have long-sought a RW to compliment their top-line duo of Monahan/Gaudreau, and hope they find it here. Gunler is extraordinarily talented with elite skating/shooting/puckhandling skills, but his compete level and 200-foot game have come into enough question that he drops behind RWs Mercer and Quinn come draft day.
17 New Jersey Devils LW/C Jan Mysak, Hamilton OHL the Devils need goal-scoring wingers in the prospect pool, and Mysak is dynamic in that respect. The best Czech available in 2020 has elite goal-scoring acumen to add to incredible wheels and astounding puck-skills. Mysak missed the cut-off for the 2021 draft by only one day, and has incalculable development potential to one day be a top-line sniper at the NHL level.
18 Nashville G Yaroslav Askarov, Ska-St. Petersburg VHL hailed by many as the best goaltending prospect since Carey Price, Askarov has struggled some in the 2019-20 campaign but his potential remains sky-high. The Predators are built from the defense on out, but are facing goaltender questions with an aging Rinne and a middling but unspectacular Saros between the pipes.
19 Carolina LD Jeremie Poirier, Saint John QMJHL the Hurricanes showed a willingness to draft all-offense blueliners in recent years, notably with selections of Honka and Fensore in 2019. Poirier possesses more offensive upside than any defender in the class of 2020 this side of Drysdale, but his defensive game and compete level both require tremendous improvements.
20 Edmonton RW Jacob Perreault, Sarnia OHL the Oilers seek fast, skilled wingers to flank superstar centers McDavid and Draisaitl, and the son of ex-NHL-er Yanic surely fits this bill. He’s a sharp-shooting sniper with elite skates who can turn any defensive miscue into a goal-scoring opportunity, but he needs to work on his play without the puck.
21 Ottawa C Hendrix Lapierre, Chicoutimi OHL a center with top-line upside; his passing vision and acuity as good as anyone in the draft, Lapierre would be talked about as a top-10 possibility were it not for multiple concussions which derailed his draft year. With a trio of first round picks, the Senators can afford to take a chance on this player’s lofty potential.
22 Dallas C/RW Mavrik Bourque, Shawinigan QMJHL the Stars are painfully thin on young, high-end forward talents and Bourque certainly fits that bill. Though not big at 5’10-170 and not especially fleet of foot, every other aspect of Bourque’s game is a plus — he’s an incredible shooter, passer and puck-handler with incredible attention to detail in every aspect of his game.
23 NY Rangers LD Shakir Mukhamadullin, Salavat Ufa KHL here I have the Rangers once again leaning on their Russian scouts, this time to grab a potential boom-pick. Mukhamadullin combines a projectable 6’3-180 frame with a bomb of a shot and a penchant for physical play; though perhaps several years from the NHL, the Rangers have a stocked prospect pool and can afford to be patient with their picks.
24 Minnesota LD Kaiden Guhle, Prince Albert WHL there is reason to believe that the Wild would take Sanderson at #11, but in this scenario they don’t get him and instead bolster a weak prospect pool at D with Guhle, a formidable shut-down rearguard boasting a powerful physical edge and a cannon-like shot from the point.
25 Philadelphia C Ty Similanic, US-NTDP USHL the Flyers drafted heavily out of the US high school ranks in recent drafts, and Similanic gives them another reason to. The top center for the premier development program in the world combines a big body with elite skating ability and a rocket of a shot. He projects to a dangerous and physical two-way mid-6 NHL pivot.
26 San Jose RW/C Seth Jarvis, Portland WHL following years of competing for the Cup and trading off draft picks, the Sharks are absolutely desperate for skill all throughout their prospect pipeline. Skill is what Jarvis offers in spades — he’s an elite goal-scoring and passing talent whose sheer sneakiness is second to only Perfetti in this draft class; tore up the WHL for 98 points in just 56 games.
27 Colorado RW Sam Colangelo, Chicago USHL my first “shocker” of the 2020 draft is not without explanation. The Avs are overflowing with talent both at the NHL and prospect level, but if they have any need at all it is for complimentary scorers. Colangelo boasts an uncommon mix of size (6’2-205) with terrific skating, passing vision and shooting. He’s a raw prospect in need of development, but he tore up the USHL this year and has been compared to Blake Wheeler for his scarcely-found mix of tools.
28 Vegas RD Braden Schneider, Brandon WHL the best shut-down defenseman this side of Sanderson available in 2020, Schneider is a terrific skater with lights-out outlet passing and an intimidating physical edge. His offensive upside is likely in the 30-45 point range, but he’s the perfect guy for your top pairing with an offensive minded LD, much like a young Brent Seabrook was for Duncan Keith.
29 Washington C/LW Marat Khusnutdinov, SKA-1946 MHL most people not only won’t be able to pronounce his name and many won’t recognize it, but this kid could be the best player to come out of Russia this year. Flashy and lightning quick with explosive offensive abilities, Khusnutdinov plays with a fire and brashness. He’s a high-compete, 200-foot player with high-octane scoring chops to match, he’s dynamite to watch and he’s deserving of a first round selection.
30 St. Louis RD Justin Barron, Halifax QMJHL top-pairing RD are premium commodities in today’s NHL, making Barron a risk worth taking. Why the risk? Going into this season, Barron was the consensus #2 D after only Jamie Drysdale, but his draft year was borderline disastrous. After a rough start to the season, blood clots slowed him down and Barron was never truly at 100%. The reason you draft him, however, is what he’s capable of when healthy — Barron is a 6’1-195 two-way force who skates quite well and is willing to play a physical game when need be. He’s an all-situation, minute-munching stud.
31 Anaheim LW Jake Neighbours, Edmonton WHL here’s a kid who plays a power game but compliments it with a great deal of skill. Though not huge at 5’11-195, Neighbors plays a prototypical power game and backs down to absolutely no one. When not crashing creases and mixing it up with the opposition, Neighbours will wow you with elite vision and passing skills off the wing.
Any questions? Disagree? Agree? Let’s escape all the depressing pandemic talk and discuss the hockey draft on this thread. Everyone be safe out there!
