NomadSports
Registered User
- Dec 6, 2023
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First mock draft of the year, 2024 doesn't have the elite game breakers at the top that 2023 had but overall should be a fun draft come next June. Obviously as the season goes on with the World Juniors, international tournaments, etc the draft will change as standings, needs, risers, and fallers fluctuate similar to every year.
The order was simple, the teams in playoff positions as of today did a playoff "run" with Carolina and Florida from the East and Colorado and LA from the West. Florida then beats Colorado in 6 for their first cup. Tankathon was run and the winner of the Celebrini sweepstakes was.....Anaheim! With Calgary moving up to grab #2.
Round 1
1. Anaheim Ducks - Macklin Celebrini, C
This is the easiest pick, Anaheim gets their franchise center. Carlsson is going to be a 1C himself but no team would dare turn away the opportunity to have the Centre depth that Anaheim will possess if they got Celebrini as well. A top 6 containing McTavish, Carlsson, Zegras, and Celebrini is scary.
Comparison: Patrice Bergeron - Now hear me out, Bergeron was probably the best defensive forward this generation got to watch. Celebrini will not be that dominant defensively but I fully expect him to contend for Selke trophies while putting up 85+ points a season.
2. Calgary Flames - Ivan Demidov, RW
This pick was difficult, only for the reason that Calgary could go in any direction here. Lindstrom has 1C potential. Dickinson, Silyayev are both impressive LHD. Levshunov is a great RHD prospect. Catton, Eiserman are sitting here as well. But I am a full believer in teams at the top taking elite game breakers and that is exactly what Demidov is. This kid could set foot in the NHL next season and put up 50+ points. If he comes over after his contract ends in 2025 and puts on some muscle then Calgary is gonna be laughing. Add in another top 5 pick the following season and thats a great turn around already.
Comparison: Nikita Kucherov - This is the dream scenario. A winger who can completely carry a line, drive play, and dictate games all on his own. Demidov has this type of ceiling.
3. San Jose Sharks - Cole Eiserman, LW
Will Smith is an amazing playmaker, he sees lanes that few players do. Now imagine throwing a guy whos gift is shooting on his wing. Eiserman instantly looks like a consistent 40+ goal threat a season with guys like Smith and Eklund feeding him pucks all game.
Comparison: Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrik Laine. Eiserman can shoot, probably better than both of these guys at the same age. His game away from the puck is lacking but in this case the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
4. Chicago Blackhawks - Cayden Lindstrom, LW/C/RW
Chicago misses out on putting a 40 goal scorer in Eiserman next to 50 goal-50 assist Bedard by one spot. But no fear Blackhawk fans, Lindstrom is a 6'5 absolute behemoth that can drive his own line or play next to Bedard. This would be similar to the Oilers with McDavid and Draisatl. This kid is rising quickly on everyone's draft boards and he deserves it. I was going to go with a defenseman here but none of them have the upside that Lindstrom has.
Comparison: Joe Thornton - I know Lindstrom can't pass like Joe could, but not many players can yet alone big guys. However, like Joe, Cayden is a unicorn of sorts. He can skate, he hits, he can score, and pass. He will be a 70+ point player and closer to 90+ if he plays with Bedard year in and year out.
5. Columbus Blue Jackets - Anton Silyayev, LHD
Imagine going into Columbus and looking across the ice at a pairing of David Jiricek and Anton Silyayev for 25+ minutes a night. It sounds absolutely dreadful. Watching Silyayev skate you would think he was closer to the Fox, Hughes, Makar size. He is smooth, now he isn't anywhere near as dynamic as those guys but those guys arent 6'7. If he can be a top pairing 50+ point defender who plays 25 minutes a night then Columbus is going to be laughing.
Comparison: Victor Hedman - Size, skating, two-way ability. Silyayev reminds me of Hedman. Now Hedman was way more polished at the same age and seemlessly fit into the NHL, whereas Silyayev is very raw and will need some time before he gets there.
6. Seattle Kraken - Konsta Helenius, C
This guy is my favourite prospect right now, not many guys have produced in a professional mens league in their draft year like Helenius has. Beniers is their 1C for the next decade but Helenius will be an elite 2C. Imagine watching Beniers and Helenius going against Carlsson and Celebrini. The Pacific division could look insanely more competetive if this is how things look.
Comparison: Brayden Point- A lot of pundits have Helenius closer to 10 then I do and the only reason is his size. He is an elite offensive player who also does quite well in the defensive zone. The hockey IQ is amazing and allows him to excel at an undersized build, similar to Point.
7. Buffalo Sabres - Artyom Levshunov, RHD
Similar to the Blue Jackets, Buffalo gets a guy who can skate beside Dahlin and create another absolutely terrifying pairing. Levshunov is 6'2 and has all the makings of a top pairing RHD. He is going to need some developmental time at Michigan State and then probably the AHL but Buffalo keeps on adding to an already enviable U-23 cohort.
Comparison: Charlie McAvoy - If he can reel in his play a bit, and put more work in the defensive zone then I can see him hitting this type of ceiling which would be an absolute dream for Buffalo. A 6'2 right shot that you can put out there 25 mins a night and not have to worry is enviable.
8. Edmonton Oilers - Sam Dickinson, LHD
If Edmonton is in the top 10 but doesn't win the lottery I fully expect them to trade this pick for immediate help, probably a goalie under control for a few years or top 4 D. However, for the sake of this exercise I won't be completing any trades. Which brings me to Dickinson. This kid is difficult, all the tools but just not quite putting it together in the offensive zone. but defensively? Probably the best defensive defenseman of the top grouping, put him with Bouchard and their play styles compliment each other perfectly.
Comparison: Devon Toews - This might not be a sexy comparison but lets be honest, every team wants a Toews on their blueline. He is the Robin to Makar's Batman and i think it would be a similar relationship between Bouchard and Dickinson.
9. Minnesota Wild - Berkly Catton, C
Minnesota sprints to the podium for this kid. A top 5 talent falling to 9 only because of needs, wouldn't be shocked to see him go to Seattle or even a team that trades with Edmonton. Catton is similar to Zach Benson, smaller body but destroying the notoriously ruthless WHL. Catton has all the talent to be a 1C in the NHL and Minnesota would be silly to pass that up.
Comparison: Johnny Gaudreau - Zone entry specialist. Catton has the puck on a string and knows what to do with it. Reminds me of Gaudreau in the Calgary hayday where he just waltzed in and did whatever he wanted with the puck.
10. Montreal Canadiens - Nikita Artamanov, LW/RW
Montreal finds themselves in a bit of a conundrum. The BPA at this spot is a defenseman but they took Reinbacher at 5 and have a pretty healthy stable of defensive prospects. They lack high end skill offensively, ideally they win the lottery or finish low enough to guarantee themselves one of those top 6 forwards but in this lottery they just missed out. Artamanov is no slouch, he is producing in the KHL which is no small feat. However, with the Russian Factor (which doesn't seem very prominent anymore) and Artamanov being more uncertain than a Michkov/Demidov type he falls into that large grouping of players in the 10-20 zone.
Comparison: Kirill Kaprizov - Skill and motor. Artamanov can dangle in a phone booth and never quits moving his feet. If he hits then Montreal will be very happy they grabbed him here.
11. Ottawa Senators - Zayne Parekh, RHD
Ottawa is having a dreadful season, but with games in hand can start turning it around or continue falling. They have drafted some high end forward talent and the left side of their defense is looking pretty good with Chabot and Chrychrun. But the Right Side has been hurting since Karlsson left. Cue Parekh, the defender is having a monster season in the OHL and with the proper development and patience would quarterback that PP1 in Ottawa for a very long time.
Comparison: Torey Krug - Offensively gifted. Parekh is a magician in the opposing zone but needs some work in his own zone. Even if he becomes an average defender in his zone while producing this is a win.
12. Chicago Blackhawks - Zeev Buium, LHD
Smooth. Effortless. Chicago grabs one of, if not the best, skaters in the draft in Buium. Zeev is having a great year in the NCAA, put aside his handedness, this kid will probably be a top 10 pick come June if he keeps this up and adds a good WJC.
Comparison: Miro Heiskanen - Buium looks like he isn't trying. It is that effortless for him. Like Heiskanen you almost want to say they are lazy but simply the technique is perfect.
13. Nashville Predators - Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW
He reminds me of Kasper. Smaller Scandinavian National having a great year in the SHL. MBN could be a middle 6 forward on more than a handful of NHL teams and not look out of place. He plays a very pro-style of game at a young age. He goes to the dirty areas, hits, and can shoot the puck.
Comparison: Marco Kasper - He is gonna play at the very least a middle 6 role and excel at it, on a championship team he would be a secondary scoring, PP2, PK1 type of guy.
14. San Jose Sharks - Carter Yakemchuk, RHD
Homerun swing right here. I 100% believe that Yakemchuk will be an NHLer because of his size and skating ability, however if he can continue his development and hit his peak, San Jose walks away with a top pairing Right Shot defender at 14.
Comparison: Dustin Byfuglien - Im talking prime big Buff here, the absolute menace to society who could hit, shoot, fight, skate and just create havoc out there. Yakemchuk is a huge body and not many teams would have been opposed to having prime Byfuglien on their teams.
15. New Jersey Devils - Trevor Connelly, LW/RW
Absolutely wrecking the USHL right now, going to head to Providence where he will get some solid minutes and great development. If he continues this pace I expect some teams higher to really take a look but this range is a good fit for him. New Jersey is on a nice enough trajectory that there is no rush to get Connelly to the NHL.
Comparison: Jake Guentzel - He is not a line driver, but he is a complimentary piece who has enough versatility and skill to play with highly skilled forwards and not hinder them or himself.
16. Philadelphia Flyers - Aron Kiviharju, LHD
Kiviharju was seen as someone who would challenge for #1 overall a few years back but he hit a plateau a bit offensively and then had a major injury this year. He still has that insane potential to be a #1 defenceman and maybe with some rehab and a rebound developmentally Philadelphia will score a top 5 talent again in back to back years.
Comparison: Shea Theodore - Development isn't linear, all these kids need is the right fit, and patience and most could reach their potential. If Kiviharju can become a version of Shea Theodore then Flyers fans would be very excited.
17. New York Islanders - Adam Jiricek, RHD
Throw a name in a hat and pick one. New York needs help everywhere. Jiricek has #2-#3 potential. He is 6'2 and can skate but a gust of wind can blow him over, he needs about 3-4 years and 30 lbs of muscle to be a contributor at the NHL level. But given the Islanders win now mentality, bringing him along slowly adds a trade piece or a key piece in later years for a rebuild.
Comparison: David Jiricek-lite - This is almost a cop out but listen, David is the more complete physically mature defenceman. Adam however is a much better skater and above average in every other area.
18. St. Louis Blues - Igor Chernyshov, LW/RW
What is Chernyshov going to be? That is the question scouts ae asking themselves, he needs to be a more consistent player. However if he develops and decides to come over, St Louis is looking at a very middle 6 winger who has top 6 potential.
Comparison: David Backes - To give an idea to Blues fans, this kid has size and if uses it right he will be a complete pain to play against, just like one Blues fan favourite David Backes.
19. Arizona Coyotes - Alfons Freij, LHD
No one knows what the suit squad is going to do. They surprised everyone going with But and Simashev last draft but those look like great picks so far. Freij is a smooth skating swedish defenceman, which is as cliche as a solid Russian goalie and crushing power forward from the Canadian Praires. But adding more depth on the backend will subliment the already loaded forward group in Arizona.
Comparison: Hampus Lindholm - He isnt going to blow you away with 60+ points or be punishing defensively, but Freij will be steady and with his skating style can be quite an escape artist.
20. Washington Capitals - Tij Iginla, RW
Ovechkin will not be in Washington forever, eventually the Capitals will need to replace all the goals via committee. Enter Iginla, the son of Jarome Iginla is an absolute sniper. The kid can shoot and is terrorizing WHL goalies. he will not average 50+ goals a season like Ovy but he'll get you 30-40 of those back when he is ready.
Comparison: Jarome Iginla - Like father, like son. Tij is an absolute fireball on the ice, youd think there was about 3 of him out there. And just like his father he will go to the areas that only natural born goal scorers will go.
21. Winnipeg Jets - Henry Mews, RHD
Mews was once seen in the same conversation as Parekh, the difference is that although Mews is having a very solid year, its no where near the level that Parekh ahs raised his game. However, when he is playing at his best, Mews is a game driver on the back end, his skatin gability allows him to constantly activate while also allowing him to get back in time to defend.
Comparison: Jamie Drysdale-lite - Mews isn't on the offensive level that Drysdale is an probably never will be, but he has the same talent of using his skating to make up for his lack of size and doing it effectively.
22. Vancouver Canucks - Simon Zether, C
I really tried to avoid this cliche but at this point in the draft you grab the BPA at the highest rated position on your board. Vancouver has focused heavily on drafting defenseman and have solid prospect depth there. Zether is a 6'3 right shot Center who has excelled at the J20 level and is playing in the SHL with Rogle. Leave him over there to develop and hope he becomes a middle six C for you.
Comparison: Andre Burakovsky - Reliable middle 6 forward who is responsible in their own zone while chipping in offensively.
23. Toronto Maple Leafs - Will Skahan, LHD
An absolutely massive player. Skahan is very raw, and rough around the edges but he is 6'4, can skate, and loves to hit. Toronto loves these project out of the blue pick (see Easton Cowan) and if Skahan hits that is a nasty piece of work you can slot into your top 4.
Comparison: Brandon Carlo - Mean, defenseman who may not give you a lot offensively but he isn't exactly a friendly guy in front of the net or in the corners. Skahan will develop at BC, but if he ever needed an NHL niche its to be mean.
24, Detroit Red Wings - Leo Sahlin Wallenius, LHD
Similar to Vancouver, its easy giving a swedish player to Detroit. However with Seider and ASP patrolling the blue line providing all that offense. Having someone like Sahlin Wallenius to pair with either of them gives them a pairing that most teams just do not have and would struggle to contain.
Comparison: John Klingberg - No idea what these scandinavians put in the water bottles for defenders but man can they skate. Smoother than butter and defensively responsible.
25. Dallas Stars - Sascha Boisvert, C
Boisvert will never be an 80+ point #1C, but he is rock solid. He is like Nate Danielson extra lite. He will be an NHL Centre, but depending on his development is he a low #2/high #3 or bottom 6 C.
Comparison: Jay Beagle - He will be an NHL Centre, just one of those guys who has enough size, and hockey IQ that he will fit on a 3rd line. This to me is more of a floor but at 25 overall you happily take this guy.
26. Las Vegas Golden Knights - Liam Greentree, LW
How is it that Vegas gets Vegas players no matter where they are in the draft? Greentree is one of the very few bright spots on a Windsor team and look for them to trade him to a contender for a bounty. he is 6'2, 200 lbs and can hold his own in his zone while putting the puck in the net.
Comparison: Alex Tuch - Big body forward who will play a hard, 200 foot game. Greentree is one of those guys who will go anywhere from 12-32, the middle ground of this first round is murky on order.
27. Ottawa Senators - Terik Parascak, LW/RW
This kid can score, he plays on arguably the best line in the CHL on the best team in the CHL. The real question is, is he simply benefitting from playing with two guys in Ziemmer and Heidt who are on pace for almost 2 PPG in the WHL? You must trust your scouts a lot, but if he hits then Ottawa has a great 1st round going with him and Parekh.
Comparison: TJ Oshie - Shoort first, shoot second, ask questions after. Parascak is a gifted goal scorer but does he need elite playmakers to excel at the next level? Ottawa is ok with either answer as putting him with Stutzle would be a boon.
28. New York Rangers - Michael Hage, C
I fully expect Hage to go higher by the end of the season. A shoulder injury had him off to a late start but he is picking up where he left off in the USHL. If he was healthy I believe he would compete with Connelly or at very least be within rocks throw of him.
Comparison: Evgeni Malkin-extra lite - When Hage is healthy and on his game, he can dictate games better than most kids his age. He has a confidence about him that reminds me of Malkin, when he had the puck everyone moved around him and he dictated what was going to happen.
29. Carolina Hurricanes - Daniil Ustinkov, LHD
There is a group of teams who pick players that absolutely none of us saw coming. Carolina runs that group of teams. I like Ustinkov and believe there is more to him than the stats show. Plan on watching much more games of him but look for him to sneak his way towards the back end of the 1st.
30. Los Angeles Kings - Emil Hemming, LW
House money at this point. Los Angeles has depth everywhere and the patience to take project guys. hemming is another player i think very highly of and expect him higher after the world juniors. He has size, can skate, and after about pick 15 you are hoping for an NHL caliber player and Hemming can be that.
31. Colorado Avalanche - Cole Hutson, LHD
Another team that can swing for the fence. Cole is similar to his brother in just about every facet, and with the resurgence of the smaller, offensively inclined defenseman in the NHL, expect Hutson to garner tons of interest.
32, Philadelphia Flyers - Beckett Sennecke, LW/RW
he is still adjusting to his body, but Sennecke has great hands for a 6'2 forward and the confidence to try and use them whenever he gets the chance. Look for him to also be anywhere in this first round, if you trust his developmental path, he will be a middle 6 forward
The order was simple, the teams in playoff positions as of today did a playoff "run" with Carolina and Florida from the East and Colorado and LA from the West. Florida then beats Colorado in 6 for their first cup. Tankathon was run and the winner of the Celebrini sweepstakes was.....Anaheim! With Calgary moving up to grab #2.
Round 1
1. Anaheim Ducks - Macklin Celebrini, C
This is the easiest pick, Anaheim gets their franchise center. Carlsson is going to be a 1C himself but no team would dare turn away the opportunity to have the Centre depth that Anaheim will possess if they got Celebrini as well. A top 6 containing McTavish, Carlsson, Zegras, and Celebrini is scary.
Comparison: Patrice Bergeron - Now hear me out, Bergeron was probably the best defensive forward this generation got to watch. Celebrini will not be that dominant defensively but I fully expect him to contend for Selke trophies while putting up 85+ points a season.
2. Calgary Flames - Ivan Demidov, RW
This pick was difficult, only for the reason that Calgary could go in any direction here. Lindstrom has 1C potential. Dickinson, Silyayev are both impressive LHD. Levshunov is a great RHD prospect. Catton, Eiserman are sitting here as well. But I am a full believer in teams at the top taking elite game breakers and that is exactly what Demidov is. This kid could set foot in the NHL next season and put up 50+ points. If he comes over after his contract ends in 2025 and puts on some muscle then Calgary is gonna be laughing. Add in another top 5 pick the following season and thats a great turn around already.
Comparison: Nikita Kucherov - This is the dream scenario. A winger who can completely carry a line, drive play, and dictate games all on his own. Demidov has this type of ceiling.
3. San Jose Sharks - Cole Eiserman, LW
Will Smith is an amazing playmaker, he sees lanes that few players do. Now imagine throwing a guy whos gift is shooting on his wing. Eiserman instantly looks like a consistent 40+ goal threat a season with guys like Smith and Eklund feeding him pucks all game.
Comparison: Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrik Laine. Eiserman can shoot, probably better than both of these guys at the same age. His game away from the puck is lacking but in this case the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
4. Chicago Blackhawks - Cayden Lindstrom, LW/C/RW
Chicago misses out on putting a 40 goal scorer in Eiserman next to 50 goal-50 assist Bedard by one spot. But no fear Blackhawk fans, Lindstrom is a 6'5 absolute behemoth that can drive his own line or play next to Bedard. This would be similar to the Oilers with McDavid and Draisatl. This kid is rising quickly on everyone's draft boards and he deserves it. I was going to go with a defenseman here but none of them have the upside that Lindstrom has.
Comparison: Joe Thornton - I know Lindstrom can't pass like Joe could, but not many players can yet alone big guys. However, like Joe, Cayden is a unicorn of sorts. He can skate, he hits, he can score, and pass. He will be a 70+ point player and closer to 90+ if he plays with Bedard year in and year out.
5. Columbus Blue Jackets - Anton Silyayev, LHD
Imagine going into Columbus and looking across the ice at a pairing of David Jiricek and Anton Silyayev for 25+ minutes a night. It sounds absolutely dreadful. Watching Silyayev skate you would think he was closer to the Fox, Hughes, Makar size. He is smooth, now he isn't anywhere near as dynamic as those guys but those guys arent 6'7. If he can be a top pairing 50+ point defender who plays 25 minutes a night then Columbus is going to be laughing.
Comparison: Victor Hedman - Size, skating, two-way ability. Silyayev reminds me of Hedman. Now Hedman was way more polished at the same age and seemlessly fit into the NHL, whereas Silyayev is very raw and will need some time before he gets there.
6. Seattle Kraken - Konsta Helenius, C
This guy is my favourite prospect right now, not many guys have produced in a professional mens league in their draft year like Helenius has. Beniers is their 1C for the next decade but Helenius will be an elite 2C. Imagine watching Beniers and Helenius going against Carlsson and Celebrini. The Pacific division could look insanely more competetive if this is how things look.
Comparison: Brayden Point- A lot of pundits have Helenius closer to 10 then I do and the only reason is his size. He is an elite offensive player who also does quite well in the defensive zone. The hockey IQ is amazing and allows him to excel at an undersized build, similar to Point.
7. Buffalo Sabres - Artyom Levshunov, RHD
Similar to the Blue Jackets, Buffalo gets a guy who can skate beside Dahlin and create another absolutely terrifying pairing. Levshunov is 6'2 and has all the makings of a top pairing RHD. He is going to need some developmental time at Michigan State and then probably the AHL but Buffalo keeps on adding to an already enviable U-23 cohort.
Comparison: Charlie McAvoy - If he can reel in his play a bit, and put more work in the defensive zone then I can see him hitting this type of ceiling which would be an absolute dream for Buffalo. A 6'2 right shot that you can put out there 25 mins a night and not have to worry is enviable.
8. Edmonton Oilers - Sam Dickinson, LHD
If Edmonton is in the top 10 but doesn't win the lottery I fully expect them to trade this pick for immediate help, probably a goalie under control for a few years or top 4 D. However, for the sake of this exercise I won't be completing any trades. Which brings me to Dickinson. This kid is difficult, all the tools but just not quite putting it together in the offensive zone. but defensively? Probably the best defensive defenseman of the top grouping, put him with Bouchard and their play styles compliment each other perfectly.
Comparison: Devon Toews - This might not be a sexy comparison but lets be honest, every team wants a Toews on their blueline. He is the Robin to Makar's Batman and i think it would be a similar relationship between Bouchard and Dickinson.
9. Minnesota Wild - Berkly Catton, C
Minnesota sprints to the podium for this kid. A top 5 talent falling to 9 only because of needs, wouldn't be shocked to see him go to Seattle or even a team that trades with Edmonton. Catton is similar to Zach Benson, smaller body but destroying the notoriously ruthless WHL. Catton has all the talent to be a 1C in the NHL and Minnesota would be silly to pass that up.
Comparison: Johnny Gaudreau - Zone entry specialist. Catton has the puck on a string and knows what to do with it. Reminds me of Gaudreau in the Calgary hayday where he just waltzed in and did whatever he wanted with the puck.
10. Montreal Canadiens - Nikita Artamanov, LW/RW
Montreal finds themselves in a bit of a conundrum. The BPA at this spot is a defenseman but they took Reinbacher at 5 and have a pretty healthy stable of defensive prospects. They lack high end skill offensively, ideally they win the lottery or finish low enough to guarantee themselves one of those top 6 forwards but in this lottery they just missed out. Artamanov is no slouch, he is producing in the KHL which is no small feat. However, with the Russian Factor (which doesn't seem very prominent anymore) and Artamanov being more uncertain than a Michkov/Demidov type he falls into that large grouping of players in the 10-20 zone.
Comparison: Kirill Kaprizov - Skill and motor. Artamanov can dangle in a phone booth and never quits moving his feet. If he hits then Montreal will be very happy they grabbed him here.
11. Ottawa Senators - Zayne Parekh, RHD
Ottawa is having a dreadful season, but with games in hand can start turning it around or continue falling. They have drafted some high end forward talent and the left side of their defense is looking pretty good with Chabot and Chrychrun. But the Right Side has been hurting since Karlsson left. Cue Parekh, the defender is having a monster season in the OHL and with the proper development and patience would quarterback that PP1 in Ottawa for a very long time.
Comparison: Torey Krug - Offensively gifted. Parekh is a magician in the opposing zone but needs some work in his own zone. Even if he becomes an average defender in his zone while producing this is a win.
12. Chicago Blackhawks - Zeev Buium, LHD
Smooth. Effortless. Chicago grabs one of, if not the best, skaters in the draft in Buium. Zeev is having a great year in the NCAA, put aside his handedness, this kid will probably be a top 10 pick come June if he keeps this up and adds a good WJC.
Comparison: Miro Heiskanen - Buium looks like he isn't trying. It is that effortless for him. Like Heiskanen you almost want to say they are lazy but simply the technique is perfect.
13. Nashville Predators - Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW
He reminds me of Kasper. Smaller Scandinavian National having a great year in the SHL. MBN could be a middle 6 forward on more than a handful of NHL teams and not look out of place. He plays a very pro-style of game at a young age. He goes to the dirty areas, hits, and can shoot the puck.
Comparison: Marco Kasper - He is gonna play at the very least a middle 6 role and excel at it, on a championship team he would be a secondary scoring, PP2, PK1 type of guy.
14. San Jose Sharks - Carter Yakemchuk, RHD
Homerun swing right here. I 100% believe that Yakemchuk will be an NHLer because of his size and skating ability, however if he can continue his development and hit his peak, San Jose walks away with a top pairing Right Shot defender at 14.
Comparison: Dustin Byfuglien - Im talking prime big Buff here, the absolute menace to society who could hit, shoot, fight, skate and just create havoc out there. Yakemchuk is a huge body and not many teams would have been opposed to having prime Byfuglien on their teams.
15. New Jersey Devils - Trevor Connelly, LW/RW
Absolutely wrecking the USHL right now, going to head to Providence where he will get some solid minutes and great development. If he continues this pace I expect some teams higher to really take a look but this range is a good fit for him. New Jersey is on a nice enough trajectory that there is no rush to get Connelly to the NHL.
Comparison: Jake Guentzel - He is not a line driver, but he is a complimentary piece who has enough versatility and skill to play with highly skilled forwards and not hinder them or himself.
16. Philadelphia Flyers - Aron Kiviharju, LHD
Kiviharju was seen as someone who would challenge for #1 overall a few years back but he hit a plateau a bit offensively and then had a major injury this year. He still has that insane potential to be a #1 defenceman and maybe with some rehab and a rebound developmentally Philadelphia will score a top 5 talent again in back to back years.
Comparison: Shea Theodore - Development isn't linear, all these kids need is the right fit, and patience and most could reach their potential. If Kiviharju can become a version of Shea Theodore then Flyers fans would be very excited.
17. New York Islanders - Adam Jiricek, RHD
Throw a name in a hat and pick one. New York needs help everywhere. Jiricek has #2-#3 potential. He is 6'2 and can skate but a gust of wind can blow him over, he needs about 3-4 years and 30 lbs of muscle to be a contributor at the NHL level. But given the Islanders win now mentality, bringing him along slowly adds a trade piece or a key piece in later years for a rebuild.
Comparison: David Jiricek-lite - This is almost a cop out but listen, David is the more complete physically mature defenceman. Adam however is a much better skater and above average in every other area.
18. St. Louis Blues - Igor Chernyshov, LW/RW
What is Chernyshov going to be? That is the question scouts ae asking themselves, he needs to be a more consistent player. However if he develops and decides to come over, St Louis is looking at a very middle 6 winger who has top 6 potential.
Comparison: David Backes - To give an idea to Blues fans, this kid has size and if uses it right he will be a complete pain to play against, just like one Blues fan favourite David Backes.
19. Arizona Coyotes - Alfons Freij, LHD
No one knows what the suit squad is going to do. They surprised everyone going with But and Simashev last draft but those look like great picks so far. Freij is a smooth skating swedish defenceman, which is as cliche as a solid Russian goalie and crushing power forward from the Canadian Praires. But adding more depth on the backend will subliment the already loaded forward group in Arizona.
Comparison: Hampus Lindholm - He isnt going to blow you away with 60+ points or be punishing defensively, but Freij will be steady and with his skating style can be quite an escape artist.
20. Washington Capitals - Tij Iginla, RW
Ovechkin will not be in Washington forever, eventually the Capitals will need to replace all the goals via committee. Enter Iginla, the son of Jarome Iginla is an absolute sniper. The kid can shoot and is terrorizing WHL goalies. he will not average 50+ goals a season like Ovy but he'll get you 30-40 of those back when he is ready.
Comparison: Jarome Iginla - Like father, like son. Tij is an absolute fireball on the ice, youd think there was about 3 of him out there. And just like his father he will go to the areas that only natural born goal scorers will go.
21. Winnipeg Jets - Henry Mews, RHD
Mews was once seen in the same conversation as Parekh, the difference is that although Mews is having a very solid year, its no where near the level that Parekh ahs raised his game. However, when he is playing at his best, Mews is a game driver on the back end, his skatin gability allows him to constantly activate while also allowing him to get back in time to defend.
Comparison: Jamie Drysdale-lite - Mews isn't on the offensive level that Drysdale is an probably never will be, but he has the same talent of using his skating to make up for his lack of size and doing it effectively.
22. Vancouver Canucks - Simon Zether, C
I really tried to avoid this cliche but at this point in the draft you grab the BPA at the highest rated position on your board. Vancouver has focused heavily on drafting defenseman and have solid prospect depth there. Zether is a 6'3 right shot Center who has excelled at the J20 level and is playing in the SHL with Rogle. Leave him over there to develop and hope he becomes a middle six C for you.
Comparison: Andre Burakovsky - Reliable middle 6 forward who is responsible in their own zone while chipping in offensively.
23. Toronto Maple Leafs - Will Skahan, LHD
An absolutely massive player. Skahan is very raw, and rough around the edges but he is 6'4, can skate, and loves to hit. Toronto loves these project out of the blue pick (see Easton Cowan) and if Skahan hits that is a nasty piece of work you can slot into your top 4.
Comparison: Brandon Carlo - Mean, defenseman who may not give you a lot offensively but he isn't exactly a friendly guy in front of the net or in the corners. Skahan will develop at BC, but if he ever needed an NHL niche its to be mean.
24, Detroit Red Wings - Leo Sahlin Wallenius, LHD
Similar to Vancouver, its easy giving a swedish player to Detroit. However with Seider and ASP patrolling the blue line providing all that offense. Having someone like Sahlin Wallenius to pair with either of them gives them a pairing that most teams just do not have and would struggle to contain.
Comparison: John Klingberg - No idea what these scandinavians put in the water bottles for defenders but man can they skate. Smoother than butter and defensively responsible.
25. Dallas Stars - Sascha Boisvert, C
Boisvert will never be an 80+ point #1C, but he is rock solid. He is like Nate Danielson extra lite. He will be an NHL Centre, but depending on his development is he a low #2/high #3 or bottom 6 C.
Comparison: Jay Beagle - He will be an NHL Centre, just one of those guys who has enough size, and hockey IQ that he will fit on a 3rd line. This to me is more of a floor but at 25 overall you happily take this guy.
26. Las Vegas Golden Knights - Liam Greentree, LW
How is it that Vegas gets Vegas players no matter where they are in the draft? Greentree is one of the very few bright spots on a Windsor team and look for them to trade him to a contender for a bounty. he is 6'2, 200 lbs and can hold his own in his zone while putting the puck in the net.
Comparison: Alex Tuch - Big body forward who will play a hard, 200 foot game. Greentree is one of those guys who will go anywhere from 12-32, the middle ground of this first round is murky on order.
27. Ottawa Senators - Terik Parascak, LW/RW
This kid can score, he plays on arguably the best line in the CHL on the best team in the CHL. The real question is, is he simply benefitting from playing with two guys in Ziemmer and Heidt who are on pace for almost 2 PPG in the WHL? You must trust your scouts a lot, but if he hits then Ottawa has a great 1st round going with him and Parekh.
Comparison: TJ Oshie - Shoort first, shoot second, ask questions after. Parascak is a gifted goal scorer but does he need elite playmakers to excel at the next level? Ottawa is ok with either answer as putting him with Stutzle would be a boon.
28. New York Rangers - Michael Hage, C
I fully expect Hage to go higher by the end of the season. A shoulder injury had him off to a late start but he is picking up where he left off in the USHL. If he was healthy I believe he would compete with Connelly or at very least be within rocks throw of him.
Comparison: Evgeni Malkin-extra lite - When Hage is healthy and on his game, he can dictate games better than most kids his age. He has a confidence about him that reminds me of Malkin, when he had the puck everyone moved around him and he dictated what was going to happen.
29. Carolina Hurricanes - Daniil Ustinkov, LHD
There is a group of teams who pick players that absolutely none of us saw coming. Carolina runs that group of teams. I like Ustinkov and believe there is more to him than the stats show. Plan on watching much more games of him but look for him to sneak his way towards the back end of the 1st.
30. Los Angeles Kings - Emil Hemming, LW
House money at this point. Los Angeles has depth everywhere and the patience to take project guys. hemming is another player i think very highly of and expect him higher after the world juniors. He has size, can skate, and after about pick 15 you are hoping for an NHL caliber player and Hemming can be that.
31. Colorado Avalanche - Cole Hutson, LHD
Another team that can swing for the fence. Cole is similar to his brother in just about every facet, and with the resurgence of the smaller, offensively inclined defenseman in the NHL, expect Hutson to garner tons of interest.
32, Philadelphia Flyers - Beckett Sennecke, LW/RW
he is still adjusting to his body, but Sennecke has great hands for a 6'2 forward and the confidence to try and use them whenever he gets the chance. Look for him to also be anywhere in this first round, if you trust his developmental path, he will be a middle 6 forward
