HFNHL - Another Post-Lotto Mock Draft

MatthewFlames

Registered User
Jul 21, 2003
4,678
812
'Murica
1. Detroit Red Wings - Jack Hughes
If any other GM were picking one, I might think that Kakko has a shot. But Hughes is safe, with tons of upside, he is irresistible.

2. Columbus Blue Jackets - Kaapo Kakko
Kakko is the power to Hughes finesse. He's no Laine, in a good way, he's far more involved in the play. His strength along the boards means his transition to the NHL will be seamless.

3. Philadelphia Flyers (via Calgary) - Alex Turcotte
Ignore the injury - he came back just fine, and er, flying. He has speed to burn and hands to go with it. That bit of grit will go a long way. The Flyers, and those below, will fear the Russian Factor - all leading to Podkolzin's fall. Oh, also, ignore the (via.)

4. Dallas Stars - Bowen Byram
If its possible for an almost consensus top 10 pick to be underrated, then that's where Byram is. In the era of dynamic smart defenseman, this is another of those guys. A 1,2,3 of Dahlin, Boqvist and Byram for Dallas. Yes, please.

5. Vegas Golden Knights - Dylan Cozens
Despite some good high picks, the GK still need that elite 1C. There are some choices here but in an era where speed trumps smarts, Cozens skating makes this an easy choice.

6. Carolina Hurricanes - Kirby Dach
Another big C who has the playmaking and smarts to be a dynamic player at the NHL level. His size and physical play make him the allrounder that has Getzlaf-like sim stats.

7. Arizona Coyotes - Cole Caufield
The Coyotes seem stuck in perpetual rebuild mode and they haven't been able to draft a real game breaker - and that's why they take the risk and take the elite skill and finishing of Caufield.

8. Florida Panthers - Trevor Zegras

The GM has said it himself - he just doesn't draft out of the WHL. In Zegras, he gets a player who might be a bit hidden playing behind Hughes.

9. Edmonton Oilers - Peyton Krebs
People think Krebs is the 3rd best forward of these elite WHL'ers but he may be the best, he just plays on a brutal squad (similar to the Sean Monahan situation).

10. New Jersey Devils - Spencer Knight

The Devils don't care what everybody else thinks - If the GM keys in on a prospect he'll take him anywhere. Knight is the best 17 year old goaltender to come along in half a decade.

11. Philadelphia Flyers - Vasili Podkolzin
It's not just the NicRussian Factor - there are questions about Podkolzin's skating. Add to that the amount of intriguing and safer forwards with tons of upside available - it will lead to the Flyers getting the Russian anyway.

12. Montreal Canadiens - Philip Broberg
Size still matters, especially on the back-end, and especially when a player can skate. Broberg is an excellent skater and great with the puck too. A late riser.

13. Philadelphia Flyers (via Buffalo) - Victor Soderstrom
With two high end forwards, the Flyers take Dman Soderstrom. Blue-chip NHL'er already plays a good two-way game, tons of creativity, ignore his size. Another riser as we get closer to the draft.

14. Pittsburgh Penguins (via Nashville) - Alex Newhook
Incredible speed and a kid playing in BC, what's not to like? Playing at a lower level won't deter the Pens. Some think there is superstar potential, while others are much more catious. When you have 3 picks in the first round you can take a big swing.

15. Los Angeles Kings - Pavel Dorofeyev
The Kings are another team looking for more than just your average prospect. Even at 15, they need a game-breaker. Dorofeyev is a big riser, elite skill and wheels, he's yet to cross-over into top 15 discussion, but its coming.
 
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HFNHLOilers

Registered User
Dec 13, 2008
1,238
119
Brampton
If it were any other GM? Im actually very torn on who to pick lol. I think it will probably be Hughes because franchise centers dont come often. But Kekko and if i win it next year Lafferine would be a killer top line
 

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