HFOil Mock Entry Draft 2020 | Draft Complete!

[gordonhught]

select Leo Loof

1(26) -Helge Grans
4(119)- Christoffer Sedoff
5 (150) - Ilya Usau
5(162) - Ville Ottavainen
6(181) - Leo Loof

In 3 years Grans is a top 2 d-man. The next Erik Karlsson.

Excellent pick at 26!

 

[FlameChampion]

What did people think of having pick trades?

I think it definitely slowed us down to start, there's more intrigue around the earlier rounds, but then pace was fine. Inherently, it makes it harder to collect bingos.

For the most part I personally just like making my picks. Too much effort involved in trying to make trades. But its nice to have options and does add a little more intrigue like you mentioned. I am fine either way, whatever the group wants.

 

[Paralyzer008]

1 (16th) - Braden Schneider - D - Brandon (WHL)
2 (47th) - William Villeneuve - D - Saint John (QMJHL)
3 (48th) - Roby Jarventie - F - KooVee (Mestis)
4 (53rd) - Martin Chromiak - F - Kingston (OHL)
5 (78th) - Maxim Groshev - F - Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik (KHL)
6 (84th) - Donovan Sebrango - D - Kitchener (OHL)
7 (98th) - Thimo Nickl - D - Drummondville (QMJHL)
8 (100th) - Dylan Garand - G - Kamloops (WHL)
9 (109th) - Connor McClennon - F - Winnipeg (WHL)
10 (136th) - Carsen Richels - F - Blaine High (USHS)
11 (140th) - Simon Kubicek - D - Seattle (WHL)
12 (163rd) - Devon Levi - G - Carleton Place (CCHL)

I'm overall fairly satisfied with the draft I had. A good mix of safer D, forwards with upside and two goalies I traded up for because I think they are studs in the draft.

I feel like Habs fans may not like Schneider in round 1 but he's a safe bet to make it and Weber/Petry are getting old.

 

[BoldNewLettuce]

1 (16th) - Braden Schneider - D - Brandon (WHL)
2 (47th) - William Villeneuve - D - Saint John (QMJHL)
3 (48th) - Roby Jarventie - F - KooVee (Mestis)
4 (53rd) - Martin Chromiak - F - Kingston (OHL)
5 (78th) - Maxim Groshev - F - Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik (KHL)
6 (84th) - Donovan Sebrango - D - Kitchener (OHL)
7 (98th) - Thimo Nickl - D - Drummondville (QMJHL)
8 (100th) - Dylan Garand - G - Kamloops (WHL)
9 (109th) - Connor McClennon - F - Winnipeg (WHL)
10 (136th) - Carsen Richels - F - Blaine High (USHS)
11 (140th) - Simon Kubicek - D - Seattle (WHL)
12 (163rd) - Devon Levi - G - Carleton Place (CCHL)

I'm overall fairly satisfied with the draft I had. A good mix of safer D, forwards with upside and two goalies I traded up for because I think they are studs in the draft.

I feel like Habs fans may not like Schneider in round 1 but he's a safe bet to make it and Weber/Petry are getting old.

Where did you trade up from for Garand? I had pondered Garand at 105.

 

[McDoused]

Very happy with my draft.

Although when I posted it on the minnestoa boards they were none to happy. The feedback I got was that I got good value and addressed their organizational needs but they didnt like it.

1 (10) - C Anton Lundell
3 (63) - D Lukas Cormier
3 (65) - D Joni Jurmo
4 (95) - G Drew Commesso
4 (118) - F Ethan Cardwell
5 (132) - F Oskar Magnusson

I would be surprised if any of my picks were taken later than where I have them.

 

[Paralyzer008]

Where did you trade up from for Garand? I had pondered Garand at 105.

I went from 102 to 100, jumping in front of McMullet and Ottawa, worried he'd take him.

I'd jump in front of Ottawa again to grab Levi later.

 

[PKSpecialist]

What did people think of having pick trades?

I think it definitely slowed us down to start, there's more intrigue around the earlier rounds, but then pace was fine. Inherently, it makes it harder to collect bingos.

I hated the idea at first, but after the draft was pretty meh on the idea. Would rather just make my picks, but as long as we’re not trading players I’m ok with it.

 

[Reginald Dunlop]

Overall I was quite happy with the value I got in most spots. Given the depth the Avs possess at the NHL and prospect level I felt I could really swing for the fences for most talented available at each spot and believe I did that reasonably well based on my knowledge of the draft. As always, thoughts are welcome!

​

1 (30) Jan Mysak - CZE - C/LW
- Very happy to get him here, bpa I felt. Exciting and versatile player, possibly can form a dynamic duo w/ fellow Czech Martin Kaut in the top 6 in the near future.

3 (75) Michael Benning - CAN - RD
- Again, had to go bpa at this spot. Very talented (eerily similar production to Makar in the AJHL, albeit on a stacked team), excellent skater, if a bit undersized.

4 (104) Veeti Miettinen - FIN - RW
- Traded up to take him here, probably my favourite pick of the draft for myself value wise. Absolutely dynamic goal scorer with one of the best shots in the draft and a deadly threat on the PK as well. First round talent if he were a couple inches taller.

6 (167) Daniel Ljungman - SWE - C
- Versatile center with a terrific wrist shot. Pedestrian numbers at the SuperElit level this season but has started this yr with 4 goals in the first 4 games. Also blew up at the Hlinka with 4 goals in 5 games. If he can develop some consistency could be a steal here, but of course that's always a big if.

7 (216) Brett Brochu - CAN - G
- At or near the top in the OHL in gaa, sv. % and wins (set all time rookie record) this season and invited to the Cdn WJC dev't camp this summer as a result. Similar to Miettinen his size appears the only drawback at 5'11" but as the one of the youngest players in the draft (Sept. 9 birthday) he definitely has the potential to grow as a goalie, both literally and figuratively. Happy to add him to a prospect pool that already includes Justus Annunen, who led the Liiga in sv. % this past season.

 

[Delicious Pancakes]

I liked the trading of picks (I traded 4 times and was unable to find trade partners a couple other times). We finished the draft in under 23 days this year so I don't think it hindered us time-wise and maybe it even helped because people were more engaged as they could really target the players they wanted rather than just waiting to see who fell to them.

 

[BoldNewLettuce]

I think trading picks is fair when you have Ottawa with literally an embarrassment of riches this year. Some years you have to go pretty lean and the option to trade is nice.

 

[BoldNewLettuce]

Rossi at 12 is a steal.

Aye. I would have gone with Askarov if Rossi wasnt there. I was expecting Askarov.

 

[Reginald Dunlop]

Very happy with my draft.

Although when I posted it on the minnestoa boards they were none to happy. The feedback I got was that I got good value and addressed their organizational needs but they didnt like it.

1 (10) - C Anton Lundell
3 (63) - D Lukas Cormier
3 (65) - D Joni Jurmo
4 (95) - G Drew Commesso
4 (118) - F Ethan Cardwell
5 (132) - F Oskar Magnusson

I would be surprised if any of my picks were taken later than where I have them.

Cormier and Magnusson are especially terrific value where you picked them.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

2 (32) C - Ridly Greig - Brandon Wheat Kings
2 (41) LW - Jake Neighbors - Edmonton Oil Kings
2 (51) D - Tyler Kleven - USA U-18 - UND
3 (69) C - Jean-Luc Foudy - Windsor Spitfires
3 (71) LW - Will Cuylle - Windsor Spitfires
4 (114) RW - Oliver Suni - Oshawa Generals
5 (153) RW - Alex Laferriere - Des Moines Buccaneers / Harvard
6 (158) G - Will Cranley - Ottawa 67’s
6 (160) D - Louis Crevier - Chicoutimi Saguenéens



2 (62) C - Ty Smilanic - USA U-18 - Quinnipiac
3 (93) G - Nico Daws - Guelph Storm
5 (155) RW - Bogdan Trineyev - MHK Dynamo Moskva
6 (186) LW - Hayden Fowler - Erie Otters
7 (217) C - Nils Aman - Leksand

Happy with my draft. Got some value picks for both teams. Nobody noticed how far Alex Lafreniere fell when I snuck in and got him in the late 5th round....and here everyone thought he was going 1st overall HAHAHAHAHA. Sucks to be you boys!!!!

Wait what? I took Alex Laferriere? Whose he?

DAMMIT!!!

 

[Delicious Pancakes]

1 (29) - Jacob Perreault - RW - Sarnia (OHL)
2 (45) - Sam Colangelo - RW - Chicago (USHL)
2 (52) - Eamon Powell - RD - USA-U18 (USHL)
2 (61) - Alexander Nikishin - LD - Spartak (KHL)
4 (123) - Rory Kerins - C - Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
5 (126) - Ryder Rolston - RW - Waterloo (USHL)
6 (175) - Gustave Bylin - G - South Kent Selects Academy 18U AAA (High-CT)
7 (201) - Riley Duran - C/RW - Lawrence Academy (USHS-Prep-MA)
7 (206) - Alexei Yegorov - LD - Spartak Moscow (MHL)
7 (208) - Nick Capone - RW - Tri-City (USHL)




3 (77) - Evan Vierling - C - Barrie (OHL)
4 (108) - Karri Aho - LD - Ilves (Finland U-20)
5 (139) - Jackson Kunz - LW - Shattuck St. Mary's (USHS-Prep)
7 (193) - Alexander Gordin - RW - SKA St. Petersburg (VHL)
7 (203) - Aidan Thompson - C - Berkshire School - (USHS-Prep)

I'm pretty happy with my draft although I wish I would've just taken Tyler Tullio at #52. Ahhh, the one that got away...Oh well. Timo Nickl is another guy I maybe would have traded up to get if I had a do-over.

I took a bunch of players long on potential who are going to take awhile before they're ready and are either going the NCAA route or need to marinate in Europe. I only took 3 CHL players, all from the OHL, which is interesting. Was pleasantly surprised to be able to get Perreault at #29 and was hoping Mysak would fall to #34 but no dice, he was scooped up right after at #30. The other two OHLers Vierling and Kerins I'm excited to see what they can do this coming year in their draft +1 seasons whenever they start. Bylin is a sleeper with a lot of raw talent who I think could emerge as a steal if he develops as expected and he'll have time to hone his game going the college route. Aho hopefully can continue his upward trajectory and my last pick Nick Capone I'm happy I got because he can skate and likes to lay the body and I could see him as a solid 3rd liner down the road.

Anyways, it was lots of fun as always. Thanks @Soli, @ConnorMcMullet and @PKSpecialist. I'll be curious to see how I fared overall with the speed of my picks, and with where I land +/- wise once the actual draft is complete.

 

[Soli]

1 (4th) - Jamie Drysdale, RHD, Erie Otters (OHL)

Big fan of the player, bigger fan of the trade I made to jump Ottawa, don't let McMullet trick you when he says Raymond was who he wanted.

1 (15th) - Dawson Mercer, RC, Chicoutimmi Sagueneens (QMJHL)

I kinda regret the series of trades I made to end up here. When I traded up I told myself I'd be fine if the three I wanted (Quinn/Jarvis/Rossi) went. But I wasn't, and I didn't want to take Askarov, the next highest on my list. After no takers for a trade down, I was all set to pick, when the staunchest opposition to picks trades, sent me an offer. The worst part was agreeing to let the Leafs jump the Oilers and take Askarov. That was daggers. In retrospect, I don't do the trade, my heart doesn't hurt, and I don't settle for my 2nd choice in Mercer and watch Zary get snatched, who I was moments from taking, had PKS not sent me that late trade offer.


2 (44th) - Zion Nybeck, LW, HV71 (SHL)

Love his talent, size be damned.

4 (107th) - Jack Thompson, RHD, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

He had an up and down year and I wanted to draft his defense partner he was with during most of the peaks this season but that didn't work out. RHD that can run a PP was worth the bet here. Pretty sure I got Knazko sniped here.

5 (129th) - James Hardie, LW, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Volume shooter, his goal scoring splits showed a huge second half boom. Had him as a talent I wanted in the 4th, thought about taking him 107th, happy to grab him here.


7 (199th) - Ben McCartney, LW Brandon Wheat King (WHL)

An overager, but he was behind only Grieg on the Wheat Kings as a PPG player. He was 2nd in the WHL in PIM, and I hope that to be because he's an abrasive such and such versus stick infractions.

---

Whether it be being vigilant with your picks, or sending PMs for those that are busy, or keeping up banter during slow times, thank you to everyone for their contributions. We have such a solid group and I look forward to going 7 rounds deep with ya'll every year. Props to the mod squad @McDNicks17 and @The Head Crusher, and special thanks to the Assistant to the Assistant to the Regional Moderators, @ConnorMcMullet, for all the data entry.

 

[The Head Crusher]

1 (7th): Alexander Holtz
While I have seen Holtz go lower than 7th I fealt he was the best winger available. New Jersey is loaded down the middle right now with Hughes and Hischier so a winger to complement one of them is the goal. Did consider Rossi and Perfetti at this spot as well.

1 (18th): Dylan Holloway
Big 2 way powerforward who would fit well withing the Devils system. Not afraid to get into the rough areas.

1 (24th): Noel Gunler
Extremely excited that he fell to me here, did consider him at 18. Once considered a top 10, this is going to be a my steal of the draft.

3 (83rd): Kasper Simontaival
Impressive Finish winger with great offensive up side, but does lack size and needs to develop his defensive game. Very reminencent of Yamamoto. Had him going in the mid second.

4 (99): Kasper Puutio
Not going to be a big offensive player, but has a solid game and will make the smart plays.


4 (124):Yevgeni Oksentyuk
Lead the Flint Firebird with 78 points, but also had a nasty edge to his game with 51 PIM. Went undrafted last year playing out of Belarus, he should get drafted this go around with a the more exposure.


5 (130): Luke Reid
Reid I had as a low 3rd early 4th round pick, decent puck moving dman, but won't put up a ton of points.

6 (161): Garin Bjorklund
The lone goalie picked for the Devils. Had an impressive jump in the rankings up to 5th among the NA goalies.

7 (192): Adam Raska
Central Scouting had him at 171 so he seemed like a decent pick.

 

[BoldNewLettuce]

1 (4th) - Jamie Drysdale, RHD, Erie Otters (OHL)

Big fan of the player, bigger fan of the trade I made to jump Ottawa, don't let McMullet trick you when he says Raymond was who he wanted.

1 (15th) - Dawson Mercer, RC, Chicoutimmi Sagueneens (QMJHL)

I kinda regret the series of trades I made to end up here. When I traded up I told myself I'd be fine if the three I wanted (Quinn/Jarvis/Rossi) went. But I wasn't, and I didn't want to take Askarov, the next highest on my list. After no takers for a trade down, I was all set to pick, when the staunchest opposition to picks trades, sent me an offer. The worst part was agreeing to let the Leafs jump the Oilers and take Askarov. That was daggers. In retrospect, I don't do the trade, my heart doesn't hurt, and I don't settle for my 2nd choice in Mercer and watch Zary get snatched, who I was moments from taking, had PKS not sent me that late trade offer.


2 (44th) - Zion Nybeck, LW, HV71 (SHL)

Love his talent, size be damned.

4 (107th) - Jack Thompson, RHD, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

He had an up and down year and I wanted to draft his defense partner he was with during most of the peaks this season but that didn't work out. RHD that can run a PP was worth the bet here. Pretty sure I got Knazko sniped here.

5 (129th) - James Hardie, LW, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Volume shooter, his goal scoring splits showed a huge second half boom. Had him as a talent I wanted in the 4th, thought about taking him 107th, happy to grab him here.


7 (199th) - Ben McCartney, LW Brandon Wheat King (WHL)

An overager, but he was behind only Grieg on the Wheat Kings as a PPG player. He was 2nd in the WHL in PIM, and I hope that to be because he's an abrasive such and such versus stick infractions.

---

Whether it be being vigilant with your picks, or sending PMs for those that are busy, or keeping up banter during slow times, thank you to everyone for their contributions. We have such a solid group and I look forward to going 7 rounds deep with ya'll every year. Props to the mod squad @McDNicks17 and @The Head Crusher, and special thanks to the Assistant to the Assistant to the Regional Moderators, @ConnorMcMullet, for all the data entry.

I love that I think i sniped you three maybe four times.

 

[Delicious Pancakes]

1 (7th): Alexander Holtz
While I have seen Holtz go lower than 7th I fealt he was the best winger available. New Jersey is loaded down the middle right now with Hughes and Hischier so a winger to complement one of them is the goal. Did consider Rossi and Perfetti at this spot as well.

1 (18th): Dylan Holloway
Big 2 way powerforward who would fit well withing the Devils system. Not afraid to get into the rough areas.

1 (24th): Noel Gunler
Extremely excited that he fell to me here, did consider him at 18. Once considered a top 10, this is going to be a my steal of the draft.

3 (83rd): Kasper Simontaival
Impressive Finish winger with great offensive up side, but does lack size and needs to develop his defensive game. Very reminencent of Yamamoto. Had him going in the mid second.

4 (99): Kasper Puutio
Not going to be a big offensive player, but has a solid game and will make the smart plays.


4 (124):Yevgeni Oksentyuk
Lead the Flint Firebird with 78 points, but also had a nasty edge to his game with 51 PIM. Went undrafted last year playing out of Belarus, he should get drafted this go around with a the more exposure.


5 (130): Luke Reid
Reid I had as a low 3rd early 4th round pick, decent puck moving dman, but won't put up a ton of points.

6 (161): Garin Bjorklund
The lone goalie picked for the Devils. Had an impressive jump in the rankings up to 5th among the NA goalies.

7 (192): Adam Raska
Central Scouting had him at 171 so he seemed like a decent pick.

To walk out of the first round with two of the best snipers in the draft and Holloway who, if he can put it all together will be a force, is pretty impressive and a huge injection of talent up front for the Devils. This draft is more top heavy with forwards so why not stock the cupboards while you've got the chance.

 

[Delicious Pancakes]

I love that I think i sniped you three maybe four times.

@Soli you might wanna sweep the house for surveillance equipment.

 

[Soli]

I love that I think i sniped you three maybe four times.

Yeah, you sunk my battleship.

 

[BarDownBobo]

Yeah, you sunk my battleship.

Karma for dealing with the devil early

 

[Zaddy]

(1) 11th overall - Jack Quinn, RW, Ottawa 67's (OHL)

Was hoping for Jarvis but perfectly happy with Quinn. Getting one of them was the best case scenario so very happy with that.

(2) 37th overall - Luke Evangelista, RW, London Knights (OHL)
(2) 42nd overall - Theodor Niederbach, C/W, Frölunda HC (SuperElit)

These two picks might not be the greatest picks from a value standpoint but I like both players a lot. Sometimes that matters more. Niederbach has started the season strong with 8 points in 4 games in juniors too so he might be a very late riser. I think both of these guys are going to have breakout years.

(3) 70th overall - Yan Kuznetsov, LD, Univ. of Connecticut (NCAA)

This was a guy I didn't really know about and only did research on due to this mock draft. What I found was a very exciting prospect. Youngest player in NCAA by a lot this year. He's big and strong with a long reach who competes, skates really well, has good hockey sense and a hard shot. What's not to like? I feel like this is a guy who can go late 1st round or at least early in the 2nd. Stereotypical player that NHL teams love and value a lot more than the scouting community. I think this might be my best pick in terms of value.

(3) 73rd overall - Joel Blomqvist, G, Kärpät (Liiga)

Don't know a lot about Blomqvist but I wanted to grab a goalie here and he seemed to fit the bill. Thought about Commesso and Daws but figured it'd be a nice story grabbing another Finnish goalie for Nashville and a guy who idolizes Pekka Rinne (who also played for the same team back in Finland).

(4) 116th overall - Viktor Persson, RD, Brynäs (SuperElit)

Very happy with this pick. Seems to be a sleeper. Guy with good size who skates well and is a good passer/playmaker. Feels like a typical Nashville pick. Great value in the 4th round IMO and I'm glad I traded up for him.

In general I like my draft and am pretty excited about it. I think it's a nice mix of a bit of everything and everyone I drafted has good hockey IQ and skates well, which IMO is a pretty good indicator for future success. I feel like I should get a couple of decent NHLers out of this bunch.

 

[FlameChampion]

Winnipeg

#1 - 10 - Seth Jarvis - C/RW

Between Jarvis, Quinn and Rossi - Really tough choice. Winnipeg is really lacking centers and defense in particular. I personally like Jarvis and Quinn more than Rossi. The reason I went with Jarvis is because I think he has the skillset to play center. If I was the Oilers for instance, I think I would take Quinn over Jarvis. I do like Rossi but I wonder if his skating will hold him back from being a top end center. Jarvis is a Winnipeg kid too, so I thought it was a nice touch.

#2 - 40 - Samuel Johannesson - RD

I dont really know a ton about Samuel Johannesson but when I look at some of his offensive numbers, I think hes a bit underrated. His numbers are better than Sodestrom and Broberg were in their draft year. His numbers are actually better than Broberg in his draft +1. Seems like people are sleeping on him a bit, but maybe theres something I dont know about him. As mentioned, Winnipeg is lacking defensemen, I thought he had one of the higher upsides at this pick. Him and Heinola could make a nice tandem maybe one day.

#5 - 145 - Kirill Steklov - LD
#5 - 147 - Mitchell Smith - LD

I'll be honest, getting into the picks at this point, I dont know the players all that well. One of the things I like about doing the mock drafts on here, is that I learn more about prospects then if I didnt do it. We will see with these guys. Who knows.

Overall wish Winnipeg had more picks in the first 3 rounds.

 

[BoldNewLettuce]

1st (12) - Marco Rossi - C - Ottawa (OHL)
- Possibly the best Austrian ever? I didnt even consider taking Rossi until I saw he was still there then I let the scouting reports wash over me. Now I'm a fan. A dogged utility player that oozes offensive IQ ala Brad Marchand....some might say.

As I said I was expecting to take Askarov....and the part of me that didnt want to take a goalie so high was actually considering Gunler.

2nd (43) - Shakir Mukhamadullin - D - Ufa (KHL)
- He's had a hot start so this is looking like more gravy in my boat. This guy looked like the most capable and ready dman on the board and I basically took him to prop up the atrocious defense in my all-time draft team. Luckily Florida's defense also needs help.

3rd (74) - Pavel Novak - LW/RW - Kelowna (WHL)
- I like Czechs. If his skill carries him through he should be a Palat clone (I made that up but it sounds about right).

3rd (92) - Samuel Hlavaj - G - Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
- I took him last year....I just like Hlavaj. He's had a ton of wins on a good team in the Q....he's also had a lot of international experience. Probably too high.

4th (105) - Samuel Knazko - D - TPS (Liiga-Jr)
- I was always going to take Knazko in the 3rd or 4th. Fast skater who impressed pre WJC from what I had read.

5th (137) - Isaak Phillips - D - Sudbury (OHL)
- I had my eye on Hardie but he went much earlier. Jamaican national team player and athletic mainstay for Sudbury sounded good to me. IF he finds any offensive flair he should make it I think.

7th (198) - Xavier Simoneau - C - Drummondville (QMJHL)
- Blitzkreiging overager was 5th in the Q in scoring. Scored more than Byfield despite being only 9 months older. Also scored almost 30 more points than the next player on his team--ok yes Mercer would have outscored him if he was there long enough. Lihkachev (another guy i took last year) and Slukansky(sp?) were gone...I had no one else on my list.

Other guys I remember considering....Sanderson, Evangelista, Andrae, Benning, Puutio, Garand.

 

[The Head Crusher]

To walk out of the first round with two of the best snipers in the draft and Holloway who, if he can put it all together will be a force, is pretty impressive and a huge injection of talent up front for the Devils. This draft is more top heavy with forwards so why not stock the cupboards while you've got the chance.

Thats what I felt, Every time I looked for a defenseman they were always ranks much lower than where I was drafting.