newdimension
Registered User
- May 18, 2013
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It's a new draft year, which means it's time for my first mock.
As per usual, my notes:
- Right now, it's just the first round. Over time, I'll keep adding a new round per each month, until we finally get a full 7 rounds by the time the actual draft rolls around.
- It's still relatively early in the season. A lot can change, including my own comparisons. Comparables should, of course, be taken lightly. I'm not a scout, I don't get to see every game... but I do like following draft year eligibles and keeping up to date on what's happening in that world.
- The draft order cutoff date is as of December 3rd, before the games are played, and based on point percentage due to teams having played a disparity of games. It also includes divisional winners near the back of the draft, along with my own predicted conference/cup finalists and winner.
- For the East, I'm predicting Tampa Bay and the New York Rangers will battle it out, with Tampa moving on to the finals. As for the West, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it'll come down between Minnesota and Calgary, with Minnesota making it to the finals. For the Stanley Cup, I'll have Tampa three-peating as champions.
- I've used tankathon to simulate the lottery. The winners are as follows:
1. Vancouver; 2. Arizona.
Round 1
1. Vancouver: Shane Wright, C
At first, I hesitated with the Canucks taking Wright first overall. His early results are very underwhelming for a supposed first overall pick. That said, he didn't play in seasonal play last year, so maybe that's the issue. For now - or for whatever issue it is, I'll keep him as the number one guy, since he has the pedigree. The Canucks certainly need top end talent and will aspire for Wright to eventually takeover for Bo Horvat, giving their center depth a larger boost.
Comparison: Patrice Bergeron. Wright's the type of player that's excellent in all facets of the game, while playing a very simple, effective style. He can play a shutdown role with ease and even has a more lethal shot than his comparable, Bergeron. He's an all-around center with top line upside.
2. Arizona: Matthew Savoie, RW/C
At this point, the Coyotes need to shoot for pure talent and skill. They'd go full throttle for Savoie, which would give them a huge boost in terms of their future. If Wright continues struggling and Savoie keeps playing the way he is, there's a reasonable chance for him to rise to #1.
Comparison: Kirill Kaprizov. Savoie should bring that same type of lethal dose of offensive firepower that Kaprivov can deliver. Kaprizov, like Savoie, is also undersized, making up for it with elite talent, good speed and a powerful, ox-like lower-body base.
3. Ottawa: Joakim Kemell, RW/LW
So far, it's been yet another horror show of a season for the Sens. They need firepower pretty badly and that's exactly what Kemell could offer them. He'd give well as their much-needed right wing sniper, with his scoring outburst this year really pushing him up the board and placing him into position to vie for the first overall pick.
Comparison: David Pastrnak. He's a pure goal scorer, whose ability to shoot A LOT of pucks is unprecedented. While not the largest player, he's got some tenacity in his game, which should help him translate to the pros.
4. Montreal: David Jiricek, D
With Bergevin and company out, they're under a brand new management unit. As a result, it's hard to say exactly what the Habs will do. Jiricek would definitely be the type of player selected by Marc Bergevin's regime; but maybe whomever Gorton picks to be the new GM would go forward.... who knows.. For now, though, I'll have them take Jiricek, since they're a little thin on the right side of defense. Plus there's no telling if last year's PR disaster of a pick, Logan Mailloux, ever even plays for them.
Comparison: Maybe sort of an Aaron Ekblad or Moritz Seider type of defenseman, even if Seider himself is still a rookie. Jiricek's got the size, the mobility, the physicality and even has the absolute bomb of a point-shot that's comparable with Ekblad's. He's someone that can play an all-around game and with the potential to be a future #1 defenseman.
5. New York Islanders: Logan Cooley, C
With the Islanders suffering an unexpected plunge down the rankings, they could take a chance on Logan Cooley, whose play this season has been absolutely stellar. They could run a speedy tandem of Barzal, then Cooley down the middle for years to come, making them a nightmare to compete against.
Comparison: Brayden Point. Cooley, like Point, is an undersized center that plays with relentless pace, plays a two-way game at both ends of the ice and can be a scoring threat in the offensive zone.
6. Seattle: Simon Nemec, D
They grabbed a center, Matthew Beniers, last year. Ron Francis and company opt to go for a defenseman for their first pick this year. They have a strong European scouting staff and they'd be well aware of the growth in Nemec's game in Slovakia. They'd feel he can be an anchor for their blueline for years to come, using his smarts, skating and two-way presence.
Comparison: Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Nemec's a two-way defenseman that jumps into the rush and can play a really smart game from the point. He's got decent size, moves pucks well and can be a dependable defender to help with the transition game.
7. Columbus [from Chicago]: Juraj Slafkovsky, LW
After grabbing 2 centers last year, they opt to take the big winger, Slafkovsky, for their pick this year. He's someone that could really rise the boards if he has a good WJC, with the Blue Jackets thinking he'd make an excellent winger to play with either Sillinger or Johnson in the future.
Comparison: Jesse Puljujarvi. He's a 6'4" power winger that makes space for his linemates, provides complementary offense and can run over opponents in order to help provide offense. His potential is through the roof.
8. Buffalo: Danila Yurov, RW/C
Starting last year, it's become evident they've become more interested in mining talent from Russia. Despite his lack of playing time, Yurov has shown he's likely surpassed countrymate, Ivan Miroshnichenko. There may be some potential for him to also play center, making him even more intriguing. It'll be interesting to watch him at the WJC tournament to see if he can jump up into the top 5.
Comparison: William Nylander. An incredibly talented two-way winger with excellent hands and vision, Yurov's able to setup dangerous plays, takeaway pucks and works his way to the net.
9. Philadelphia: Conor Geekie, C
Geekie seems like someone the Flyers could target in this range. At minimum, it gives their center depth a huge boost, both in terms of depth and physical size -- he's a huge kid. He'll have to prove that his success hasn't been due to being larger than other players, with Philadelphia potentially happy to give him that chance.
Comparison: He's kind of a Mikko Koivu/Kevin Hayes type of hybrid, if that makes sense. He's got the height, the reach, the playmaking skill and can be a two-way center that matches up against opposing team's best units.
10. Los Angeles: Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW
Coming into the season, Miroschnichenko was ranked as the #2 player. Unfortunately, he's ran into troubles this season playing against men and hasn't looked the same as he did last year. That said, with a solid WJC showing and an improved 2nd half, he could bump himself back up the board, with the Kings taking him here, hoping he can be someone they can pair with Quinton Byfield.
Comparison: Evander Kane. Miroschnichenko is a big bodied power winger that loves unleashing shots on net. He skates well, can play physical and has a lot of tools that'd make a lot of teams happen. Consistency could be a worry, but his shooting is really nice.
11. New Jersey: Seamus Casey, D
Last year, they grabbed Luke Hughes. This year, they go for a defenseman that plays a lot like Luke's younger brother, Quinn. They have some larger defensemen already in development and they feel they can pair them with Casey in order to fully build a strong blueline.
Comparison: Quinn Hughes. Like Quinn Hughes, Casey's on the smaller side, making up for it with his supreme puck-movement and skating abilities. Will he be as good as fast as Hughes has been? Probably not. Otherwise, he'd find himself in the top 10. That said, there are some neat comparables in how they skate and process the game.
12. Pittsburgh: Brad Lambert, RW/C
Lots have been said about Lambert's tumble out of the top prospect status of this draft. If he falls out of the top 10, a middling team such as the Penguins could select him here, loving his pure upside. They'll hope their system can mend his flaws because if he can figure things out, he can become a really talented player.
Comparison: Matt Duchene. Lambert can be a bit of a puck hog and fight inconsistency, ala Duchene. However, he can also be a talented offensive weapon that can play wing or center, along with being a machine on the transition.
13. Nashville: Frank Nazar, RW/C
Being a skilled American forward, He seems like someone the Preds could really like. They need some more offensive flair within their forward core. Nazar certainly has the talent to go in the first half of the draft, with his only drawback being his lack of height.
Comparison: Clayton Keller. While his size isn't ideal, he's got the dangling ability to become a skilled, shifty winger that helps spark offense.
14. Winnipeg: Isaac Howard, LW
If the Jets aren't targeting Finns, they're usually targeting Americans. It just so happens that Howard's the best player available, giving them some more much-needed skill upfront. He's not that big in size, yet they overlook that, seeing the skill he could bring.
Comparison: Jonathan Marchessault. Howard's an undersized, all-out, skilled offensive forward that loves shooting the puck and scoring goals, while also being a proficient and capable playmaker.
15. Buffalo [from Vegas]: Rutger McGroarty, C/LW
Taking someone that blends power and skill, such as McGroarty, could be a viable option for them here. With Eichel now gone, McGroarty offers them another intelligent, skilled center that can shift to the wing, if need be. They've been known to search the American ranks in the past, so they return to that well.
Comparison: Brayden Schenn. It's a little imperfect comparable, but McGroarty plays a power forward's style of game, mixed with intelligence and skill. He can be a goal scorer that loves shooting the puck, but needs to work on his skating ability if he truly wants to make it in the NHL, especially if he comes in as a center.
16. Detroit: Jiri Kulich, C/LW
If he has a solid performance at the World Juniors, Kulich could solidify himself as a first round talent. Skilled and with good speed, the Wings will hope Kulich can become a center for them, which would fulfill a major need for them. Knowing their quality European scouting staff, Kulich could definitely be an option here.
Comparison: Joel Farabee. Kulich's got great speed, talent and can be a facilitator at both ends of the ice thanks to his excellent hockey IQ.
17. Columbus: Liam Ohgren, LW
The Blue Jackets tend to love their goal scorers. Ohgren's speed and all-around ability should allow him to play a very translatable game that should also allow him to make plays and fit in anywhere on a top-nine.
Comparison: Max Pacioretty. Good size, great straight line speed and he can put up points as both goals and assists. He may not be someone that finds his way onto highlight reels. Instead, he could make a really nice complementary scoring winger that goes hard to the net with speed.
18. St. Louis: Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW/LW
It's simply the best player available for the Blues. He's one of the prime snipers in this draft, able to put the puck in the net in multiple ways with his blistering shot. The Blues could use an influx of skill upfront, with Lekkerimaki being a good addition for them. It also wouldn't shock me if he went closer to the top 10 by the time everything is said and done.
Comparison: Jeff Skinner. A natural sniper, Lekkerimaki knows how to fill the net with pucks using his excellent skating, hands, vision and hockey smarts. He profiles as a top-six winger.
19. San Jose: Marco Kasper, C
The Sharks need centers pretty badly. They've been known to draft Europeans in the past, with Kasper being their latest addition. His overall upside may not be high, but he's someone that can potentially play a middle-six role for them, which is a good first start for the Sharks.
Comparison: Sam Bennett. Kasper is a very translatable center, who may not be the type of player that's enormously skilled, instead making up for it with fantastic versatility, grit and all-around appeal that should allow him to play a middle-six center role.
20. Boston: Jack Hughes, C
Well, it's not THAT Jack Hughes, but the other guy. He's a local talent from Massachusetts, which would be right up their alley. They jump on him earlier than expected and feel like he can develop into a quality #2 center. He's the youngest player in the NCAA this year and that should definitely help his draft stock.
Comparison: Robert Thomas. A skilled, playmaking center with high IQ, workrate and all-around play, Hughes has potential to become a top-six center.
21. Anaheim: Ryan Chesley, D
The Ducks love drafting Americans. If Chesley's still on the board, I don't see how they can pass him, even with some talented defenseman already in their system. He's someone that, along with Jamie Drysdale, shores up their right-handed depth on the back for the next decade.
Comparison: Ryan Pulock. Chesley has a rocket of a shot, he plays physicals, he moves pucks and likes to play a solid two-way, defensive game. He can be a dependable guy in a top 4, if developed correctly.
22. Dallas: Matthew Poitras, C/RW
Notoriously drafting heavily from the OHL, Poitras could be their guy. After grabbing Wyatt Johnston last year and now Poitras, they'd hope they can become the next frontier of Dallas's top six for years to come.
Comparison: Kyle Turris. Poitras is an all-around talented forward that can play both center or wing. He's got a really good shot, good wheels, all-around skill and really good hockey senses.
23. Arizona [from Colorado]: Nathan Gaucher, C/RW
Thought of as a "safer" pick, the Coyotes could grab Gaucher here, which would give them a good boost of size down the middle. Grabbing some more depth down the middle would be pretty key, since who knows if Savoie can translate as a center or not. Even if he's just a 3rd line guy, it's still another solid piece moving forward.
Comparison: Joel Eriksson-Ek. Gaucher's large in size, skates well enough and is known for his ability to play in a defensive role. Thanks to that, he can be a multi-purpose power-center at the pro level if everything develops properly.
24. Arizona [from Carolina]: Pavel Mintyukov, D
After grabbing the "safe" pick in Nathan Gaucher, they go for someone with a higher upside next, who has some risk to his game. With Mintyukov, they're adding a mobile defenseman with size to their blueline, who can also join in on the rush and add offense from the point.
Comparison: PK Subban. Able to jump into the rush and act as a 4th forward, Mintyukov can be a rover on the ice, playing an offensive defenseman role. His skating efficiently allows him to be a two-way guy that helps with transitioning pucks.
25. Washington: Filip Mesar, LW/RW
It's the best player available route. Mesar's a probable top 15 talent that falls solely due to lack of size. Thankfully, his speed more than makes up for any shortcomings.
Comparison: Alex Newhook. As stated, he's a speedster that stands only about 5'10". He's got tons of versatility in his game and it should allow him to play well at all ends of the ice.
26. Toronto: Tristan Luneau, D
They're a team with a bevy of offensive talents. If someone such as Luneau is still on the board, it should be a no-brainer for the Leafs to select him. He'd become a top-four type of defenseman that can play a steady, two-way game, which would be something needed for when things get hard in the playoffs.
Comparison: Noah Hanifin. He's a toolsy defenseman that moves pucks well and works best as a defensive guy. He may not have huge upside in terms of offense, but thanks to his size and skating, there's some all-around potential there... so, you never know.
27. Buffalo [from Florida]: Ty Nelson, D
Between Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, they're pretty well built in terms of defense. Add Ty Nelson to that fold and it's another huge boost to their prospect core. The fact that he plays on the right side can only be a bonus.
Comparison: Ryan Ellis. The only thing keeping Ty Nelson from going much higher in the draft would be his lack of size. Standing within the 5'10" range, Nelson's a defenseman that provides offense with a heavy, accurate shot and boasts impressive physicality for his size.
28. Edmonton: Denton Mateychuk, D
The current version of the Oilers are based around guys that can skate. Not only would Mateychuk be the best player available, he'd also fit in well within the system they run.
Comparison: Nick Leddy. Mateychuk fits the profile of a puck-moving defenseman whose excellent skating allows him to transition pucks with ease and apple pressure at both ends of the ice.
29. Calgary: Alexander Perevalov, LW
Perevalov's been a standout player over in Russia this season and has been pushing himself into first round contention. The Flames could certainly take him here, feeling he'd make a good potential middle-six winger in the future.
Comparison: Reilly Smith. A non-flashy, efficient type of winger that you can plug into lineup to play in various roles. He's a nice completementary type of winger that can help you win games.
30. New York Rangers: Danny Zhilkin, C/LW
Needing centers in their depth, Zhilkin could be a wise selection in this range. His puck skill makes him a possibility to play a future top 6 six role, but he'll need a lot of seasoning.
Comparison: Jordan Kyrou. Maybe someone such as Kyrou can be a comparable, even though Zhilkin's got more size. Think of him as a skilled forward that's adept at both setting up plays and scoring.
31. Minnesota: Elias Salomonsson, D
It hasn't been a good season for Salomonsson. As such, he's dropped down the board, which could enable the Wild to grab him here. Being an analytics team, Salomonsson seems like someone that'd fit right in.
Comparison: John Klingberg. I dunno if he'll ever be as good as Klingberg; but at his best, previous to this year's regression, he looked quite similar as a speedy, offensive defenseman with good stick work.
32. Tampa Bay: Owen Beck, C
He's been bulldozing his way up draftboards with his standout play in the OHL. With the Bolts having lost some forward talent in recent years, Beck seems like the type of player they'd grab to re-fill those holes, feeling as if he'd fit right in with their style of play.
Comparison: Mikael Backlund. My comparable is something akin to a Backlund. Beck's dynamite at faceoffs, plays an incredibly smart two-way game, plays well defensively, gives some secondary offense and is an all-around talent.
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Guys just missing the cut, who should be gone in the 2nd round: Cutter Gauthier; Jimmy Snuggerud; Noah Ostlund; Owen Pickering; Matthew Seminoff; Paul Ludwinski; Calle Odelius; Gleb Trikozov; Mats Lindgren; Sam Rinzel; Maveric Lameroux; Filip Nordberg; Bryce McConnell-Barker; Tyler Brennan; Simon Forsmark; Kevin Korchinski; Aleksanteri Kaskimaki; Filip Bystedt
As per usual, my notes:
- Right now, it's just the first round. Over time, I'll keep adding a new round per each month, until we finally get a full 7 rounds by the time the actual draft rolls around.
- It's still relatively early in the season. A lot can change, including my own comparisons. Comparables should, of course, be taken lightly. I'm not a scout, I don't get to see every game... but I do like following draft year eligibles and keeping up to date on what's happening in that world.
- The draft order cutoff date is as of December 3rd, before the games are played, and based on point percentage due to teams having played a disparity of games. It also includes divisional winners near the back of the draft, along with my own predicted conference/cup finalists and winner.
- For the East, I'm predicting Tampa Bay and the New York Rangers will battle it out, with Tampa moving on to the finals. As for the West, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it'll come down between Minnesota and Calgary, with Minnesota making it to the finals. For the Stanley Cup, I'll have Tampa three-peating as champions.
- I've used tankathon to simulate the lottery. The winners are as follows:
1. Vancouver; 2. Arizona.
Round 1
1. Vancouver: Shane Wright, C
At first, I hesitated with the Canucks taking Wright first overall. His early results are very underwhelming for a supposed first overall pick. That said, he didn't play in seasonal play last year, so maybe that's the issue. For now - or for whatever issue it is, I'll keep him as the number one guy, since he has the pedigree. The Canucks certainly need top end talent and will aspire for Wright to eventually takeover for Bo Horvat, giving their center depth a larger boost.
Comparison: Patrice Bergeron. Wright's the type of player that's excellent in all facets of the game, while playing a very simple, effective style. He can play a shutdown role with ease and even has a more lethal shot than his comparable, Bergeron. He's an all-around center with top line upside.
2. Arizona: Matthew Savoie, RW/C
At this point, the Coyotes need to shoot for pure talent and skill. They'd go full throttle for Savoie, which would give them a huge boost in terms of their future. If Wright continues struggling and Savoie keeps playing the way he is, there's a reasonable chance for him to rise to #1.
Comparison: Kirill Kaprizov. Savoie should bring that same type of lethal dose of offensive firepower that Kaprivov can deliver. Kaprizov, like Savoie, is also undersized, making up for it with elite talent, good speed and a powerful, ox-like lower-body base.
3. Ottawa: Joakim Kemell, RW/LW
So far, it's been yet another horror show of a season for the Sens. They need firepower pretty badly and that's exactly what Kemell could offer them. He'd give well as their much-needed right wing sniper, with his scoring outburst this year really pushing him up the board and placing him into position to vie for the first overall pick.
Comparison: David Pastrnak. He's a pure goal scorer, whose ability to shoot A LOT of pucks is unprecedented. While not the largest player, he's got some tenacity in his game, which should help him translate to the pros.
4. Montreal: David Jiricek, D
With Bergevin and company out, they're under a brand new management unit. As a result, it's hard to say exactly what the Habs will do. Jiricek would definitely be the type of player selected by Marc Bergevin's regime; but maybe whomever Gorton picks to be the new GM would go forward.... who knows.. For now, though, I'll have them take Jiricek, since they're a little thin on the right side of defense. Plus there's no telling if last year's PR disaster of a pick, Logan Mailloux, ever even plays for them.
Comparison: Maybe sort of an Aaron Ekblad or Moritz Seider type of defenseman, even if Seider himself is still a rookie. Jiricek's got the size, the mobility, the physicality and even has the absolute bomb of a point-shot that's comparable with Ekblad's. He's someone that can play an all-around game and with the potential to be a future #1 defenseman.
5. New York Islanders: Logan Cooley, C
With the Islanders suffering an unexpected plunge down the rankings, they could take a chance on Logan Cooley, whose play this season has been absolutely stellar. They could run a speedy tandem of Barzal, then Cooley down the middle for years to come, making them a nightmare to compete against.
Comparison: Brayden Point. Cooley, like Point, is an undersized center that plays with relentless pace, plays a two-way game at both ends of the ice and can be a scoring threat in the offensive zone.
6. Seattle: Simon Nemec, D
They grabbed a center, Matthew Beniers, last year. Ron Francis and company opt to go for a defenseman for their first pick this year. They have a strong European scouting staff and they'd be well aware of the growth in Nemec's game in Slovakia. They'd feel he can be an anchor for their blueline for years to come, using his smarts, skating and two-way presence.
Comparison: Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Nemec's a two-way defenseman that jumps into the rush and can play a really smart game from the point. He's got decent size, moves pucks well and can be a dependable defender to help with the transition game.
7. Columbus [from Chicago]: Juraj Slafkovsky, LW
After grabbing 2 centers last year, they opt to take the big winger, Slafkovsky, for their pick this year. He's someone that could really rise the boards if he has a good WJC, with the Blue Jackets thinking he'd make an excellent winger to play with either Sillinger or Johnson in the future.
Comparison: Jesse Puljujarvi. He's a 6'4" power winger that makes space for his linemates, provides complementary offense and can run over opponents in order to help provide offense. His potential is through the roof.
8. Buffalo: Danila Yurov, RW/C
Starting last year, it's become evident they've become more interested in mining talent from Russia. Despite his lack of playing time, Yurov has shown he's likely surpassed countrymate, Ivan Miroshnichenko. There may be some potential for him to also play center, making him even more intriguing. It'll be interesting to watch him at the WJC tournament to see if he can jump up into the top 5.
Comparison: William Nylander. An incredibly talented two-way winger with excellent hands and vision, Yurov's able to setup dangerous plays, takeaway pucks and works his way to the net.
9. Philadelphia: Conor Geekie, C
Geekie seems like someone the Flyers could target in this range. At minimum, it gives their center depth a huge boost, both in terms of depth and physical size -- he's a huge kid. He'll have to prove that his success hasn't been due to being larger than other players, with Philadelphia potentially happy to give him that chance.
Comparison: He's kind of a Mikko Koivu/Kevin Hayes type of hybrid, if that makes sense. He's got the height, the reach, the playmaking skill and can be a two-way center that matches up against opposing team's best units.
10. Los Angeles: Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW
Coming into the season, Miroschnichenko was ranked as the #2 player. Unfortunately, he's ran into troubles this season playing against men and hasn't looked the same as he did last year. That said, with a solid WJC showing and an improved 2nd half, he could bump himself back up the board, with the Kings taking him here, hoping he can be someone they can pair with Quinton Byfield.
Comparison: Evander Kane. Miroschnichenko is a big bodied power winger that loves unleashing shots on net. He skates well, can play physical and has a lot of tools that'd make a lot of teams happen. Consistency could be a worry, but his shooting is really nice.
11. New Jersey: Seamus Casey, D
Last year, they grabbed Luke Hughes. This year, they go for a defenseman that plays a lot like Luke's younger brother, Quinn. They have some larger defensemen already in development and they feel they can pair them with Casey in order to fully build a strong blueline.
Comparison: Quinn Hughes. Like Quinn Hughes, Casey's on the smaller side, making up for it with his supreme puck-movement and skating abilities. Will he be as good as fast as Hughes has been? Probably not. Otherwise, he'd find himself in the top 10. That said, there are some neat comparables in how they skate and process the game.
12. Pittsburgh: Brad Lambert, RW/C
Lots have been said about Lambert's tumble out of the top prospect status of this draft. If he falls out of the top 10, a middling team such as the Penguins could select him here, loving his pure upside. They'll hope their system can mend his flaws because if he can figure things out, he can become a really talented player.
Comparison: Matt Duchene. Lambert can be a bit of a puck hog and fight inconsistency, ala Duchene. However, he can also be a talented offensive weapon that can play wing or center, along with being a machine on the transition.
13. Nashville: Frank Nazar, RW/C
Being a skilled American forward, He seems like someone the Preds could really like. They need some more offensive flair within their forward core. Nazar certainly has the talent to go in the first half of the draft, with his only drawback being his lack of height.
Comparison: Clayton Keller. While his size isn't ideal, he's got the dangling ability to become a skilled, shifty winger that helps spark offense.
14. Winnipeg: Isaac Howard, LW
If the Jets aren't targeting Finns, they're usually targeting Americans. It just so happens that Howard's the best player available, giving them some more much-needed skill upfront. He's not that big in size, yet they overlook that, seeing the skill he could bring.
Comparison: Jonathan Marchessault. Howard's an undersized, all-out, skilled offensive forward that loves shooting the puck and scoring goals, while also being a proficient and capable playmaker.
15. Buffalo [from Vegas]: Rutger McGroarty, C/LW
Taking someone that blends power and skill, such as McGroarty, could be a viable option for them here. With Eichel now gone, McGroarty offers them another intelligent, skilled center that can shift to the wing, if need be. They've been known to search the American ranks in the past, so they return to that well.
Comparison: Brayden Schenn. It's a little imperfect comparable, but McGroarty plays a power forward's style of game, mixed with intelligence and skill. He can be a goal scorer that loves shooting the puck, but needs to work on his skating ability if he truly wants to make it in the NHL, especially if he comes in as a center.
16. Detroit: Jiri Kulich, C/LW
If he has a solid performance at the World Juniors, Kulich could solidify himself as a first round talent. Skilled and with good speed, the Wings will hope Kulich can become a center for them, which would fulfill a major need for them. Knowing their quality European scouting staff, Kulich could definitely be an option here.
Comparison: Joel Farabee. Kulich's got great speed, talent and can be a facilitator at both ends of the ice thanks to his excellent hockey IQ.
17. Columbus: Liam Ohgren, LW
The Blue Jackets tend to love their goal scorers. Ohgren's speed and all-around ability should allow him to play a very translatable game that should also allow him to make plays and fit in anywhere on a top-nine.
Comparison: Max Pacioretty. Good size, great straight line speed and he can put up points as both goals and assists. He may not be someone that finds his way onto highlight reels. Instead, he could make a really nice complementary scoring winger that goes hard to the net with speed.
18. St. Louis: Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW/LW
It's simply the best player available for the Blues. He's one of the prime snipers in this draft, able to put the puck in the net in multiple ways with his blistering shot. The Blues could use an influx of skill upfront, with Lekkerimaki being a good addition for them. It also wouldn't shock me if he went closer to the top 10 by the time everything is said and done.
Comparison: Jeff Skinner. A natural sniper, Lekkerimaki knows how to fill the net with pucks using his excellent skating, hands, vision and hockey smarts. He profiles as a top-six winger.
19. San Jose: Marco Kasper, C
The Sharks need centers pretty badly. They've been known to draft Europeans in the past, with Kasper being their latest addition. His overall upside may not be high, but he's someone that can potentially play a middle-six role for them, which is a good first start for the Sharks.
Comparison: Sam Bennett. Kasper is a very translatable center, who may not be the type of player that's enormously skilled, instead making up for it with fantastic versatility, grit and all-around appeal that should allow him to play a middle-six center role.
20. Boston: Jack Hughes, C
Well, it's not THAT Jack Hughes, but the other guy. He's a local talent from Massachusetts, which would be right up their alley. They jump on him earlier than expected and feel like he can develop into a quality #2 center. He's the youngest player in the NCAA this year and that should definitely help his draft stock.
Comparison: Robert Thomas. A skilled, playmaking center with high IQ, workrate and all-around play, Hughes has potential to become a top-six center.
21. Anaheim: Ryan Chesley, D
The Ducks love drafting Americans. If Chesley's still on the board, I don't see how they can pass him, even with some talented defenseman already in their system. He's someone that, along with Jamie Drysdale, shores up their right-handed depth on the back for the next decade.
Comparison: Ryan Pulock. Chesley has a rocket of a shot, he plays physicals, he moves pucks and likes to play a solid two-way, defensive game. He can be a dependable guy in a top 4, if developed correctly.
22. Dallas: Matthew Poitras, C/RW
Notoriously drafting heavily from the OHL, Poitras could be their guy. After grabbing Wyatt Johnston last year and now Poitras, they'd hope they can become the next frontier of Dallas's top six for years to come.
Comparison: Kyle Turris. Poitras is an all-around talented forward that can play both center or wing. He's got a really good shot, good wheels, all-around skill and really good hockey senses.
23. Arizona [from Colorado]: Nathan Gaucher, C/RW
Thought of as a "safer" pick, the Coyotes could grab Gaucher here, which would give them a good boost of size down the middle. Grabbing some more depth down the middle would be pretty key, since who knows if Savoie can translate as a center or not. Even if he's just a 3rd line guy, it's still another solid piece moving forward.
Comparison: Joel Eriksson-Ek. Gaucher's large in size, skates well enough and is known for his ability to play in a defensive role. Thanks to that, he can be a multi-purpose power-center at the pro level if everything develops properly.
24. Arizona [from Carolina]: Pavel Mintyukov, D
After grabbing the "safe" pick in Nathan Gaucher, they go for someone with a higher upside next, who has some risk to his game. With Mintyukov, they're adding a mobile defenseman with size to their blueline, who can also join in on the rush and add offense from the point.
Comparison: PK Subban. Able to jump into the rush and act as a 4th forward, Mintyukov can be a rover on the ice, playing an offensive defenseman role. His skating efficiently allows him to be a two-way guy that helps with transitioning pucks.
25. Washington: Filip Mesar, LW/RW
It's the best player available route. Mesar's a probable top 15 talent that falls solely due to lack of size. Thankfully, his speed more than makes up for any shortcomings.
Comparison: Alex Newhook. As stated, he's a speedster that stands only about 5'10". He's got tons of versatility in his game and it should allow him to play well at all ends of the ice.
26. Toronto: Tristan Luneau, D
They're a team with a bevy of offensive talents. If someone such as Luneau is still on the board, it should be a no-brainer for the Leafs to select him. He'd become a top-four type of defenseman that can play a steady, two-way game, which would be something needed for when things get hard in the playoffs.
Comparison: Noah Hanifin. He's a toolsy defenseman that moves pucks well and works best as a defensive guy. He may not have huge upside in terms of offense, but thanks to his size and skating, there's some all-around potential there... so, you never know.
27. Buffalo [from Florida]: Ty Nelson, D
Between Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, they're pretty well built in terms of defense. Add Ty Nelson to that fold and it's another huge boost to their prospect core. The fact that he plays on the right side can only be a bonus.
Comparison: Ryan Ellis. The only thing keeping Ty Nelson from going much higher in the draft would be his lack of size. Standing within the 5'10" range, Nelson's a defenseman that provides offense with a heavy, accurate shot and boasts impressive physicality for his size.
28. Edmonton: Denton Mateychuk, D
The current version of the Oilers are based around guys that can skate. Not only would Mateychuk be the best player available, he'd also fit in well within the system they run.
Comparison: Nick Leddy. Mateychuk fits the profile of a puck-moving defenseman whose excellent skating allows him to transition pucks with ease and apple pressure at both ends of the ice.
29. Calgary: Alexander Perevalov, LW
Perevalov's been a standout player over in Russia this season and has been pushing himself into first round contention. The Flames could certainly take him here, feeling he'd make a good potential middle-six winger in the future.
Comparison: Reilly Smith. A non-flashy, efficient type of winger that you can plug into lineup to play in various roles. He's a nice completementary type of winger that can help you win games.
30. New York Rangers: Danny Zhilkin, C/LW
Needing centers in their depth, Zhilkin could be a wise selection in this range. His puck skill makes him a possibility to play a future top 6 six role, but he'll need a lot of seasoning.
Comparison: Jordan Kyrou. Maybe someone such as Kyrou can be a comparable, even though Zhilkin's got more size. Think of him as a skilled forward that's adept at both setting up plays and scoring.
31. Minnesota: Elias Salomonsson, D
It hasn't been a good season for Salomonsson. As such, he's dropped down the board, which could enable the Wild to grab him here. Being an analytics team, Salomonsson seems like someone that'd fit right in.
Comparison: John Klingberg. I dunno if he'll ever be as good as Klingberg; but at his best, previous to this year's regression, he looked quite similar as a speedy, offensive defenseman with good stick work.
32. Tampa Bay: Owen Beck, C
He's been bulldozing his way up draftboards with his standout play in the OHL. With the Bolts having lost some forward talent in recent years, Beck seems like the type of player they'd grab to re-fill those holes, feeling as if he'd fit right in with their style of play.
Comparison: Mikael Backlund. My comparable is something akin to a Backlund. Beck's dynamite at faceoffs, plays an incredibly smart two-way game, plays well defensively, gives some secondary offense and is an all-around talent.
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Guys just missing the cut, who should be gone in the 2nd round: Cutter Gauthier; Jimmy Snuggerud; Noah Ostlund; Owen Pickering; Matthew Seminoff; Paul Ludwinski; Calle Odelius; Gleb Trikozov; Mats Lindgren; Sam Rinzel; Maveric Lameroux; Filip Nordberg; Bryce McConnell-Barker; Tyler Brennan; Simon Forsmark; Kevin Korchinski; Aleksanteri Kaskimaki; Filip Bystedt
