Hey all, it's that time again for my final mock draft before the big draft. I'm not a personal fan of mock drafts so I mostly did rankings this year. Enjoy and feel free to leave me some comments and opinions below.
First Round:
1- Buffalo Sabres select D Rasmus Dahlin
No reasoning needed here, Dahlin is the best player in the draft and a no brainer.
2- Carolina Hurricanes select RW Andrei Svechnikov
The Russian winger posseses a great mix of skill, speed, and size, another no brainer and Carolina jumps at the chance to take him at two.
3- Montreal Canadiens select C Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Here's where things get dicey. Montreal needs a center and has made it apparently clear, even to Jesperi himself at the combine. He fits their needs and should end their search for a top line center if developed properly.
4- Ottawa Senators select RW Filip Zadina
The Sens take the the best available player at 4. The Czech winger has been dominant and the Coyotes will be happy with him here, even though they could go with a defender.
5- Arizona Coyotes select D Quinn Hughes
The Coyotes take the slick skating American defenseman in Hughes, a potential repleacement for OEL if things go awry. Hughes also showed how close he is to being NHL ready at the recent tournament with the US.
6- Detroit Red Wings select D Evan Bouchard
Bouchard goes at 6 and the Wings are happy with the best defender available to buff up their defense which could use some upgrading. Bouchard's main worry is his skating, as well as his slow slapshot release, two things which can hopefully be improved in the short term, rather than long term.
7- Vancouver Canucks select D Noah Dobson
Canucks go with the right handed defenseman from Bathurst. He'll be a nice addition to their growing defensive core.
8- Chicago Blackhawks select RW Oliver Wahlstrom
Blackhawks are pressed with a few tough decisions here, but go with Wahlstrom to add the another lethal shooter to their offensive arsenal as they enter a new era of Blackhawks hockey.
9- New York Rangers select LW Brady Tkachuk
Rangers will take the last Tkachuk brother, Brady. This is an interesting possibility considering the new Rangers coach is former BU coach, David Quinn, somehow who coached and is a fan of Tkachuk.
10- Edmonton Oilers select D Ty Smith
Edmonton goes with the former #1 pick in the WHL Draft, a safe selection and tidy two way defender, a much welcomed asset into their prospect pool.
11- New York Islanders select D Adam Boqvist
Isles will take Boqvist here, jumping at the chance to select the falling Swede. Having two lottery picks, Isles can take a gamble and then a safer pick if Boqvist does drop.
12- New York Islanders (via Calgary) select C Joe Veleno
After taking Boqvist, Islanders will select the safer pick as Veleno rises up to 12, hoping to grab a nice center for the future.
13- Dallas Stars select C Barrett Hayton
The stars go with the SSM center who's proven to be a solid two way center for the future. Hopefully he can rise to the 2nd line center position and replace Jason Spezza before the Seguin and Benn era ends.
14- Philadelphia Flyers (via St. Louis) select LW Joel Farabee
Flyers go with the high energy American winger Farabee at 14. They could use a nice injection of speed and skill into their propsect pool whic he produces.
15- Florida Panthers select RW Vitali Kravtsov
Florida goes with the skilled, slick Russian winger in Kravtsov who's already proven he can play at a high level in the KHL.
16- Colorado Avalanche select C Rasmus Kupari
After trading Duchene, Avalanche take Kupari, a high potential offensive forward who can develop into a nice piece in the future after a few years of Liiga development.
17- New Jersey Devils select D Bode Wilde
Bode Wilde is snapped up by Jersey in the need of a big and mobile defenseman who can produce offense. A perfect fit who can be used well in next few years by the Devils.
18- Columbus Blue Jackets select C Isac Lundestrom
The Blue Jackets go with the Swedish center with SHL experience. They hope he'll bring his solid two way game to Columbus ina be ready in a year or two.
19- Philadelphia Flyers select LW/RW Dominik Bokk
Flyers go with the German winger in Bokk, hoping for the high potential payoff and improvement of skating to lead into a top 6 role.
20- LA Kings select LW Grigori Denisenko
LA goes with the high risk, high reward Russian winger Denisenko who shows great potential to be an impact winger at the NHL level, something they could use on the wing of Kopitar or Carter.
21- San Jose Sharks select RW Martin Kaut
San Jose takes the Czech workhorse Martin Kaut, a hard working winger who could easily feature on their top 6 in a few years.
22- Ottawa Senators (via Pittsburgh) select D K'Andre Miller
Ottawa goes with the raw American defenseman who shows extreme promise after only recently switching from a forward position to the back end.
23- Anahiem Ducks select C/RW Akil Thomas
Anahiem goes with the swiss army knife Akil Thomas, hoping to add some versatility and skill to their forward group.
24- Minnesota Wild select D Matthias Samuelsson
Minny opts to go for the American defenseman Samuelsson who brings his large NHL body and talents to help out the future top 4.
25- Toronto Maple Leafs select LW Jonatan Berggren
Toronto takes the Swedish winger who's shown major promise this year. With the right development he can become a top 6 winger with a great mix of speed, hands, and skill.
26- New York Rangers (via Boston) select D Ryan Merkley
Rangers go for broke here on the boom or bust defenseman. Considering they already had a first round pick higher up, they can afford to take a splash on the highly talented Canadian.
27- Chicago Blackhawks (via Nashville) select C Ty Dellandrea
After going with Wahlstrom earlier, Chicago takes a two way center with some nice playmaking potential here. Dellandrea has shown great progression on a bad team and could be top 6 forward.
28- New York Rangers (via Tampa Bay) select C Jacob Olofsson
After going a little risky for their first two selections, New York goes for a safer pick in Olofsson, the two way center.
29- St Louis Blues (via Winnipeg) select D Nils Lundqvist
St Louis goes with the Swedish defenseman at 29, hoping to grab a nice piece to round out a solid future defensive core.
30- Detroit Red Wings (via Vegas) select RW Serron Noel
They took a safer defenseman earlier in the draft, and now go with a riskier forward. Detroit takes a chance on the skillful power forward in Noel who's progressed along very nicely.
31- Washington Capitals select D Alexander Alexeyev
The Capitals round out day one with the Russian two way defenseman who can fill in nicely to a prospect pool which is starting to run dry.
Second Round:
32- Buffalo Sabres select C Jake Wise
Buffalo goes with the once top 5 touted center, Jake Wise. A nice addition to a growing pool of center youngsters such as Eichel and Mittlestadt.
33- Detroit Red Wings (from Ottawa via NY Rangers) select C Filip Hallander
Detroit loves their Swedes, and goes with the Swedish two way center at 33, looking to beef up their center pool of prospects. Hallander will join Rasmussen in a growing system.
34- Florida Panthers (from Arizona) select D Rasmus Sandin
This pick makes complete sense to me, after going with a riskier winger, Florida takes a safer defenseman with their early 2nd round pick.
35- Montreal Canadiens select D Calen Addison
Montreal had two issues to address at the draft, center and defense. With Addison falling into the 2nd, Montreal snaps him up and hopes he fulfills his potential of a second pairing PP QB.
36- Detroit Red Wings select RW Jesse Ylonen
Detroit goes with the raw Finnish winger and hopes he can develop his strong offensive upside over the next couple of years in the Finnish men's leagues.
37- Vancouver Canucks select C Liam Foudy
Vancouver takes the rising London Knights center who impressed in the secnd half of the season with improved top six ice time and the best draft combine showing of anyone.
38- Montreal Canadiens (from Chicago) select D Jonathan Tychonick
After the slip of multiple defensemen that could be taken on day one, Montreal snaps up the second falling defender to stock up their pool.
39- New York Rangers select D Jett Woo
Another falling defenseman is taken off the board by the Rangers who go for the safer defenseman after taking a riskier Merkley previously.
40- Edmonton Oilers select RW Niklas Nordgren
The Oilers go with the small and skilled Finnish winger Nordgren, a nice piece who could take a few years of development and add on to a nice offense with his Finnish countryman Puljujarvi.
41- New York Islanders select C Ryan McLeod
After taking a safer center in Veleno, Islanders opt for a riskier player in McLeod, another real playmaker who can put up some big assist totals and drive back skaters with his speed.
42- Carolina Hurricanes select D Jared McIssac
Pretty much the best player available here, Carolina stops the fall from grace for Jared who was once viewed as a potential top 5 pick earlier in the year. Still a solid, get it done of the defensive end type selection.
43- New York Islanders (via Calgary) select C David Gustafsson
Islanders go with the two way center Gustafsson here at 44. The Swede has already shown that he can play at a high level in the SHL and will surely be a nice selection here for the Isle.
44- Dallas Stars select C Semyon Der Arguchintsev
Dallas goes with the small and skilled, rising Russian center at pick 44. SDA is a very talented playmaker, one of the best in the class who holds some amazing vision.
45- St Louis Blues select C Jack McBain
After going with a defender, St Louis selects the best center available in Jack McBain, someone who could turn into a legitimate 2nd line option with the right development of his large offensive skillset.
46- Washington Capitals (from Florida, via New Jersey) select C Jakub Lauko
Washington goes with the Czech two-way forward here at 46, a valid option to restock the pool and continue the wave. They selected a defenseman in Alexeyev in the 1st round so this makes sense here.
47- Colorado Avalanche select D Jacob Bernard-Docker
Bernard-Docker has been considered by most to be known as a Cale Makar lite type player, coming from the AJHL and playing the same style at the same stature. This is the direction the new age NHL style is going so this could make much sense here.
48- New York Rangers (from New Jersey) select C Alexander Khovanov
As the run of centers continues, Khovanov goes to the rangers at 48, a high skilled player who missed this year due to Mono, a potential steal this late.
49- Columbus Blue Jackets select LW/C Blake McLaughlin
Columbus goes with the American forward here, a potential winger as he adjusts to the NHL. Columbus adds a dual scoring threat through strong vision and passing as well as a solid wrist shot.
50- Philadelphia Flyers select C Cole Fonstad
The Flyers go with the Canadian center Fonstad here, a talented offensive forward who has seen his stock rise. The Flyers select out of the WHL and OHL a lot so this could be a very possible option here.
51- Los Angeles Kings select C Milos Roman
LA goes with the Slovakian two way playmaker as they add a center to their bare prospect pool. The Vancouver Giant has shown some solid promise this year and could have a break out season next year, increasing his stock.
52- Toronto Maple Leafs (from San Jose) select C/LW Phillip Kurashev
Toronto selects the Swiss forward here in the late 2nd round, a dynamic skater with a solid package of offensive skills that will look nice in a middle six with the right development.
53- Pittsburgh Penguins select LW Bulat Shafagulin
Pittsburgh takes a shot on the Russian wildcard. A fast skater with a slick pair of hands and nice shot to throw into their prospect pool that will look to restock their dynasty.
54- Anahiem Ducks select C Aidan Dudas
Anahiem takes a shot on the sniping center who carries one of the best shots in the entire draft. Dudas needs to put up some muscle but can hopefully develop to the point where he can play up to Anahiem's 2nd or 3rd line.
55- Arizona Coyotes (from Minnesota) select LW Sampo Ranta
Arizona takes the speedy Finn, Sampo Ranta with Minny's pick. He's a through and through goal scorer, someone who can pull away with some speed and punish defenders.
56- Montreal Canadiens (from Toronto) select D Nicholas Beaudin
Can't have enough defenders. Montreal takes the hometown kid in the late second round, a puck moving defenseman who packs an offensive punch. He put together a solid 69 point year in the QMJHL and has really shown some top four upside.
57- Boston Bruins select RW Kirill Marchenko
At 57, Boston takes the russian dangling winger. A nice addition and BPA down here at the late second. Kirill attacks the center of the ice as a winger, catching defenders off guard with his speed and hands.
58- Colorado Avalache (from Nashville) select C Ivan D. Morozov
Colorado snaps up the rising Russian center Morozov, a nice pick up. Morozov had a great U18 tournament this year which cause a bit of a rise, however he had been trucking along at such pace in the MHL all season!
59- Tampa Bay Lightning select C/LW Benoit Olivier Groulx
This one is a highly suggested pick should BOG fall this far. His father is a coach affiliated with Tampa, so this could make sense, and a steal around 59.
60- Winnipeg Jets select C Curtis Hall
Winnipeg selects an American center with their first pick of the draft. They go to the USHL a lot so I could see this being a distinct possibility.
61- Vegas Golden Knights select D Adam Ginning
Vegas has their offensive future mostly wrapped up with the talents of Glass and Suzuki, so why not select a Swedish defenseman to go along with Brannstrom?
62- Montreal Canadiens (from Washington) select C Cameron Hillis
Montreal goes after another center, really addressing their needs this draft through the center of the ice. Hillis is a nice two way center who is essentially BPA here.
Third Round:
63- Minnesota Wild (from Buffalo) select D Scott Perunovich
Another hometown kid, playing in Minnesota, born in Minnesota, this overager proved his talent in the NCAA this year and earning a selection this high.
64- Pittsburgh Penguins (from Ottawa) select D Sean Durzi
Overagers go back to back here as Sean Durzi earns a worthy selection this year after somehow missing out last year. Sean's two way presence and added offensive rushing ability earned him the right to be included here.
65- Arizona Coyotes select LW Jan Jenik
Arizona goes with the two way winger from the Czech Republic here, a solid pick that can stew and progress while the young core gets going.
66- Montreal Canadiens select LW Albin Eriksson
Montreal throws out a pick on the large and talented Swede, a good gamble, and one they can certainly take with the mass of pick they've accumulated this year.
67- Detroit Red Wings select G Jakub Skarek
Detroit goes with arguably the best goalie available here, and the first to be selected in a weak class. Despite the international performances, Skarek has looked very sharp.
68- Vancouver Canucks select C Kyle Topping
The Canucks go with Kyle Topping here, following a similar trend that we've seen them do in the past. Over the last few years the Canucks have taken players to fit with other drafted players, and this applies. (Pettersson/Dahlen, Gadjovich/Palmu, etc.)
69- Chicago Blackhawks select D Filip Johansson
Chicago takes the puck moving Swede here, another bit of a long term project, but the best defenseman available here as they retool their team and start the next wave in Chicago.
70- New York Rangers select C Jay O'Brien
New York goes with the American goal scoring center, a relatively unknown player but high level offensive talent. Real speedster who can turn on the jets and go down your throat, someone who will be welcomed in the big apple.
71- Edmonton Oilers select D Danila Galenyuk
Edmonton takes the best defenseman left here in Galenyuk. The Russian defensive defenseman is a very solid option on the back end, someone the Oilers could use in the future.
72- New York Islanders select C/RW Matej Pekar
The playmaking Czech winger drops to Pekar at 72 here, a great option and another prospect to add to the pool after a fantastic spree of picks thanks to the spoils brought by Travis Hamonic.
73- Arizona Coyotes (from Carolina) select G Lukas Dotsal
Arizona has stocked up on a good selection of prospects using other picks, so a goalie makes sense at 73. Dotsal is probably the most skilled goalie in the class, he's just smaller.
74- Arizona Coyotes (from Calgary) select D Alec Regula
Arizona, with another 3rd takes the London Knights defenseman, a raw two way guy who can develop into a solid top four defenseman if the cards are played out right, someone who Arizona needs!
75- Dallas Stars select LW Nando Eggenberger
The legendary named Swiss winger gets taken at 75 here and the Nando's in Dallas get's a legendary new specialty burger. Worth the 75th overall pick, wouldn't you say?
76- St Louis Blues select D Axel Andersson
St Louis goes out to Sweden to select the slick, puck moving Swede in the middle of the third round, buffing up their prospect pool and securing a solid blueline for the future.
77- Boston Bruins (From Florida) select C Allan McShane
At 77, Boston uses Florida's pick to take the all around center McShane to beef up their center pool some more. A nice playmaker who has a decent level of skill in all areas of the game.
78- Colorado Avalanche select G Oliver Rodrigue
Colorado takes the 3rd goalie of the draft, Rodrigue, here at 78 it's a great pick for Colorado, trying to recreate the French Canadian magic that inspired the legend himself Patrick Roy.
79- Anahiem Ducks (from New Jersey) select D Martin Fehevary
Anahiem selects the Slovakian two way puck moving defenseman with a nice wrist shot. He can join a nice young defensive squad and grow nicely to hopefully fulfil a bottom pairing role in 3 years.
80- Columbus Blue Jackets select LW Anderson MacDonald
Columbus goes with the once top 15 touted winger, Anderson MacDonald. The power forward with a nice wrist shot needs to develop well but could turn out to be a solid middle 6 option for Columbus in the future.
81- Detroit Red Wings (from Philadelphia) selects C/RW Ryan O'Reilly
Hilariously identical name aside, O'Reilly is a pure goal scorer, and a great pick at 81 for the Red Wings, adding onto their mound of prospects this year.
82- Los Angeles Kings select D Jordan Harris
The Hawks take the smooth skating American defender at 82, a great addition at 82 for a partially unknown player who played mostly in high school all year; could be a very nice steal.
83- Toronto Maple Leafs (from San Jose) select C Oscar Back
Toronto goes for another Swede here at pick 83, a nice addition to a growing Swedish contingent in Toronto. A solid two way center who utilizes his size very well.
84- Detroit Red Wings (from Pittsburgh) select C Jachym Kondelik
Detroit goes with the large Czech center using Pittsburgh's 3rd round selection. The 6'7 big man from the USHL plays a solid two way game as Detroit continues to build their squad with young size.
85- Anahiem Ducks select C Blade Jenkins
Anahiem goes for the American center in the late 3rd round here, Blake Jenkins. A nice multi faceted attacking game with shot and playmaking will be a valuable asset for the team later on as the raw center develops.
86- Minnesota Wild select LW Ruslan Ishakov
Minny goes with the small and skilled Russian winger Ishakov at pick 65. Ishakov is 5'7 and really needs a growth spurt, but the talent and work ethic is there without a question.
87- Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto, via Washington) select C Jack Drury
Chicago selects Drury here, the best center available and a bit of a wildcard. The hard working two way center from Illinois will fit in well as the Hawks continue to build a center pool. Chicago cashed in with some nice picks this year and has replenished the stockpile for the next few years as they retool.
88- New York Rangers (from Boston) select C/RW Linus Karlsson
The Rangers had a slew of picks this draft, but select the rising SHL point producing Swedish center here at 88, a nice grab and an underrated player who only recently shot up draft boards.
89- Nashville Predators select C/LW Marcus Westfalt
Another SHL performer, Westfalt is a Swedish riser who Nashville takes a stab on late in the 3rd round. Hopefully he can continue to produce and use his offensive skillset as he develops in the Swedish League.
90- Tampa Bay Lightning select LW Vladislav Kotkov
Tampa Bay selects the large Russian power forward and adds him to the arsenal of growing and deadly young Lightning players. He works well into their team and joins a large Russian contingent.
91- Winnipeg Jets select LW Tyler Weiss
The Jets select the goal scoring winger from the USNTDP, Weiss who knows what it takes to score the goals. Winnipeg has a great core already and as long as he can develop into a top 9 winger, this pick is a success.
92 - Minnesota Wild select RW Dmitry Zavgorodny
Minnesota takes the skilled Russian winger Zavgorodny. A nice skilled option to add to their cabinet. Zavgorodny is small, but holds a scoring punch in there and should he transition well will be a nice addition.
93- Washington Capitals select C/LW Justin Almeida
Washington closes out the third round by selecting the overager Almeida, a great growth from his undrafted status last year after proving he has what it takes with a great WHL performance.
Team Selections:
picks-
(23) C/RW Akil Thomas
(54) C Aidan Dudas
(79) D Martin Fehevary
(85) C Blade Jenkins
picks-
(5) D Quinn Hughes
(55) LW Sampo Ranta
(65) LW Jan Jenik
(73) G Lukas Dotsal
(74) RW Dmitry Zavgorodny
picks-
(57) RW Kirill Marchenko
(77) C Allan McShane
picks-
(1) D Rasmus Dahlin
(32) C Jake Wise
picks-
picks-
(2) RW Andrei Svechnikov
(42) D Jared McIssac
picks-
(8) RW Oliver Wahlstrom
(27) C Ty Dellandrea
(69) D Filip Johansson
(87) C Jack Drury
picks-
(16) C Rasmus Kupari
(47) D Jacob Bernard-Docker
(58) C Ivan D. Morozov
(78) G Oliver Rodrigue
picks-
(18) C Isac Lundestrom
(49) LW/C Blake McLaughlin
(80) LW Anderson MacDonald
picks-
(13) C Barrett Hayton
(44) C Semyon Der Arguchintsev
(75) LW Nando Eggenberger
picks-
(6) D Evan Bouchard
(30) RW Serron Noel
(33) C Filip Hallander
(36) RW Jesse Ylonen
(67) G Jakub Skarek
(81) RW/C Ryan O'Reilly
(84) C Jachym Kondelik
picks-
(10) D Ty Smith
(40) RW Niklas Nordgren
(71) D Danila Galenyuk
picks-
(15) RW Vitali Kravstov
(34) D Rasmus Sandin
picks-
(20) LW Grigori Denisenko
(51) C Milos Roman
(82) D Jordan Harris
picks-
(24) D Matthias Samuelsson
(63) D Scott Perunovich
(86) LW Ruslan Ishakov
(92) RW Dmirti Zavgorodny
picks-
(3) C Jesperi Kotkaniemi
(35) D Calen Addison
(38) D Jonathan Tychonick
(56) D Nicholas Beaudin
(62) C Cameron Hillis
(66) LW Albin Eriksson
picks-
(89) C/LW Marcus Westfalt
picks-
(17) D Bode Wilde
picks-
(11) D Adam Boqvist
(12) C Joe Veleno
(41) C Ryan McLeod
(43) C David Gustafsson
(72) C/RW Matej Pekar
picks-
(9) LW Brady Tkachuk
(26) D Ryan Merkley
(28) C Jacob Olofsson
(39) D Jett Woo
(48) C Alexander Khovanov
(70) C Jay O'Brien
(88) C/RW Linus Karlsson
picks-
(4) RW Filip Zadina
(22) D K'Andre Miller
picks-
(14) LW Joel Farabee
(19) LW Dominik Bokk
(50) C Cole Fonstad
picks-
(53) LW Bulat Shafagulin
(64) D Sean Durzi
picks-
(21) RW Martin Kaut
picks-
(45) C Jack McBain
(76) D Axel Andersson
picks-
(59) C/LW Benoit Olivier Groulx
(90) LW Vladislav Kotkov
picks-
(25) LW Jonatan Berggren
(52) C/LW Phillip Kurashev
(83) C Oscar Back
picks-
(7) D Noah Dobson
(37) C Liam Foudy
(68) C Kyle Topping
picks-
(61) D Adam Ginning
picks-
(31) D Alexander Alexeyev
(46) C Jakub Lauko
(93) C/RW Justin Almeida
picks-
(60) C Curtis Hall
(91) LW Tyler Weiss
First Round:
1- Buffalo Sabres select D Rasmus Dahlin
No reasoning needed here, Dahlin is the best player in the draft and a no brainer.
2- Carolina Hurricanes select RW Andrei Svechnikov
The Russian winger posseses a great mix of skill, speed, and size, another no brainer and Carolina jumps at the chance to take him at two.
3- Montreal Canadiens select C Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Here's where things get dicey. Montreal needs a center and has made it apparently clear, even to Jesperi himself at the combine. He fits their needs and should end their search for a top line center if developed properly.
4- Ottawa Senators select RW Filip Zadina
The Sens take the the best available player at 4. The Czech winger has been dominant and the Coyotes will be happy with him here, even though they could go with a defender.
5- Arizona Coyotes select D Quinn Hughes
The Coyotes take the slick skating American defenseman in Hughes, a potential repleacement for OEL if things go awry. Hughes also showed how close he is to being NHL ready at the recent tournament with the US.
6- Detroit Red Wings select D Evan Bouchard
Bouchard goes at 6 and the Wings are happy with the best defender available to buff up their defense which could use some upgrading. Bouchard's main worry is his skating, as well as his slow slapshot release, two things which can hopefully be improved in the short term, rather than long term.
7- Vancouver Canucks select D Noah Dobson
Canucks go with the right handed defenseman from Bathurst. He'll be a nice addition to their growing defensive core.
8- Chicago Blackhawks select RW Oliver Wahlstrom
Blackhawks are pressed with a few tough decisions here, but go with Wahlstrom to add the another lethal shooter to their offensive arsenal as they enter a new era of Blackhawks hockey.
9- New York Rangers select LW Brady Tkachuk
Rangers will take the last Tkachuk brother, Brady. This is an interesting possibility considering the new Rangers coach is former BU coach, David Quinn, somehow who coached and is a fan of Tkachuk.
10- Edmonton Oilers select D Ty Smith
Edmonton goes with the former #1 pick in the WHL Draft, a safe selection and tidy two way defender, a much welcomed asset into their prospect pool.
11- New York Islanders select D Adam Boqvist
Isles will take Boqvist here, jumping at the chance to select the falling Swede. Having two lottery picks, Isles can take a gamble and then a safer pick if Boqvist does drop.
12- New York Islanders (via Calgary) select C Joe Veleno
After taking Boqvist, Islanders will select the safer pick as Veleno rises up to 12, hoping to grab a nice center for the future.
13- Dallas Stars select C Barrett Hayton
The stars go with the SSM center who's proven to be a solid two way center for the future. Hopefully he can rise to the 2nd line center position and replace Jason Spezza before the Seguin and Benn era ends.
14- Philadelphia Flyers (via St. Louis) select LW Joel Farabee
Flyers go with the high energy American winger Farabee at 14. They could use a nice injection of speed and skill into their propsect pool whic he produces.
15- Florida Panthers select RW Vitali Kravtsov
Florida goes with the skilled, slick Russian winger in Kravtsov who's already proven he can play at a high level in the KHL.
16- Colorado Avalanche select C Rasmus Kupari
After trading Duchene, Avalanche take Kupari, a high potential offensive forward who can develop into a nice piece in the future after a few years of Liiga development.
17- New Jersey Devils select D Bode Wilde
Bode Wilde is snapped up by Jersey in the need of a big and mobile defenseman who can produce offense. A perfect fit who can be used well in next few years by the Devils.
18- Columbus Blue Jackets select C Isac Lundestrom
The Blue Jackets go with the Swedish center with SHL experience. They hope he'll bring his solid two way game to Columbus ina be ready in a year or two.
19- Philadelphia Flyers select LW/RW Dominik Bokk
Flyers go with the German winger in Bokk, hoping for the high potential payoff and improvement of skating to lead into a top 6 role.
20- LA Kings select LW Grigori Denisenko
LA goes with the high risk, high reward Russian winger Denisenko who shows great potential to be an impact winger at the NHL level, something they could use on the wing of Kopitar or Carter.
21- San Jose Sharks select RW Martin Kaut
San Jose takes the Czech workhorse Martin Kaut, a hard working winger who could easily feature on their top 6 in a few years.
22- Ottawa Senators (via Pittsburgh) select D K'Andre Miller
Ottawa goes with the raw American defenseman who shows extreme promise after only recently switching from a forward position to the back end.
23- Anahiem Ducks select C/RW Akil Thomas
Anahiem goes with the swiss army knife Akil Thomas, hoping to add some versatility and skill to their forward group.
24- Minnesota Wild select D Matthias Samuelsson
Minny opts to go for the American defenseman Samuelsson who brings his large NHL body and talents to help out the future top 4.
25- Toronto Maple Leafs select LW Jonatan Berggren
Toronto takes the Swedish winger who's shown major promise this year. With the right development he can become a top 6 winger with a great mix of speed, hands, and skill.
26- New York Rangers (via Boston) select D Ryan Merkley
Rangers go for broke here on the boom or bust defenseman. Considering they already had a first round pick higher up, they can afford to take a splash on the highly talented Canadian.
27- Chicago Blackhawks (via Nashville) select C Ty Dellandrea
After going with Wahlstrom earlier, Chicago takes a two way center with some nice playmaking potential here. Dellandrea has shown great progression on a bad team and could be top 6 forward.
28- New York Rangers (via Tampa Bay) select C Jacob Olofsson
After going a little risky for their first two selections, New York goes for a safer pick in Olofsson, the two way center.
29- St Louis Blues (via Winnipeg) select D Nils Lundqvist
St Louis goes with the Swedish defenseman at 29, hoping to grab a nice piece to round out a solid future defensive core.
30- Detroit Red Wings (via Vegas) select RW Serron Noel
They took a safer defenseman earlier in the draft, and now go with a riskier forward. Detroit takes a chance on the skillful power forward in Noel who's progressed along very nicely.
31- Washington Capitals select D Alexander Alexeyev
The Capitals round out day one with the Russian two way defenseman who can fill in nicely to a prospect pool which is starting to run dry.
Second Round:
32- Buffalo Sabres select C Jake Wise
Buffalo goes with the once top 5 touted center, Jake Wise. A nice addition to a growing pool of center youngsters such as Eichel and Mittlestadt.
33- Detroit Red Wings (from Ottawa via NY Rangers) select C Filip Hallander
Detroit loves their Swedes, and goes with the Swedish two way center at 33, looking to beef up their center pool of prospects. Hallander will join Rasmussen in a growing system.
34- Florida Panthers (from Arizona) select D Rasmus Sandin
This pick makes complete sense to me, after going with a riskier winger, Florida takes a safer defenseman with their early 2nd round pick.
35- Montreal Canadiens select D Calen Addison
Montreal had two issues to address at the draft, center and defense. With Addison falling into the 2nd, Montreal snaps him up and hopes he fulfills his potential of a second pairing PP QB.
36- Detroit Red Wings select RW Jesse Ylonen
Detroit goes with the raw Finnish winger and hopes he can develop his strong offensive upside over the next couple of years in the Finnish men's leagues.
37- Vancouver Canucks select C Liam Foudy
Vancouver takes the rising London Knights center who impressed in the secnd half of the season with improved top six ice time and the best draft combine showing of anyone.
38- Montreal Canadiens (from Chicago) select D Jonathan Tychonick
After the slip of multiple defensemen that could be taken on day one, Montreal snaps up the second falling defender to stock up their pool.
39- New York Rangers select D Jett Woo
Another falling defenseman is taken off the board by the Rangers who go for the safer defenseman after taking a riskier Merkley previously.
40- Edmonton Oilers select RW Niklas Nordgren
The Oilers go with the small and skilled Finnish winger Nordgren, a nice piece who could take a few years of development and add on to a nice offense with his Finnish countryman Puljujarvi.
41- New York Islanders select C Ryan McLeod
After taking a safer center in Veleno, Islanders opt for a riskier player in McLeod, another real playmaker who can put up some big assist totals and drive back skaters with his speed.
42- Carolina Hurricanes select D Jared McIssac
Pretty much the best player available here, Carolina stops the fall from grace for Jared who was once viewed as a potential top 5 pick earlier in the year. Still a solid, get it done of the defensive end type selection.
43- New York Islanders (via Calgary) select C David Gustafsson
Islanders go with the two way center Gustafsson here at 44. The Swede has already shown that he can play at a high level in the SHL and will surely be a nice selection here for the Isle.
44- Dallas Stars select C Semyon Der Arguchintsev
Dallas goes with the small and skilled, rising Russian center at pick 44. SDA is a very talented playmaker, one of the best in the class who holds some amazing vision.
45- St Louis Blues select C Jack McBain
After going with a defender, St Louis selects the best center available in Jack McBain, someone who could turn into a legitimate 2nd line option with the right development of his large offensive skillset.
46- Washington Capitals (from Florida, via New Jersey) select C Jakub Lauko
Washington goes with the Czech two-way forward here at 46, a valid option to restock the pool and continue the wave. They selected a defenseman in Alexeyev in the 1st round so this makes sense here.
47- Colorado Avalanche select D Jacob Bernard-Docker
Bernard-Docker has been considered by most to be known as a Cale Makar lite type player, coming from the AJHL and playing the same style at the same stature. This is the direction the new age NHL style is going so this could make much sense here.
48- New York Rangers (from New Jersey) select C Alexander Khovanov
As the run of centers continues, Khovanov goes to the rangers at 48, a high skilled player who missed this year due to Mono, a potential steal this late.
49- Columbus Blue Jackets select LW/C Blake McLaughlin
Columbus goes with the American forward here, a potential winger as he adjusts to the NHL. Columbus adds a dual scoring threat through strong vision and passing as well as a solid wrist shot.
50- Philadelphia Flyers select C Cole Fonstad
The Flyers go with the Canadian center Fonstad here, a talented offensive forward who has seen his stock rise. The Flyers select out of the WHL and OHL a lot so this could be a very possible option here.
51- Los Angeles Kings select C Milos Roman
LA goes with the Slovakian two way playmaker as they add a center to their bare prospect pool. The Vancouver Giant has shown some solid promise this year and could have a break out season next year, increasing his stock.
52- Toronto Maple Leafs (from San Jose) select C/LW Phillip Kurashev
Toronto selects the Swiss forward here in the late 2nd round, a dynamic skater with a solid package of offensive skills that will look nice in a middle six with the right development.
53- Pittsburgh Penguins select LW Bulat Shafagulin
Pittsburgh takes a shot on the Russian wildcard. A fast skater with a slick pair of hands and nice shot to throw into their prospect pool that will look to restock their dynasty.
54- Anahiem Ducks select C Aidan Dudas
Anahiem takes a shot on the sniping center who carries one of the best shots in the entire draft. Dudas needs to put up some muscle but can hopefully develop to the point where he can play up to Anahiem's 2nd or 3rd line.
55- Arizona Coyotes (from Minnesota) select LW Sampo Ranta
Arizona takes the speedy Finn, Sampo Ranta with Minny's pick. He's a through and through goal scorer, someone who can pull away with some speed and punish defenders.
56- Montreal Canadiens (from Toronto) select D Nicholas Beaudin
Can't have enough defenders. Montreal takes the hometown kid in the late second round, a puck moving defenseman who packs an offensive punch. He put together a solid 69 point year in the QMJHL and has really shown some top four upside.
57- Boston Bruins select RW Kirill Marchenko
At 57, Boston takes the russian dangling winger. A nice addition and BPA down here at the late second. Kirill attacks the center of the ice as a winger, catching defenders off guard with his speed and hands.
58- Colorado Avalache (from Nashville) select C Ivan D. Morozov
Colorado snaps up the rising Russian center Morozov, a nice pick up. Morozov had a great U18 tournament this year which cause a bit of a rise, however he had been trucking along at such pace in the MHL all season!
59- Tampa Bay Lightning select C/LW Benoit Olivier Groulx
This one is a highly suggested pick should BOG fall this far. His father is a coach affiliated with Tampa, so this could make sense, and a steal around 59.
60- Winnipeg Jets select C Curtis Hall
Winnipeg selects an American center with their first pick of the draft. They go to the USHL a lot so I could see this being a distinct possibility.
61- Vegas Golden Knights select D Adam Ginning
Vegas has their offensive future mostly wrapped up with the talents of Glass and Suzuki, so why not select a Swedish defenseman to go along with Brannstrom?
62- Montreal Canadiens (from Washington) select C Cameron Hillis
Montreal goes after another center, really addressing their needs this draft through the center of the ice. Hillis is a nice two way center who is essentially BPA here.
Third Round:
63- Minnesota Wild (from Buffalo) select D Scott Perunovich
Another hometown kid, playing in Minnesota, born in Minnesota, this overager proved his talent in the NCAA this year and earning a selection this high.
64- Pittsburgh Penguins (from Ottawa) select D Sean Durzi
Overagers go back to back here as Sean Durzi earns a worthy selection this year after somehow missing out last year. Sean's two way presence and added offensive rushing ability earned him the right to be included here.
65- Arizona Coyotes select LW Jan Jenik
Arizona goes with the two way winger from the Czech Republic here, a solid pick that can stew and progress while the young core gets going.
66- Montreal Canadiens select LW Albin Eriksson
Montreal throws out a pick on the large and talented Swede, a good gamble, and one they can certainly take with the mass of pick they've accumulated this year.
67- Detroit Red Wings select G Jakub Skarek
Detroit goes with arguably the best goalie available here, and the first to be selected in a weak class. Despite the international performances, Skarek has looked very sharp.
68- Vancouver Canucks select C Kyle Topping
The Canucks go with Kyle Topping here, following a similar trend that we've seen them do in the past. Over the last few years the Canucks have taken players to fit with other drafted players, and this applies. (Pettersson/Dahlen, Gadjovich/Palmu, etc.)
69- Chicago Blackhawks select D Filip Johansson
Chicago takes the puck moving Swede here, another bit of a long term project, but the best defenseman available here as they retool their team and start the next wave in Chicago.
70- New York Rangers select C Jay O'Brien
New York goes with the American goal scoring center, a relatively unknown player but high level offensive talent. Real speedster who can turn on the jets and go down your throat, someone who will be welcomed in the big apple.
71- Edmonton Oilers select D Danila Galenyuk
Edmonton takes the best defenseman left here in Galenyuk. The Russian defensive defenseman is a very solid option on the back end, someone the Oilers could use in the future.
72- New York Islanders select C/RW Matej Pekar
The playmaking Czech winger drops to Pekar at 72 here, a great option and another prospect to add to the pool after a fantastic spree of picks thanks to the spoils brought by Travis Hamonic.
73- Arizona Coyotes (from Carolina) select G Lukas Dotsal
Arizona has stocked up on a good selection of prospects using other picks, so a goalie makes sense at 73. Dotsal is probably the most skilled goalie in the class, he's just smaller.
74- Arizona Coyotes (from Calgary) select D Alec Regula
Arizona, with another 3rd takes the London Knights defenseman, a raw two way guy who can develop into a solid top four defenseman if the cards are played out right, someone who Arizona needs!
75- Dallas Stars select LW Nando Eggenberger
The legendary named Swiss winger gets taken at 75 here and the Nando's in Dallas get's a legendary new specialty burger. Worth the 75th overall pick, wouldn't you say?
76- St Louis Blues select D Axel Andersson
St Louis goes out to Sweden to select the slick, puck moving Swede in the middle of the third round, buffing up their prospect pool and securing a solid blueline for the future.
77- Boston Bruins (From Florida) select C Allan McShane
At 77, Boston uses Florida's pick to take the all around center McShane to beef up their center pool some more. A nice playmaker who has a decent level of skill in all areas of the game.
78- Colorado Avalanche select G Oliver Rodrigue
Colorado takes the 3rd goalie of the draft, Rodrigue, here at 78 it's a great pick for Colorado, trying to recreate the French Canadian magic that inspired the legend himself Patrick Roy.
79- Anahiem Ducks (from New Jersey) select D Martin Fehevary
Anahiem selects the Slovakian two way puck moving defenseman with a nice wrist shot. He can join a nice young defensive squad and grow nicely to hopefully fulfil a bottom pairing role in 3 years.
80- Columbus Blue Jackets select LW Anderson MacDonald
Columbus goes with the once top 15 touted winger, Anderson MacDonald. The power forward with a nice wrist shot needs to develop well but could turn out to be a solid middle 6 option for Columbus in the future.
81- Detroit Red Wings (from Philadelphia) selects C/RW Ryan O'Reilly
Hilariously identical name aside, O'Reilly is a pure goal scorer, and a great pick at 81 for the Red Wings, adding onto their mound of prospects this year.
82- Los Angeles Kings select D Jordan Harris
The Hawks take the smooth skating American defender at 82, a great addition at 82 for a partially unknown player who played mostly in high school all year; could be a very nice steal.
83- Toronto Maple Leafs (from San Jose) select C Oscar Back
Toronto goes for another Swede here at pick 83, a nice addition to a growing Swedish contingent in Toronto. A solid two way center who utilizes his size very well.
84- Detroit Red Wings (from Pittsburgh) select C Jachym Kondelik
Detroit goes with the large Czech center using Pittsburgh's 3rd round selection. The 6'7 big man from the USHL plays a solid two way game as Detroit continues to build their squad with young size.
85- Anahiem Ducks select C Blade Jenkins
Anahiem goes for the American center in the late 3rd round here, Blake Jenkins. A nice multi faceted attacking game with shot and playmaking will be a valuable asset for the team later on as the raw center develops.
86- Minnesota Wild select LW Ruslan Ishakov
Minny goes with the small and skilled Russian winger Ishakov at pick 65. Ishakov is 5'7 and really needs a growth spurt, but the talent and work ethic is there without a question.
87- Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto, via Washington) select C Jack Drury
Chicago selects Drury here, the best center available and a bit of a wildcard. The hard working two way center from Illinois will fit in well as the Hawks continue to build a center pool. Chicago cashed in with some nice picks this year and has replenished the stockpile for the next few years as they retool.
88- New York Rangers (from Boston) select C/RW Linus Karlsson
The Rangers had a slew of picks this draft, but select the rising SHL point producing Swedish center here at 88, a nice grab and an underrated player who only recently shot up draft boards.
89- Nashville Predators select C/LW Marcus Westfalt
Another SHL performer, Westfalt is a Swedish riser who Nashville takes a stab on late in the 3rd round. Hopefully he can continue to produce and use his offensive skillset as he develops in the Swedish League.
90- Tampa Bay Lightning select LW Vladislav Kotkov
Tampa Bay selects the large Russian power forward and adds him to the arsenal of growing and deadly young Lightning players. He works well into their team and joins a large Russian contingent.
91- Winnipeg Jets select LW Tyler Weiss
The Jets select the goal scoring winger from the USNTDP, Weiss who knows what it takes to score the goals. Winnipeg has a great core already and as long as he can develop into a top 9 winger, this pick is a success.
92 - Minnesota Wild select RW Dmitry Zavgorodny
Minnesota takes the skilled Russian winger Zavgorodny. A nice skilled option to add to their cabinet. Zavgorodny is small, but holds a scoring punch in there and should he transition well will be a nice addition.
93- Washington Capitals select C/LW Justin Almeida
Washington closes out the third round by selecting the overager Almeida, a great growth from his undrafted status last year after proving he has what it takes with a great WHL performance.
Team Selections:
picks-(23) C/RW Akil Thomas
(54) C Aidan Dudas
(79) D Martin Fehevary
(85) C Blade Jenkins
picks-(5) D Quinn Hughes
(55) LW Sampo Ranta
(65) LW Jan Jenik
(73) G Lukas Dotsal
(74) RW Dmitry Zavgorodny
picks-(57) RW Kirill Marchenko
(77) C Allan McShane
picks-(1) D Rasmus Dahlin
(32) C Jake Wise
picks- picks-(2) RW Andrei Svechnikov
(42) D Jared McIssac
picks-(8) RW Oliver Wahlstrom
(27) C Ty Dellandrea
(69) D Filip Johansson
(87) C Jack Drury
picks-(16) C Rasmus Kupari
(47) D Jacob Bernard-Docker
(58) C Ivan D. Morozov
(78) G Oliver Rodrigue
picks-(18) C Isac Lundestrom
(49) LW/C Blake McLaughlin
(80) LW Anderson MacDonald
picks-(13) C Barrett Hayton
(44) C Semyon Der Arguchintsev
(75) LW Nando Eggenberger
picks-(6) D Evan Bouchard
(30) RW Serron Noel
(33) C Filip Hallander
(36) RW Jesse Ylonen
(67) G Jakub Skarek
(81) RW/C Ryan O'Reilly
(84) C Jachym Kondelik
picks-(10) D Ty Smith
(40) RW Niklas Nordgren
(71) D Danila Galenyuk
picks-(15) RW Vitali Kravstov
(34) D Rasmus Sandin
picks-(20) LW Grigori Denisenko
(51) C Milos Roman
(82) D Jordan Harris
picks-(24) D Matthias Samuelsson
(63) D Scott Perunovich
(86) LW Ruslan Ishakov
(92) RW Dmirti Zavgorodny
picks-(3) C Jesperi Kotkaniemi
(35) D Calen Addison
(38) D Jonathan Tychonick
(56) D Nicholas Beaudin
(62) C Cameron Hillis
(66) LW Albin Eriksson
picks-(89) C/LW Marcus Westfalt
picks-(17) D Bode Wilde
picks-(11) D Adam Boqvist
(12) C Joe Veleno
(41) C Ryan McLeod
(43) C David Gustafsson
(72) C/RW Matej Pekar
picks-(9) LW Brady Tkachuk
(26) D Ryan Merkley
(28) C Jacob Olofsson
(39) D Jett Woo
(48) C Alexander Khovanov
(70) C Jay O'Brien
(88) C/RW Linus Karlsson
picks-(4) RW Filip Zadina
(22) D K'Andre Miller
picks-(14) LW Joel Farabee
(19) LW Dominik Bokk
(50) C Cole Fonstad
picks-(53) LW Bulat Shafagulin
(64) D Sean Durzi
picks-(21) RW Martin Kaut
picks-(45) C Jack McBain
(76) D Axel Andersson
picks-(59) C/LW Benoit Olivier Groulx
(90) LW Vladislav Kotkov
picks-(25) LW Jonatan Berggren
(52) C/LW Phillip Kurashev
(83) C Oscar Back
picks-(7) D Noah Dobson
(37) C Liam Foudy
(68) C Kyle Topping
picks-(61) D Adam Ginning
picks-(31) D Alexander Alexeyev
(46) C Jakub Lauko
(93) C/RW Justin Almeida
picks-(60) C Curtis Hall
(91) LW Tyler Weiss
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