1 | | - | | Duh |
2 | | - | | The 1C of the future. I think he should go back to junior another year and round out his game more and truly dominate every aspect of the OHL and the WJC before coming to the NHL, but once he does, look out. |
3 | | - | | Elite playmaking winger (could play C but better off on the wing) who will make a living sending passes to Mantha and Zadina. Once he starts to pick his spots a little better for his passes, he has legitimate 80-90 point potential |
4 | | | | Massive upside for this pick. Elite puck skills and agility to go with a very strong two way game. Once he gets faster, stronger and works his way inside more, he'll be an elite playmaker. |
5 | | - | | Top pairing RHD, should make for a really good partner for Lindholm. Can't go wrong with Drysdale here |
6 | | - | | All around offensive weapon. Once he improves his skating he has an incredibly high ceiling |
7 | | - | | If they want a center, they go Rossi. But they grabbed Cozens last year and Holtz would add a high end shot next to either Eichel or Cozens. If you argued for Rossi here, I wouldn't blame you |
8 | | - | | Best player available. Sick playmaking and a high motor player with 1C potential, gives them flexibility with Suzuki and Kotkaniemi |
9 | | - | | Goalie of the future for the next era led by Boqvist and Dach. A goalie this early is a risk, but he's been elite everywhere he's been except the WJC this year. |
10 | | | | They go for a defenseman over a forward with Hughes, Hischier, Perfetti and Foote already in the system. Potential 2/3 mobile shutdown guy is quite valuable, especially with a pick they got for a rental |
11 | | - | | Heir apparent to Koivu. Elite two way center, and if the offense can grow, this could be one of the best picks of round 1 |
12 | | - | | One of my personal favorites. High hockey IQ, a lot of skill and plays a responsible two way game as a winger. Reminds me a lot of Teravainen. Give him two years in Russia before he comes over and the Canucks will have another dynamic offensive weapon at their disposal |
13 | | - | | High skill and can play center or wing. Always moving his feet, forechecks hard, good vision. More upside to his game than the stat sheet shows |
14 | | - | | Florida reaches for a defenseman, and Lord knows they need one. Elite in his own end, not so much at the other end of the ice. But if his edge work can improve they can have a nice top four defenseman |
15 | | - | | High end skater and playmaker, never stops moving his feet. Really good forechecker as well and a sneaky good shot. Has a higher ceiling than this pick but he's on the smaller side |
16 | | - | | Two way center that has a lot more offensive upside than people will believe, should slide in nice behind Zibanejad and in front of Chytil |
17 | | - | | Another slight reach on a defenseman but he has a ceiling that could make this pick worth while. Plays a high risk high reward style game, but if that can iron out he has a lot of upside |
18 | | | | No defenseman really worth taking here, so they take a goal scorer who is getting better and better at generating his own chances. A Raymond-Byfield-Quinn line would be a deadly top line moving forward |
19 | | - | | All around forward that's an exceptional playmaker and a relentless forechecker. Had some struggles after he was traded midseason but still has a very high ceiling |
20 | | | | Boom or bust prospect that could develop into a 30 goal scorer if things go right. Elite shot, good skater and has a lot of other good offensive traits, but needs to be consistent with it |
21 | | | | Very raw player that has a lot of room to grow. Already a high end defensive forward and an elite penalty killer. A lot of offensive skills that need time to develop, kid looks ready to explode next year |
22 | | - | | Dynamic offensive talent but needs to put a lot more effort defensively, But the profile is there for him to be a top offensive contributor |
23 | | - | | Elite shot, but the skating needs work. This is higher than most people will have him, but he'd be the perfect running mate to McDavid, especially once his feet improve |
24 | | - | | They need some defensive help in the system, and McCrimmon loves the WHL. I personally don't have Guhle in my first round, but I see why teams do and he'll probably go round 1 |
25 | | | | One of the most underrated guys in the draft IMO. Locks down his side of the ice and has more offensive upside he can tap into. Was the captain of the Soo as a 17 year old, so the intangibles are there as well. Essentially Brodin's replacement |
26 | | - | | Would have gone a lot higher had it not been for blood clots that shortened his season. Reads passing lanes very well and skates well for someone with a large frame. Similar to Guhle, NHL teams will be higher on him than the general public, but I think this one is more warranted |
27 | | - | | There are a number of really good forwards worthy of the pick here, but a RHD is a glaring need. Niemela is a very raw player with a lot of room to grow into a mobile two way top four D |
28 | | | | Potential round one steal here. Needs a lot of time to develop, but an incredibly smart player with a willingness to get dirty in the corners and in front of the net to go along with a large arsenal of skills |
29 | | - | | A project of a player, but has all the offensive traits you look for in a top six forward. He'll develop next to Shane Wright for the next two years which will be great for his projection to play next to Newhook or Mackinnon |
30 | | - | | Smooth skating defender that doesn't let his small size get the worst of him that often. Needs to round out a few details, but could easily be a second pairing guy if things break right |
31 | | | | Can play center or wing. Drives play from either position and has a wicked shot to go with it. This could look like a steal if he can improve his top speed |