1 | | - | | Do I need to even explain this pick |
2 | | - | | Now I think the Kings are leaning more towards Stutzle than Byfield. Such a smooth skater and unreal playmaking ability. Think about him alongside of a guy like Kaliyev. That would be unbelievable for LA. Also I think the amount of centermen that the Kings have in their system will also tempt the Kings to pick up Stutzle. |
3 | | | | Ottawa gets their true number 1 center. Byfield is a very good skater considering his size. Very good defensively at such a young age and if he can properly use his size, he will be a nightmare to play against alongside of Brady Tkachuk. |
4 | | - | | Now Yzerman likes undersized forwards and considering the Seider selection, I think it's between Perfetti and Rossi. Perfetti plays very close to Detroit which means the Wings have had a lot of time to see him. I think his hockey sense and playmakin ability causes the Wings to fall in love with this kid and take him. |
5 | | - | | Ottawa has enough defense. Lassi Thomson, Bernard Docker, Brannstrom, etc. Also considering the fact that Ottawa has so many picks that they can address their defense later in the draft. After getting Byfield, I think they take Raymond. An absolutely unreal playmaker. He's so good at creating chances for his teammates and himself. Not only is he good offensively, but he gives a lot of effort in his own end which you rarely find in wingers. |
6 | | - | | Anaheim is lacking in their prospect pool in terms of defense. Drysdale is the perfect choice for the Ducks. A literal clone of Cale Makar in my opinion. Smooth skating RHD, powerplay QB, alright defensively. Love this pick for the Ducks. |
7 | | - | | Rossi is the best player available here in my opinion. But the Devils have Hughes AND Hischier. Holtz is the best natural goal scorer in the draft. So why not give Hughes or Hischier a guy they can feed goals to. |
8 | | - | | Buffalo needs a second line center and badly. Rossi is the guy. Such a good playmaker, solid skater and he gives his all defensively. Perfect guy to slot right behind Jack Eichel. |
9 | | - | | Minnesota has been missing a number 1 center. I think Lundell can be just that. I think he can jump into the NHL as early as next year. So responsible defensively and take the tough matchup and can allow the offensive dynamos to shine while he can also chip in. |
10 | | - | | I think the Jets want a centerman. But with the best ones off the board, I can't see them reaching for one. So why not fill their other need in defense with a dman who excels defensively while providing a respectable amount of offense |
11 | | - | | Now from what I'm hearing, a lot of people have Nashville going with Askarov, but I think the Predators are really desperate for a goal scorer. Apart from Forsberg, they don't really have a consistent 30 goal scorer. And Jack Quinn is all about goal scoring. |
12 | | - | | Trade: Florida trades pick 12 to Chicago for picks 17 and 46. Chicago takes their future Corey Crawford replacement. |
13 | | | | Carolina doesn't need a flashy forward, and Mercer is one of the best but safe picks available at this spot. He is also solid defensively and I think will play wing for the Canes which will make him quite a good piece for Brind'Amour to put into his lineup. |
14 | | - | | Oilers take in my opinion the best player available at this spot. So dynamic and made major improvements to his game in the second half of the season. |
15 | | | | Perfect fit for the Leafs at this spot. Toronto is REALLY lacking physivcality and need a RHD. Why not get both with this pick. |
16 | | - | | Now this pick was easily the hardest one for me to predict. Montreal is taking a forward but there's so many options. But I think they go Holloway. A very good skater who plays a very good two way game and can play wing or center. |
17 | | - | | Florida's pick: Similar to the Leafs picking Schneider, this is a pick that feels two needs for the Panthers. LHD and stay at home dman. |
18 | | | | New Jersey needs defensemen who can defend. Wallinder considering his size can become a force on the back end if developed properly. That's the thing though. If he's developed properly. He needs some time and I think New Jersey is in no rush with this prospect |
19 | | - | | I think Calgary takes a safer pick at this spot in Amirov. Amirov is a very good two way forward and Calgary is thin in terms of prospects and I think they want somebody with higher odds of panning out into a key NHLer than not |
20 | | | | Another big Swedish defenseman. This time, unlike Wallinder, a RHD and is already proven as a very good defensive defenseman. His offensive attributes can use help but a very helpful pick for the Devils. |
21 | | - | | I think Zary and the Blue Jackets are a perfect match. A defensive minded player who can shutdown opponents. A type of player that Tortorella loves. |
22 | | | | The Rangers need centermen. Considering how amazing their prospect pool already is, I think they will take a massive risk in Lapierre. This could end up being the best pick of the draft IF he gets past his injury issues and develops, he will be an elite playmaker alongside of Lafreniere or Panarin. |
23 | | - | | I think the teams around these picks in my opinion will take risks at this spot. Poirier is the best d man in the draft. In terms of offense. Let me pretend like I had you. Anyway, his offense is set, but he is a massive liability on defense. He has gotten better tho this seasonbut still needs MAJOR improvements. |
24 | | - | | Yet another risky pick. In terms of skill, this guy is easily a top 15 prospect. But couts have MAJOR concerns about his coachability and his attitude towards his team. If he fixes those issues, he will slot in perfectly into Colorado's top 6 as a sniper |
25 | | - | | Definitely a pick that's on the safer side especially at this spot. A kid who doesn't specialise in any category. Plays a very balanced offensive game. He can pass and score when needed. His defense could use a bit of work but I think he could become a very solid middle 6 forward for the Caps. |
26 | | - | | I think we're starting to see a pattern. The teams that are thin in terms of prospects in my opinion go for the safer option and teams that have good prospect pools or have a solid one and are a contending team would go for risky picks. Now let's talk about Mysak. He's a very good two-way winger who has a very good shot. His only real issue is that he doesn't use his shot often. Other than that, no issues and nothing else that jumps out from his game |
27 | | | | Anaheim goes for a risk in my eyes since they've taken a defenseman to address their blue line. Perreault is an unbeilevable offensive talent and skater. But defensively, he has some issues. He can be very lazy and will watch the other team attack. If he fixes his attitude towards defending, he could become a top 10 player from this class. |
28 | | | | I think Barron could've gone top 20 if it weren't for his injury. I think Ottawa addresses the defense after having taken 2 forwards with their two top five picks. Barron plays a good two way game, nothing fancy but he gets the job done. |
29 | | - | | A very solid two way center that is one of the best players available in my opinion at this spot and Dallas could use a centerman. He's a much better playmaker than scorer, which would make him a perfect centerman for Roope Hintz and Denis Gurianov in the future |
30 | | - | | Now Vegas should trade down, but I don't think they'd find a partner. So they stay put and take a player who could fill a big need for the Knights: a RHD. He's average in both aspects. Not flashy but will do the simple things you need. |
31 | | | | Yet another pick who is solid on both offense and defense. Another team that's thin in the prospect departement which is why I have them taking a solid two way player who will likely make the NHL. |