My 2022 Draft Predictions With Explanations

Some explanations didnt post, so here they are:

11. David Jiricek (SJS): San Jose has no shortage of strong forward prospects with Eklund, Bordeleau, Coe, Weatherby, and so on. I think Jiricek would be a very nice piece for them and a much welcomed cheap defenseman while on his ELC. I like the fit

15. Conor Geekie (VAN): Conor Geekie is an absolute giant and has the potential to be a great two way player. I think he would mesh well with guys like Petterson, Miller, and Horvat. His skillset is there and his massive frame probably sets him up nicely to be a top 6 regular in the near future.

17. Kevin Korchinski (NSH): Korchinski has a stupid amount of poential and is another one of those defenseman in this years draft that I think could be difference makers on their teams. His transitional and offensive abilities are undeniable, and he isn't awful in his own end either. I think under the mentorship of Roman Josi, he could become a stud.

19. Ivan Miroshnichenko (LAK): I think LA is the exact kind of team that should take a bet on Miroshnichenko. They have so many great pieces and just made the playoffs after having a lottery pick last year. They have so many skilled players and will only continue to get better. Miroshnichenko is a top 5 skill in this draft that lost stock due to his medical situation. He is progressing well thankully, and I think LA would hit an absolute home run with him, really solidifying their place as the NHLs next potential dynasty.

20. Gleb Trikozov (WSH): The Capitals take another monsterously talented Russian to play alongside Kuzy and Ovi. Trikozov's offensive capabilities are honestly terrifying, and under the proper development he could easily flourish into one of this drafts better players. His defensive ability is a bit of a question mark but Washington has never shyed away from taking a forward who isn't great in their own end.

24. Jimmy Snuggerud (MIN): Snuggerud is a guy that is across the board projected to go late in the first round, and honestly I don't see how he could go so low. His numbers in the USDP, the USHL, and WJC-18 are nothing short of great and his defensive impact is immense. Fantastic player that would be absolutely terrifying on the Wild. He's from Minnesota and is committed to the U of Minnesota. Definitely a guy that loves his home state. I think he would be a steal at 24.

25. Rutger McGroarty (TOR): McGroarty would be a fantastic fit on the Leafs. Good mesh of skill and physicality. Grew up a Leafs fan and definitely has the passion. His analytics were great this season and he definitely passes the eye test. Very charismatic guy who would fit in well. His skating is definitely a weak point in his game, but the Leafs have never shyed away from that when the player has so many other redeemable qualities (ie. Pavel Gogolev). Afterall, you can teach a guy to skate.

26. Liam Ohgren (MTL): Honestly, if McGroarty isnt available when the Leafs pick, this is the guy I want. Ohgren is a guy that honestly sort of reminds me of J.T Miller. Pretty big bodied dude at 6'1 201lbs at just 18 years old. He had 9 points in 6 games at the WJC18 event and 58pts in 30 games with the J20 Nationell. Seems like a great pick.

28. Filip Mesar (BUF): Considering this is Buffalo's third pick in the first round, they should 100% take a bet on Mesar. He's got a bit of a smaller frame at 5'10, but is one of the best skaters in the draft and is a great transitional player. Super underrated guy who just goes non stop

I hope Jackets for Nazar over Savoie and Mateychuk over Lambert. Could also see Kasper if he's available at 12.

In a perfect world we trade up to 4 and get Cooley and then 11 and get Jiricek, I don't know what we have that makes any of that feasible though.

Good write-up. Hard to see AZ passing on Cooley but they could be the club to go Gauthier over him.

As a canucks fan i love the Geekie mock, haven't seen it too much though so thanks!

No hate but if any team except the habs were picking first would you still dislike Wright???

I don't agree with the Wright bit. But outside of that, pretty good explanations.

Yiricek is an instant pick/no brained

Don't forget that Wright and McDavid had very similar rookie seasons. Wright missed a full year because of covid and that would hurt any young players stats... I think there is a reason for the hype.

If the Shorks somehow nab Jiricek I'll send every GM who passed on him a gift basket and a heartfelt thank you note.

0 chance cbj picks lambert.

There isnt a chance in the world ANA passes on Jiricek.

I wouldnt even be surprised if they trade up for him

In his D-2 year while Wright was putting over a point per game in the OHL, Nugent was getting the same numbers but in the BCHL. Covid hits, OHL season's cancelled but Wright still put out a 3 point per game performance at the U18 and then this damned 2021-22 season comes around and he gets 1.5 ppg with rookie wingers. Put him with Debrincat and Strome like McDavid had and I'm sure there isn't any debate around the first overall pick.

Why is the 3PPG U18 isn't talked about as much as Slaf's U20 1.5PPG ones?

Yeah. IDK what it is about him I just dont love his game. Didnt like him prior to the Habs winning the lottery either, but hey theres a reason Im not an NHL GM

Wright is going to be very good if the Habs take him. He's definitely got a high floor, but I think some other players have a higher ceiling. Im sure he'll be sweet on the Habs but I just dont love him that much. Chances are we come back to this in a years time and I look like a moron, but Ive gotta stick to my gut

Honestly yeah, Jiricek should be at 10. In the actual draft I'd be baffled if he falls out of the top 6 at the least. But there always seems to be a great defenseman that falls for whatever stupid reason

Chances are Wright is going to be a good pick and I look like an idiot. IDK I just dont really love the guy. Maybe im trying too hard to be a contrarian or something

Jiricek is exactly what the Ducks need in their org, a top 4 of Zellweger-Jiricek, Vaak-Drysdale could be great for the future (Vaak could be upgraded to be fair)

Im praying that Pat Verbeek finds a way to get him in Orange County

I think Jiricek would be great in Anaheim, easily my biggest miss here

I think the biggest thing with Wright is prospect fatigue, this has been his draft for years now and people are just trying to change it up because it seems stale and he hasnt taken a step forward into being a generational prospect like it was once believed he could, he's still the best player by a good amount to me

I think another factor is that this years draft is widely considered to be on the weaker end while next years draft is absolutely LOADED. Bedard, Fantilli, Michkov, Benson, Sale, Yager, Wood, etc. As much as Im not a fan of Wright, I still think he goes first and will be great

Wright seems to me like a Nugent-Hopkins type player, good not great, will be solid for whoever he takes but isnt a true #1C. Next year having multiple players that would go 1OA this year definetley doesnt help things, and the fall off of guys like Savoie and Lambert in this class didnt help things either