1 | | - | | I don’t want this but can’t be unreasonable |
2 | | - | | Almost as much of a lock as bedard is at 1 |
3 | | - | | Could see them going smith but I think they opt for the more NHL ready player as I think they want to compete sooner rather than later |
4 | | - | | The choice they have to make is between michkov and smith. They decide to go with the quicker timeline and safer bet. Great player who could be a top line center one day with top 6 floor. |
5 | | - | | Slavic center with high compete to match with countrymen and 1st overall pick last year in Slafkovsky, slight reach but could work out well if it brings the best out of both players. |
6 | | - | | Small so he could slide but the offensive talent is undeniable. Could look great on Cooley’s wing. |
7 | | - | | This guy just screams fan favorite in Philly as they attempt to right their ship. High compete, and skill, could be a great building block for long term success. |
8 | | - | | One of the steals of the draft. Works perfectly for Washington. The have no fear of Russian players and get the second best talent on draft day. |
9 | | - | | Could see Detroit going several different ways. They decide to get the best skater in the draft. |
10 | | - | | Realistically I see Reinbacher going anywhere from 5-9 but I’d be super happy if he was available by the time the blues pick. He fits exactly what the need to replenish the blue line. |
11 | | - | | Van almost goes with wallinader or ASP but decided to go for the best center left. Good size and great 2 way play. Can be a solid top 6 center in the future. Plays a pro style game. |
12 | | | | Almost took Reinbacher but passed for offensive talent. Decide to get the second best RD of the draft. Solid top 4 future. Great skater, good D, moves the puck well. Good prospect. |
13 | | - | | Stacked at LD, the decided to take a swing on a smaller but high offensive talent RD. Not the best defensive player but still has some skill there. Gives Buffalo an even more solid D core moving forward. -scary team for years to come. |
14 | | - | | This one was tough. Their pool is so weak they decided to draft the best player at a premium position available. |
15 | | - | | Big power forward. Almost went D for them but again, pretty shallow system and decided to get a player with a pro build |
16 | | - | | At 16, flames don’t wanna pass this up. Good size and skill. |
17 | | | | Great size and compete, could see him rise a bit on draft day. Yezerman ain’t scared to reach and think this is a projectable NHLer |
18 | | - | | Best center available. Good size to project as an actual NHL center. Good pick up at 18. |
19 | | | | Why not get bedards life long friend to help make him comfortable. A good player who some will say slid a bit. Makes your franchise center happy so it’s a good pick. |
20 | | - | | He slides cause his size despite putting up record numbers. it his linemates? Who knows but can’t pass him up at 20 |
21 | | - | | Good skating and a high compete level. Has good top 4 potential. A slightly smaller 2 way defensman, could see him learn a lot from a player like Spurgeon |
22 | | | | Big body, high skill. If he can get a little better at skating and foot speed this could be another steal.other team with a bright future. |
23 | | - | | If he wasn’t Russian, he would have been a top 15 pick. 6’5” and skates well. Could see this being a very impactful player in the future |
24 | | | | Nashville wasn’t gonna leave the first round without aD man. Right shot with good size, skating, and puck skill.With their development for D, easy top 4 defender in the future |
25 | | | | Another player I see going earlier. The blues get a stud with NHL size and solid play on both ends of the ice. Have had Russians in the past and he likely fits our timeline well. |
26 | | | | Once projected a top 10 guy in this draft, a down year causes Sale to slide to the late first. Sharks decide to take the swing and can’t pass this player at 26 |
27 | | - | | Size and compete are there. If he can put the rest together, he’s a valuable player at a premium position |
28 | | | | Talented Russian player with top 4/PP1 potential. Leafs decide to go D to help fill out prospect pool. |
29 | | | | NHL size with high compete, middle 6 projections. Blues leave this draft with everything they wanted and I am happy. |
30 | | - | | Great shot, good IQ,could be a center or wing. Canes make a smart pick like usual. |
31 | | | | |
32 | | - | | A younger kid in the draft who can skate well and works hard. With good development this could look like a great pick in the future. |