Picks by needs

That would be magical, but unfortunately, magic isn’t real

Both Sharks and Ducks need RHD, Dickenson is not a fit with Anaheim who already are deep at LD and Sharks need RD more than wingers right now.

Yea if Chicago drafts 2nd they should be looking at a top wing for Bedard! Bedard Demidov could be electric and then they need to find a big power forward to pair with them as a net front presence and protection.

That's an all-time steal by Minnesota.

Demidov going 5 would surprise me.

I really like Demidov, but I think the Blackhawks need to solidify their defense IMO. Apart from Korchinski, Rinzel and Del Mastro, they have practically nothing. Allan might end as a 6th or 7th D. On the offensive side, they already have Bedard, Dach, Nazar, and Moore. Surely, one of them will move to the wing.

Even though I love Demidov, I remain convinced that he is overrated by media and fans. He remains a winger of average size with a rather weak skating stride. He indeed had a record-breaking season in the MHL, but I am confident he will be drafted later than expected (definitely in the top 6, but not necessarily second)

They have Vlasic and Jones as well as multiple picks in the first 2 rounds and it’s much easier to find good D in 2nd round than it is a top line wing!

I watched some scouting footage and weak stride was definitively not an issue I saw in his game

A defenseman like Levshunov is much harder to find in my opinion than a complement to Bédard. Just look at Zach Hyman with the Oilers. Players like McDavid and Bedard make everyone on their line dominant; they don't need a superstar by their side. Levshunov is not a consolation prize, he reminds me of a smaller Hedman.

It's certainly not his strength, which makes his game more challenging to translate into the NHL. He will be an excellent player, but the MHL is also difficult to evaluate due to the very low caliber in recent years.

Yeah I've heard/read a few scouts being kind of annoyed that he wasn't playing in the KHL considering he was easily able to talent wise

You’re not wrong, but look at the Jets, they have a dominate D and only 1 1st round pick in that group! Personally I would rather have a talentedforward group and a more defense focused D group, but I’ve seen both ways win cups so who am I to judge.