1. Edmonton Oilers- Connor McDavid, Center, Erie Otters (OHL): Duh. No mystery here. Drafting first for the fourth time in the past six seasons, the Oilers will add a generational talent on the order of Sidney Crosby. Adding him to a center mix that already includes Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl sets Edmonton up with enviable depth down the middle for the next decade.
2. Buffalo Sabres- Jack Eichel, Center, Boston University: The only uncertainty surrounding the selection of this franchise-caliber center is whether he will leave school to join the Sabres next season. When he does, Eichel will be an elite first liner in the vein of John Tavares, a dominant offensive presence around which a championship roster can be built.
3. Arizona Coyotes- Dylan Strome, Center, Erie Otters (OHL): Here’s where the intrigue starts. The Coyotes are on the board at three, but there’s a good chance they won’t be making this pick. GM Don Maloney has admitted it is in play and says he’s had discussions with at least three teams. That number could grow by Friday night. If Arizona holds on to the selection though, Strome has to be their guy. He’s the powerhouse pivot that every contending team needs in the middle. He’s most effective as a playmaker but could score 30-plus goals at the NHL level.
4. Toronto Maple Leafs- Ivan Provorov, Defenseman, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): SportsNet’s Sam Cosentino recently said he believes the Leafs will pick either Provorov or Mitchell Marner. It seems to make more sense for Toronto to look for help on the back end, as high-end defensemen are predominately harder to acquire than first-line wingers. In saying that, they are bound to raise a few eyebrows if they choose the Wheat King over Boston College defender Noah Hanifin. Provorov led all WHL rookies in points with 15 goals and 61 points in 60 contests, so the proof is in the pudding regarding his offensive skills.
5. Carolina Hurricanes- Noah Hanifin, Defenseman, Boston College: Two years ago, the Predators benefited when a highly touted American defenseman dropped a few spots and landed in their lap. The same could happen this time around for the ’Canes. Hanifin has long been regarded as the third-best talent in the class but could be pushed down by a pressing need for offense in Arizona and Toronto. He is a strong, two-way defender in the mold of Ryan McDonagh. He’ll never be an offensive force, but he moves the puck quickly and effectively and is very useful in transition. At least one scout says a lack of high-end offensive skill could drop him further.
6. New Jersey Devils- Mitch Marner, Wing, London Knights (OHL): Marner, who netted 44 goals and 126 points in 63 games for the Knights, is a no-brainer for the Devils at No. 6. He possesses the raw offensive skills that New Jersey desperately needs to add to their lineup, as their top scorer, Adam Henrique, only notched 43 points last year.
7. Philadelphia Flyers- Lawson Crouse, Wing, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL): Crouse's hard-nosed style of play screams Flyers hockey. He uses his large 6’4”, 212-pound stature to cause havoc on the ice by playing a physically dominant game. Unlike Marner and Strome, Crouse doesn’t project to develop into a future first-line forward. He seems poised to blossom into a high-end second-line winger who has the ability to be a game-changer, much like Boston’s Mulan Lucic. His ceiling may make some teams leery about investing a top-10 pick in him, but since players with size, skill and tenacity are hard to find, it would be fairly surprising to see him drop beyond the ninth selection.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets- Zachary Werenski, Defenseman, Michigan: You don’t often see teams drafting for need, but that’s what could happen here. The Jackets have leaned heavily towards offense in the past few drafts and after losing defensive prospect Mike Reilly to free agency they could really use a high-end blueline talent like Werenski. He’s a fluid skater who can contribute to the offense and is willing the pay the price defensively. He led the Wolverines with 59 blocked shots.
9. San Jose Sharks- Mikko Rantanen, Wing, TPS Turku (Finland): The Sharks here get a large, physically imposing winge. Rantanen played 16 minutes a night in the top Finnish league, finishing second on his team in scoring. And as a testament to his maturity, he was wearing an A midway through the season. He could make the jump to the NHL as soon as next season.
10. Colorado Avalanche- Timo Meier, Wing, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL): The Avalanche need defensemen, but Meier (6-1, 209) is too good to pass on. He excelled this season with a Halifax-high 44 goals. He also excelled with top-end linemates; he played with the Jets's 2014 first-round pick (No. 8) Nikolaj Ehlers in Halifax, Predators rookie Kevin Fiala with Switzerland at the 2015 WJC and Connor McDavid at the 2015 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
11. Florida Panthers- Pavel Zacha, Center, Sarnia Sting (OHL): Panthers GM Dale Tallon has emphasized the need for size with skill, and the 6-3, 210-pound forward has both. He had 34 points in 37 games in his first North American season and also plays a strong 200-foot game. Having Nick Bjugstad (6-6, 218), Alexsander Barkov (6-3, 213) and Zacha down the middle would make for an impressive look.
12. Dallas Stars- Mathew Barzal, Center, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL): Barzal is a fringe top-10 prospect in this draft. But in saying that, it seems inevitable that a team in the Nos. 11-14 range will scoop the Vancouver, British Columbia, native up if he falls outside of the top 10. The 6’0", 181-pound center’s vision stands out the most. He can read a play a second before it happens and spot holes in a defense that most players can’t see. His elite playmaking abilities are visible in the 12 goals and 45 helpers he produced in 44 games this year.
13. Los Angeles Kings- Kyle Connor, Center/Wing, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL): Fittingly, one scout compared Connor to Kings star Marian Gaborik, at least stylistically. The two share the gift of blazing speed and an uncanny ability to finish their scoring chances. Connor is a wildly agile attacker who uses his fast feet and even faster hands to befuddle defenders. His stickhandling is nimble and daring, earning him comparisons to Patrick Kane. With first-line potential, he could surprise by moving several notches up the board on draft day.
14. Boston Bruins- Thomas Chabot, Defenseman, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL): With Zdeno Chara nearing the end of his career, the Bruins are in need of some young blood on their back end to help Dougie Hamilton and Torey Krug carry the defense. Chabot would be one of Boston’s best bets with the 14th overall selection. Chabot, who notched 12 markers and 41 points in 66 games, is a smart two-way defenseman who possesses excellent mobility and puck skills. He’s the type of player who can play a big role in all situations because of his smooth skating ability and great work ethic.
15. Calgary Flames- Colin White, Center, USA NTDP (USHL): If the Bruins don’t grab White, he’ll be a steal for the Flames. He’s the ideal two-way center, a high intensity performer whose hockey sense and will make him the player you want in the final seconds to protect a lead or battle for the tying goal. White does his best work along the boards. He excels at the cycle and is relentless in pursuit of the puck. Like Patrice Bergeron he might not be the highest scoring player on the team but he does so many little things so well that he might just be the most valuable.
16. Edmonton Oilers (via Pittsburgh Penguins)- Jakub Zboril, Defenseman, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL): The Oilers might consider a goalie with this pick—or trading it down in an effort to land someone like Ilya Samsonov while adding another asset to the pile. But with young goalies to be had via trade, and with a glaring need for a reliable top-four defender in their prospect cupboard, Zboril is a smart pick. He has the offensive tools, including a heavy shot from the point, to man the power play. He also has that nasty, physical edge that makes him a miserable opponent in the defensive zone.
17. Winnipeg Jets- Paul Bittner, Wing, Portland Winterhawks (WHL): Winnipeg’s organization is pretty thin at left wing, which could make Bittner irresistible. There’s not a lot of flash to his game—he’s strictly north/south—but his size makes him very tough to handle along the boards, in the corners and in front of the net. Needs work on several areas of his game, but the raw tools are intriguing.
18. Ottawa Senators- Travis Konecny, Center, Ottawa 67’s (OHL): It makes sense for the Senators to
look to their own backyard on the draft floor. Konecny, who is ranked 14th overall by McKeen’s Hockey, is a smaller forward (5’10”, 176 pounds) who possesses a dynamic skating ability, great puck skills and a lightning release. He uses his great abilities at both ends of the ice, as he’s touted as a solid two-way forward.
19. Detroit Red Wings- Noah Juulsen, Defenseman, Everett Silvertips (WHL): A strong second half boosted Juulsen's stock. The 6-2, 174-pound right-shot defenseman was well-regarded for his defensive skill and physical play, but this season he showed he could contribute in the offensive zone with nine goals and 52 points in 68 games. The more ice time he was given, the better he played.
20. Minnesota Wild- Jansen Harkins, Center, Prince George Cougars (WHL): Harkins has the rare blend of a blue-collar attitude and high-end skill. He works hard like a third-line grinder but has the talent to produce top-line numbers. His best offensive attribute is his playmaking abilities, which is
evident in the 20 goals and 59 helpers that he produced in 70 games this season. His hard-nosed style of play would give Minnesota the option to start him out in its bottom six before he learns how to produce offensively in the pros. Moreover, his strong defensive play would allow the Wild to give him zone starts and time on the penalty kill.
21. Ottawa Senators (from Buffalo Sabres, via New York Islanders)- Filip Chlapik, Center, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL): This morning, Sabres GM Tim Murray traded this pick to Ottawa in exchange for Robin Lehner and David Legwand. That changes the possibility of Buffalo selecting a goaltender (Ilya Samsonov) to Ottawa’s top priority: a center and in this mock draft as you see, I have the Sens selecting two centerman. Chlapik gets mixed reviews. Some see him as a responsible two-way type with upside, and if that’s how he pans out he’s well worth nabbing at this spot. Others, though, wonder about his offensive upside. If he can’t score in the 50-point range, then this pick is too early by about 20.
22. Washington Capitals- Evgeny Svechnikov, Wing, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL): It will be hard for the Capitals, and any other team for that matter, to pass up on Svechnikov in the Nos. 20-25 range. He has an enticing blend of size (6’2”, 201 lbs), soft hands, a solid shot and a smooth stride. The combination paved the way for Central Scouting to rank him 17th overall among North American skaters.
23. Vancouver Canucks- Jeremy Roy, Defenseman, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL): The Canucks could use a blue-chip defensive prospect after investing four top-30 draft choices on forwards in the past two years. Roy, a gifted two-way defender, would be a solid pickup with the 23rd selection. His vision, skating ability and puck skills make him a threat and impact player at both ends of the rink. In addition to his two-way play, Roy has established himself as one of the top power-play producers in the draft. He racked up 26 helpers on the man advantage this year while playing in the QMJHL, which made up 60 percent of his point total (five goals and 38 assists).
24. Toronto Maple Leafs (via Nashville Predators)- Daniel Sprong, Wing, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL): After taking Provorov fourth overall (as I assume), the Leafs would be expected to look to the other end of the ice with the 24th overall selection. Sprong, who is pegged 18th overall by Future Considerations, would be an ideal pickup. He’s a dynamic skater, and he has a creative offensive mind and the work ethic to evolve his game at the next level. The 6’0", 183-pound Sprong took no time at all to hit his stride in the QMJHL, as he notched 30 goals and 68 points in 67 games as a rookie in 2013-14. He enhanced his stats as a sophomore, scoring 39 markers and 88 points in 68 matches.
25. Winnipeg Jets (from Buffalo Sabres via St. Louis Blues)- Jacob Larsson, Defenseman, Frolunda HC (Sweden Jr): Since I have Winnipeg taking a forward with their first pick, I have them taking a defenseman here. Larsson earns high marks for his skating, his hockey sense and his competitiveness and has the size needed to be effective in all three zones. There’s not a lot of offensive upside to his game, but he makes good puck decisions.
26. Montreal Canadiens- Anthony Beauvillier, Wing, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL): Montreal’s problem this past year was lighting the lamp. The Canadiens' top forwards haven’t found a way to score at the same rate as the NHL’s top contenders. The time is now for them to look for a talented scorer like Beauvilllier in the draft. In the latter half of the first round of the draft, Beauvillier’s numbers are hard to beat. He led the Cataractes in points with 42 goals and 94 points in 67 games. Despite his elite offensive abilities, his smaller 5’10”, 170-pound frame has hindered his draft status.
27. Anaheim Ducks- Brandon Carlo, Defenseman, Tri-City Americans (WHL): With a 6’5”, 196-pound build, an ability to adapt to the pace of a game and a hard-nosed style of play, Carlo has the makings of a solid shutdown rearguard. He asserted himself as one of the top defenseman in the WHL this past year, as the Americans constantly counted on him to contain other team’s top scorers. Carlo is a good fit for the Ducks in more ways than one. They already have an elite, young puck-mover in the Seattle Thunderbirds’ Shea Theodore, so they could use a shutdown specialist to complement their top 2013 draft pick. Moreover, with pending free agent Francois Beauchemin nearing the end of his career, Anaheim will need a new face to replace his defensive presence.
28. Tampa Bay Lightning (via New York Rangers)- Joel Eriksson EK, Center, Farjestad BK (Sweden): The big, two-way center seems like a classic Red Wings pick, which makes him exactly the sort of player that GM Steve Yzerman might covet. He was the highest-scoring under-18 player in Sweden’s top league, so he’s already proved that he can handle himself against men. He has an excellent shot and is willing to earn his ice. He doesn’t settle for the easy opportunities. When he fills out, he could become a physical presence.
29. Philadelphia Flyers (via Tampa Bay Lightning)- Brock Boeser, Wing, Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL): Philadelphia can use some forwards and they certainly need help on defense but Boeser is someone I can see Philly taking here. He was tied for the United States Hockey League lead with 35 goals. He'll continue to develop next season at the University of North Dakota.
30. Arizona Coyotes (via Chicago Blackhawks)- Jansen Harkins, Center, Prince George Cougars (WHL): There’s nothing sexy about Harkins, the son of former NHLer Todd Harkins, but he’s seen as a safe bet to skate a long time in the league. He plays a simple north/south game that features full commitment in all three zones. He’s an especially effective forechecker who earns his space/time with the puck by simply outworking the opposition.
18. Ottawa Senators- Travis Konecny, Center, Ottawa 67’s (OHL): It makes sense for the Senators to
look to their own backyard on the draft floor. Konecny, who is ranked 14th overall by McKeen’s Hockey, is a smaller forward (5’10”, 176 pounds) who possesses a dynamic skating ability, great puck skills and a lightning release. He uses his great abilities at both ends of the ice, as he’s touted as a solid two-way forward.
19. Detroit Red Wings- Noah Juulsen, Defenseman, Everett Silvertips (WHL): A strong second half boosted Juulsen's stock. The 6-2, 174-pound right-shot defenseman was well-regarded for his defensive skill and physical play, but this season he showed he could contribute in the offensive zone with nine goals and 52 points in 68 games. The more ice time he was given, the better he played.
20. Minnesota Wild- Jansen Harkins, Center, Prince George Cougars (WHL): Harkins has the rare blend of a blue-collar attitude and high-end skill. He works hard like a third-line grinder but has the talent to produce top-line numbers. His best offensive attribute is his playmaking abilities, which is
evident in the 20 goals and 59 helpers that he produced in 70 games this season. His hard-nosed style of play would give Minnesota the option to start him out in its bottom six before he learns how to produce offensively in the pros. Moreover, his strong defensive play would allow the Wild to give him zone starts and time on the penalty kill.
21. Ottawa Senators (from Buffalo Sabres, via New York Islanders)- Filip Chlapik, Center, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL): This morning, Sabres GM Tim Murray traded this pick to Ottawa in exchange for Robin Lehner and David Legwand. That changes the possibility of Buffalo selecting a goaltender (Ilya Samsonov) to Ottawa’s top priority: a center and in this mock draft as you see, I have the Sens selecting two centerman. Chlapik gets mixed reviews. Some see him as a responsible two-way type with upside, and if that’s how he pans out he’s well worth nabbing at this spot. Others, though, wonder about his offensive upside. If he can’t score in the 50-point range, then this pick is too early by about 20.
22. Washington Capitals- Evgeny Svechnikov, Wing, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL): It will be hard for the Capitals, and any other team for that matter, to pass up on Svechnikov in the Nos. 20-25 range. He has an enticing blend of size (6’2”, 201 lbs), soft hands, a solid shot and a smooth stride. The combination paved the way for Central Scouting to rank him 17th overall among North American skaters.
23. Vancouver Canucks- Jeremy Roy, Defenseman, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL): The Canucks could use a blue-chip defensive prospect after investing four top-30 draft choices on forwards in the past two years. Roy, a gifted two-way defender, would be a solid pickup with the 23rd selection. His vision, skating ability and puck skills make him a threat and impact player at both ends of the rink. In addition to his two-way play, Roy has established himself as one of the top power-play producers in the draft. He racked up 26 helpers on the man advantage this year while playing in the QMJHL, which made up 60 percent of his point total (five goals and 38 assists).
24. Toronto Maple Leafs (via Nashville Predators)- Daniel Sprong, Wing, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL): After taking Provorov fourth overall (as I assume), the Leafs would be expected to look to the other end of the ice with the 24th overall selection. Sprong, who is pegged 18th overall by Future Considerations, would be an ideal pickup. He’s a dynamic skater, and he has a creative offensive mind and the work ethic to evolve his game at the next level. The 6’0", 183-pound Sprong took no time at all to hit his stride in the QMJHL, as he notched 30 goals and 68 points in 67 games as a rookie in 2013-14. He enhanced his stats as a sophomore, scoring 39 markers and 88 points in 68 matches.
25. Winnipeg Jets (from Buffalo Sabres via St. Louis Blues)- Jacob Larsson, Defenseman, Frolunda HC (Sweden Jr): Since I have Winnipeg taking a forward with their first pick, I have them taking a defenseman here. Larsson earns high marks for his skating, his hockey sense and his competitiveness and has the size needed to be effective in all three zones. There’s not a lot of offensive upside to his game, but he makes good puck decisions.
26. Montreal Canadiens- Anthony Beauvillier, Wing, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL): Montreal’s problem this past year was lighting the lamp. The Canadiens' top forwards haven’t found a way to score at the same rate as the NHL’s top contenders. The time is now for them to look for a talented scorer like Beauvilllier in the draft. In the latter half of the first round of the draft, Beauvillier’s numbers are hard to beat. He led the Cataractes in points with 42 goals and 94 points in 67 games. Despite his elite offensive abilities, his smaller 5’10”, 170-pound frame has hindered his draft status.
27. Anaheim Ducks- Brandon Carlo, Defenseman, Tri-City Americans (WHL): With a 6’5”, 196-pound build, an ability to adapt to the pace of a game and a hard-nosed style of play, Carlo has the makings of a solid shutdown rearguard. He asserted himself as one of the top defenseman in the WHL this past year, as the Americans constantly counted on him to contain other team’s top scorers. Carlo is a good fit for the Ducks in more ways than one. They already have an elite, young puck-mover in the Seattle Thunderbirds’ Shea Theodore, so they could use a shutdown specialist to complement their top 2013 draft pick. Moreover, with pending free agent Francois Beauchemin nearing the end of his career, Anaheim will need a new face to replace his defensive presence.
28. Tampa Bay Lightning (via New York Rangers)- Joel Eriksson EK, Center, Farjestad BK (Sweden): The big, two-way center seems like a classic Red Wings pick, which makes him exactly the sort of player that GM Steve Yzerman might covet. He was the highest-scoring under-18 player in Sweden’s top league, so he’s already proved that he can handle himself against men. He has an excellent shot and is willing to earn his ice. He doesn’t settle for the easy opportunities. When he fills out, he could become a physical presence.
29. Philadelphia Flyers (via Tampa Bay Lightning)- Brock Boeser, Wing, Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL): Philadelphia can use some forwards and they certainly need help on defense but Boeser is someone I can see Philly taking here. He was tied for the United States Hockey League lead with 35 goals. He'll continue to develop next season at the University of North Dakota.
30. Arizona Coyotes (via Chicago Blackhawks)- Jansen Harkins, Center, Prince George Cougars (WHL): There’s nothing sexy about Harkins, the son of former NHLer Todd Harkins, but he’s seen as a safe bet to skate a long time in the league. He plays a simple north/south game that features full commitment in all three zones. He’s an especially effective forechecker who earns his space/time with the puck by simply outworking the opposition.
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