2024 NHL Mock Draft: Final Edition

Here is the final edition of my 2024 NHL Mock Draft.

1. San Jose Sharks- Macklin Celebrini, Center, Boston University (NCAA): This is a slam dunk pick for the Sharks, who need a young star to build around for the foreseeable future. Celebrini has the experience of excelling against strong competition so he should fit right in.

2. Chicago Blackhawks- Artyom Levshunov, Defenseman, Michigan State (NCAA): Despite rumors of Ivan Demidov being the guy, the Blackhawksgo with perhaps the drafts best defenseman here in Levshunov. He has the NHL size already and he has a great two-way game too.

3. Anaheim Ducks- Anton Silayev, Defenseman, Torpedo (Rus.): The Ducks are still looking for longterm keepers, especially on defense and Silayev is a good start. He has great defensive upside due to his skating and range.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets- Cayden Lindstrom, Center, Medicine Hat (WHL): The Jackets at four go take the center in Lindstrom to go with the rest of their young forward group. Lindstrom is a physical presence who can produce, despite injury questions.

5. Montreal Canadiens- Ivan Demidov, Wing, SKA-St. Petersburg (Rus.): The Canadiens still are lacking many different things as they are still in their rebuild. Demidov is a super explosive player that has the skills to be around for a long time.

6. Utah Hockey Club- Zeev Buium, Defenseman, Denver (NCAA): The newest team in town that needs a completely fresh start gets a player that is a pretty safe bet in Buium. He has all the makings of a franchise D-man with his ability to put up points, defend his own end, and log up minutes.

7. Ottawa Senators- Sam Dickinson, Defenseman, London (OHL): The Senators take a safe bet at seven with Dickinson. Some scouts say he's like an NHL veteran with his defensive play and physicality and his offensive game broke out this past season too.

8. Seattle Kraken- Zayne Parekh, Defenseman, Saginaw (OHL): Parekh is a prototypical offensive defenseman and the Kraken can use that type of player in its rebuild. As his defensive play improves, so would his value.

9. Calgary Flames- Tij Iginla, Center, Kelowna (WHL): Of course the final mock has legendary Flame Jarome's son going to Calgary. Iginla improved big time this past season with his great shot and willingness to go to tough areas with the puck.

10. New Jersey Devils- Cole Eiserman, Wing, U.S. NTDP (USHL): The Devils go with a fast rising forward here in Eiserman. His scoring ability is top notch, but his defensive play would keep him out of the top ten.

11. San Jose Sharks (from Buffalo Sabres)- Carter Yakemchuk, Defenseman, Calgary (WHL): As the Sharks trade up from fourteen, with their second pick they go defense here with Yakemchuk. He is super involved for a d-man with his play in transition and creating chances for teammates.

12. Philadelphia Flyers- Konsta Helenius, Center, HIFK (Fin.): The Flyers almost made the postseason last season, but they do still need more youth. Helenius is a very well rounded player with his ability to be ahead in the game and excels defensively.

13. Minnesota Wild- Beckett Sennecke, Wing, Oshawa (OHL): The Wild should go defense here, but they go offense here with Sennecke. He is a powerful player that overwhelms opponents with driving to the net.

14. Buffalo Sabres (from San Jose Sharks via Pittsburgh Penguins)- Berkly Catton, Center, Spokane (WHL): You can argue the Sabres should go defense here, but they go with a forward here in Catton. He excels in all facets of the game, with no glaring weaknesses whatsoever besides his lack of size.

15. Detroit Red Wings- Michael Hage, Center, Chicago (USHL): The Red Wings go with the young American center here with Hage. He excels in the rush and with give-and-go playmaking.

16. St. Louis Blues- Stian Solberg, Defenseman, Valerenga: The Blues need some more youth all around and Solberg is a fast riser on draft week. Solberg is an old school player that repels opponents and always is around the puck and moves well with it.

17. Washington Capitals- Adam Jiricek, Defenseman, Plzen (Cze.): This pick makes sense for the Capitals, who can use more young defense prospects. He isn't flashy, but his skillset can make him slide into a teams top 4.

18. Chicago Blackhawks (from New York Islanders)- Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Wing, Mora (Swe.): With their second first rounder, the Blackhawks go with an interesting prospect in Brandsegg-Nygard. He is a super physical player that excels in the offensive zone too.

19. Vegas Golden Knights- Liam Greentree, Wing, Windsor (OHL): The Golden Knights go with the forward with Greentree, which makes sense since the team needs some younger forwards. He’s constantly scanning, registering his options and the obstacles that would keep him from getting them the puck.

20. New York Islanders (from Chicago Blackhawks via Tampa Bay Lightning)- Sacha Boisvert, Center, Muskegon (USHL): The Islanders here go with the forward in Boisvert. He is an elite goal scorer and also is a great passer.

21. Los Angeles Kings- Trevor Connelly, Wing, Tri-City (USHL): The Kings need some youth in their system and Connelly is someone that's fast rising. He excels with the puck in space and makes good moves when defenders are around.

22. Nashville Predators- Ryder Ritchie, Wing, Prince Albert (WHL): The Predators need more youth in their system and Ritchie is someone who's stock is soaring as we head into draft night. Ritchie is both a scoring and playmaking threat that is great with crossovers.

23. Toronto Maple Leafs- EJ Emery, Defenseman, NTDP (USHL): The Maple Leafs take Emery here, who is also gaining momentum. Emery absorbs and erases opposing rushes with smooth backward strides and a stable, perfect posture.

24. Colorado Avalanche- Igor Chernyshov, Wing, Dynamo Moscow (Rus.): The Avalanche need more forwards in their system and Chernyshov makes sense here. He is great at beating defenders and building up speed below the puck.

25. Boston Bruins (from Ottawa Senators via Detroit Red Wings & Bruins)- Jett Luchanko, Center, Guelph (OHL): The Bruins The Bruins get their original first round pick back in the Linus Ullmark deal and go with the center in Luchanko. He is a very fast player and applies pressure on opponents.

26. Montreal Canadiens (from Winnipeg Jets)- With their second first rounder, the Canadiens add to their youth of forwards here with Artamonov. He has a high motor, intelligent winger who can beat you with pace or skill.

27. Carolina Hurricanes- Terik Parascak, Wing, Prince George (WHL): The Hurricanes here take a fast rising forward here in Parascak.  He is a points machine, but his size isn't overwhelming.

28. Calgary Flames (from Vancouver Canucks)- Charlie Elick, Defenseman, Brandon (WHL): This would be a solid choice for the Flames, who go defense with their second first rounder. Elick is a physical and proactive player and is a great skater too.

29. Dallas Stars- Emil Hemming, Wing, TPS (Fin.): The Stars should go with best available here and they take a good one in Hemming. He is an explosive scorer as his shot types vary and can score from a distance.

30. New York Rangers- Dean Letourneau, Center, St. Andrew’s College (HIGH-ON): This would be an interesting pick for the Rangers as they go with an interesting prospect in Letourneau. He is a super physical player with decent skills.

31. Anaheim Ducks (from Edmonton Oilers)- Cole Beaudoin, Center, Barrie (OHL): With their second first rounder, the Ducks here go with the center in Beaudoin. He eats up the boards, grinds them, spins off opponents, drags the puck out of traffic, and gets it to the middle of the ice.

32. Philadelphia Flyers (from Florida Panthers)- Matvei Gridin, Wing, Muskegon (USHL): With their second first rounder, the Flyers take another forward in Gridin. He has good IQ and is a good skater but not a pure burner on open ice.

2024 NHL Mock Draft: Fourth Edition

Here is the third edition of my 2024 NHL Mock Draft.

1. San Jose Sharks- Macklin Celebrini, Center, Boston University (NCAA): This is a slam dunk pick for the Sharks, who need a young star to build around for the foreseeable future. Celebrini has the experience of excelling against strong competition so he should fit right in.

2. Chicago Blackhawks- Artyom Levshunov, Defenseman, Michigan State (NCAA): The Blackhawks have plenty of choices of fine defenseman here and they chose Levshunov. He has the NHL size already and he has a great two-way game too.

3. Anaheim Ducks- Anton Silayev, Defenseman, Torpedo (Rus.): The Ducks are still looking for longterm keepers, especially on defense and Silayev is a good start. He has great defensive upside due to his skating and range.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets- Ivan Demidov, Wing, SKA-St. Petersburg (Rus.): The Jackets here go with another forward to go with their young group in Demidov. He is a super explosive player that has the skills to be around for a long time.

5. Montreal Canadiens- Cayden Lindstrom, Center, Medicine Hat (WHL): The Canadiens at five take the center in Lindstrom to go with Nick Suzuki down the middle. He is a physical presence who can produce, despite injury questions.

6. Utah Hockey Club- Sam Dickinson, Defenseman, London (OHL): The new Utah franchise needs an entirely new rebirth and Dickinson is not a bad place to start. Some scouts say he's like an NHL veteran with his defensive play and physicality and his offensive game broke out this past season too.

7. Ottawa Senators- Zayne Parekh, Defenseman, Saginaw (OHL):Parekh ís a prototypical offensive defenseman and the Sens can use that type of player in its rebuild. As his defensive play improves, so would his value.

8. Seattle Kraken- Berkly Catton, Center, Spokane (WHL): Catton here at 8 for the Kraken is a reach and quite frankly, they should go defense here. Catton excels in all facets of the game, with no glaring weaknesses whatsoever besides his lack of size.

9. Calgary Flames- Tij Iginla, Center, Kelowna (WHL): Of course the first mock has legendary Flame Jarome's son going to Calgary. Iginla improved big time this past season with his great shot and willingness to go to tough areas with the puck.

10. New Jersey Devils- Konsta Helenius, Center, HIFK (Fin.): The Devils need forward prospects badly and here I have them taking Helenius. He's a very well rounded player with his ability to be ahead in the game and excels defensively.

11. Buffalo Sabres- Carter Yakemchuk, Defenseman, Calgary (WHL): There are many directions the Sabres can go, and defense makes sense. Yakemchuk is super involved for a d-man with his play in transition and creating chances for teammates.

12. Philadelphia Flyers- Zeev Buium, Defenseman, Denver (NCAA): This would be a great selection for a Flyers team that needs more young building blocks on defense. Buium has all the makings of a franchise D-man with his ability to put up points, defend his own end, and log up minutes.

13. Minnesota Wild- Beckett Sennecke, Wing, Oshawa (OHL): The Wild should go defense here, but they go offense here with Sennecke. He is a powerful player that overwhelms opponents with driving to the net.

14. San Jose Sharks (from Pittsburgh Penguins)- Cole Eiserman, Wing, U.S. NTDP (USHL): The Sharks get another forward with their second first rounder in Eiserman. His scoring ability is top notch, but his defensive play would keep him out of the top ten.

15. Detroit Red Wings- Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Wing, Mora (Swe.): The Red Wings cam oh so close to breaking their playoff drought and they add to their young collection of talent here with Brandsegg-Nygard. He is a super physical player that excels in the offensive zone too.

16. St. Louis Blues- Adam Jiricek, Defenseman, Plzen (Cze.): This pick makes sense for the Blues, who can use more young defense prospects. He isn't flashy, but his skillset can make him slide into a teams top 4.

17. Washington Capitals- Michael Hage, Center, Chicago (USHL): The Capitals go with the young American center here with Hage to go with the rest of their young forwards. He excels in the rush and with give-and-go playmaking.

18. Chicago Blackhawks (from New York Islanders)- Sacha Boisvert, Center, Muskegon (USHL): With their second first rounder, the Blackhawks get depth behind Connor Bedard with another center in Boisvert. He is an elite goal scorer and also is a great passer.

19. Vegas Golden Knights- Trevor Connelly, Wing, Tri-City (USHL): The Knights can go anywhere here, but some may argue Connelly here is somewhat of a reach. Connelly excels with the puck in space and makes good moves when defenders are around.

20. New York Islanders (from Tampa Bay Lightning via Chicago Blackhawks)- Liam Greentree, Wing, Windsor (OHL): The Islanders go with the forward with Greentree, which makes sense. He’s constantly scanning, registering his options and the obstacles that would keep him from getting them the puck.

21. Los Angeles Kings- Terik Parascak, Wing, Prince George (WHL): The Kings need more youth in the pipes as Parascak is gaining momentum as a first rounder. He is a points machine, but his size isn't overwhelming.

22. Nashville Predators- Igor Chernyshov, Wing, Dynamo Moscow (Rus.): The Predators need some more youth in their system and Chernyshov is an interesting choice here. He is great at beating defenders and building up speed below the puck.

23. Toronto Maple Leafs- Stian Solberg, Defenseman, Valerenga: There's a chance Solberg goes higher than this, so the Leafs getting him here at 23 is really good. Solberg is an old school player that repels opponents and always is around the puck and moves well with it.

24. Colorado Avalanche- Andrew Basha, C/W, Medicine Hat Tigers: The Avalanche need more young forwards and Basha is a fast riser in draft week. He’s average sized, but he has a good competitive drive and provides enough upside with his skill and hockey sense that he could be a nice late-first pick.

25. Boston Bruins (from Ottawa Senators via Detroit Red Wings/Bruins)- Cole Beaudoin, Center, Barrie (OHL): The Bruins get their original first round pick back in the Linus Ullmark deal and go with the center in Beaudoin. He eats up the boards, grinds them, spins off opponents, drags the puck out of traffic, and gets it to the middle of the ice.

26. Montreal Canadiens (from Winnipeg Jets)- Emil Hemming, Wing, TPS (Fin.): With their second first rounder, the Habs take another forward in Hemming. He is an explosive scorer as his shot types vary and can score from a distance.

27. Carolina Hurricanes- Jett Luchanko, Center, Guelph (OHL): The Hurricanes should go best player available and they get a steal here in Luchanko. He is a very fast player and applies pressure on opponents.

28. Calgary Flames (from Vancouver Canucks)- EJ Emery, Defenseman, NTDP (USHL): The Flames here take a super, fast rising defense prospect in Emery, which in this range may not be a reach after all. Emery absorbs and erases opposing rushes with smooth backward strides and a stable, perfect posture.

29. Dallas Stars- Marek Vanacker, Wing, Brantford: The Stars here go with a fast riser in Vanacker. He could have gone higher than this if it weren't for an injury, but he's versatile and is a point producer.

30. New York Rangers- Nikita Artamonov, Wing, Torpedo (Rus.): The Rangers add to their youth of forwards here with Artamonov. He has a high motor, intelligent winger who can beat you with pace or skill.

31. Anaheim Ducks (from Edmonton Oilers)- Sam O'Reilly, Center, London (OHL): The Ducks with their second first rounder go with the talented forward in O'Reilly. He is a relentless shutdown defensive centre with physicality, details, and a clever quick-touch passing game.

32. Philadelphia Flyers (from Florida Panthers)- Charlie Elick, Defenseman, Brandon (WHL): This would be a solid choice for the Flyers as they double down on defenseman. Elick is a physical and proactive player and is a great skater too.

2024 NBA Mock Draft: Fourth Edition

Here is the fourth edition of my 2024 NBA Mock Draft.

1. Atlanta Hawks- Zachaire Risacher, Forward, France: Many people expect the Hawks to take Alex Sarr here, but I can see Risacher being the choice. Risacher is a versatile player and can be a sharp shooter as a stretch four. He may not be that savior that teams usually get at the first overall pick, but it's worth the risk for the Hawks in a weaker draft.

2. Washington Wizards- Alex Sarr, Center, France: The Wizards take the player many feel is the best in this class in Sarr. He is an elite rim protector and excels in pick-and-roll situations. Sarr and last years lottery pick Bilal Coulibaly make a nice foundation for a Wizards team that is in dire need of young talent.

3. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn Nets)- Reed Sheppard, Guard, Kentucky: Courtesy of the James Harden trade, the Rockets end up with a top three pick. Sheppard's a perfect player for today's NBA with his shot creativity, athleticism, and passing. Sheppard has the upside to be another blue chipper from this draft.

4. San Antonio Spurs- Stephon Castle, Guard, Connecticut: The Spurs need the most help at the either guard position and Castle here makes sense. Castle's stock rose due to a great NCAA Tournament run caped off with another championship. Castle's size and two-way play can make him a star in a draft that isn't perceived to have stars.

5. Detroit Pistons- Matas Buzelis, Forward, Ignite:  The Pistons need more young building blocks to go around Cade Cunningham and Buzelis would be an interesting fit. He is somebody that can help space the floor and score and that is something that the Pistons can use.

6. Charlotte Hornets- Donovan Clingan, Center, Connecticut: Clingan also benefited from being on the back-to-back National Champions and could go even higher than this. The Hornets do have a few bigs, but Clingan arguably has higher upside than the bigs they have.

7. Portland Trail Blazers- Ron Holland, Forward, Ignite: The Grizzlies here go with one of the drafts more interesting prospects in Holland. He brings defense, energy, and versatility to the table as well as high upside, despite not having a great season in the G-league.

8. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto Raptors)- Tidjane Salaun, Guard/Forward, France: Courtesy of the Jakob Poeltl trade from a while back, the Spurs end up with a second lottery pick. Salaun has potential and upside to be a solid all around player as he showed in the LNB Pro A league playoffs.

9. Memphis Grizzlies- Cody Williams, Guard/Forward, Colorado: This would be a nice pick for the Grizzlies from a fit standpoint to put with Ja Morant and the rest of the group there. Williams has great all around play with his three-point shooting, defense, and and playmaking upside.

10. Utah Jazz- Dalton Knecht, Guard, Tennessee: Knecht became in play to be a lottery pick after the fantastic season he had with the Vols. The fit on the Jazz would be fun as Knecht would be another scoring punch to go with Lauri Markkanen.

11. Chicago Bulls- Devin Carter, Guard, Providence: Apparently, Carter got a promise from a lottery team that they'd pick him, and the Bulls do make sense considering Lonzo Ball cannot be relied on long-term. Carter can hit it from three well and is an excellent defender.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Houston Rockets)- Nikola Topic, Guard, Serbia: If Topic didn't tear his ACL, he would be talked about as a possible top five pick. This would be a fun, but risky pick for the Thunder as Topic has great all around play with his passing and playmaking and has great size for a guard as well.

13. Sacramento Kings- Rob Dillingham, Guard, Kentucky: Dillingham to the Kings would be interesting considering it would tell us how they feel about Davion Mitchell. Dillingham has a great scoring touch and a good shot creator.

14. Portland Trail Blazers (from Golden State Warriors via Memphis Grizzlies/Boston Celtics)- Zach Edey, Center, Purdue: The Blazers end up with a second lottery pick because the Warriors attached this pick in the Andre Igoudala trade back in 2019 to Memphis and here they land the two-time National Player of the Year. He would be a nice long term piece with the young guards they have.

15. Miami Heat- Isaiah Collier, Guard, USC: Collier was thought out to be a top five pick from a talent standpoint, but injuries and inconsistencies have hurt his stock. His game could translate to the league and Collier would be an interesting bench piece for this team.

16. Philadelphia 76ers- Tristian da Silva, Forward, Colorado: This would be an interesting pick for the Lakers as they get some front court depth. Teams all seem to like his positional size, shooting versatility and all-around polish, on and off the floor.

17. Los Angeles Lakers- Kel'el Ware, Center, Indiana: The Lakers here go with an interesting big prospect in Ware. He is a great athlete and has massive frame and he'd also help space the floor and protect the rim.

18. Orlando Magic- Jared McCain, Guard, Duke: This would be a decent pick for the Magic, who can use some guard depth off the bench. McCain has a good IQ and shot really well in the combine.

19. Toronto Raptors (from Indiana Pacers)- KyShawn George, Forward, Miami: The Raptors get this pick in the Pascal Siakam trade and the Raptors get an interesting prospect here. He excels at spacing the floor and knockdown shooting.

20. Cleveland Cavaliers- Johnny Furphy, Guard, Kansas: The Cavaliers are a strong candidate to trade their pick for veteran help and if they were to keep the pick, Furphy would be an interesting long term play. Furphy is good in transition and has a solid three-point shot.

21. New Orleans Pelicans (from Milwaukee Bucks)- Ja'Kobe Walker, Guard, Baylor: The Pelicans get this pick apart of a pick swap in the Jrue Holliday a while back. Walker isn't the best athlete, but he has a solid skill set and good length.

22. Phoenix Suns- Tyler Kolek, Guard, Marquette: This would be a decent pick for the Suns, who need some bench pieces that can help right away. Kolek is a wizard with the ball and he is a good decision maker as well.

23. Milwaukee Bucks (from New Orleans Pelicans)- Carlton Carrington, Guard, Pittsburgh: This may be a steal for the Bucks considering Carrington was thought to go in the teens originally. Carrington has great play making ability and size for a point guard.

24. New York Knicks (from Dallas Mavericks)- Ryan Dunn, Forward, Virgia: This would be a solid pick for the Knicks as they can use some depth at power forward. Dunn is someone that is a good defender that Tom Thibodeau would love.

25. New York Knicks- Tyler Smith, Forward, Ignite: Barring a trade, with their second pick in a row, the Knicks get more forward depth with Smith. He has good length and a decent jump shot.

26. Washington Wizards (from Los Angeles Clippers)- Cam Christie, Guard, Minnesota: With their second first rounder, the Wizards take a late riser in Christie. His jump shot will be his strength in the league and he has decent ball handling skills too.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves- Jaylon Tyson, Guard, California: The Timberwolves feel like a trade out candidate considering how they are right there among contenders for next season. Tyson has shown a good scoring touch, despite his height.

28. Denver Nuggets- DaRon Holmes II, Forward, Dayton: There are talks about Holmes getting a late first round promise from someone. Holmes can stretch the floor and shoot it from three and that's what the Nuggets can use.

29. Utah Jazz (from Oklahoma City Thunder)- Pacome Dadiet, Forward, Germany: This would be an interesting possible draft and stash possibility for the Jazz or whomever selects Dadiet. He is one of the youngest players in the draft and has good all-around skills.

30. Boston Celtics- Yves Missi, Center, Baylor: The Celtics probably won't keep the pick, but if they did, I can see it being for a big. Missi is somebody that provides good rim protection and defensive upside.

2024 NHL Mock Draft: Third Edition

Here is the third edition of my 2024 NHL Mock Draft.

1. San Jose Sharks- Macklin Celebrini, Center, Boston University (NCAA): This is a slam dunk pick for the Sharks, who need a young star to build around for the foreseeable future. Celebrini has the experience of excelling against strong competition so he should fit right in.

2. Chicago Blackhawks- Artyom Levshunov, Defenseman, Michigan State (NCAA): The Blackhawks have plenty of choices of fine defenseman here and they chose Levshunov. He has the NHL size already and he has a great two-way game too.

3. Anaheim Ducks- Anton Silayev, Defenseman, Torpedo (Rus.): The Ducks are still looking for longterm keepers, especially on defense and Silayev is a good start. He has great defensive upside due to his skating and range.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets- Cayden Lindstrom, Center, Medicine Hat (WHL): The Jackets at four go take the center in Lindstrom to go with the rest of their young forward group. Lindstrom is a physical presence who can produce, despite injury questions.

5. Montreal Canadiens- Ivan Demidov, Wing, SKA-St. Petersburg (Rus.): The Canadiens still are lacking many different things as they are still in their rebuild. Demidov is a super explosive player that has the skills to be around for a long time.

6. Utah ?- Sam Dickinson, Defenseman, London (OHL): The new Utah franchise needs an entirely new rebirth and Dickinson is not a bad place to start. Some scouts say he's like an NHL veteran with his defensive play and physicality and his offensive game broke out this past season too.

7. Ottawa Senators- Zayne Parekh, Defenseman, Saginaw (OHL):Parekh ís a prototypical offensive defenseman and the Sens can use that type of player in its rebuild. As his defensive play improves, so would his value.

8. Seattle Kraken- Zeev Buium, Defenseman, Denver (NCAA): This would be a great selection for a Kraken team that needs more building blocks on defense. Buium has all the makings of a franchise D-man with his ability to put up points, defend his own end, and log up minutes.

9. Calgary Flames- Tij Iginla, Center, Kelowna (WHL): Of course the first mock has legendary Flame Jarome's son going to Calgary. Iginla improved big time this past season with his great shot and willingness to go to tough areas with the puck.

10. New Jersey Devils- Konsta Helenius, Center, HIFK (Fin.): The Devils need forward prospects badly and here I have them taking Helenius. He's a very well rounded player with his ability to be ahead in the game and excels defensively.

11. Buffalo Sabres- Beckett Sennecke, Wing, Oshawa (OHL): The Sabres should go defense here, but they go offense here with Sennecke. He is a powerful player that overwhelms opponents with driving to the net.

12. Philadelphia Flyers- Carter Yakemchuk, Defenseman, Calgary (WHL): There are many directions the Flyers can go, and defense makes sense. Yakemchuk is super involved for a d-man with his play in transition and creating chances for teammates.

13. Minnesota Wild- Berkly Catton, Center, Spokane (WHL): The Wild are another team that should go defense, but they opt for offense instead with Catton. He excels in all facets of the game, with no glaring weaknesses whatsoever besides his lack of size.

14. San Jose Sharks (from Pittsburgh Penguins)- Cole Eiserman, Wing, U.S. NTDP (USHL): The Sharks get another forward with their second first rounder in Eiserman. His scoring ability is top notch, but his defensive play would keep him out of the top ten.

15. Detroit Red Wings- Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Wing, Mora (Swe.): The Red Wings cam oh so close to breaking their playoff drought and they add to their young collection of talent here with Brandsegg-Nygard. He is a super physical player that excels in the offensive zone too.

16. St. Louis Blues- Stian Solberg, Defenseman, Valerenga: The Blues need some more youth all around and Solberg is a fast riser on draft week. Solberg is an old school player that repels opponents and always is around the puck and moves well with it.

17. Washington Capitals- Adam Jiricek, Defenseman, Plzen (Cze.): This pick makes sense for the Capitals, who can use more young defense prospects. He isn't flashy, but his skillset can make him slide into a teams top 4.

18. Chicago Blackhawks (from New York Islanders)- Jett Luchanko, Center, Guelph (OHL): The Blackhawks with their second first rounder go with the forward in Luchanko. He is a very fast player and applies pressure on opponents.

19. Vegas Golden Knights- Trevor Connelly, Wing, Tri-City (USHL): The Knights can go anywhere here, but some may argue Connelly here is somewhat of a reach. Connelly excels with the puck in space and makes good moves when defenders are around.

20. New York Islanders (from Tampa Bay Lightning via Chicago Blackhawks)- Michael Hage, Center, Chicago (USHL): The Islanders go with the young American center here with Hage. He excels in the rush and with give-and-go playmaking.

21. Los Angeles Kings- Cole Beaudoin, Center, Barrie (OHL): The Kings here go with the center in Beaudoin. He eats up the boards, grinds them, spins off opponents, drags the puck out of traffic, and gets it to the middle of the ice.

22. Nashville Predators- EJ Emery, Defenseman, NTDP (USHL): The Predators here take a super, fast rising defense prospect in Emery, which in this range may not be a reach after all. Emery absorbs and erases opposing rushes with smooth backward strides and a stable, perfect posture.

23. Toronto Maple Leafs- Liam Greentree, Wing, Windsor (OHL): The Leafs need more forwards in their system and Greentree makes sense here. He’s constantly scanning, registering his options and the obstacles that would keep him from getting them the puck.

24. Colorado Avalanche- Sacha Boisvert, Center, Muskegon (USHL): The Avalanche need some young forward depth with upside and Boisvert isn't a bad choice. He is an elite goal scorer and also is a great passer.

25. Ottawa Senators (from Boston Bruins)- Nikita Artamonov, Wing, Torpedo (Rus.): With their second first rounder, the Senators go with the forward in Artamonov. He is a high motor, intelligent winger who can beat you with pace or skill.

26. Montreal Canadiens (from Winnipeg Jets)- Yegor Surin, Center, Loko (Rus.): With their second first, the Habs go with another forward in Surin. He flies around the ice as he does so much at his maximum velocity.

27. Carolina Hurricanes- Igor Chernyshov, Wing, Dynamo Moscow (Rus.): The Hurricanes should go in best available player mode here and Chernyshov is a solid pick. He is great at beating defenders and building up speed below the puck.

28. Calgary Flames (from Vancouver Canucks)- Dean Letourneau, Center, St. Andrew’s College (HIGH-ON): This would be an interesting pick for the Flames as they go with an interesting prospect in Letourneau. He is a super physical player with decent skills.

29. Dallas Stars- Sam O'Reilly, Center, London (OHL): The Stars should go with best available here and they take a good one in O'Reilly. He is a relentless shutdown defensive centre with physicality, details, and a clever quick-touch passing game.

30. New York Rangers- Charlie Elick, Defenseman, Brandon (WHL): This would be a solid choice for the Rangers as they can use some more young defenseman. Elick is a physical and proactive player and is a great skater too.

31. Anaheim Ducks (from Edmonton Oilers)- Marek Vanacker, LW, Brantford: You'd think the Ducks would go with a forward with their second first if they go defense with their first. Vanacker could have gone higher than this if it weren't for an injury, but he's versatile and is a point producer.

32. Philadelphia Flyers (from Florida Panthers)- Andrew Basha, C/W, Medicine Hat Tigers: With their second first rounder go offense as well with Basha. He’s average sized, but he has a good competitive drive and provides enough upside with his skill and hockey sense that he could be a nice late-first pick.