Over the course of the next three mornings, I’ll post my mock draft for the first round of the NHL’s annual entry draft. Obviously, this will kick off our week long draft coverage and transition us into our week long free agent coverage. Buckle up my friends, things are about to get VERY interesting.
#1 EDMONTON OILERS – C Connor McDavid (Erie Otters, OHL): The best player on the board and arguably the best prospect since Sidney Crosby entered the draft in 2005. McDavid has franchise player and generational talent written all over him. Has goal scoring ability and an unbelievable play-making side. His NHLE of 63 points suggests an impact player right off the hop.
#2 BUFFALO SABRES – C Jack Eichel (Boston University, NCAA): Don’t forget about Jack. Jack Eichel is, in my mind, a franchise player who would have been number one overall the last few seasons. He’s a guy that plays more of a power-game, but who also possesses the traits of an impact skilled player. Watching him at BU, I can tell you his offensive game is impressive and screams ‘impact player’. His NHLE of 46 points backs that all up.
#3 ARIZONA COYOTES – C Dylan Strome (Erie Otters, OHL): In the NHL, you need centers to win. Big centers are all the rage right now, meaning Strome gets the nod here at three. The Coyotes get a potential impact forward to play pivot for Anthony Duclair and Max Domi moving forward. Huge piece of the rebuild in place in the desert. Scored an impressive 129 points last year and has an NHLE of 45 points.
#4 TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – C Mitch Marner (London Knights, OHL): His hands are compared to Patrick Kane, while his skill is second to only McDavid in the CHL. Marner is an impact offensive winger who could be a superstar in the NHL moving forward. Does have size concerns, and likely needs more junior time, but he’s a top-three talent in my mind. Has an NHLE of 52 points, second highest in this draft class. Leafs get their building block up front.
#5 CAROLINA HURRICANES – D Noah Hanifin (Boston College, NCAA): The best defender in this draft is often compared to NHL veteran Jay Bouwmeester. Hanifin is young, only 18, but dominated the Hockey East this season. He won’t post a ton of offense, but he’s a calm defender who plays a very smart game. He’ll be a workhorse down the line for the Canes.
#6 NEW JERSEY DEVILS – C Mathew Barzal (Seattle ThunderBirds, WHL): The first real reach of the draft comes from Jersey. The Devils badly need prospects up front, and get a potential steal in Barzal. He’s a talented young forward that posted solid numbers while battling injury this season. He’s a few years off, but he gives New Jersey a real jolt in the system talent wise. His NHLE of 23 isn’t anything crazy, but again he battled injury last year. GREAT U-18’s this spring will really help his draft stock.
#7 PHILADELPHIA FLYERS – D Ivan Provorov (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL): If Hanifin is the best D in this draft, then Provorov is right behind him. Provorov is an impact puck-moving defender with exceptional offensive ability at the junior level. On top of that, his defensive game is actually pretty solid too. He needs more time, but he could very well be the best defender from this class in five year. NHLE of 22 points is good for an 18 year-old D. Modern day Paul Coffey? Could be.
#8 COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS – D Zach Werenski (Michigan, NCAA): All around defender possesses decent offensive chops while also being a stabilizing force. He was Michigan’s top defender last season, and was an impact player in his conference. Was also good for the US in international play as he rarely made mistakes and played a mature game. Likely needs another year or two in college however. Jackets are also thin on defensive prospects.
#9 SAN JOSE SHARKS – RW Mikko Rantanen (TPS Turku, Finland): The Sharks likely go for the big power-forward at number nine. Rantanen possesses NHL size, standing in at 6’3” and 195 pounds, while also playing a physical style. His offensive totals also suggest a player who should be a top-six NHL’er during his prime. He’s not the sexy name in terms of big forwards this draft, but he’s certainly my favorite. Also qualifies as an ‘in the range’ pick.
#10 COLORADO AVALANCHE – LW Lawson Crouse (Kingston Frontenacs, OHL): Crouse has a ton of hype surrounding him, but I just don’t see it. He possesses NHL size, and plays a physical game. On top of that, he does all the little things, and is a decent defensive player. His issue? Crouse simply can’t score at the junior level. His NHLE of 18 points does not suggest a top-prospect. That said, Avs don’t use the math, making them a prime candidate to take the massive risk.
Picks 11-20 go tomorrow morning, Florida is on the clock next!
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