We’re 2 weeks away from the NHL entry draft and I have some great news. After watching a lot of the players, I’ve FINALLY made all my decisions and I’m ready to release my three part list. I always like to wait until the Memorial Cup is over, because sometimes there’s a few big times performances that can change a few things. But let’s get started. This is pick 1-10. Most of you have heard of all these guys. But we’ll go through it anyway!
#1 Leafs – C Auston Matthews
He’s the best player in the draft. No disrespect to Patrik Laine, but due to position of need in Toronto, Auston Matthews is the slam dunk pick here. Similar playing style to Jonathon Toews and Anze Kopitar. Whether Auston has the intangibles at the pro level remains to be seen. A bit more of a goal scorer than the other two (Toews and Kopitar) but that plays a very sound 200 foot game like them.
#2 Jets – LW Patrik Laine
Winnipeg was extremely happy with this lottery result. In a couple years Ehlers, Scheifele and Laine will be one of the best lines in hockey. Laine has a never back down attitude with an absolutely wicked release. Underrated playmaking qualities. Skates reasonably well, once he fills out he’ll be a 6’4 220 pound sniper. Not many of those around. I won’t be surprised when he scores 30 as a rookie.
#3 Blue Jackets – RW Jesse Puljujarvi
Plays a solid 200 foot game and skates like the wind. Doesn’t have the same offensive upside as Laine, but still a very nice player. Extremely high motor and forechecks like a demon. He has a good shot and plays a physical brand of hockey. Even though Columbus would like a center to replace Johansen with, Puljujarvi is going to be a real solid player for the next 15 years.
#4 Oilers – LW/C/RW Pierre Luc Dubios
Toughest decision in the draft so far. Dubois has a very well rounded game. Not many holes in his game. Still probably needs one more year in the Q to fine tune a few things. He’s grown a lot in the last two years, so he just needs a little more time to get used to his body. Very versatile, played center all year in Cape Breton, last summer played RW at the Ivan Hlinka tournament playing on a line with Tyler Benson and Nolan Patrick. LW would be easy for him as he’s a left shot. Big player here, likes to shoot the puck. I can’t help but see Jamie Benn when I watch him play. Maybe not the same production. But he’s gonna be an animal and a fan favourite wherever he ends up. There’s a few people that believe he’s the most well rounded prospect in this draft.
#5 Canucks LD Olli Juolevi
Canucks go a bit off the board slightly. To be honest it’s not a huge reach. The Canucks have some forward prospects coming. Not a lot for defensemen coming down the pipe. Juolevi is a very smart defencemen. Skates well, solid in his own zone and passes the puck very well. He’s Niklas Hjalmarsson with a bit more offense.
#6 Flames LW Matthew Tkachuk
The Flames get their guy. Not sure if they’ll get him on June 26th. But today they do. Chippy left winger with a lot of skill. He’s pro ready and could slide in on the flames second line next season. They’ll want to increase his footspeed a bit. But his puck skills and hockey IQ are very good. Goes to the net and knows how to score goals.
#7 Coyotes LD Jakob Chychrun
Pretty simple pick here. Arizona has an elite set of forward prospects coming down the pipe. They need some help on the backend. In a few years an OEL and Chychrun pairing is very possible. Chychrun could play next year. Already has pro size and skills. Coming off a shoulder surgery this year. Some are worried, I’m not. He’s a horse.
#8 Sabres RD Mikhail Sergachev
Classic high risk high reward pick. Highest upside in the draft for defencemen. But he also needs some work in his own zone. First year in North America. So his English isn’t fantastic. Exceptional offensive upside. The team that drafts him needs to be very patient with him. He needs time to develop. He could become Shea Weber good or become Zach Bogosian kind of player. But a Sergachev/Ristolainen pairing could be very good down the road. Left shot but prefers to play the right side.
#9 Canadiens C Logan Brown
Montreal has been looking for some size for a long time in their top 6. Logan Brown is exactly what they’re looking for. Big rangy kid who skates very well for his size. Occasionally needs to wake up out there. But that happens a lot with big forwards. Very effective playmaker and protects the puck very well.
#10 Avalanche C Clayton Keller
Keller is extremely talented. A lot of Patrick Kane in his game. He could be the steal of the entire draft. Some size concerns. But this day and age it’s easier to play in the NHL now as an undersized guy than ever before. Silky smooth hands and high hockey IQ. He’ll bring you out of your seat, he can kill penalties, he has no fear. He’s shifty and hard to hit. Mark my words in a few years there will be teams wishing they drafted him ahead of 10. Could be the steal of the draft.
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