2015 NHL Mock Draft – McKeen's Hockey

Youngblood: 2015 NHL Mock Draft – Final Edition

Brendan Ross — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:55:22 +0000

Just days away from the highly anticipated ~~Connor McDavid Draft~~ ummm we mean the 2015 NHL Draft, Youngblood Hockey takes a final shot at how the opening rounds might play out. This fun exercise is purely for enjoyment and with so many factors playing into team's selections, it's important to understand that one unexpected pick or one trade could derail the entire mock draft.

Enjoy the mock draft!

PICK

TEAM

PLAYER

ANALYSIS


		EDM

Connor McDavid

Experienced with four 1st overall selections in the past five years, Edmonton could let a monkey make this selection. No brainer as the Oils take exceptional pivot Connor McDavid.


	BUF

Jack Eichel

Sabres GM Tim Murray allows the monkey to stay at the podium to select the second no brainer in Jack Eichel. As good as McDavid would've been for Buffalo, adding an American superstar in a border city will do the city well


		ARI

Dylan Strome

The draft essentially starts at pick three and with Noah Hanifin, Mitch Marner and Dylan Strome heavily considered, GM Don Maloney adds the latter with Strome being the big skilled pivot the franchise has been searching for.


		TOR

Noah Hanifin

As much as Dubas and Hunter might want to grab an OHLer like the familiar Mitch Marner, passing up a franchise defenseman in Noah Hanifin just wouldn't be wise. The Leafs have an opportunity to add a forward talent with their second 1st round selection.


		CAR

Mitch marner

The 'Canes are in the fortunate position to draft the best player available and consensus states that Mitch Marner is that guy. Skilled and creative, Marner will provide Carolina with a potential front line star to build around when the post-Eric Staal era begins.


		NJD

Pavel Zacha

Traditionally unconventional at the draft table, New Jersey could go a number of ways with this pick (Crouse, Barzal, Rantanen or Provorov) but Pavel Zacha's combination of size, skill and grit is too much to pass up.


		PHI

Ivan Provorov

Much like the Devils, Philly has a number of glorious options with the 7th pick and it's the intelligent efficient two-way defender Ivan Provorov who tops their list.


		CBJ

Zach Werenski

It's no secret that Columbus is looking to improve their defensive system and grabbing Wolverines Zach Werenski would be an excellent selection. A d-man who does a lot of things well, Werenski has the potential to become the best of the defensive bunch.


		SJS

Lawson Crouse

Sharks sit back and collect their prize when Lawson Crouse falls into their lap. An outstanding defensive forward with size, Crouse will soon show the hockey world that his offensive talents are better than critics think.


		COL

Mikko Rantanen

Blue line help would be ideal for the Avalanche but without trading up or down, Colorado goes for a sizeable talented Finnish winger in Mikko Rantanen. He's a player with a lot of pro tools and would look good flanking MacKinnon or Duchene for the next decade.


		FLA

Kyle Connor

Set down the middle, Florida snatches up speedy USHL scoring winger Kyle Connor adding to an impressive young forward core. Skilled and smart, Connor is a potential Top 10 selection so it goes without saying that he'd be great value at 11.


		DAL

Matt Barzal

Dallas has shown a pattern of knocking their CHL selections out of the park in recent years and Barzal in the 12 spot would be a grandslam. Missed time with a knee injury but returned to have one of the best finishes to the season showing top line potential.


		LAK

Travis Konecny

Ottawa has been a breeding ground for future LA Kings and Travis Konecny's competitive, hard-working skilled game is worth returning to Canada's nation's capital. The former top pick in the OHL had an "off year" statistically but will rebound next season.


		BOS

Timo Meier

Meier has an ability to transform and adapt between a skilled support player and a burly power winger which is an attractive luxury to have. He's got a Bruins style of game and would look good in yellow and black.


		CGY

Nick Merkley

Merkley is short by NHL standards but he plays a big game and proved to be a difference maker for the Kelowna Rockets. Landing in his hometown of Calgary would be a good feel good story.

EDM via PIT

Ilya Samsonov

Oilers follow their McDavid gimme pick with a selection that addresses a need in goal by selecting Russian standout Ilya Samsonov. There's a good chance the pick gets moved for a proven puck stopper. If not, Oilers brass will certainly consider Samsonov here.


		WPG

Evgeny Svechnikov

Winnipeg has quickly established themselves as one of the strongest drafting teams in the modern game and with the big skilled Evgeny Svechnikov they will just add to an already rich prospect cupboard.


		DET

Joel Eriksson Ek

Nothing has changed in MoTown as the Red Wings continue to build teams around skilled Europeans. Sticking with their recent Larkin and Mantha selections, Eriksson Ek provides Detroit with a sizeable skilled Swede who can do everything.


		OTT

Jeremy Roy

After many short trips east to watch him in Sherbrooke, Senators select puck moving defenseman Jeremy Roy from the Phoenix. A smart calculated defender with an offensive mind, Roy would do well apprenticing under Erik Karlsson.


		MIN

Colin White

The Wild rarely opt for the 'sexy' pick and 2015 is no different with them selecting high character player Colin White from the National Program. A well-rounded game and high-end competitiveness assure that White will almost certainly carve out an NHL career.

BUF via NYI

Jakob Zboril

With Eichel in their pocket already, the Sabres snatch up high-upside Czech defender Jakob Zboril, a blueliner with quick feet, a good feel for the game and promising offensive instincts.


		WSH

Denis Guryanov

Known for having a good handle on Euro talent, Washington heads to Russia to select high upside forward Denis Guryanov. He's a potential star in the making and after having good luck with Kuznetsov, they swing for the fences again.


		VAN

Brandon Carlo

The Canucks grabbed two forwards in the first round in 2014 so their focus turns to improving their blueline and Brandon Carlo is their guy. He's fairly raw but this big defender moves well, thinks well and competes in all three zones.

TOR via NSH

Daniel Sprong

The Leafs new regime is all about adding skill and after adding defender Hanifin, Daniel Sprong edges out Jeremy Bracco as their new dynamic option up front. He's got some warts but under an improved hockey operations department, those can be cleaned up.

WPG via STL

Thomas Chabot

After stealing Svechnikov in the 17 slot, Winnipeg plucks Thomas Chabot from Saint John adding another defensive gem. He's competitive, mobile and shows good offensive zone potential. The Jets can take their time rounding out his deficiencies and inconsistencies.


		MTL

Paul Bittner

Size continues to be Montreal's focus even though Paul Bittner isn't your prototypical "power forward". He's a skilled big man who moves well and appears to have a lot of growth left - meaning he's a worthy investment this late.


		ANA

Oliver Kylington

The "Wild Card" of the opening round, Oliver Kylington is the most polarizing player of 2015 with considering his skating and puck moving abilities first round worthy while others not willing to touch his liabilities. Either way, Anaheim is up for the challenge.

TBL via NYR

Jeremy Bracco

Lightning continue to pluck off high potential prospects that others aren't willing to take the risk on. From an offensive standpoint, Jeremy Bracco owns top 10 talents but his size is a legitimate concern. TB is more than willing to work with another Tyler Johnson.

PHI via TBL

Brock Boeser

Arguably one of the best goal scorers in the class, Brock Boeser torched the USHL and is a strong player with an eye for the net. He's far from a complete prospect but his scoring prowess could be worth the wait. Philly uses their second 1st wisely.

ARI via CHI

Gabriel Carlsson

The type of player that makes life hell for opposing attackers, Sweden's big mobile defensive stalwart Gabriel Carlsson excels at stiffling scoring chances. He's not the "flashiest" pick but every contending team needs a presence like his in the lineup.


		BUF

Jansen Harkins

Eichel then Zboril and now Harkins - the haul continues for Buffalo.


ARI

Mackenzie Blackwood

Big competitive goaltender impressed at the NHL Combine and tops all North American netminders.


		EDM

Jake DeBRUSK

McDavid and Samsonov locked up the forward and goal positions. The Oilers can't pass on Edmonton native and 40-plus scorer Jake DeBrusk

CBJ via LAK

Noah Juulsen

Picking up Werenski and Juulsen only 34 slots in has to leave Kekalainen smiling about his blueline's future.


		CAR

Vince Dunn

Mitch Marner was a nice surprise early in the draft and the Canes look to hit big with offensive blueliner Vince Dunn with their second pick.


		NJD

Anthony Beauvillier

The Devils need all the help they can in the prospect department and nabbing 90-plus forward Anthony Beauvillier early in the second is a rare opportunity.

BOS via NYI

Erik Cernak

Timo Meier fit the bill nicely in the front end of the first round and Erik Cernak seems fit to wear the B as well.


		CBJ

Jack Roslovic

Columbus' blue line depth already received a boost so adding a smart high paced forward in Jack Roslovic seems like the right next step.


		SJS

Travis Dermott

Powerful winger Lawson Crouse was an excellent pick at ninel and he can step into the lineup soon but Travis Dermott is a shrewd long-term investment for their blueline that's looking for a spark.


		COL

Jacob Larsson

The Avalanche have waited long enough and invite Jacob Larsson to the Mile High City to help resurrect a middling blue line.

NJD via FLA

Jonas Siegenthaler

Zacha and DeBrusk have the Devils off to a hot start but with Jonas Siegenthaler added to their draft haul they're injecting a physical two-way defender.

OTT via DAL

Filip Chlapik

Looking to add more skill to their system, Bryan Murray's team calls on Filip Chlapik who offers up a creative visionary attack.


		LAK

Nicolas Meloche

Konecny provided the Kings with a hard-working versatile option on the wing and Nicolas Meloche gives much of the same on the backend.

TBL via BOS

Christian Fischer

Jeremy Bracco was a riskier selection in the latter part of the opening round so Yzerman decides to go safer with potential power forward Christian Fischer, who combines skill and size well.


		CGY

Nicolas Roy

Nick Merkley will excite hometown fans in Calgary for years to come but in the West it's important to play big. Nicolas Roy is one of the drafts most reliable big pivots.


		PIT

Dennis Yan

The Penguins are difficult to read and they tend to shy away from Q players ever since the Angelo Esposito pick but Dennis Yan is just beginning to tap into an impressive upside.


		WPG

Rasmus Andersson

The Barrie Colts have been a pipeline for Winnipeg Jets prospects so given the chance to draft puck distributor Rasmus Andersson and they'll jump at the opportunity.


		OTT

Zach Senyshyn

Looking for a high end prospect in the middle of the second round can be difficult but Ottawa native Zach Senyshyn should be familiar to the Sens. He's a speedy north-south attacker with a good shot.

DAL via DET

Daniel Vladar

The crease in Dallas is anything but settled and after stocking the skaters fairly well in their system, grabbing a high potential goaltender like Vladar would be a wise move.


		MIN

Roope Hintz

Big and powerful with a good motor, Roope Hintz is a player that could eventually become an impact forward through the middle of the Wild lineup.

BUF via NYI

Felix Sandstrom

Buffalo isn't certain how their crease looks long-term and armed with a boat load of Top 60 picks, selecting one of the draft's top tier puckstoppers makes sense. Welcome Felix Sandstrom.

CGY via WSH

Parker Wotherspoon

Average-sized puck moving defenseman Parker Wotherspoon isn't a flashy player but he's effective. Wearing the Flames sweater would mean he joins older brother Tyler in Calgary.

CGY via VAN

Matej Tomek

The goaltender run has starter and Calgary needs in on the action. Matej Tomek isn't the big name on campus but many scouts like him as much as the other top crease guards.

CHI compensation

Thomas Novak

Doing what they do best, Chicago identifies a highly skilled American skater with big time upside hoping that they can make good on a second round pick after being void of a fist round selection.


		NSH

Alexander Dergachev

Nashville showed no hesitation on drafting a Russian last year high and they look to Alexander Dergachev this time around - adding a big winger with solid middle-six skill.


		STL

Jordan Greenway

Sticking to their tendencies, St. Louis targets an American out of the National Program. Jordan Greenway is a massive power forward with raw potential. St. Louis can afford to wait.

EDM via MTL

Ryan Pilon

After riding shotgun with Brandon's Ivan Provorov, Ryan Pilon showed that his transitioning abilities ranks up there with the best of the draft.

CBJ via ANA

J.Forsbacka Karlsson

Columbus has shown a trend towards targetting strong two-way players who play a 200-foot game and few players excel at that game as Forsbacka-Karlsson.


		NYR

Jens Looke

With their first pick of the draft, New York selects Swedish forward Jens Looke - a player who plays at a high pace and displays good passing ability.

ARI via TBL

Mitchell Stephens

Not unlike current Coyotes prospect Christian Dvorak, Mitchell Stephens is a groomed two-way player with a fantastic motor and he can also score. Arizona continues to pick from the OHL.

PHI via CHI

Sebastian Aho

After adding a true sniper in Boeser earlier, Sebastian Aho is selected due to an impressive attacking game that features elusive moves and clever playmaking ability.

Wheeler’s 2015 NHL Mock Draft

Scott Wheeler — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 15:10:53 +0000

With the NHL season come to a close, the Blackhawks crowned champions, and the NHL draft order in place, it’s time for an age-old sports tradition, the mock draft.

Each year, I put together a mock draft, balancing my rankings against team needs and briefly breaking down each player.

This year, it is being published online with McKeen’s Hockey for the first time. As a fan, it should give you some idea of who your team might look to target on June 26.

1. Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid

There’s nothing that needs to be said or explained when it comes to the Oilers taking McDavid. McDavid is the unquestioned first overall pick, and the Oilers won’t flinch in taking him. The budding superstar will join fellow U22 centres Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl.

2. Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel

Just like McDavid is a lock to go first overall, it is a foregone conclusion that Eichel will be a Sabre. And just like McDavid solidifies the Oilers down the middle with two young top centres, Eichel will bring a dominant presence to a lineup that will soon boast 19-year-old centre Sam Reinhart fulltime as well.

3. Arizona Coyotes: Dylan Strome

The draft will really get interesting at third overall. It looks like the Coyotes will choose either Strome or defensemen Noah Hanifin. I lean towards Strome (they’re really close) if only because he’d add another potential top offensive option to a system in need of some firepower. Strome would join Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, Brendan Perlini and Christian Dvorak as the emerging young core up front.

4. Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitch Marner

The Leafs and Marner seem destined for each other. The recent hiring of amateur scout Lindsay Hofford (Marner’s former AAA coach and Director of Scouting with the London Knights) and Mark Hunter (Marner’s GM in London) point to Marner as the frontrunner at fourth overall. The Leafs have made it clear size isn’t going to affect their selection either, which bodes well for the diminutive forward.

5. Carolina Hurricanes: Noah Hanifin

Due to the way the draft order has shaken up, it looks like Hanifin – my third ranked prospect – could slip on draft day. I doubt he falls past the Hurricanes though. Hanifin would join top prospect Haydn Fleury as the future core on the left side on the backend on a team that already has righties Justin Faulk and Ryan Murphy as options long term.

6. New Jersey Devils: Mathew Barzal

The Devils were the oldest team in the NHL last season and their system is starved for top-end prospects. Adam Larsson is starting to come into his own on the backend and they could swing for the fences with Barzalup the middle. Adam Henrique is a good young player, but he’s not a top pivot on a competitive team.

7. Philadelphia Flyers: Mikko Rantanen

The Flyers have a wealth young talent coming on the backend, including Samuel Morin, Travis Sanheim and Robert Hagg. If they don’t deal the pick, it wouldn’t be surprising to pass on the top defensemen in the class in favour of Rantanen, a hulking power forward in the Jakub Voracek mould. Rantanen met with the Flyers at the Scouting Combine.

8. Columbus Blue Jackets: Zach Werenski

The Blue Jackets have a ton of young talent up front with the likes of Ryan Johansen, and more on the way in Oliver Bjorkstrand, Sonny Milano, Alexnader Wennberg and Kerby Reichel. Werenski, a potential top-end defensemen who models his game after the Jackets own Jack Johnson seems like the perfect fit.

9. San Jose Sharks: Ivan Provorov

Regardless of need, Provorov becomes clearly the best player available (BPA) if he’s left at ninth overall. The Sharks would be foolish not to add him to a prospect pool that needs help in all areas. Provorov has the potential to be a physical, dynamic defender in the Western Conference.

10. Colorado Avalanche: Pavel Zacha

In an interview prior to the combine, Zacha said that his agent had told him the Avalanche had inquired about him and that they were “talking a lot about me.” And Colorodo seems like a good fit for the big, strong centre. While they’re rife with young talent down the middle, their system lacks top-end centres and the perpetual Ryan O’Reilly trade rumours are ongoing.

11. Florida Panthers: Kyle Connor

The Panthers are one of the few teams whose embarrassment of riches with young talent doesn’t have any holes in the system. Drafting Connor, the USHL’s leading scorer, adds another top young talent an already impressive core up front. The Panthers are on their way to being scary-good.

12. Dallas Stars: Lawson Crouse

The Stars system has strength on the backend and Crouse suits the Western Conference’s style of play well. Brett Ritchie is really the only viable young talent the Stars have on the rights side heading into the draft, so Crouse would be a welcome addition.

13. Los Angeles Kings: Timo Meier

Who builds a team around big, skilled, possession-driving players? The Kings do. They could really use a top prospect up front too. After Adrian Kempe, there are some holes. Ring it up.

14. Boston Bruins: Nick Merkley

The Bruins interviewed Merkley at the combine and his combination of skill and skating make him a good fit for a Boston team that is in desperate need of some young talent up front, with plenty to go by on the backend. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci are about to enter their 30s.

15. Calgary Flames: Jakub Zboril

As the Flames continue to build a young, able team, Zboril fits into the blueprint perfectly. Monahan, Gaudreau, Bennett give the Flames top options up front, and Zboril would do the same for the future of the team’s defensive core with T.J. Brodie. Dennis Wideman and Mark Giordano aren’t getting any younger.

16. Edmonton Oilers: Jeremy Roy

After adding the class’ top forward at first overall, the Oilers are well suited to add one of its top defenders. A young core of McDavid, Nugent-Hopkins, Draisaitl, Hall, Yakupov, Schultz, Lander, Nurse, Roy and Klefbom can’t stay bad forever. Right?

17. Winnipeg Jets: Travis Konecny

The Jets probably already have the league’s deepest pool of prospects. Adding Konecny gives them another character guy with a ton of upside. It’s a good time to be a Winnipeg Jets prospect.

18. Ottawa Senators: Oliver Kylington

The Sens have taken a risk with high-flying, uber-talented defensemen with questionable decision-making before and it paid off. Kylington is that risk worth taking and he’s found a mentor in a longtime NHL defensemen Johnny Oduya, who plays a more controlled game.

19. Detroit Red Wings: Thomas Chabot

Joe Hicketts, Xavier Ouellet and Ryan Sproul are solid NHL prospects on the backend, but Chabot strengthens Detroit’s system. The young defender carries intelligence in his game that the Red Wings desire in all of their players.

20. Minnesota Wild: Colin White

The Wild have grown to like drafting Nation Training Development Program (NTDP) players over the years. White is a strong two-way centre committed to Boston College for the 2015-2016 academic year. The Wild can afford to be patient with him.

21. Buffalo Sabres: Brock Boeser

The Sabres have a constant flow of prospects taking next steps and much like the Wild they can afford to wait on Boeser, who is committed to the University of North Dakota. Boeser proved he’s a dynamic scorer as a rookie in the USHL, outscoring his next closest teammate by 20 goals this season, and he continued to perform internationally.

22. Washington Capitals: Evgeny Svechnikov

Every year it seems like players bred in the QMJHL or Russia drop further than they should in their respective class. Svechnikov has the misfortune of both. I can’t image a player of his size and skill falling past the Caps though. Washington has proven labels don’t bother them.

23. Vancouver Canucks: Jansen Harkins

Harkins grew up playing his minor hockey in North Vancouver and has reportedly been linked to Canucks GM Jim Benning. The Prince George Cougars centre plays a two-way, reliable style and has top-six upside down the middle.

24. Toronto Maple Leafs: Daniel Sprong

The Leafs insistence on drafting skill should put Sprong, a QMJHL winger with elite offensive tools who has been polarizing among scouts this season, at the top of their list of targets at 24^th overall. Sprong’s a risk worth taking and a potential homerun for a team in need of kick starting their delayed rebuild.

25. Winnipeg Jets: Jake DeBrusk

As if Konecny wasn’t already a sufficient addition to a stacked pool of prospects, the Jets will have a chance to pick up another top prospect. The Jets love character, driven players. Nobody outworks DeBrusk. It doesn’t hurt that he scored 42 goals either.

26. Montreal Canadiens: Anthony Beauvillier

He’s small. He’s skilled. He’s French-Canadian. Need I say more?

27. Anaheim Ducks: Joel Eriksson Ek

There isn’t a team that thrives off of big, skilled, power forwards quite like the Ducks do. The Ducks have a strong pool of prospects, but no real high-end centres on the way. Once he fills out some more, Eriksson Ek’s got the tools to be an effective centre in the Western Conference.

28. Tampa Bay Lightning: Jeremy Bracco

The Lightning have done a good job of identifying skilled players in recent drafts and Bracco, despite being one of the smaller players in the class (by height, not strength), has loads of it. Tampa has enough young talent that there’s no rush with the future Boston College forward.

29. Philadelphia Flyers: Ilya Samsonov

As good as Steve Mason has become, the Flyers are one of the few teams that could be in search of the draft’s top goalie in the first round. Samsonov has the potential to be a top-end starter, something that Anthony Stolarz is unlikely to become.

30. Arizona Coyotes: Denis Guryanov

Guryanov is signed for two more years with the KHL’s Lada Togliatti and that may push some teams away but the budding power forward is a risk worth taking for a team whose prospect pool is thinner on the right side than it is on down the middle and on left wing.

Youngblood: 2015 NHL Midseason Mock Draft

Brendan Ross — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:23:36 +0000

Notes:

The mock draft is not a ranking of players but rather a “best-guess” projection on where they might land. To see the most current Youngblood ranking, click here.
The order does not follow the NHL draft lottery and is current as of February 4, 2015

The First Round

Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters in the Skills Combine at the 2015 BMO CHL Top Prospects Game in St. Catharines, ON on Wednesday Jan. 21, 2015. Photo by Aaron Bell/CHL Images

1^st Buffalo Sabres – Connor McDavid, C, Erie (OHL)

The Lowdown: The Sabres possess one of the best prospect systems in the NHL and with three first round selections in 2015, it will only get better. Adding a generational talent like Connor McDavid to a future lineup that will feature two-way standout Sam Reinhart will be the key to a rising team in Buffalo. The future face of the Sabres, McDavid has the potential to step right into the NHL and immediately become an impact forward.

2^nd Edmonton Oilers – Jack Eichel, C, Boston University (H-EAST)

The Lowdown: Racking up high-end picks, including three 1^st overall selections in the past five drafts hasn’t worked out like many expected. However, Jack Eichel could just be that big franchise pivot that the Oilers have been seeking. Few prospects combine skill, power and intelligence as well as Eichel does and the fact that he’s leading the nation in scoring speaks to his special talents.

3^rd Carolina Hurricanes – Noah Hanifin, D, Boston College (H-East)

The Lowdown: The unanimously top-ranked defenseman, Noah Hanifin is an elite puck moving defenseman who displays similar upside on the defensive side of the puck as well. The Hurricanes ice a fairly talented young blue line already but Hanifin would provide them with an elite level option, similar to the role that Oliver Ekman-Larsson plays in Arizona.

4^th Arizona Coyotes – Mitch Marner, RW, London (OHL)

The Lowdown: Don Maloney understands that his team needs to add more dynamic options up front and with great success drafting out of the London Knights program, Mitch Marner would fit the billing well. Playing alongside Coyotes’ draftees Max Domi and Christian Dvorak, Marner has proved to be one of the OHL’s most lethal setup men and would add a serious bite to the ‘Yotes offense.

5^th Columbus Blue Jackets - Dylan Strome, C, Erie (OHL)

The Lowdown: An improving skater, Dylan Strome’s offensive creativity and scoring touch certainly makes up for any kinks in his developing stride. It’s not easy to standout when playing in Connor McDavid’s shadow in Erie but this big 6-foot-3 pivot casts an impressive shadow himself. Versatile as both a winger and a centreman, Strome has the ability to create chances and owns an impressive ability to finish off plays.

6^th Toronto Maple Leafs – Pavel Zacha, C, Sarnia (OHL)

The Lowdown: With new age analytics thinker Kyle Dubas and savvy veteran Mark Hunter arriving as new members of the Leafs management team, many are eager to see what the duo do come draft time. It’s time to swing for the fences in Leaf-land and Pavel Zacha might be the right player to call up to the plate as the big aggressive pivot owns slick puck skills and a pro-level shot to be a difference maker at the next level. As the former London Knights GM, Hunter already has a history of drafting defenseman Zach Werenski so he might remain a viable option come draft day as well.

7^th New Jersey Devils – Zachary Werenski, D, Michigan (Big Ten)

The Lowdown: In need of a stalwart on the blueline, New Jersey would be glad to add Zach Werenski, college hockey’s young defensive standout. Werenski is an evolving intelligent two-way defenseman equally as efficient shutting down top opposing lines or initiating the rush up ice. He’s an asset on the powerplay with his veteran-like poise and heavy seeing-eye point shot.

8^th Ottawa Senators – Lawson Crouse, LW, Kingston (OHL)

The Lowdown: Void of a first round selection in 2014, Ottawa feels fairly lucky to land Lawson Crouse in the 8^th slot, adding another high character winger to join pivot Curtis Lazar. Ranked in the Top 5 by some experts, Crouse is a highly competitive physical winger with a dominant possession game and a goal scorers’ shot.

9^th Philadelphia Flyers – Oliver Kylington, D, Farjestad (SHL-AL)

The Lowdown: Despite missing the World Junior Championships, Kylington remains a top European prospect for the upcoming draft. Touted as one of the top skaters in the draft, he can spearhead the rush with advanced puck movement skills or by engaging his feet. Kylington would surely help the Flyers’ blue line as they look for their “go-to” number one rearguard.

10^th Los Angeles Kings – Ivan Provorov, D, Brandon (WHL)

The Lowdown: Russian WHL import Ivan Provorov has been the most notable riser in the draft rankings and while his eye-opening production out West has been outstanding, he’s been tagged as one of the most complete defensemen of the draft. Despite being undersized, Provorov excels in gap control and his first pass is extremely effective. If he lands in warm California, Provorov could be mentored under an NHL all-star in Drew Doughty.

11^th Dallas Stars – Mikko Rantanen, RW, TPS Turku (FIN)

The Lowdown: Pegged as a potential Top 10 pick, Rantanen highlighted many scouts’ top performer’s list at the 2015 WJC with his four goals for Finland. Known for his creative vision and slick passing abilities, the highly competitive Finn showed that his shot is as equally as dangerous.

12^th Minnesota Wild – Mathew Barzal, C, Seattle (WHL)

The Lowdown: Mathew Barzal has missed significant time with a knee injury but a strong second half should see him surge back up the rankings. He’s been hyped as a top prospect for quite some time and justifiably so. Barzal owns a rare ability to create scoring chances with his shiftiness and creative attacks feeding into his playmaking style.

13^th Florida Panthers – Jérémy Roy, RD, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)

The Lowdown: Ranked all over the board from a potential top 10 selection to a second round pick, Roy’s skill level warrants a selection somewhere closer to the former than the latter. An offensive defenseman with high-end skating tools, Roy plays the game gritty for an undersized blueliner. Playing in Florida, Roy would give the Panthers an authentic powerplay quarterback.

14^th Colorado Avalanche - Nick Merkley, C, Kelowna (WHL)

The Lowdown: A highly creative pivot with a impressive motor, Merkley combines high-end puck handling ability, imaginative vision and a competitive puck pursuit that constantly puts opponent’s on their heels. With the uncertain future of Colorado centre Ryan O’Reilly, Merkley gives the Avalanche a top-six talent for their future frontlines.

Action from the 2015 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in St. Catharines, ON on Thursday January 22, 2015. Team Orr skated to a 6-0 win over Team Cherry. Photoby Aaron Bell/CHL Images

15^th Vancouver Canucks – Travis Konecny, RC, Ottawa (OHL)

The Lowdown: The Canucks could address a number of organizational needs with middle first round pick and Travis Konecny would certainly strengthen their frontline prospect depth. Plus, wouldn’t it be a nice storyline for cousins Konecny and Bo Horvat to be united in Vancouver?

16^th Winnipeg Jets – Kyle Connor, C, Youngstown (USHL)

The Lowdown: With few flaws in his game and a balanced offensive skill set, University of Michigan commit Kyle Connor will be highly coveted come draft day. As a gifted skater with good instincts, Connor is equipped with the tools to excel as a skilled top-six forward and with Winnipeg’s up-and-coming talent, he would blend in well.

17^th San Jose Sharks – Timo Meier, RW/C, Halifax (QMJHL)

The Lowdown: A Youngblood favourite, Timo Meier is the most recent product from the Halifax Mooseheads program. His fiery competitive approach would fit in flawlessly with the Sharks organization as he can play throughout the top-nine. Smart and extremely poised in possession, Meier operates well in a skilled game featuring quick puck movement but can also wear teams down in the physical department as well.

18^th Calgary Flames – Colin White, C, U18 USA NTDP (USHL)

The Lowdown: The Sean Monahan selection has worked out splendidly and with Sam Bennett nearing a return from injury, Calgary’s top six looks very promising moving forward. Good teams learn how to build down the middle and if the Flames have the opportunity to draft two-way pivot Colin White then he could be a high-end third-line Flames centreman capable of facing tough competition.

19^th Boston Bruins – Brock Boeser, RW, Waterloo (USHL)

The Lowdown: Built to score goals, Brock Boeser has a knack for getting to the scoring areas and finishing off plays. He is willing to compete in traffic and owns the strength to defend off checkers in the possession game. Boston hasn’t necessarily been breaking twine or striking fear into their opponents with their goal scoring but Brock Boeser might be the missing piece to do exactly that in the future.

20^th Washington Capitals – Jeremy Bracco, RW, U18 USA NTDP (USHL)

The Lowdown: Known for targeting products from the US NTDP, Washington could be the one team to cash in on Jeremy Bracco and his tremendous offensive upside. After breaking records held by Patrick Kane, Bracco’s style isn’t too far off from the Blackhawks’ star winger. He’s not overly big or strong but his elusive mobility and creativity with the puck generates scoring chance after scoring chance.

21^st Chicago Blackhawks – Daniel Sprong, RW, Charlottetown (QMJHL)

The Lowdown: There has been no denying Daniel Sprong’s individual offensive skills, which are among the best in the draft but some scouts have soured on his decision making recently. With Chicago’s established NHL roster, he makes a good long-term investment. With no pressure to rush a prospect up the depth charts, Sprong is a skilled winger who could spend time ironing out his weakness in the ‘Hawks system.

22^nd Tampa Bay Lightning (formerly New York Rangers) – Evgeny Svechnikov, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)

The Lowdown: A Catch-all term like “power forward” doesn’t quite accurately describe import Evgeny Svechnikov’s skill set because he’s much more dimensional than just a north-south banger. Blessed with advanced puck-handling skills and good creativity, Svechnikov has the ability to make checkers miss but can also employ a dominant possession game and thrive on the cycle. Tampa Bay has a slew of speedy forwards and Svechnikov’s versatile attack game would complement both their skilled players and add an ability to play in the trenches where he can retrieve pucks to initiate scoring chances.

23^rd Buffalo Sabres (formerly New York Islanders) – Paul Bittner, LW, Portland (WHL)

The Lowdown: With the luxury of a deep prospect cupboard and several first round picks, Buffalo has the opportunity to swing for a homerun selection and Paul Bittner could be the perfect target. Playing with the Winterhawks, Bittner has shown good long-term potential featured around his lengthy stride, strong hockey sense and notable finishing ability. Not a dynamic forward nor a true “power” guy, Bittner has time to figure out the style that best maximizes his skills.

24^th Edmonton Oilers (formerly Pittsburgh Penguins) – Jakub Zboril, D, Saint John (QMJHL)

The Lowdown: After landing their top-line centre Jack Eichel with the 2^nd overall pick, Edmonton shifts their focus to their blue line and adds two-way defenseman Jakub Zboril. The skilled mobile rearguard displays smart puck movement and blends in a good physicality, offering several layers to his game for the Oilers to build from.

25^th Detroit Red Wings – Thomas Chabot, D, Saint John (QMJHL)

The Lowdown: Elite level skater with an excellent first pass, Chabot offers an intriguing upside to his defensive game. He shows impressive competitiveness and the willingness to engage physically in the defensive zone but it will be his offensive tools that determine his true value. The Red Wings will certainly have eyes on this high potential blueliner.

26^th Montreal Canadiens – Filip Chlapik, C, Charlottetown (QMJHL)

The Lowdown: As with most draft eligible prospects, Filip Chlapik is far from a finished player but one has to be impressed with his Islanders rookie season. The Czech-born forward possesses high-end hockey sense and his effectiveness is a direct result of it, showing timely offensive positioning, clever playmaking abilities and advanced anticipation skills. Playing just east of Montreal, GM Marc Bergevin might be attracted to his intelligent game.

27^th Tampa Bay Lightning – Brandon Carlo, D, Tri-City (WHL)

The Lowdown: Looking to add another defensive piece, Tampa Bay calls on Brandon Carlo to join their organizational depth charts. Currently, Carlo offers a sound defensive game featured around utilizing his physical strength, gaining positional advantage and executing safe passes. In the long term, there might be more upside to draw out of him as he is a strong skater and he is beginning to land on score sheets more frequently as of late.

28^thBuffalo Sabres (formerly St. Louis Blues) – Jordan Greenway, LW, US NTDP (USHL)

The Lowdown: Teams won’t be able to overlook Jordan Greenway’s massive 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame and given that he’s still developing the finer points of the game, he could be a good long-term investment. While one would like to see more dominant offensive numbers out of this physically imposing winger, Greenway does have the tools to mold into a top-nine forward.

29^th Anaheim Ducks – Jens Lööke,

The Lowdown: A spirited forward with some very promising emerging offensive tools, Jens Lööke has quickly made ground up the draft rankings and with the Anaheim Ducks’ strong history of finding Swedish talent, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them invest in him. At first sight, Lööke should be applauded for his high compete level but upon further observation, his elusive attacks and intelligent puck directives are equally as impressive.

30^th Nashville Predators – Jake DeBrusk, LW, Swift Current (WHL)

The Lowdown: The ultra-competitive Jake DeBrusk isn’t following in the same footsteps as his tough-guy father did but the eventual destination of reaching the NHL should be the same. Nashville, known for rewarding and drafting smart versatile forwards, would surely have DeBrusk high on their lists. He displays great anticipation skills fighting his way to scoring areas and his offensive timing ensures that when he retrieves the puck, he’s ready to strike quickly.

The Second Round

31^st Buffalo Sabres – Nicolas Roy, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

32^nd Edmonton Oilers - Jansen Harkins, C, Prince George (WHL)

33^rd Carolina Hurricanes – Tomas Novak, C, Waterloo (USHL)

34^th Arizona Coyotes - Matthew Spencer, D, Peterborough (OHL)

35^th Columbus Blue Jackets - Jacob Larsson, D, Frolunda (SWE)

36^th Columbus Blue Jackets (formerly Toronto Maple Leafs) – Roope Hintz, LW, Ilves (SWE)

37^th New Jersey Devils – Nikita Korostelev, RW, Sarnia (OHL)

38^th Ottawa Senators – Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Farjestad (SWE)

39^th Boston Bruins (formerly Philadelphia Flyers) – Erik Cernak, D, Kosice (SVK)

40^th Los Angeles Kings – Filip Ahl, HV71 Jr. (SWE)

41^st Ottawa Senators (formerly Dallas Stars) – Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, C, Omaha (USHL)

42^nd Minnesota Wild - Nicolas Meloche, D, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

43^rd Florida Panthers – Adam Musil, C, Red Deer (WHL)

44^th Colorado Avalanche – Ryan Pilon, D, Brandon (WHL)

45^th Vancouver Canucks – Parker Wotherspoon, D, Tri-City (WHL)

46^th Winnipeg Jets – Rasmus Andersson, D, Barrie (OHL)

47^th San Jose Sharks - Anthony Beauvillier, LW, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

48^th Calgary Flames – Jonas Siegenthaler, D, ZSC (SUI)

49^th Boston Bruins – Alexander Dergachev, RW, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (RUS)

50^th Washington Capitals – Christian Fischer, C, US NTDP (USHL)

51^st Chicago Blackhawks - Mackenzie Blackwood, G, Barrie (OHL)

52^nd New York Rangers – Dennis Yan, LW, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

53^rd Buffalo Sabres (formerly New York Islanders) – Daniel Vladar, G, Kladno (CZE)

54^th Pittsburgh Penguins – Ryan Gropp, LW, Seattle (WHL)

55^th Detroit Red Wings - Sebastian Aho, RW, Karpat (FIN)

56^th Montreal Canadiens – Blake Speers, RW, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

57^thNew York Rangers (Conditional on Callahan re-signing with Tampa Bay Lightning) - Denis Guryanov, RW, Ladia Togliatti (RUS)

58^th St. Louis Blues - Mitchell Vande Sompel, D, Oshawa (OHL)

59^th Nashville Predators – Michael Spacek, C, Pardubice (CZE)

60^th Anaheim Ducks – Jesper Lindgren, D, Modo Jr. (SWE)

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