It is certainly weird to be writing this mock draft in late September, given the October draft date this year because of the pandemic. It feels like we have been providing coverage and reading about this 2020 draft class forever. I feel that this class definitely has tiers which make it a little easier to predict. There are always surprises though and I expect there to be a very large number of deals leading up to the draft and at the draft, given the delays in the season and the expansion draft next year. All those deals (if they happen) could certainly make this mock obsolete, but none the less, it is a fun exercise to complete and one I know people love reading.
Previously, I have cut the mock draft off at the Top 50, but why not see it through to the end of the second round? This year, I bring you a Top 62.
1. New York Rangers - Alexis Lafreniere
The Rangers truly did hit the jackpot by winning the lottery this year, moving up from 10th to first overall and earning the chance to select Lafreniere. Already showing signs of turning around their rebuild, Lafreniere helps New York massively, giving them another potentially elite offensive player to give their top six further depth. Lafreniere plays such a pro ready game because he plays heavy. For all the skill he possesses and how intelligent he is, he is also a physical force down low who likely sees that part of his game grow further in the future.
2. Los Angeles Kings - Tim Stutzle
What does a team with an already loaded farm system do at number two? There's certainly some talk that they're interested in Jamie Drysdale. And that does make sense. They could also go with Byfield at two, the player that I'd select if I were them. But there's also a lot of talk that German sensation Tim Stutzle is their guy and I think ends up being the way that they go. His speed really would play well with the players LA already has in the fold and his high end puck skill could make him the type of dynamic play creator who can elevate his linemates. I think the Kings become enamored with his upside.
3. Ottawa Senators (from SJ) - Quinton Byfield
I really see Byfield being Ottawa's primary target. And with good reason. He's certainly not as polished as some of the other players available. Given his size and physical tools, he has the potential to be the best player from this draft class ten years down the road.
4. Detroit Red Wings - Cole Perfetti
This is where a lot of people really see the draft becoming unpredictable and they wouldn't be wrong. The Red Wings have so many different ways that they could use this selection. I could see them loving Drysdale, Raymond, Rossi, and even Askarov (as crazy as that sounds). But here's why I think it will be Perfetti. Firstly, the team has a connection with the Saginaw Spirit. They've drafted players from there. They've placed European players there through the Import Draft (like Albin Grewe just this year). If there is a team who knows Perfetti's game, inside and out, it would be the Red Wings. Secondly, Perfetti is a brilliant hockey player and is the type of offensive catalyst and magician that this franchise badly needs up front. The Wings used to really value IQ above anything else, and I think they have gotten away from that a bit in recent years. This is a really good fit IMO.
5. Ottawa Senators - Jake Sanderson
This is another pick that I feel pretty strongly about. Sanderson is the type of player who you gain an appreciation for the more that you watch him. He is so suffocating in the defensive end because of his skating ability and intensity level. I do think that his offensive game progresses enough for him to become a top 3 defender on the team too. If you look around the league, the teams finding playoff success are those with players like Sanderson on the roster and I believe Ottawa sees this and will look to Sanderson to be the future anchor to aid Thomas Chabot. Of course, there is lots of chatter about Askarov here too.
6. Anaheim Ducks - Jamie Drysdale
While some talk about Askarov as the draft's biggest wildcard, I actually think that honor belongs to Drysdale. He could go second overall or he could fall out of the top 10 completely if a team isn't convinced he's going to be a good enough defender in his own end. Those who read my work know where I stand on this, so I ultimately believe a team will jump on him sooner, rather than later. What better team than the Ducks, who know how important mobility is on the back-end (see Scott Niedermayer) to team success in today's NHL.
7. New Jersey Devils - Lucas Raymond
Lots of discussion about Raymond's hot start in the SHL this season so far and that could certainly propel him up some draft boards. The common thought here is that the Devils select one of the top 67's available (Rossi or Quinn) given their familiarity with the franchise. But Raymond may just be too good to pass up at seven. While this could certainly be said about every team, New Jersey really needs to focus on selecting the player who they believe possesses the highest upside and I think that's Raymond. If they don't take Raymond, don't be surprised if Jack Quinn is their man and not Rossi from the 67's. Or...of course Askarov.
8. Buffalo Sabres - Seth Jarvis
The first real "surprise" of the draft and that is Seth Jarvis moving up inside of the top 10. Draft history suggests that someone universally ranked outside the top 10, will find their way inside the top 10 on actual draft day. I think Jarvis is someone who really makes sense as that guy and I think he makes a lot of sense as a target for the Sabres. Jarvis is a player who had such a strong second half to the abruptly ended WHL season and he doesn't have a ton of weaknesses in his game. His effort away from the puck would breathe fresh air into an organization that can't seem to get over the hump and he is a guy who could probably fit in really well alongside Jack Eichel in the future.
9. Minnesota Wild - Yaroslav Askarov
You know someone is going to take Askarov high. It is going to happen. But who will it be? Having had some success with Russian players recently and with the team needing more future depth at the goaltending position, Minnesota makes sense as a landing spot. This is especially true for a franchise who really prides itself on being strong defensively. I could also see a team trading up to secure his services (like Chicago for example).
10. Winnipeg Jets - Jack Quinn
Quinn ahead of Rossi? Are you insane? I have Rossi ahead of Quinn in my own personal rankings, but this is a mock draft and I do think that NHL franchises are going to put more value into what Quinn brings to the table. Elite goal scorers who play both ends of the ice do not grow on trees. Quinn is the type of player that the Jets seem to love and if the team does decide to move on from Patrik Laine, he could fill his shoes. Just look at what Mark Stone did for Vegas in the playoffs. Quinn has the potential to be that sort of impact two-way forward.
11. Nashville Predators - Alexander Holtz
Holtz could most definitely go higher than this. He may not possess the flash of some others projected to go inside the top 10, but his quiet effectiveness and high end IQ makes him a strong bet to be an NHL player and top end goal scorer. But he also strikes me as the kind of guy who could fall out of the top 10 simply because every team likes him, but not more than another player who is still available from their list. Holtz's "safeness" is what makes him attractive to a Nashville team that could use more players like him.
12. Florida Panthers - Marco Rossi
Let me preface this by saying that I don't agree with Rossi falling to 12th. He one hundred percent deserves to be drafted higher and I hope he will be. This is an incredibly hard working player who strives to improve and has the mindset of a pro hockey player. I think he ends up as a strong top six center. But I also could see NHL teams being concerned with his lack of size at the center position and his lack of elite explosiveness and top speed. Like Holtz, Rossi could be the type of player teams like, but not more than another player still available. Florida selects him because he's the best player on the board and because he also happens to be the kind of two-way center the organization needs behind Barkov.
13. Carolina Hurricanes (from TOR) - Dylan Holloway
Sure Holloway's freshmen season didn't quite go according to plan in Wisconsin. But it is so hard to put up significant production as a true freshman. This is especially true considering that the Badgers were a bit of a hot mess last year. I still believe in Holloway's potential to be a top six forward and I think that his skill set will be highly coveted by an NHL franchise. Look at what the market was for guys like Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow at this year's NHL deadline. Holloway projects to be that kind of player and I think that's why Carolina could be all over him. These bunch of jerks like players who can skate and who can provide pressure on the forecheck and that's Holloway.
14. Edmonton Oilers - Kaiden Guhle
I see the Oilers connected to Jack Quinn a lot because people just love to see the Oilers drafting a high end goal scorer that they can pair with McDavid. But I don't think Quinn lasts until 14. At the end of the day, while the Oilers still struggle because of a lack of scoring depth, they also struggle because they can't keep the puck out of their own net. By drafting a kid like Guhle, who has similar qualities to Jake Sanderson, they continue to stockpile young defenders and that could give the team some flexibility to move one of their underachieving young defenders out for a forward who can make an impact right now.
15. Toronto Maple Leafs (from PIT) - Braden Schneider
This just seems like the perfect fit doesn't it? The Leafs can certainly be unpredictable at the draft, but you would be hard pressed to find someone who does not believe that Schneider isn't exactly the type of player the team lacks. Given his age, he is also closer to making an impact and could make the same sort of impact a kid like Brandon Carlo did in Boston.
16. Montreal Canadiens - Dawson Mercer
I think anyone who watches the NHL closely knows that the Montreal Canadiens lack that top six forward with size who can consistently win those battles down low and near the crease. Mercer projects as that player and also just happens to be the best player available according to most lists. Seems like a pretty perfect fit to me.
17. Chicago Blackhawks - Hendrix Lapierre
With the star core of the Hawks' beginning to age and only a mediocre farm system, the Hawks really need to focus on taking high upside players, even if they carry some risk like Lapierre. If the team wants to avoid a full rebuild, they may need to take a chance on a guy like Lapierre who could still develop into one of the best players in this draft class if he puts his injury issues behind him. His hot start in the QMJHL preseason is definitely encouraging.
18. New Jersey Devils (from ARZ) - Anton Lundell
A bit of a fall for Lundell who is certainly a guy who could go inside the top 10 or 12. However, like some others on this list, he strikes me as a potential faller only because he lacks a true standout quality and is the type of player a lot of teams may like, but not love. His skating concerns (even if you believe they are slightly overblown) could certainly scare some teams away who want a center who plays with pace. With three first round selections, the Devils can roll the dice on Lundell and continue to build up a ton of center depth moving forward. This is strictly BPA.
19. Calgary Flames - Brendan Brisson
The son of agent Pat Brisson, Brendan was a standout in the USHL with Chicago last year and also had a strong World Junior A Challenge. An intelligent playmaker, Brisson is the kind of player that the Flames scouting department has targeted in the early rounds in recent years and he certainly fits in well with the current group and farm system. Calgary has also never been shy to take a chance on a kid with perceived pace issues, so long as their IQ is strong like Brisson.
20. New Jersey Devils (from VAN) - Rodion Amirov
When you have three first rounders, you can roll the dice a little bit and the Devils do that by selecting their third forward in as many selections; Rodion Amirov. Never shy to pick out of Russia, the Devils know that they can be patient with Amirov and let him develop before bringing him to North America. Between Raymond and Amirov, the Devils select two potential top 6 wingers and two players who have a chance to be among the best players in this draft class.
21. Columbus Blue Jackets - Jacob Perreault
One hundred percent, I could see a team taking Jacob Perreault even earlier
than this (even if he's lower on my personal ranking). He's one of the top goal scorers available this year and has
NHL bloodlines. But I know there are some concerns over his pace of
play, conditioning, and consistency. These could easily be ironed out
and Columbus swings for the fences here, trying to inject a high end goal scorer into the system. The Jackets certainly have trouble with scoring consistently and Perreault could develop into a player who could help them with that.
22. New York Rangers (from CAR) - Ridly Greig
I really like Greig and have always been impressed with his play when I have watched him. I think there's a lot of growth left in his game because of his later birthday. Already a physical player and someone who can play through traffic, Greig should eventually gain a lot of confidence in his offensive abilities to develop as a Mike Richards esque two-way player. He should be able to fit in well and support some of New York's younger skilled players.
23. Philadelphia Flyers - Sam Colangelo
This might be high for Colangelo, but I believe that NHL scouts have a lot of faith in the Chicago Steel program and as such, I see Colangelo going higher than he is ranked by a lot of independent scouting agencies. Teams that find success in the NHL playoffs still need power and size on the wing in their top 6 and Colangelo excels driving the net and playing below the hash marks. The Flyers seem like a good fit for him.
24. Colorado Avalanche - Lukas Reichel
With how well German players have been developing in recent years, it
would not shock me at all to see Reichel and Peterka fall inside the top
20 come draft day. That said, I have both just outside that range. In
Reichel, the Avalanche get a player who fits the system that they use
currently. A well rounded offensive player, Reichel has the potential
to develop into a tough guy to play against because of his IQ and
assertiveness along the wall.
25. Washington Capitals - John Jason Peterka
The Capitals have selected Swiss players in three of the last five drafts, so it is obvious that they spend a lot of time scouting central Europe. Peterka, a German forward, has steadily risen up draft lists this year with his strong play Internationally. With speed to burn and a raw offensive skill set, Peterka could be very intriguing to a Capitals team who could stand to add more pace among the forwards in their farm system. Additionally...hear me out. Peterka is a London Knights selection in the Import Draft (not currently signed). They could push for him to join London to play alongside Connor McMichael.
26. St. Louis Blues - Ryan O'Rourke
While the Blues do have Hobey Baker winner Scott Perunovich entering the fold, it wouldn't hurt for them to take a defender with this selection if they feel like that player is a contender for the best player available. This is especially true given that Alex Pietrangelo is a free agent and the team may look to move someone like Vince Dunn or another defender to try to re-sign him. O'Rourke is a tough as nails two-way defender who oozes leadership qualities and who should be a long time NHL defender.
27. Anaheim Ducks (from BOS) - Mavrik Bourque
Honestly, Bourque is the kind of guy who can slip through the cracks of the NHL scouting community; the type of player who is underappreciated and better than their ranking indicates. He could certainly go higher than this. He could go lower than this (OK, I guess that could be said about any of these players). But the Ducks are happy to select him here, giving them a first round haul of Jamie Drysdale and Bourque, two potential impact players.
28. Ottawa Senators (from NYI) - Noel Gunler
One of the draft's biggest wildcards, Gunler oozes offensive potential. However, concerns about his role within the Swedish hockey organization have made him a bit of a mystery. Consistency issues may be masking his effectiveness. Ottawa has so many selections and they can afford to roll the dice on Gunler, hoping that he can add some strength and improve his play in all three zones.
29. Vegas Golden Knights - Helge Grans
Grans is one of those raw defenders with size who are hard to slot in for a mock draft. At 6'3 and with a right handed shot, if an NHL team is convinced that he has top four upside, he could go much higher than this. Vegas has had a real affinity for these type of defenders so far at the draft (Hague, Demin, Korczak), but it fits the way that they want to play too. This is a nice upside play by Vegas
30. Dallas Stars - Tyler Kleven
Whether
internet scouting community likes it or not, guys like Kleven get
selected high at the NHL draft. It's a fact. He's big. He's mean. And he
can skate. This is the prototype of the modern NHL shutdown defender.
Would I take him this high? Not likely. But Dallas has really coveted
these types of players in recent years and it has made them a tough team
to play against (as you can see from this year's NHL playoffs). The
hope here would be that Kleven could develop into the perfect partner
for someone like Heiskanen or Harley. Dallas has a type and Kleven is
it.
31. San Jose Sharks (from TB) - Luke Evangelista
Seeing Evangelista in the first round might surprise some people, but I've certainly heard some rumblings that teams could like him in this range. Do not underestimate the faith that NHL organizations have in the Hunter (and London) development model. Evangelista was terrific as a support winger for London this year, showing a well rounded game. However, if you're convinced that his offensive game has more than he has shown us (especially in terms of driving the play and creating his own chances), you definitely look at Evangelista as a first rounder. The Sharks would have seen a ton of him this year while keeping tabs on Ryan Merkley. After losing their top 5 selection in a trade with Ottawa, it makes sense that they would roll the dice on someone who could really progress and show high offensive upside down the line.
------------------------------------------------------------
32. Detroit Red Wings - Connor Zary
Zary falls out of the first round (there will always be a few perceived first rounders who do) due to some concerns over his pace of play and skating ability. However, Detroit is happy to select him to kick off the second round. A potential playmaking center, even if there might be some similarities between Zary and Joe Veleno.
33. Ottawa Senators - Justin Barron
When you have so many selections in the first few rounds, you can take a chance on a player who falls or who is considered a little more high risk. Sidelined for a good portion of the year with a blood clot, Barron was once thought to be the best defender in this draft class. And now, he's out again after another procedure. The risk is high. If the Senators can grab Sanderson and Justin Barron, and both develop to their full potential, they would be a damn difficult team to play against.
34. San Jose Sharks - Jean Luc Foudy
Again, I see San Jose targeting someone they believe possesses significant upside. I would not likely be looking at Foudy this high because I do have some concerns about his game. However, given his speed and skill level, and given the great progression his brother Liam has shown, I do see one NHL team taking him high. Adding speed to this San Jose lineup should be a priority and Foudy is one of the draft's best skaters.
35. Los Angeles Kings - Dylan Peterson
Peterson is another guy that I see an NHL team taking higher than independent or internet scouts have him ranked. He's an elite skater with size and raw offensive tools. His game improved from the start of the year to the end. He has a good chance to developing into a high end checking winger if the offensive game doesn't develop. Los Angeles knows that they're going to need guys like Peterson to compete in the West in the future.
36. Anaheim Ducks - Tyson Foerster
The Ducks grab one of the draft's elite goal scorers in Tyson Foerster. Armed with one of the best one timers in the OHL, Foerster is an elite powerplay weapon. Skating and ability to shoot/create in motion need work, but he would be a great pick in this range.
37. Nashville Predators (from NJ) - Jan Mysak
Mysak is someone whose ranking is all over the place this year. Some have him with a mid first projection, where others have him in late first/early second. I certainly had him ranked higher than this, but like some others that I mentioned, he strikes me as the type that NHL scouts might like, but not love. And that could push him down into this range. Nashville makes a heck of a selection here.
38. Buffalo Sabres - Ty Smilanic
From what I understand, scouts had a tough time getting a read on Smilanic last year. As part of the U.S. U18 squad, Smilanic was at times one of the team's most effective forwards. And at other times, he was completely invisible. That inconsistency can be frustrating. However, Smilanic possesses a high offensive upside and that intrigues the Sabres enough to roll the dice.
39. Minnesota Wild - Marat Khusnutdinov
A high end skater, many consider Khusnutdinov a first round talent. However, when you combine concerns over upside and the allure of the KHL, teams may look elsewhere in the first round. He looks a lot more appealing in the second. The question is, would the Minnesota Wild have the gumption to use their first and second round selections (as per my predictions) on Russian players?
40. Winnipeg Jets - Jack Finley
Finley is the son of former NHL defender Jeff Finley, who just happens to be an amateur scout for the Jets. Sure there is a connection there, but this would actually be a savvy selection by the Jets. Finley is simultaneously one of the largest forwards available this year and one of the most physically raw players. This is a kid who shows really well in flashes and his size down the middle and projection will make him very attractive to NHL teams in this range.
41. Carolina Hurricanes (from NYR) - William Wallinder
Wallinder is another one of those raw defenders with size who could go
anywhere from 15-50 in the draft, depending on just how sold an NHL team
is on him reaching his potential. His decision making is often
questioned, however the physical tools are there. He just may take time.
The Hurricanes are willing to be patient and add him to the team's already
strong group of young defenders.
42. Nashville Predators - Jake Neighbours
A bit of a fall for Neighbours, a player many tab as a late first round selection. However, I do believe that projection issues could push him into the second round. That isn't to say that Neighbours doesn't have upside, but many see him as more of a third liner and there are always a lot of similar players available. He does fit the Predators style of play and to a certain degree, is the type of player they used to draft when they were having some success.
43. Florida Panthers - Topi Niemela
Niemela is a right shot defender who projects as an intelligent puck mover at the NHL level and would be a really good selection by the Panthers here. This is especially true considering that the Panthers defensive unit is far from a top notch group and the organization really only has Chase Priskie as a potential puck mover as far as prospects are concerned.
44. Toronto Maple Leafs - Daniel Torgersson
Torgersson certainly fits the bill of the type of player that Dubas and his scouting staff have targeted at the draft in recent years. Big kid who skates really well and can play a physical style, but whose offensive potential remains a bit of a mystery. Seems like a safe bet that the Leafs could be looking at a forward with some speed and physicality with one of their top two selections.
45. Detroit Red Wings (from EDM) - Drew Commesso
If the Wings don't shock the world with Askarov at number four, I could see them rolling the dice on a goaltender at 45. While his ranking seems to be a bit all over the place and the lack of a U18's didn't help that, Commesso is the second best goaltender available IMO and the Wings would have seen a lot of him out of Plymouth. He's a long term play but he certainly satisfies the organization's need for a top goaltending prospect.
46. Chicago Blackhawks (from PIT) - Nico Daws
Another potential landing spot for Askarov if he falls in the first or the Hawks trade up. However Chicago could also look at a goaltender at 46. Daws is an intriguing option because he's a lot closer to being an NHL netminder than others in this class because of his age. I know some doubt Daws based on him being in his final year of eligibility and his world juniors performance, but those who saw him in the OHL know how hard he has worked to become an elite netminder.
47. Montreal Canadiens - Ian Moore
The Canadiens have taken a prep school defender inside the top 75 of two straight drafts (Struble and Harris) and both look like great selections thus far. So why not go three for three? With so many selections, it's also important to stagger where these prospects are drafted from, to help with contract deadlines. Moore is an elite mover from the back-end who shows potential to be a two-way defender. He'll play with Chicago in the USHL this year and then head to Harvard. That's two pretty awesome programs too.
48. Montreal Canadiens (from CHI) - Thomas Bordeleau
With back to back selections, Montreal selects undersized forward Thomas Bordeleau out of the U.S. Development Program. Armed with a wicked shot and slick hands, Bordeleau was one of the few creative players on this year's U18 squad and his play through traffic improved greatly over the course of the season. Maybe there are too many similarities between he and Caufield, but he's the best player available here.
49. Arizona Coyotes - PICK FORFEITED
50. Calgary Flames - Will Cuylle
Lord knows how much the Calgary Flames love "heavy" wingers who can play with physical intensity. Cuylle is one of the few true power forwards available this year. Consistency is an issue, but it is for most big junior forwards. As he continues to improve his skating, look for him to develop into a quality goal scorer and someone who could play a middle six role for the Flames down the line.
51. Los Angeles Kings (from VAN) - Roby Jarventie
Jarventie is a true draft enigma. At times, he has the look of a first round selection with a big shot and goal scoring potential. He has size and high end skating ability. That combination usually gets you drafted pretty high and the Kings would be a great landing spot for him. With such a strong prospect pool, they can roll the dice on him to develop slowly and eventually become an impact player.
52. Ottawa Senators (from CBJ) - Martin Chromiak
The Senators would have gotten a great look at Chromiak last year in nearby Kingston, even if he only played half a season in the OHL. A strong supporting winger, Chromiak projects as an intelligent complimentary piece in the top 9. I believe that his game has lots of room for growth as he gains confidence.
53. Carolina Hurricanes - Tristen Robins
Without question, Robins has to be one of the draft's most polarizing prospects. He's in the first round of some publications. He's in the fourth round of some publications. A phenomenal second half in the WHL should certainly pique the interest of NHL scouts. He could be a great fit in a Carolina system that has drafted other well rounded forward prospects in recent years, targeting IQ and effort over size and physical tools.
54. Philadelphia Flyers - Jeremie Poirier
Look, Poirier could definitely go in the first round. He is one of the most talented offensive defenders available this year. But concerns over his defensive commitment and four way mobility could certainly push him deeper into the draft as a "faller." Here, the Flyers finally take him, even after selecting Cam York in the first round last year.
55. San Jose Sharks (from COL) - Danil Gushchin
Gushchin is a bit of enigma. He has been an offensive standout in the USHL and there is absolutely no doubt that he is talented. The upside is certainly appealing. However, scouts do have concerns over his lack of intensity and consistency from shift to shift, in combination with his lack of size. But, as I've mentioned a few times, I see the Sharks really focusing on taking high upside players early this year to try to rebuild their farm system.
56. Detroit Red Wings (via WSH) - Ozzy Wiesblatt
An undersized, but high energy winger, Wiesblatt certainly has the qualities you look for in a quality middle six forward. Much like Jack Neighbours, I see him going a little lower than anticipated due to a perceived lack of potential. However, the Wings have always gravitated towards these types of forwards (see Albin Grewe who will suit up for Saginaw this year).
57. Montreal Canadiens (from STL) - Shakir Mukhamadullin
Look, I know that he's the favourite whipping boy of some scouts and perhaps with good reason. Yet, given his physical tools, you know that an NHL team is going to take a chance on him inside the first two rounds. He has, after all, played well in the KHL to start the year (no easy task for an U20 defender). Montreal could be a good landing spot for him. They took a chance on Alex Romanov a few years ago and that has worked out well for them. Additionally, continuing to add projectable defenders with size should be a priority at the draft.
58. Boston Bruins - Zayde Wisdom
On one hand, there is a good chance that the Bruins swing for the fences with this selection, opting for a high upside player, given that they do not have a first round selection this year. On the other hand, Boston's scouts do seem to have a type and Wisdom is most certainly that type. Few work as hard or are as motivated as this kid. The perfect complimentary piece to skilled/creative playmakers, the Bruins have become so difficult to play against because they draft and develop hard workers who can provide versatility.
59. Ottawa Senators (from NYI) - Brock Faber
Faber is one of those quietly effective two-way defenders that NHL teams always seem to favor at the draft. He moves well, has that precious right shot, and processes the game quickly, all things that point to him being an NHL defender down the line. Ranked all over the place this year, Faber is the kind of player I see going in the top 60 and Ottawa has targeted similar kinds of defenders in recent years.
60. Los Angeles Kings (via VGS) - Pavel Gogolev
If there is one thing you can count on at the draft, it's the Los Angeles Kings taking a second or third year eligible player. Few teams in the NHL have gone this route as much as (and as successfully) as LA. Gogolev emerged as one of the top players in the OHL this year, working hard to prove to scouts that his game has more layers to it than just his goal scoring ability. I really don't think it's far fetched to consider him a candidate for the top 75 or so.
61. Ottawa Senators (from DAL) - Luke Tuch
With his brother having such a strong NHL playoffs this year, NHL teams could certainly be looking at Luke a little bit earlier. Players with size and skill will always have a place in the league, even if smaller players are starting to take over. Heck, I could see Tuch going even higher than this. He's probably someone whose stock certainly was not helped by the lack of World U18's this year.
62. Tampa Bay Lightning - Wyatt Kaiser
Prep school defenders (and players) always go higher than the independent scouting community ranks them, something I already mentioned in the Ian Moore write up. Kaiser, out of Minnesota HS Hockey, is a high end skater who has room to grow as a two-way defender. He's very raw (understandably so) and Tampa Bay would need to be patient, but these are the types of picks teams without a first round selection make.
Posts
