|
Maloughney's Mock Draft (11-31) |
|
|
|
|
|
Wow we are only two days away from the NHL Draft and things have already been crazy. There is so much that needs to be discussed before then so we are gonna power through picks 11-31 all in one go.
So far here is what I have:
1) New Jersey Devils - Jack Hughes
2) New York Rangers - Kappo Kakko
3) Chicago Blackhawks - Alex Turcotte
4) Colorado Avalanche - Bowen Byram
5) Los Angeles Kings - Cole Caufield
6) Detroit Red Wings - Dylan Cozens
7) Buffalo Sabres - Kirby Dach
8) Edmonton Oilers - Matthew Boldy
9) Anaheim Ducks - Trevor Zegras
10) Vancouver Canucks - Peyton Krebs
Philadelphia Flyers - 11th Overall
Vasili Podkolzin - Right Wing
This is where the free fall of the Russian winger stops. Podkolzin could turn into a dynamic player but his MHL numbers are far below the likes of what guys like Kucherov or even Buchnevich did at the same point in their career.
Minnesota Wild - 12th Overall
Philip Broberg - Left Defense
There is lots of buzz that Edmonton is interested in Broberg and I hope that ends up being wrong. Broberg is certainly a talented player but I question whether or not he will ever be able to put up above average points in the NHL.
Florida Panthers - 13th Overall
Alex Newhook - Centre
A 102 point season in the BCHL is certainly not something to ignore, especially when the next highest player on his team scored 67. Like many of the other centres in this draft, Newhook plays at a high speed, has a high hockey IQ and great hands. This will be a fun draft to look back at five years from now and see where these players are.
Arizona Coyotes - 14th Overall
Arthur Kaliyev - Right Wing
Kaliyev is a player I have seen scouts rank anywhere between 25th and 7th in the draft this year. The Uzbekistan player is a high end goal scorer but there are massive questions about his defensive game and whether or not he has the speed to play at a higher level. Is he the next Jamie Benn? Or Lawson Crouse?
Montreal Canadiens - 15th Overall
Victor Soderstrom - Right Defense
On another Edmonton note, I think the team needs to focus on a forward over a defenseman, however if they were going to pick a defender they should go with Soderstrom over Broberg. Soderstrom has been playing against men in the Swedish League. An elite passer and skater, Soderstrom is more likely to stop a defender with his stick rather than his body. Could be the next Oscar Klefbom or Hampus Lindholm.
Colorado Avalanche - 16th Overall
Spencer Knight - Goalie
Drafting goalies is weird, but the Avalanche need a top notch goaltending prospect in the system. Seems as good a place as any for him to go.
Vegas Golden Knights - 17th Overall
Moritz Seider - Right Defense
One of the bigger defensemen in this draft class. Seider isn't much of a puck mover, but makes a good first pass and never sacrifices defense for offense.
Dallas Stars - 18th Overall
Phillip Tomasino - Centre/Right Wing
An aggressive fore-checker with great offensive skills. On the smaller side and will likely need three seasons before he is NHL ready but he has the tools.
Ottawa Senators - 19th Overall
Raphael Lavoie - Right Wing
The big 6'4 winger has been compared to Thomas Vanek by Craig Button. Like all big young forwards, foot speed will be his biggest area of concern but he is a player that certainly doesn't shy away from the tough areas.
Winnipeg Jets - 20th Overall
Lassi Thomson - Right Defense
Jets fans are already frustrated by their team for giving up Trouba for pennies on the dollar so I figure they will double down and instead of picking one of the higher end forwards still available in the draft they will try and double down on right defense prospects.
Pittsburgh Penguins - 21st Overall
Cam York - Left Defense
Eventually the Penguins will move on from Kris Letang and they will need a new PP quarterback. The smaller but effect York could certainly turn into that player.
LA Kings - 22nd Overall
Ryan Suzuki - Centre/Left Wing
Keeping with my idea that the Kings will be aiming to change their look, along with dynamic smaller winger Cole Caufield, the LA Kings will pick Suzuki as one of the better centres remaining in the draft.
New York Islanders - 23rd Overall
Samuel Poulin - Centre
The 212lb centre scored 67 goals in the "Q" last season. The Islanders are going to want to plan ahead and have bigger options down the middle behind Barzal.
Nashville Predators - 24th Overall
Ville Heinola - Left Defense
Nashville is going to draft a defenseman because of course they are. That player is also likely going to turn into the best defenseman in this draft because you know.... Nashville.
Washington Capitals - 25th Overall
Connor McMichael - Centre/Left Winger
London Knights players are always a safe bet. The Ontario product scored 67 goals last year and has the versatility to be a great 2nd line centre or top 6 winger one day.
Calgary Flames - 26th Overall
Thomas Harley - Left Defense
The Flames won't question why the elite puck moving defenseman is still available but they certainly won't hesitate to select him. Has all the tools of a future top 4 defenseman.
Tampa Bay Lightning - 27th Overall
Nils Hoglander - Left Wing
The undersized forward has had to deal with playing against tougher opponents for his entire career and the fact that he has still been able to produce solid numbers in the SHL shows his tenacity.
Carolina Hurricanes - 28th Overall
Bobby Brink - Right Wing
Started the year as likely a late second round pick but has risen through the ranks all season. The only thing preventing him from being a top 15 pick is his skating has been cited as a major issue. If he can fix his first few strides he will be a solid NHL player.
Anaheim Ducks - 29th Overall
Tobias Bjornfot - Left Defense
A strong defense first player who excels at playing in his own end and keeping the puck in the possession of his own team. Ducks get a solid forward and defenseman in the first round.
Boston Bruins - 30th Overall
Robert Mastrosimone - Centre
A smaller forward, but plays a feisty game and is a known agitator in the USHL. Seems like a Bruins pick.
Buffalo Sabres - 31st Overall
Matthew Robertson - Left Defense
Following suit to the Ducks, the Sabres will go after a defenseman with their second pick in the 1st round and go with Oil Kings defenseman Matthew Robertson. Oil Kings have not panned out well recently in the NHL but maybe this is the one that will buck the trend.
---
There you have it. Place your bets on how many I get correct this season. No matter what happens it should make for a fun Draft Day.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»