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Maloughney's Mock Draft (Picks 1-5)

June 16, 2019, 6:00 PM ET [88 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
New Jersey Devils - 1st Overall
Jack Hughes - Centre

Every draft season, there is an attempt to create drama on who will be the first overall pick and this season is no different. Kappo Kakko had a brilliant U18 performance but Jack Hughes is still the clear cut favourite. His playmaking ability, vision, and creativity in the offensive zone will make him an threat in the NHL for years to come. The Devils are about to be set down the middle with Hughes and Hischier.

New York Rangers - 2nd Overall
Kappo Kakko - Right Wing

While Hughes should and will go 1st overall, Kakko is by no means a slouch either. Kakko's goal scoring production in the SM-liiga is higher than Patrik Laine's was in his draft year. Kakko could very well turn into one of the most prolific goal scorers in the NHL. At 6'2 and 190lbs and the fact that he played in the Swedish league against men, Kakko is more than ready to make the jump into the NHL.

Though Kakko has played centre he is predominantly a winger and it would be much easier for the Rangers to at least begin his development as such. Another reason that Kakko is rated so high is that he is not a player who cheats for offense. His backchecking and work in his own end has impressed his coaches and has allowed them to use him in any situation. A jack of all trades, Hughes may go first overall, but my money is on Kakko winning the Calder.

Chicago Blackhawks - 3rd Overall
Alex Turcotte - Centre

The first two picks are obvious but things will start to change depending on how the Blackhawks approach the draft. Bowen Byram is the most highly rated defenseman in the draft with his play style being compared to the likes of Drew Doughty. However with the likes of Boqvist and Jokiharju in the system, and plenty of argument on who the "best player available is," I believe the Blackhawks will select powerful centre Alex Turcotte.

The strong two way forward is likely the most NHL ready forward behind Hughes and Kakko. He played most of his season in the USHL away from Jack Hughes and still put up strong numbers. The Blackhawks don't have an centre prospects that track this high making it more likely that they select a forward.

Colorado Avalanche - 4th Overall
Bowen Byram - Left Defense

Thanks to the Ottawa Senators, the Avalanche not only get a pick in the top 5, but they will be able to draft the top defensive prospect in Bowen Byram. As I just mentioned, Byram is an absolute stud. He is a brilliant skater and loves moving the puck up the ice himself. He excels both as an offensive weapon and as a player who is confident in his own zone, breaking up the play with his stick. The Avalanche have a couple of strong right shot defensemen in their prospect system but the left shooting Byram would immediately jump to the top of that list.

LA Kings - 5th Overall
Cole Caufield - Left Wing

The Kings are in the midst of an identity crisis with an aging roster filled with players too slow to play the style of game the NHL is heading towards. Cole Caufield is not a typical Kings style of player, but his goal scoring ability and dynamic play may signal a changing of the guard in LA. Caufield will be the smallest player drafted in the first round (that title is currently held by Oilers draftee Kailer Yamamoto). Though he is 5'7, Caufield makes up for his stature with blinding speed and a powerful shots.

Caufield is a deadly accurate shooter and can beat goaltenders a number of different ways, including his one-timer. The biggest challenge for Caufield will be showing he can be effective in all areas of the ice and handle the physicality of the NHL. The most comparable player to Caufield remains Alex DeBrincat, another 5'7 player who excels as a sniper. DeBrincat spent one more season in the OHL after being drafted before entering the NHL the following season and putting up 28 goals. The Kings should aim to develop Caufield the same way.

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There are my first five picks. Last season when I did my mock draft I got every single pick I made correct.... no need to look back at that blog to verify.... just take my word on it. I look forward to tackling 6-10 in the next couple of days.
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