The fourth mock Hockey Buzz mock draft driven by the readers and a few special guests is underway. Hank Bailing did not go off the board with the Sabres pick, selecting Owen Power first overall, while Sean Maloughney took Matthew Beniers as the first ever Seattle draft pick and Ryan Armstrong completed the Michigan trifecta with Kent Johnson. Zabber selected Luke Hughes with the Devils' pick. Slimtj selected Simon Edvinsson for Columbus with fed91stammer's grabbing William Eklund for Detroit.
Hockeygm traded San Jose’s pick to Ottawa, who, represented by optimus-rein, selected Dylan Guenther. Dudestar's pick for LA was Brandt Clarke. Nucker101's selected Mason McTavish for Vancouver while Hockeygm's pick for San Jose was Cole Sillinger and Theo Fox's pick for Chicago was Chaz Lucius. ShallowLarynx selected Fabian Lysell for Calgary while Flyersfan328 pick for the Flyers was Aatu Ray and NYRangers1124’s choice for Dallas was Matthew Coronato. My pick for the NY Rangers at 15 is below and Tommycasino's (who was set to take Svechkov and wanted Raty at this spot) selection for St. Louis at #16 is next. Below is the voting poll, please weigh in with your view.
First, some logistical information just for this blog: Thanks to all who have agreed to participate. Almost all teams are spoken for, meaning we have close to a full complement of General Managers, but need a few more. As a reminder, when you have your pick, rationale for the selection, who else you considered and if you weighed a trade, please send that to me via email to
[email protected]. As said previously, for those who agree to participate, please make sure I have your real name to go with your Hockey Buzz ID.
The draft is July 23 and we will start the draft July 8 in the morning. That will give us 15 days or so to complete the draft, even factoring in the Sabbath. For weekdays and Sunday, I will post a pick in the am, theen a second in the pm with voting in between, for around the first 20 picks. The last 11, we will run three per day so we get all 31 picks by or on July 23.
As a reminder, for each pick, included should be: a) Selection and reasoning/scouting report and b) Alternatives considered (both players and trades). Please provide me via email your pick with the aforementioned information following the posting of the prior pick on the site. If I become aware of a pick or a few picks in a row, I will email you to help facilitate moving the mock draft along. I will post the blog with the pick and the voting poll within each blog.
Overall Rules and Process
As mentioned previously, there is a little kicker. After the pick or trade is made, a poll will be posted to rate the selection or deal. If the majority of people like the pick or trade, that selection stands and it moves on to the next team’s picks. If not, the majority rules and that’s what happens with that team and pick. I have the last right of refusal to keep everything on the up and up and avoid ballot box stuffing. My request to you is that you take this seriously and not make a mockery of the mock draft, because that would be an insult to the others who are participating and makes the whole process a sham. But by playing this out, we get to have healthy debate and conversation to remain engaged up and possibly beyond the draft. If teams make deals and they occur before a team’s selection is due, that deal will play a part as to when each person’s selection occurs.
Here how this will work: each morning and evening (for now, two picks per day, but we will go to three when we get to latter third of the mock draft, so that we complete on time) the team’s selector will email me at [email protected] their pick and their rationale for that selection. If making a trade, the same applies, and all the selectors have been listed below along with their screen name if from this site or their twitter handle if external to help facilitate making trades. I will post that pick and rationale on the site and create a voting poll. For now, I was thinking solely just a yes or no vote for the poll, but if people want me to list other options for the selection at that pick number in cases of a no vote, I am happy to do so, to help make it more robust.
With the 15th Overall Pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Rangers, represented by me, select Fyodor Svechkov, C, Ska-1946
Rationale for the selection with scouting report along with alternatives considered (both players and trades):
I debated long and hard as to what to do with this pick. Cole Sillnger was my target here, followed by Aatu Raty and Matthew Coronato, but all three went in a five pick spread. In real life, I do think New York trades this pick unless a targeted player slides to them.
Three different deals were proposed, all of which were enticing. I am listing them below to get your view. Of the three, the second was the most intriguing and the one that I almost pulled the trigger on, since it would have netted New York a second first rounder. The main target with all these trades is Jesper Wallstedt, which is why in real life, if we land in this spot and Wallstedt is still there, I think New York will trade down, as I don't foresee them selecting a goalie at 15th overall.
22OA, 37OA, and 47OA for 15OA, 64OA, and 79OA
24th and 31st overall for 15th overall and the Rangers' fourth round pick
42OA, 2022 2nd (Tampa) and one of Tierney, Mete or J Brown for 15OA, 65OA and maybe one of your 4ths.
Svechkov to me is the prototypical third-center at a minimum with the potential for a lot more. Reading about him, I get the sense that the offense will develop, making him a perfect second-line center who is also defensively responsible. If the offense part of hios game continues to grow and mature, he could be a 60-point, potential shutdown center. One potential downside is that he just signed a deal with SKA St. Petersburg that will keep him with the club through the 2022-23 season
Scouting reports:
Draft Analyst: Svechkov is an expert stickhandler who can manuever through or around multiple obstacles. As dangerous as he can in the offensive zone, Svechkov is just as much of a threat in the neutral zone when faced with seemingly limited options. A lot of this has to do with his vision and anticipation, but those mean little if one can’t protect the puck for the extra second required when both time and space are nearly eliminated. Svechkov can do that and then some, especially with his back to the play, and his linemates and defense pairings know he can outfox or outmaneuver an opponent just in time to hit a friendly in stride for a clean zone entry
Svechkov is a premier playmaker with sharp vision and soft hands. The timing and accuracy of his passes are already at a pro level, which puts him at or near the top of all centers in this draft class. The confident manner in which Svechkov works the puck around the horn or splits the seam lends more to his high hockey IQ than the actual delivery of the puck, as he’ll use look-offs, delays, slap passes, or saucers via his forehand or backhand to render opposing sticks ineffective
It is no exaggeration to also call Svechkov an elite defensive forward; at least within the context of his age, scope of responsibility, and actual effectiveness. Not only does he show speed and tenacity when reacting to puck travel, but Svechkov seems to fully understand the concept of supporting his unit by NOT trying to do their jobs. His head is always on a swivel, which helps him maintain elasticity from below the goal line and back to the slot if or when his defenseman releases into the corner.
Top-line, multi-situational center who can also produce points in the mold of a Sean Couturier or Patrice Bergeron
Future Considerations: Svechkov is the type of player who really excels at thefine details of the game. He’s a reliable and consistentplayer in all three zones and shift-in, shift-out. He looks very comfortable playing the center position and under-stands the responsibilities of the role.
His defensive play is very advanced,breaking up plays and stealing pucks at an above-average rate, and he puts in a great effort in 50/50 battles. He shows great hustle in transition and a strong motor when pursuing puck-carriers. He is very aggressive pressuring opponents and his strength on the puck is apparent inevery defensive shift he takes. He doesn’t shy away from physical play and makes good reads on when to finish a check on an opposing player.
Svechkov is a powerful and deceptively fast skater, showing great extension in his strides and getting up to top speed quickly with strong crossovers and a wide base. While his agility and edge work at high speed still cause him some trouble when carrying the puck, Svechkov uses his body to protect very well. His speed and agility aren’t problems, though they could stand to improve, and on the plus side he still looks a little underdeveloped in terms of his lower-body strength, signaling room for improvement.
Svechkov is one of the best two-way, well-rounded for-wards in this class. He’s an incredibly intelligent playerwith excellent competitiveness and vision. There’s not a lot of flash to his game and his lower-body strength can improve, but he’s extremely consistent.
Corey Pronman, the Athletic: Svehckov played versus men this season, looked like he belonged at the pro level and had a solid U18 worlds to finish his season. He’s very skilled, showing a lot of confidence and creativity as a puckhandler. Svechkov can create for his teammates and shows half-wall playmaking ability to go with the plays he can make at pace. Off the puck, he’s physical, responsible defensively and killed penalties at the VHL level. The skating is fine but lacks the true quick twitch in his feet to push defenders back and pressure with speed. In a sentence, Svechkov projects as a middle-six NHL center who provides good value at both ends but may not be a big-time offensive player.
Chris Peters: Has the Rangers taking Svechkov with this pick: A smart, two-way center with size and good work ethic, Svechkov’s skating may be the hindrance to him being selected this high, though average skating looks to be a theme in this draft. In addition, he checks a lot of the boxes in terms of what the Rangers are said to be looking for. Svechkov has some good physical strength, passes well and has a tendency to make those around him better as he’s willing to do a lot of the dirty work to get pucks.
Svechkov has high-end vision and sets up plays especially well. His puck touches are sure-handed and his decisions are usually sound. On top of that, he’s committed to the defensive aspects of his position, is strong at the faceoff dot and is an especially strong player who excels in displacing opposing players of the puck with body position and a powerful lower half. He looks like a solid middle-six center long-term.
Others Considered:
Trading this pick as noted above
Nikita Chibrikov, LW, SKA St. Petersberg - could replace Vladimir Tarasenko in the future, providing the Blues with high-end skill and scoring potential into their prospect system. As Peters said, Chibrikov is a legit shot-pass threat who has offensive creativity and already has pro experience in the KHL. The Blues would have to be patient while they wait for him, but he’s got the goods to make an impact and could provide high value if he slips this far.
Francesco Pinelli, C, Jesenice - good offensive skills and hockey sense. Question is will he slate well enough to stay at center.
Zachary L’Heureux: Lots of skill but disciplinary issues. If he matues, possible top-six player.
2021 NHL DRAFT ORDER
1. Buffalo Sabres - Hank Bailing, Owen Power, D, Michigan (73%, 267 votes)
2. Seattle Kraken - Sean Maloughney, Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan (85%, 144 votes)
3. Anaheim Ducks - climbdenali12, Ryan Armstrong, Kent Johnson, C, Michigan (20%, 192 votes)
4. New Jersey Devils - Zabber, Luke Hughes, D, USDP (U-18) (81%, 239 votes)
5. Columbus Blue Jackets, slimTJ, TJ Reilly, Simon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda (49% of 140 votes)
6. Detroit Red Wings - fed91tstammer, William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens (SHL) (72%, 162 votes)
7. San Jose Sharks - hockeygm, pick traded to Ottawa who selects Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton (WHL) (83%, 82 votes)
8. Los Angeles Kings - dudestar, Nicholas Plazio, Brandt Clarke, RHD, HC Nove Zamhy (87%, 130 votes)
9. Vancouver Canucks - Nucker101, Mason McTavish, C, Peterborough (89%, 168 votes)
10. San Jose from Ottawa- hockeygm, Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls (59%, 68 votes)
11. Chicago Blackhawks - Theo Fox, Blackhawks blogger from site, Chaz Lucius, C, US-NTDP (50%, 109 votes)
12. Calgary Flames - ShallowLarynx, Fabian Lysell, RW, Luleå HF (SHL) (77%, 121 votes)
13. Philadelphia Flyers - Flyersfan328, Phil Brunner, Aatu Raty, C, Oulun Karpat (Liiga) (58%, 172 votes)
14. Dallas Stars - NYRangers1124, Matthew Coronato, LW, Chicago Steelheads (51%, 43 votes)
15. New York Rangers - Jan Levine, Fyodor Svechkov, C, Ska-1946 (Russia)
16. St. Louis Blues - Tommycasino, Tom Dueck, Friday, July 16 am17. Winnipeg Jets - Ross77, Darren Ross, Friday, July 16 pm
18. Nashville Predators - Russ Cohen, Saturday, July 17 pm
19. Edmonton Oilers - maximumbone, Silas Bengtsson Sunday July 18 am
20. Boston Bruins - Anthony Travalgia, Bruins blogger on site, Sunday, July 18 afternoon
21. Minnesota Wild - jryan88 - Sunday, July 18 pm
22. Detroit Red Wings (from Washington Capitals) - fed91tstammer, Monday, July 19 am
23. Florida Panthers - jimbo, Jimmy Reilly - Monday, July 19, afternoon
24. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Toronto Maple Leafs) - slimTJ, TJ Reilly, Monday, July 19, pm
25. Minnesota Wild (from Pittsburgh Penguins) - jryan88, Tuesday, July 20, am
26. Carolina Hurricanes - Bingo, Chris Cote, Tuesday, July 20, afternoon
27. Colorado Avalanche - TommyGTrain, Tuesday, July 20, pm
28. New Jersey Devils (from New York Islanders) - Zabber, Wednesday, July 21, am
29. Las Vegas Golden Knights - Burnt_Juice, Clay Arseniuk, Wednesday, July 21, afternoon
30. Montreal Canadiens - Karine Hains, Montreal blogger on site, Wednesday, July 21, pm
31. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Tampa Bay Lightning) - slimTJ, TJ Reilly, Thursday, July 22, am
Looking forward to running this again. We had a ton of fun the last few seasons. That should be the same again this year with New York having the 15th pick in the first round
The dream of re-acquiring Ryan Graves ended tonight as New Jersey acquired Graves for Mikhail Maltsev and a second round pick. Graves has one more year remaining after the upcoming season at $3,166,167 and provides the Devils a solid second-pair, left-handed blueliner. Maltsev has upside and Colorado, who has lots of players to choose from for their retentions, also nets a second round pick in the exchange, but I do like the deal for NJ. Would have very much liked the Blueshirts to make a similar move, but other options do exist, including Jake McCabe coming off his ACL injury.
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