Adam French: Mock Draft Part 4: 16-20

First!

I wouldn't be surprised if the Hawks took Andrei Vasilevski with the 18th pick, if he's still available then. The Hawks don't have much in the way of bonafide goaltending prospects in their system. Otherwise I could see the Hawks taking a defenseman with the 18th pick.

I'm still sticking with my top 20 I wrote over a month ago...
1 - Oilers - Nail Yakupov (its the pick)
2 - Columbus - Alex Galchenyuk Could go either way but I get the offensive upside is too much to pass up. Plus, they were likely around Sarnia a lot and got to know the kid, who's habits off the ice make him even a better package.
3 - Montreal - Mikhael Grigorenko by default the Habs get the bigger center. Quebec is just down the road, Timmins probably saw this kid enough to say it works for him.
4 - NY Isles - Ryan Murray Excellent pick for the Isles who need to solidify the back end. Murray is about as can't miss as any in the draft.
5 - Toronto - Filip Forsberg I get the feeling he isn't the pick that they wanted, but he fills the void of their needs.
6 - Anaheim - Mathew Dumba Loss of Justin puts a vacancy on prospect high end defenders. Dumba has the potential to be a kid looked back as the dark horse and Anaheim won't pass it up just as they didn't with Fowler.
7 - Minnesota - Jacob Trouba Minnesota kid with excellent hockey sense and talent, fits the bill with the flock of young top 6 forwards on their way from the Wild's prospect vault.
8 - Carolina - Radek Faksa Rutherford loves him some Kitchener Rangers and Faksa is no different. potential 2nd line center with the versatility to slide onto the wing. Offers a fun combination of size and skill.
9 - Winnipeg - Griffen Reinhart I kind of want to pick Gaunce here but I'll go with the big blueliner.
10 - Tampa - Morgan Reilly I think Tampa would be jacked to get Reilly here as a slick playmaking D to really help ignite the offense from the back end, something they are clearly lacking going forward. Pick almost makes itself.
11 - Washington - Brendan Gaunce To me, this pick makes a lot of sense. The Capitals have seemingly been shown the light as to what wins in the playoffs and Gaunce offers that combination of size and skill with a hint of an edge that would make the Capitals make this pick. If Reinhart is available, he is the pick in my opinion.
12 - Buffalo - Cody Ceci Ceci is the type of player that would fit on most teams, but Buffalo in particular could use the savvy blueliner and allow him to excel in their system. He's smart with the puck and gives them a legit option for the PP.
13 - Dallas - Sebastian Collberg Dallas could use a prospect who can bury the puck
14 - Calgary - Teuvo Teravainen The offensively gifted Finnish playmaker adds an element needed long term by the Flames and they won't pass on him
15 - Ottawa - Olli Maatta The Sens have been scouting this kid and know what he brings to the table. A steady defenseman who could slot into any of the pairings and provide stability. I'd still look to the Sens moving up for Ceci.
16 - Washington - Zemgus Girgensons With their second pick in the first round, the Capitals snag speedy and big bodied Zemgus Girgensons. What’s not to like with this kid? He has the potential to be a power forward with great wheels for a big body. The capitals snag some size and skill combos with their two first picks. Works for me.
17 - San Jose - Matt Finn San Jose might like to look at mobile defender who can help them out offensively for years to come. With Boyle aging, and not many of their top prospects having the same offensive ceiling as Finn, I say why not?
Lohaus Spoiler alert: I actually wouldn’t be shocked if Wilson trades up and selects Ceci. You heard it here first!
18 - Chicago - Andrei Vasilevski - In my opinion, the best netminder in the draft. Vasilevski starred for Russia at the WJC and has that combination of quickness and size along with a compete level that was apparent in the tourney. Easily has the potential to be a number 1. I could also see the Hawks select Matteau here.
19 - Tampa Bay – Slater Koekkoek Tampa addresses their D with their second pick snagging project D Koekkoek. The hard hitting D provides some pop on the back end along with a sick point shot that should allow those offensive gunners up front to create some room. Reilly and Koekkoek as a long term duo blasting from the blueline is a pretty heart warming feeling for Yzerman and staff. I could also see them select Dansk after they see Vasilevski come off the board.
20 - Philadelphia - Tom Wilson Everyone in the room grunts when this pick is made. The Flyers will be the Flyers and Wilson will be their fans new favorite player. Wilson is a big power forward who seemingly hates everyone. He's a force on the forecheck, he is feared in the OHL and the Flyers won't think twice about adding this type of player who could have the hands to be a somewhat productive offensive contributor as well.

First!

I wouldn't be surprised if the Hawks took Andrei Vasilevski with the 18th pick, if he's still available then. The Hawks don't have much in the way of bonafide goaltending prospects in their system. Otherwise I could see the Hawks taking a defenseman with the 18th pick.
- EKolb13

Could see them trying to get a goalie, though Chicago doesn't really do Russians. Knowing Bowman you'd get Dansk.

I'm still sticking with my top 20 I wrote over a month ago...
1 - Oilers - Nail Yakupov (its the pick)
2 - Columbus - Alex Galchenyuk Could go either way but I get the offensive upside is too much to pass up. Plus, they were likely around Sarnia a lot and got to know the kid, who's habits off the ice make him even a better package.
3 - Montreal - Mikhael Grigorenko by default the Habs get the bigger center. Quebec is just down the road, Timmins probably saw this kid enough to say it works for him.
4 - NY Isles - Ryan Murray Excellent pick for the Isles who need to solidify the back end. Murray is about as can't miss as any in the draft.
5 - Toronto - Filip Forsberg I get the feeling he isn't the pick that they wanted, but he fills the void of their needs.
6 - Anaheim - Mathew Dumba Loss of Justin puts a vacancy on prospect high end defenders. Dumba has the potential to be a kid looked back as the dark horse and Anaheim won't pass it up just as they didn't with Fowler.
7 - Minnesota - Jacob Trouba Minnesota kid with excellent hockey sense and talent, fits the bill with the flock of young top 6 forwards on their way from the Wild's prospect vault.
8 - Carolina - Radek Faksa Rutherford loves him some Kitchener Rangers and Faksa is no different. potential 2nd line center with the versatility to slide onto the wing. Offers a fun combination of size and skill.
9 - Winnipeg - Griffen Reinhart I kind of want to pick Gaunce here but I'll go with the big blueliner.
10 - Tampa - Morgan Reilly I think Tampa would be jacked to get Reilly here as a slick playmaking D to really help ignite the offense from the back end, something they are clearly lacking going forward. Pick almost makes itself.
11 - Washington - Brendan Gaunce To me, this pick makes a lot of sense. The Capitals have seemingly been shown the light as to what wins in the playoffs and Gaunce offers that combination of size and skill with a hint of an edge that would make the Capitals make this pick. If Reinhart is available, he is the pick in my opinion.
12 - Buffalo - Cody Ceci Ceci is the type of player that would fit on most teams, but Buffalo in particular could use the savvy blueliner and allow him to excel in their system. He's smart with the puck and gives them a legit option for the PP.
13 - Dallas - Sebastian Collberg Dallas could use a prospect who can bury the puck
14 - Calgary - Teuvo Teravainen The offensively gifted Finnish playmaker adds an element needed long term by the Flames and they won't pass on him
15 - Ottawa - Olli Maatta The Sens have been scouting this kid and know what he brings to the table. A steady defenseman who could slot into any of the pairings and provide stability. I'd still look to the Sens moving up for Ceci.
16 - Washington - Zemgus Girgensons With their second pick in the first round, the Capitals snag speedy and big bodied Zemgus Girgensons. What’s not to like with this kid? He has the potential to be a power forward with great wheels for a big body. The capitals snag some size and skill combos with their two first picks. Works for me.
17 - San Jose - Matt Finn San Jose might like to look at mobile defender who can help them out offensively for years to come. With Boyle aging, and not many of their top prospects having the same offensive ceiling as Finn, I say why not?
Lohaus Spoiler alert: I actually wouldn’t be shocked if Wilson trades up and selects Ceci. You heard it here first!
18 - Chicago - Andrei Vasilevski - In my opinion, the best netminder in the draft. Vasilevski starred for Russia at the WJC and has that combination of quickness and size along with a compete level that was apparent in the tourney. Easily has the potential to be a number 1. I could also see the Hawks select Matteau here.
19 - Tampa Bay – Slater Koekkoek Tampa addresses their D with their second pick snagging project D Koekkoek. The hard hitting D provides some pop on the back end along with a sick point shot that should allow those offensive gunners up front to create some room. Reilly and Koekkoek as a long term duo blasting from the blueline is a pretty heart warming feeling for Yzerman and staff. I could also see them select Dansk after they see Vasilevski come off the board.
20 - Philadelphia - Tom Wilson Everyone in the room grunts when this pick is made. The Flyers will be the Flyers and Wilson will be their fans new favorite player. Wilson is a big power forward who seemingly hates everyone. He's a force on the forecheck, he is feared in the OHL and the Flyers won't think twice about adding this type of player who could have the hands to be a somewhat productive offensive contributor as well.
- Lohaus

- AdamFrench

u mad bro?

u mad bro?
- Symba007

Lohaus always makes me mad.

Could see them trying to get a goalie, though Chicago doesn't really do Russians. Knowing Bowman you'd get Dansk.
- AdamFrench

That's a possibility too. Perhaps Bowman goes with a defenseman in the first round and takes his chances that a decent goalie will be available in the second round. Maybe someone like Matt Murray?

The more and more I read about Matt Finn, the more I think he is going to be the diamond in the rough in this first round. I hear nothing but awesome reviews about his work ethic and attitude. To me, that may just make him into a better player then the majority of the guys who will be taken before him in the long run. He is defiantly not NHL ready for a couple of seasons, but with his determination level, he should become a darn good NHLer.

That's a possibility too. Perhaps Bowman goes with a defenseman in the first round and takes his chances that a decent goalie will be available in the second round. Maybe someone like Matt Murray?
- EKolb13

One of Subban/Dansk/Vasilevski (The cream) will be there or Olson/Murray/Korpisalo(Could be a really good one)/Altshuller who will all be there but have much larger question marks

Forgot Brandon Whitney in that list and Jake Paterson.

Lohaus always makes me mad.
- AdamFrench

He is right though, if Columbus picks Galchenyuk, the Habs will most likel pick Grigs

Vasilevski is a very nice prospect but at 17 how far away from the NHl is he?

Vasilevski is a very nice prospect but at 17 how far away from the NHl is he?
- hubie

4 years in change I'd say. He'll be in the KHL full time next year and we'll see him at the WJC the next two years.

4 years in change I'd say. He'll be in the KHL full time next year and we'll see him at the WJC the next two years.
- AdamFrench

Like it but for them what do they do until then.... I vote they bring back Nikolai Khabibulin paired with Rollie the goalie 1389 games cant be wrong

Like it but for them what do they do until then.... I vote they bring back Nikolai Khabibulin paired with Rollie the goalie 1389 games cant be wrong
- hubie

You run Tokarski/Janus or make a big splash and hope they can become starting goalies. Both guys are 22 and Tokarski at least is looking close to seeing full-time in the NHL even if he is only splitting games.

Good job frenchie, like the break down.

I'm still sticking with my top 20 I wrote over a month ago...
1 - Oilers - Nail Yakupov (its the pick)
2 - Columbus - Alex Galchenyuk Could go either way but I get the offensive upside is too much to pass up. Plus, they were likely around Sarnia a lot and got to know the kid, who's habits off the ice make him even a better package.
3 - Montreal - Mikhael Grigorenko by default the Habs get the bigger center. Quebec is just down the road, Timmins probably saw this kid enough to say it works for him.
4 - NY Isles - Ryan Murray Excellent pick for the Isles who need to solidify the back end. Murray is about as can't miss as any in the draft.
5 - Toronto - Filip Forsberg I get the feeling he isn't the pick that they wanted, but he fills the void of their needs.
6 - Anaheim - Mathew Dumba Loss of Justin puts a vacancy on prospect high end defenders. Dumba has the potential to be a kid looked back as the dark horse and Anaheim won't pass it up just as they didn't with Fowler.
7 - Minnesota - Jacob Trouba Minnesota kid with excellent hockey sense and talent, fits the bill with the flock of young top 6 forwards on their way from the Wild's prospect vault.
8 - Carolina - Radek Faksa Rutherford loves him some Kitchener Rangers and Faksa is no different. potential 2nd line center with the versatility to slide onto the wing. Offers a fun combination of size and skill.
9 - Winnipeg - Griffen Reinhart I kind of want to pick Gaunce here but I'll go with the big blueliner.
10 - Tampa - Morgan Reilly I think Tampa would be jacked to get Reilly here as a slick playmaking D to really help ignite the offense from the back end, something they are clearly lacking going forward. Pick almost makes itself.
11 - Washington - Brendan Gaunce To me, this pick makes a lot of sense. The Capitals have seemingly been shown the light as to what wins in the playoffs and Gaunce offers that combination of size and skill with a hint of an edge that would make the Capitals make this pick. If Reinhart is available, he is the pick in my opinion.
12 - Buffalo - Cody Ceci Ceci is the type of player that would fit on most teams, but Buffalo in particular could use the savvy blueliner and allow him to excel in their system. He's smart with the puck and gives them a legit option for the PP.
13 - Dallas - Sebastian Collberg Dallas could use a prospect who can bury the puck
14 - Calgary - Teuvo Teravainen The offensively gifted Finnish playmaker adds an element needed long term by the Flames and they won't pass on him
15 - Ottawa - Olli Maatta The Sens have been scouting this kid and know what he brings to the table. A steady defenseman who could slot into any of the pairings and provide stability. I'd still look to the Sens moving up for Ceci.
16 - Washington - Zemgus Girgensons With their second pick in the first round, the Capitals snag speedy and big bodied Zemgus Girgensons. What’s not to like with this kid? He has the potential to be a power forward with great wheels for a big body. The capitals snag some size and skill combos with their two first picks. Works for me.
17 - San Jose - Matt Finn San Jose might like to look at mobile defender who can help them out offensively for years to come. With Boyle aging, and not many of their top prospects having the same offensive ceiling as Finn, I say why not?
Lohaus Spoiler alert: I actually wouldn’t be shocked if Wilson trades up and selects Ceci. You heard it here first!
18 - Chicago - Andrei Vasilevski - In my opinion, the best netminder in the draft. Vasilevski starred for Russia at the WJC and has that combination of quickness and size along with a compete level that was apparent in the tourney. Easily has the potential to be a number 1. I could also see the Hawks select Matteau here.
19 - Tampa Bay – Slater Koekkoek Tampa addresses their D with their second pick snagging project D Koekkoek. The hard hitting D provides some pop on the back end along with a sick point shot that should allow those offensive gunners up front to create some room. Reilly and Koekkoek as a long term duo blasting from the blueline is a pretty heart warming feeling for Yzerman and staff. I could also see them select Dansk after they see Vasilevski come off the board.
20 - Philadelphia - Tom Wilson Everyone in the room grunts when this pick is made. The Flyers will be the Flyers and Wilson will be their fans new favorite player. Wilson is a big power forward who seemingly hates everyone. He's a force on the forecheck, he is feared in the OHL and the Flyers won't think twice about adding this type of player who could have the hands to be a somewhat productive offensive contributor as well.
- Lohaus

Wouldn't be surprised if the ducks grab trouba or reinhart instead of dumba. Other than that I agree with most picks. I'm almost curios as to how Montreal rates grigs and Murray. Ones the big center the other is the d partner for subban

Good job frenchie, like the break down.
- Lahey

Lahey, what do you want with the 2nd round pick?

Lahey, what do you want with the 2nd round pick?
- AdamFrench

Ryan Murray

Ryan Murray
- Lahey

Aim for the skies!

Aim for the skies!
- AdamFrench

Honestly I wouldn't mind Samuelsson. I really don't think he'll be anything more than a 3rd liner and I've gotten to the point where I hate drafting 3rd liners or #4 d-men that early, but I think Samuelsson brings a very rare and unique quality that is more valuable than your average checking 3rd liner or 3rd liner who can put some points up.

Honestly I wouldn't mind Samuelsson. I really don't think he'll be anything more than a 3rd liner and I've gotten to the point where I hate drafting 3rd liners or #4 d-men that early, but I think Samuelsson brings a very rare and unique quality that is more valuable than your average checking 3rd liner or 3rd liner who can put some points up.
- Lahey

I agree to this and would take Sutter as a solid plan B if he's gone.

Collberg has flown under the radar as we discussed on Twitter Adam. But i'm happy that you also picked Hampus Lindholm in the 1st round because he's a boy who played like a cool veteran in Kvalserien.

Collberg has flown under the radar as we discussed on Twitter Adam. But i'm happy that you also picked Hampus Lindholm in the 1st round because he's a boy who played like a cool veteran in Kvalserien.
- Arosen74

That he did. Caught two games, he was pretty darn solid, had a really nice end to end rush. Just needs to mature some more and he should be solid.

Wouldn't be surprised if the ducks grab trouba or reinhart instead of dumba. Other than that I agree with most picks. I'm almost curios as to how Montreal rates grigs and Murray. Ones the big center the other is the d partner for subban
- ystoil

Habs have some depth on D with 4 prospects going to the AHL this year but the depth at forward SUCKS so I think (and hope) they will go with a forward with their first 2 picks (3rd and 33rd)