In a mere 24 hours the 2016 NHL Draft will be underway in Buffalo and us Oiler fan's will see what Mr. Chiarelli has up his sleeves. Right-hand defensive options are dwindling for sure, but that's a story for another day. Today I will be giving you the final part of my 2016 mock draft! Picks 21-30 will be featured, for picks 1-20, you can find them here and here!
Off we go!
#21 - Carolina Hurricanes -- Riley Tufte
Hurricanes opt with the hulking winger with their second 1st round selection.
Carolina already took a fast-moving center earlier in the 1st round, with Michael Mcleod, and they will try to bolster their wing with the massive Riley Tufte. The Minnesota native spent last season in the USHL with the Fargo Force, and scouts were impressed at how well his stick skills were for a player of his size. He measures up at 6'6, and he is being labeled as being among the best power-forwards in his draft class. A potential flaw in his game could be found in his effectiveness in the D-zone but, considering his size advantage on the majority of his opposition, you can infer that his board play and puck battling skills can more easily be defined by an NHL coaching staff. The Canes are going to walk out of the 2016 1st round satisfied.
#22 - Winnipeg Jets -- Logan Stanley
The Jets are already big winner, and they look to build on #2 with some depth on the blueline.
I think it is safe to say that the Jets are looking pretty mean with their forward prospect pool. With the likes of Ehlers, Petan, and Laine now leading the way. What the Jets do not have, however, is a lot of depth on the backend. Which is why the Jets will take the Waterloo, Ontario native is nothing to slouch at, standing tall with his 6'7 225lb frame. He is truly a nightmare for opposing teams. Scouts were impressed with his physical play, and his wingspan makes him a very good bet on a 1 on 1. He did have his pitfalls as his season wore on, and some have him falling, but I am confident that he'll find a home in Winnipeg.
#23 - Florida Panthers -- Luke Kunin
The Panthers buck their recent trend of drafting for size.
Take a look at Florida's recent drafting history and you'll see a whole lotta size. Guys like Crouse, Ekblad, Barkov, and Gudbranson are all known for the size and intimidation that they bring on any given night. This is where the Panthers change it up and draft a one Luke Kunin. Kunin, who is the smallest player in this edition at 6'0, but that isn't to discredit what he can bring to the table. Touted as a very intelligent player with scoring ability, he can help bring some speed to the Sunrise. He has been projected higher, but I think that teams will opt for the power of the forwards above him. I see him as being a sleeper pick in this years draft, and I am sure the Florida Panthers hope I am right.
#24 - Anaheim Ducks -- Brett Howden
The Ducks are obviously missing something, and could they find it with Howden?
Anaheim is coming off a woefully disappointing first round playoff exit to the hands of the Nashville Predators. A new coach, and a chance to have a fresh start for next season. One of their more premier prospects they have on the rise is Nick Ritchie, and the Ducks will go with a very similar player in Brett Howden. Size is everything in the West, the Pacific more so, and Howden will help beef up their prospect pool. Now, he isn't projected to be as much as an impactful player as Ritchie, but scouts are impressed with his work ethic and his ability to drive the puck. Not excelling in any one area, this is the one concern for him as a player but, as he gains experience, I am sure he will find a specialty. Ducks are content with this pick.
#25 - Dallas Stars -- Tage Thompson
Dallas is close to becoming a cup contender, and Tage Thompson will be a welcome addition.
The Stars surprised the hell out of me this year. They managed to be dominant despite a lack of depth on defence, and they did it through the means of overwhelming offense. Tage Thompson fits the bill for what the Stars are trying to build, an offensive dynamo. Thompson has a knack for being the go-to guy on the PP, as he possess a potent one-timer. So much so, that his coach has compared him to the likes of Alex Ovechkin. Although, it's highly unlikely he'll be on the level of Ovie, he would definitely be a fantastic complimentary guy to Jaimie Benn and Tyler Seguin in the near future. His size also allows him to drive the net exceptionally well. While this is all good and dandy, he could use some work on his defensive game. Dallas, however, runs with him at #25.
#26 -Washington Capitals -- Rasmus Asplund
Size seems to be the trend in the late part of the 1st round...not here.
Washington was perhaps the most well built team this year. They had forwards, defence, and a vezina winning goalie on their side. Old demons seemed to have derailed their Stanley Cup dreams, but that doesn't mean they should change anything. Rasmus Asplund is a small, but very skilled forward that should thrive in the Capitals organization. Despite his small size, Asplund can hold his own against bigger opposition, both holding onto the puck and finding passing lanes. He is definitely more of a playmaker than a pure sniper, so he'd fit into an organization that already has so many young offensive threats on the rise. He does play a 3 zone game, however, he might take a little longer to adjust to the smaller ice surface, and his decision making might be delayed. Washington will most likely have to wait a few years to play him, but he's a solid investment.
#27 - Tampa Bay Lightning -- Dennis Cholowski
The BCHL continues to show well this year, and Tampa takes the gamble.
The Lightning have alot of questions swirling around them at the moment. Will Stamkos stay? Is this the end of the line for Bishop in Tampa? These are big questions and storylines, however, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be all business when they step up at 27. Having prime defensive prospects like Anthony DeAngelo and Slater Koekkoek, they will add to the list with Dennis Cholowski. Although undersized, Cholowski makes up for this with his high end hockey IQ. Very mobile with the puck, he has the potential to be a very good two-way defender, albeit in a few years. Cholowski is very much a project player who could blossom down the road for the Lightning. Little riskier than the other moves seen, but it won't scare Tampa away.
#28 - St. Louis Blues -- Kale Clague
The Blues are set to get rid of Kevin Shattenkirk, so why not take a D in the first round?
Last season it seems that St. Louis had struck oil when it came to Colton Parayko, a third rounder in 2012, and they hope history will repeat with Kale Clague. Although the odds are a bit better in Clague's case, rather than Parayko's. Playing for the, WHL champion, Brandon Wheat Kings this past season Clague was hard to get a solid gauge on. He struggled early on, but eventually regained his form as the season drew on. This, obviously, showed concerns in terms of consistency, concerns that shouldn't cast his potential into question. Kale Clauge is touted to be dynamic, quick moving, offensive defenceman with exceptional stickhandling skills. He will need time to improve those consistency problems, but the Blues are in a position where they do not have to rush a prospect like Clague. Blues are happy to wait for Kale Clague to pan out.
#29 - Boston Bruins -- Nathan Bastian
They call them the "Big Bad Bruins" for a reason...
The Bruins took Max Jones at #14 earlier in the round, and they won't stop there. Nathan Bastian is another one of those intimidating players that Boston seemingly cannot get enough of. Although not as feisty and eager to initiate first contact, Bastian uses his size in a more strategic form. Protecting the puck and creating havoc in front of the net, he demonstrates exceptional hockey IQ for a player his size. Most of his problems stem from his footwork, more specifically his skating and agility need more work. Outside of this, Bastian stacks up as a positionally sound, playmaking center with size. The Bruins will walk out of round one with two big bodies to add to their prospect pool.
#30 - Anaheim Ducks -- Libor Hajek
The Ducks close out the first round with a steady Czech defender.
This is the second pick in Anaheim in the late goings of this first round and, as they went with Howden with their first pick, they'll go with Libor Hajek with their second. Their prospect depth is rather thin on the blueline, outside of Shea Theodore, and Libor has both the skill and organizational needs that warrant the ducks making him a first round selection. Scouted as a two-way defender, Hajek does a good job of balancing out his defensive and offensive aspects. Great skating ability combined with a above average shot make Hajek a very attractive option at number 30. Although consistency has been an issue with his game this past season, it is reasonable to expect that he will be able to overcome these issues. I like him, as do the Ducks, and he will be a great player to close out the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft.
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That does it! My complete mock draft is finalized and I am looking forward to see how well I do tomorrow afternoon. It's been a crazy few days with the draft fastly approaching and the rumours are swirling like you wouldn't believe. My favourite of which are the PK Subban to Edmonton rumours ;). I'll all three sections into one giant post tomorrow so it's easier to navigate!
Happy Draft Weekend Everyone!
Follow me on Twitter @PrestonKixFM
Off we go!
#21 - Carolina Hurricanes -- Riley Tufte
Hurricanes opt with the hulking winger with their second 1st round selection.
Carolina already took a fast-moving center earlier in the 1st round, with Michael Mcleod, and they will try to bolster their wing with the massive Riley Tufte. The Minnesota native spent last season in the USHL with the Fargo Force, and scouts were impressed at how well his stick skills were for a player of his size. He measures up at 6'6, and he is being labeled as being among the best power-forwards in his draft class. A potential flaw in his game could be found in his effectiveness in the D-zone but, considering his size advantage on the majority of his opposition, you can infer that his board play and puck battling skills can more easily be defined by an NHL coaching staff. The Canes are going to walk out of the 2016 1st round satisfied.
#22 - Winnipeg Jets -- Logan Stanley
The Jets are already big winner, and they look to build on #2 with some depth on the blueline.
I think it is safe to say that the Jets are looking pretty mean with their forward prospect pool. With the likes of Ehlers, Petan, and Laine now leading the way. What the Jets do not have, however, is a lot of depth on the backend. Which is why the Jets will take the Waterloo, Ontario native is nothing to slouch at, standing tall with his 6'7 225lb frame. He is truly a nightmare for opposing teams. Scouts were impressed with his physical play, and his wingspan makes him a very good bet on a 1 on 1. He did have his pitfalls as his season wore on, and some have him falling, but I am confident that he'll find a home in Winnipeg.
#23 - Florida Panthers -- Luke Kunin
The Panthers buck their recent trend of drafting for size.
Take a look at Florida's recent drafting history and you'll see a whole lotta size. Guys like Crouse, Ekblad, Barkov, and Gudbranson are all known for the size and intimidation that they bring on any given night. This is where the Panthers change it up and draft a one Luke Kunin. Kunin, who is the smallest player in this edition at 6'0, but that isn't to discredit what he can bring to the table. Touted as a very intelligent player with scoring ability, he can help bring some speed to the Sunrise. He has been projected higher, but I think that teams will opt for the power of the forwards above him. I see him as being a sleeper pick in this years draft, and I am sure the Florida Panthers hope I am right.
#24 - Anaheim Ducks -- Brett Howden
The Ducks are obviously missing something, and could they find it with Howden?
Anaheim is coming off a woefully disappointing first round playoff exit to the hands of the Nashville Predators. A new coach, and a chance to have a fresh start for next season. One of their more premier prospects they have on the rise is Nick Ritchie, and the Ducks will go with a very similar player in Brett Howden. Size is everything in the West, the Pacific more so, and Howden will help beef up their prospect pool. Now, he isn't projected to be as much as an impactful player as Ritchie, but scouts are impressed with his work ethic and his ability to drive the puck. Not excelling in any one area, this is the one concern for him as a player but, as he gains experience, I am sure he will find a specialty. Ducks are content with this pick.
#25 - Dallas Stars -- Tage Thompson
Dallas is close to becoming a cup contender, and Tage Thompson will be a welcome addition.
The Stars surprised the hell out of me this year. They managed to be dominant despite a lack of depth on defence, and they did it through the means of overwhelming offense. Tage Thompson fits the bill for what the Stars are trying to build, an offensive dynamo. Thompson has a knack for being the go-to guy on the PP, as he possess a potent one-timer. So much so, that his coach has compared him to the likes of Alex Ovechkin. Although, it's highly unlikely he'll be on the level of Ovie, he would definitely be a fantastic complimentary guy to Jaimie Benn and Tyler Seguin in the near future. His size also allows him to drive the net exceptionally well. While this is all good and dandy, he could use some work on his defensive game. Dallas, however, runs with him at #25.
#26 -Washington Capitals -- Rasmus Asplund
Size seems to be the trend in the late part of the 1st round...not here.
Washington was perhaps the most well built team this year. They had forwards, defence, and a vezina winning goalie on their side. Old demons seemed to have derailed their Stanley Cup dreams, but that doesn't mean they should change anything. Rasmus Asplund is a small, but very skilled forward that should thrive in the Capitals organization. Despite his small size, Asplund can hold his own against bigger opposition, both holding onto the puck and finding passing lanes. He is definitely more of a playmaker than a pure sniper, so he'd fit into an organization that already has so many young offensive threats on the rise. He does play a 3 zone game, however, he might take a little longer to adjust to the smaller ice surface, and his decision making might be delayed. Washington will most likely have to wait a few years to play him, but he's a solid investment.
#27 - Tampa Bay Lightning -- Dennis Cholowski
The BCHL continues to show well this year, and Tampa takes the gamble.
The Lightning have alot of questions swirling around them at the moment. Will Stamkos stay? Is this the end of the line for Bishop in Tampa? These are big questions and storylines, however, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be all business when they step up at 27. Having prime defensive prospects like Anthony DeAngelo and Slater Koekkoek, they will add to the list with Dennis Cholowski. Although undersized, Cholowski makes up for this with his high end hockey IQ. Very mobile with the puck, he has the potential to be a very good two-way defender, albeit in a few years. Cholowski is very much a project player who could blossom down the road for the Lightning. Little riskier than the other moves seen, but it won't scare Tampa away.
#28 - St. Louis Blues -- Kale Clague
The Blues are set to get rid of Kevin Shattenkirk, so why not take a D in the first round?
Last season it seems that St. Louis had struck oil when it came to Colton Parayko, a third rounder in 2012, and they hope history will repeat with Kale Clague. Although the odds are a bit better in Clague's case, rather than Parayko's. Playing for the, WHL champion, Brandon Wheat Kings this past season Clague was hard to get a solid gauge on. He struggled early on, but eventually regained his form as the season drew on. This, obviously, showed concerns in terms of consistency, concerns that shouldn't cast his potential into question. Kale Clauge is touted to be dynamic, quick moving, offensive defenceman with exceptional stickhandling skills. He will need time to improve those consistency problems, but the Blues are in a position where they do not have to rush a prospect like Clague. Blues are happy to wait for Kale Clague to pan out.
#29 - Boston Bruins -- Nathan Bastian
They call them the "Big Bad Bruins" for a reason...
The Bruins took Max Jones at #14 earlier in the round, and they won't stop there. Nathan Bastian is another one of those intimidating players that Boston seemingly cannot get enough of. Although not as feisty and eager to initiate first contact, Bastian uses his size in a more strategic form. Protecting the puck and creating havoc in front of the net, he demonstrates exceptional hockey IQ for a player his size. Most of his problems stem from his footwork, more specifically his skating and agility need more work. Outside of this, Bastian stacks up as a positionally sound, playmaking center with size. The Bruins will walk out of round one with two big bodies to add to their prospect pool.
#30 - Anaheim Ducks -- Libor Hajek
The Ducks close out the first round with a steady Czech defender.
This is the second pick in Anaheim in the late goings of this first round and, as they went with Howden with their first pick, they'll go with Libor Hajek with their second. Their prospect depth is rather thin on the blueline, outside of Shea Theodore, and Libor has both the skill and organizational needs that warrant the ducks making him a first round selection. Scouted as a two-way defender, Hajek does a good job of balancing out his defensive and offensive aspects. Great skating ability combined with a above average shot make Hajek a very attractive option at number 30. Although consistency has been an issue with his game this past season, it is reasonable to expect that he will be able to overcome these issues. I like him, as do the Ducks, and he will be a great player to close out the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft.
-------------------------------------
That does it! My complete mock draft is finalized and I am looking forward to see how well I do tomorrow afternoon. It's been a crazy few days with the draft fastly approaching and the rumours are swirling like you wouldn't believe. My favourite of which are the PK Subban to Edmonton rumours ;). I'll all three sections into one giant post tomorrow so it's easier to navigate!
Happy Draft Weekend Everyone!
Follow me on Twitter @PrestonKixFM