My complete mock draft (picks 1-30) here in one post!
#1 - Toronto Maple Leafs -- Auston Mathews
Don't ever say I wasn't bold.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will almost certainly take kid outta Scottsdale, Arizona. His talent level is far and ahead of everyone below him and the Leafs will love having this kid lead the way through their ongoing rebuild. Matthews is this years consensus top pick, and the Leafs would be foolish not to take him at #1.
#2 - Winnipeg Jets -- Patrik Laine
The Jets will go with the flashy Finn.
The real winners of this years draft was the Winnipeg Jets. One year removed from an a playoff berth, the Jets came off a disappointing 2015/16 campaign. But, after coming out as big winners at the Draft Lottery, the Jets should be ecstatic to have the chance to take an impact player like Laine. He is the only player that rivals Matthews' skill in this draft and, with no doubt, is the obvious choice at #2.
#3 - Columbus Blue Jackets -- Jesse Pulijijarvi
Out of the headlines lately, but the big Finn has done nothing to lower his stock.
Another big winner of the NHL Draft Lottery was the Columbus Blue Jackets. They are in the market for a center but that will not deter them from taking Pulijiarvi. A big, dynamic winger that projects as a dominant playmaking center, Columbus will happily take JP at #3.
#4 - Edmonton Oilers -- Pierre-Luc Dubois
This is where it gets difficult, but Dubois is the guy.
I had to think about this one hard. I was on the Tkachuk bandwagon for quite sometime, however, Dubois is the perfect fit for Edmonton. A strong two-way power forward that is exceptional in his own end, Dubois can play both center and the wing. Lots of options are available for Edmonton, but Dubois is my guy at #4.
#5 - Vancouver Canucks -- Matthew Tkachuk
Dubois was there guy, so they'll take the next best thing.
Lots has been said about the Canuck's desire to get Dubois but, with the Oilers taking him at 4, the Canucks will take the Memorial Cup hero with Matthew Tkachuk. This is no slight on Tkachuk at all, he and Dubois are almost even in my books. His Brendan Gallagher-esque mix of skill and agitation is something that would make Vancouver a harder team to play against. Tkachuk at #5 for me.
#6 - Calgary Flames -- Alexander Nylander
Calgary will continue to stock up on skilled forwards.
We all know the depth that Calgary has on defence and, because of that reason, the Flames will continue to work on improving up front in their offensive department. Alex Nylander has excellent speed and top notch offensive instincts, and Calgary will love having him and Gaudreau on the same team together. Nylander will be a Flame at #6.
#7 - Arizona Coyotes -- Olli Juolevi
The first defenceman off the board.
The Arizona Coyotes already have one of the best young defenceman in the game with Oliver Ekman-Larsson but, besides him, they are rather thin on D. They will bulk up their defensive prospect pool with a tremendous defenceman in Olli Juolevi. the fact that he plays a well rounded game and can be utilized in all situations makes Juolevi the best D in this years draft and therefore the choice at #7.
#8 - Buffalo Sabres -- Jakob Chychrun
Chychrun drops, but is still a good bet to succeed in Buffalo.
Buffalo already has a defensive gem with Rasmus Ristolainen, so they will continue to stock the shelf on the blue line with Jakob Chychrun. Falling in his draft ranking, this shouldn't deter the Sabres from taking a fantastic blueliner who can easily quarterback a powerplay with a helluva shot. Chychrun is in at #8
#9 - Montreal Canadiens -- Tyson Jost
The BCHL player nabs a top 10 positioning.
Last years epic collapse of the Montreal Canadiens is still fresh in the minds of managements, and they will look to take a guy who can provide energy to a struggling team. Jost has the potential to be a very good complimentary player to guys like Galchenyuk and Gallagher, and it would not surprise me at all if Jost went at #9.
#10 - Colorado Avalanche -- Mikhail Sergachev
The Russian Defenceman has been rising in value.
If the rumours are true, and the Avalanche are openly trying to trade Tyson Barrie, they are about to get very thin on defence. Selecting Mikhail Sergachev would help fill the void a bit. Being described as one of the more NHL-ready, Sergachev is 6 foot 2 and 220lbs. He plays with plenty of poise and confidence, and he would be a smart pick at #1o.
#11 - New Jersey Devils -- Clayton Keller
This has the chance to become an absolute gem of a pick for the Devils.
The New Jerseys Devils have not had someone take over the team as their standout player since Zach Parise left to Minnesota in 2012. Since then, they've been woefully void of a real pop-out player. While Keller is a little undersized at 168lbs, he may not see consistent NHL action for at least 2 more years. However, Keller does have the assets to be a go-to guy similar to how Johnny Gaudreau is in Calgary. New Jersey pounces on Clayton Keller at #11.
#12 - Ottawa Senators -- Logan Brown
The big man finds his home in Ottawa.
The Senators are a team that is very much on the playoff bubble. They've been in and out over the past few years, but they have just been too easy of a team to play against. Logan Brown will look to help change that as he develops within the Ottawa system. Not being the most menacing presence, even at 6 foot 6, being more of possession player that uses his massive frame to his advantage. Ottawa beefs up at #12.
#13 - Carolina Hurricanes -- Michael McLeod
He will go mid 1st round, but he is arguably the best skater available.
The Hurricanes upgraded their defence at last years draft, taking Noah Hanifin at #5, so they are going to go the forward route this year. Michael McLeod has rockets for skates, he is just plain fast. His speed allows him to gain the blueline as well as anyone else in this draft. He is also great at controlling his speed, helping him to find shooting and passing lanes. The Hurricanes will be happy with Mcleod at #13.
#14 - Boston Bruins -- Max Jones
Jones is all that the Boston Bruins are.
That is intimidating and downright annoying to play against. The Bruins already employ one of the better annoying players in the league with Brad Marchand, and they won't hesitate to stick with that formula. Max Jones is a driver in every sense of the word, a banging power forward with a shoot-first mentality. The Bruins missed the playoffs this year, and maybe the absence of Milan Lucic contributed to that. Max Jones will be available when the Bruins come up, and they will most definitely take him at #14.
#15 - Minnesota Wild -- Kieffer Bellows
Minnesota rolls the dice with Bellows.
This is perhaps the most difficult pick I had to make in this section of my mock draft. The Minnesota Wild are another one of those bubble teams that are bouncing in and out of the postseason, and they will decide to take the power forward outta the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP). Bellows is a punishing presence on the ice that likes to shoot the puck. He has a strong release and can be an excellent one-time option on the powerplay. Minnesota will surprise a few people with this pick but, nonetheless, Bellows is Minnesota bound at #15.
#16 - Detroit Red Wings -- Jake Bean (D)
The Red Wings will continue drafting smart in 2016.
The NHL's most consistently successful franchise will continue to live up to their high standard of drafting with Jake Bean. A puck-moving defender playing alongside Travis Sanheim with the Calgary Hitmen this past year, Bean was able to help lift a depleted roster into a playoff berth. His most attractive attribute that he possess is his on-ice awareness, which is bar none at his young age. He is undersized, but there is no rush for him to be a regular NHLer. Detroit makes a solid pick at #16.
#17 - Nashville Predators -- German Rubtsov (C)
The first Russian League player goes to Smashville.
The Nashville Predators are known for one thing, their deep depth on the backend. What they aren't known for is their forward depth. Rubtsov will lead the charge to change that fact. Perhaps a little low because of the so called "Russian factor", Rubtsov is one of the more premier playmaking forwards in this draft and has fantastic on-ice awareness of where his teammates are. His calm demeanor with the puck limits his turnovers, and he plays a very balanced two-way game. Nashville is content with Rubtsov at #17
#18 - Philadelphia Flyers -- Charles McAvoy (D)
The Flyers are grateful to be able to steal McAvoy so late.
Already having drafted some great defensive prospects in Ivan Provorov and Travis Sanheim, the Flyers could opt to go with a forward but, with McAvoy still being on the board they won't pass up on him. Possessing the coveted right shot, McAvoy is at his best in the transition game. His exceptional pivots and edgework make him a very mobile guy on the backend. Not to mention a deadly shot. Flyers run away with McAvoy at #18.
#19 - New York Islanders -- Julien Gauthier
Another big man goes in the top 20.
The Islanders already have Josh Ho-Sang headlining their RW prospect list, but why not add to it? Julien Gauthier was one of the bright spots for the Canadian World Junior team this year and the Isles should like his game. He makes his living along the boards, being as strong and big as he is, he is great at winning those battles along the boards and is a beast in the corners. Combine that with some advanced vision and some great hockey sense, the Islanders got a keeper at #19.
#20 - Arizona Coyotes -- Alex DeBrincat
They took their D, Juolevi at 7, so now the Coyotes look to their offense
With their second 1st round pick in this years draft the Arizona Coyotes will take the skilled DeBrincat. He was one of the more threatening players for Team USA in the past few WJHCs and it's his mix of speed and skill that made him so dangerous. He is small in size at 5 foot 7, but he manages to be an impactful player game in and game out. Arizona will not regret adding him into a mix of what could be the next great NHL offence in the desert.
#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.
Happy Draft Day Everyone!
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#1 - Toronto Maple Leafs -- Auston Mathews
Don't ever say I wasn't bold.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will almost certainly take kid outta Scottsdale, Arizona. His talent level is far and ahead of everyone below him and the Leafs will love having this kid lead the way through their ongoing rebuild. Matthews is this years consensus top pick, and the Leafs would be foolish not to take him at #1.
#2 - Winnipeg Jets -- Patrik Laine
The Jets will go with the flashy Finn.
The real winners of this years draft was the Winnipeg Jets. One year removed from an a playoff berth, the Jets came off a disappointing 2015/16 campaign. But, after coming out as big winners at the Draft Lottery, the Jets should be ecstatic to have the chance to take an impact player like Laine. He is the only player that rivals Matthews' skill in this draft and, with no doubt, is the obvious choice at #2.
#3 - Columbus Blue Jackets -- Jesse Pulijijarvi
Out of the headlines lately, but the big Finn has done nothing to lower his stock.
Another big winner of the NHL Draft Lottery was the Columbus Blue Jackets. They are in the market for a center but that will not deter them from taking Pulijiarvi. A big, dynamic winger that projects as a dominant playmaking center, Columbus will happily take JP at #3.
#4 - Edmonton Oilers -- Pierre-Luc Dubois
This is where it gets difficult, but Dubois is the guy.
I had to think about this one hard. I was on the Tkachuk bandwagon for quite sometime, however, Dubois is the perfect fit for Edmonton. A strong two-way power forward that is exceptional in his own end, Dubois can play both center and the wing. Lots of options are available for Edmonton, but Dubois is my guy at #4.
#5 - Vancouver Canucks -- Matthew Tkachuk
Dubois was there guy, so they'll take the next best thing.
Lots has been said about the Canuck's desire to get Dubois but, with the Oilers taking him at 4, the Canucks will take the Memorial Cup hero with Matthew Tkachuk. This is no slight on Tkachuk at all, he and Dubois are almost even in my books. His Brendan Gallagher-esque mix of skill and agitation is something that would make Vancouver a harder team to play against. Tkachuk at #5 for me.
#6 - Calgary Flames -- Alexander Nylander
Calgary will continue to stock up on skilled forwards.
We all know the depth that Calgary has on defence and, because of that reason, the Flames will continue to work on improving up front in their offensive department. Alex Nylander has excellent speed and top notch offensive instincts, and Calgary will love having him and Gaudreau on the same team together. Nylander will be a Flame at #6.
#7 - Arizona Coyotes -- Olli Juolevi
The first defenceman off the board.
The Arizona Coyotes already have one of the best young defenceman in the game with Oliver Ekman-Larsson but, besides him, they are rather thin on D. They will bulk up their defensive prospect pool with a tremendous defenceman in Olli Juolevi. the fact that he plays a well rounded game and can be utilized in all situations makes Juolevi the best D in this years draft and therefore the choice at #7.
#8 - Buffalo Sabres -- Jakob Chychrun
Chychrun drops, but is still a good bet to succeed in Buffalo.
Buffalo already has a defensive gem with Rasmus Ristolainen, so they will continue to stock the shelf on the blue line with Jakob Chychrun. Falling in his draft ranking, this shouldn't deter the Sabres from taking a fantastic blueliner who can easily quarterback a powerplay with a helluva shot. Chychrun is in at #8
#9 - Montreal Canadiens -- Tyson Jost
The BCHL player nabs a top 10 positioning.
Last years epic collapse of the Montreal Canadiens is still fresh in the minds of managements, and they will look to take a guy who can provide energy to a struggling team. Jost has the potential to be a very good complimentary player to guys like Galchenyuk and Gallagher, and it would not surprise me at all if Jost went at #9.
#10 - Colorado Avalanche -- Mikhail Sergachev
The Russian Defenceman has been rising in value.
If the rumours are true, and the Avalanche are openly trying to trade Tyson Barrie, they are about to get very thin on defence. Selecting Mikhail Sergachev would help fill the void a bit. Being described as one of the more NHL-ready, Sergachev is 6 foot 2 and 220lbs. He plays with plenty of poise and confidence, and he would be a smart pick at #1o.
#11 - New Jersey Devils -- Clayton Keller
This has the chance to become an absolute gem of a pick for the Devils.
The New Jerseys Devils have not had someone take over the team as their standout player since Zach Parise left to Minnesota in 2012. Since then, they've been woefully void of a real pop-out player. While Keller is a little undersized at 168lbs, he may not see consistent NHL action for at least 2 more years. However, Keller does have the assets to be a go-to guy similar to how Johnny Gaudreau is in Calgary. New Jersey pounces on Clayton Keller at #11.
#12 - Ottawa Senators -- Logan Brown
The big man finds his home in Ottawa.
The Senators are a team that is very much on the playoff bubble. They've been in and out over the past few years, but they have just been too easy of a team to play against. Logan Brown will look to help change that as he develops within the Ottawa system. Not being the most menacing presence, even at 6 foot 6, being more of possession player that uses his massive frame to his advantage. Ottawa beefs up at #12.
#13 - Carolina Hurricanes -- Michael McLeod
He will go mid 1st round, but he is arguably the best skater available.
The Hurricanes upgraded their defence at last years draft, taking Noah Hanifin at #5, so they are going to go the forward route this year. Michael McLeod has rockets for skates, he is just plain fast. His speed allows him to gain the blueline as well as anyone else in this draft. He is also great at controlling his speed, helping him to find shooting and passing lanes. The Hurricanes will be happy with Mcleod at #13.
#14 - Boston Bruins -- Max Jones
Jones is all that the Boston Bruins are.
That is intimidating and downright annoying to play against. The Bruins already employ one of the better annoying players in the league with Brad Marchand, and they won't hesitate to stick with that formula. Max Jones is a driver in every sense of the word, a banging power forward with a shoot-first mentality. The Bruins missed the playoffs this year, and maybe the absence of Milan Lucic contributed to that. Max Jones will be available when the Bruins come up, and they will most definitely take him at #14.
#15 - Minnesota Wild -- Kieffer Bellows
Minnesota rolls the dice with Bellows.
This is perhaps the most difficult pick I had to make in this section of my mock draft. The Minnesota Wild are another one of those bubble teams that are bouncing in and out of the postseason, and they will decide to take the power forward outta the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP). Bellows is a punishing presence on the ice that likes to shoot the puck. He has a strong release and can be an excellent one-time option on the powerplay. Minnesota will surprise a few people with this pick but, nonetheless, Bellows is Minnesota bound at #15.
#16 - Detroit Red Wings -- Jake Bean (D)
The Red Wings will continue drafting smart in 2016.
The NHL's most consistently successful franchise will continue to live up to their high standard of drafting with Jake Bean. A puck-moving defender playing alongside Travis Sanheim with the Calgary Hitmen this past year, Bean was able to help lift a depleted roster into a playoff berth. His most attractive attribute that he possess is his on-ice awareness, which is bar none at his young age. He is undersized, but there is no rush for him to be a regular NHLer. Detroit makes a solid pick at #16.
#17 - Nashville Predators -- German Rubtsov (C)
The first Russian League player goes to Smashville.
The Nashville Predators are known for one thing, their deep depth on the backend. What they aren't known for is their forward depth. Rubtsov will lead the charge to change that fact. Perhaps a little low because of the so called "Russian factor", Rubtsov is one of the more premier playmaking forwards in this draft and has fantastic on-ice awareness of where his teammates are. His calm demeanor with the puck limits his turnovers, and he plays a very balanced two-way game. Nashville is content with Rubtsov at #17
#18 - Philadelphia Flyers -- Charles McAvoy (D)
The Flyers are grateful to be able to steal McAvoy so late.
Already having drafted some great defensive prospects in Ivan Provorov and Travis Sanheim, the Flyers could opt to go with a forward but, with McAvoy still being on the board they won't pass up on him. Possessing the coveted right shot, McAvoy is at his best in the transition game. His exceptional pivots and edgework make him a very mobile guy on the backend. Not to mention a deadly shot. Flyers run away with McAvoy at #18.
#19 - New York Islanders -- Julien Gauthier
Another big man goes in the top 20.
The Islanders already have Josh Ho-Sang headlining their RW prospect list, but why not add to it? Julien Gauthier was one of the bright spots for the Canadian World Junior team this year and the Isles should like his game. He makes his living along the boards, being as strong and big as he is, he is great at winning those battles along the boards and is a beast in the corners. Combine that with some advanced vision and some great hockey sense, the Islanders got a keeper at #19.
#20 - Arizona Coyotes -- Alex DeBrincat
They took their D, Juolevi at 7, so now the Coyotes look to their offense
With their second 1st round pick in this years draft the Arizona Coyotes will take the skilled DeBrincat. He was one of the more threatening players for Team USA in the past few WJHCs and it's his mix of speed and skill that made him so dangerous. He is small in size at 5 foot 7, but he manages to be an impactful player game in and game out. Arizona will not regret adding him into a mix of what could be the next great NHL offence in the desert.
#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.
Happy Draft Day Everyone!
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