Steven Hoffner's 2014 mock draft

* Note: Draft order based on League standings at Olympic break

1. Buffalo - Sam Reinhart, C, Kootenay (WHL)

May have slipped in the midseason rankings but has best raw offensive talent in draft. Sabres are in dire need of goals.

2. Edmonton - Aaron Ekblad, D, Barrie (OHL)

No-brainer decision for Oilers in taking best defenseman in draft. Has the talent to be the No. 1 pick, depending on a team's need.

3. Florida - Samuel Bennett, C, Kingston (OHL)

With the team of depth up front, Bennett would be a nice fit and could to step in right away.

4. Calgary - Leon Draisaitl, LW, Prince Albert (WHL)

Western scouts will be familiar with this power forward with slick hands and big offensive upside.

5. N.Y. Islanders - Michael Dal Colle, LW, Oshawa (OHL)

With Thomas Vanek not likely to return, Dal Colle could serve as his future replacement. A great offensive talent.

6. Nashville - Nicholas Ritchie, LW, Peterborough (OHL)

In need of goals Nashville could take Ritchie, who is putting up career-best numbers in the OHL this season.

7. Carolina - Haydn Fleury, D, Red Deer (WHL)

The 6-foot-2, 202-pounder could be a good fit with Justin Faulk on the Hurricanes' blue line.

8. Winnipeg - Brenden Perlini, LW, Niagara (OHL)

Big forward with a great shot is only going to get better.

9. Vancouver - Jake Virtanen, LW, Calgary (WHL)

Hometown team will select this versatile forward who looked great at CHL/NHL Top Prospects game in Calgary.

10. Washington - Kasperi Kapanen, RW, KalPa (FIN)

Son of NHL alum Sami Kapanen, look for Kasperi to add more speed to the Capitals' offensive game down the road.

11. Anaheim (from Ottawa) - William Nylander, RW, Sodertalje (SWE-2)

Speedy forward with hands needs to get bigger and stronger, but will provide Anaheim with support up front in the future.

12. Columbus - Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Halifax (QMJHL)

Danish forward impressed at Top Prospects game. Ehlers is quickly moving up rankings with his speed and skill

13. Detroit - Nikolay Goldobin, RW, Sarnia (OHL)

The Red Wings always seem to find diamonds in the rough and Goldobin might be the surprise of this year's draft.

14. Phoenix - Ivan Barbashev, LW, Moncton (QMJHL)

A strong leader with offensive ability, he's putting up good numbers in the QMJHL.

15. Dallas - Anthony DeAngelo, D, Sarnia (OHL)

He's tearing up the OHL with his offensive prowess. DeAngelo would provide a badly needed element to the Stars' blue line.

16. Philadelphia - Sonny Milano, LW, USA U-18 (USHL)

A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, Milano has good net and puck instincts, and can give the Flyers some help on the wing.

17. N.Y. Rangers - Roland McKeown, D, Kingston (OHL)

Smart, playmaking defenseman who brings a leadership quality and could fill a potential hole on the blue line if Dan Girardi is traded or leaves as a free agent.

18. Los Angeles - Jared McCann, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Hard to think he will slide this much, but with so many teams heavy up the middle he may be the odd-man out. Can contribute at both ends of the rink and will help up the middle once the team's current flock of centers get older.

19. Minnesota - Dylan Larkin, C, USA U-18 (USHL)

Intense forward from the USNTDP can bring flair and a high-tempo game up the middle down the road.

20. Toronto - Joshua Ho-Sang, RW/C, Windsor (OHL)

The Toronto native would be an outstanding fit on the wing. He would bring personality to the room as well as a high-end offensive game.

21. Montreal - Nick Schmaltz, C, Green Bay (USHL)

Highest American-born prospect on the board. Schmaltz may not drop this far, but if he does will be a steal for Montreal.

22. Tampa Bay - Julius Honka, D, Swift Current (WHL)

Helped Finland win the gold medal at the 2014 World Junior Championship; also playing lots of minutes in the WHL and piling up points.

23. Boston - David Pastrnak, LW, Sodertalje (SWE-2)

Not many have seen this flashy Czech star with gifted hands, but he will be getting more attention once the draft gets closer.

24. Colorado - Adrian Kempe, RW, Modo Jr. (SWE-JR)

NHL Central Scouting's No. 3-ranked European skater has great speed and can take advantage of weaker skaters defending him.

25. San Jose - Alex Tuch, RW/C, USA U-18 (USHL)

The definition of a power forward. Once Joe Thornton hangs up his skates Tuch would be a fine young replacement.

26. Pittsburgh - Thatcher Demko, G, Boston College (H-EAST)

Penguins lack goaltending depth in their prospect pipeline, expect general manager Ray Shero to start thinking about the future with this 6-foot-4 native of San Diego.

27. Chicago - Kevin Fiala, C, HV71 Jr. (SWE-JR)

Game-breaking Czech forward has been moving up the rankings with his crafty play.

28. St. Louis - Jakub Vrana, C, Linkoping (SWE-2)

With strong work ethic and all-round offensive skill, Vrana is able to make quick plays for his medium size (5-11, 172).

29. Anaheim - Chase De Leo, C, Portland (WHL)

Having a great season for the WinterHawks. Grew up in La Mirada, Calif., a 20-minute drive from Honda Center.

* Devils forfeit first-round pick to comply with penalties regarding Ilya Kovalchuk cap circumnavigation case

Follow Steve Hoffner on Twitter: @hoffner_steven