Mike G. Morreale's 2014 mock draft

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

The Sabres are in need of an exceptional center possessing great hockey sense with the vision and ability to maneuver through traffic with the puck.

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

A smart two-way defenseman and excellent all-round skater for his size (6-foot-3.5, 216 pounds). Plays a heads-up game skating and moving the puck and passes with authority; very reliable.

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

One of the most exciting players to watch because of his combination of skill and speed, but also adds some physicality. Bennett has one of the best shots in this year's draft class.

4. Calgary Flames - Michael Dal Colle, LW, Oshawa (OHL)

Fantastic two-way game breaker; is skilled and physical. He's the first player in on the forecheck and is a good playmaker with a high-end skill set.

5. N.Y. Islanders - Leon Draisaitl, LW, Prince Albert (WHL)

Extremely difficult to knock off the puck with his size (6-1.75, 208) and strength. German-born forward is strong on his skates; smart two-way player with good hockey sense. Has a quick release on his shot.

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

A 6-2.25, 231-pound power forward who can utilize his size very well along the boards and in 1-on-1 battles along the wall. He can fight through checks and is difficult to knock off the puck in stride.

7. Carolina Hurricanes - Kasperi Kapanen, RW, KalPa (FIN)

Can play center and wing; a smooth and fast style with tricky puck skills and a quick release. Good hand-eye coordination, is a steady competitor and will not shy away from rough situations.

8. Winnipeg Jets - Brendan Perlini, LW, Niagara (OHL)

The 6-2.5, 205-pound left-shooting forward has good acceleration, speed and quickness. Possesses a good offensive game with high-end puck skills and an NHL-caliber shot.

9. Vancouver Canucks - Haydn Fleury, D, Red Deer (WHL)

Plays a solid two-way game and can use his speed at both ends. Good presence defending with his size (6-2.5, 198), can play physical and earns big minutes.

10. Washington Capitals - Julius Honka, D, Swift Current (WHL)

Played a key role for Finland at the 2014 World Junior Championship and has excelled in his first North American season. Has good vision, awareness and excels on the power play.

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

Good mobile skater with outstanding hands, vision, puck-handling and shot. Considered a sniper who can set up scoring chances from outside or in traffic. Very effective on the power play.

12. Columbus Blue Jackets - Adrian Kempe, LW, Modo Jr. (SWE-JR)

At 6-1.5, 187 pounds, the left-handed shooter is considered a bullish power forward capable of playing center or on wing. He likes to drive the net, can play the body and is aggressive on the forecheck.

13. Detroit Red Wings - Ivan Barbashev, LW, Moncton (QMJHL)

Capable of reaching top speed very quickly, the Russian is a good playmaker with quick hands and an excellent shot. He has an effective physical game, is used in all situations and can be a game-breaker.

14. Phoenix Coyotes - Jake Virtanen, LW, Calgary (WHL)

A 6-0.75, 208-pound power forward with good balance who can reach a higher gear with his outside speed. Virtanen enjoys the physical game and is willing to pay the price in the slot; strong game down low.

15. Dallas Stars - Jared McCann, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Playmaking center possesses a deceptive shot and good scoring touch; excellent on faceoffs. He's capable of making plays at top speed and has a reliable two-way game.

16. Philadelphia Flyers - Anthony DeAngelo, D, Sarnia (OHL)

A native of the Philadelphia suburb of Sewell, N.J., DeAngelo is a dynamic skating, puck-moving defender; a game-changer capable of initiating transition with passing and quickness.

17. N.Y. Rangers - Sonny Milano, LW, USA U-18 (USHL)

Known as a player with magic hands. Boston College recruit is good with the puck in traffic and in open ice. Also enjoys being an agitator.

18. Los Angeles Kings - David Pastrnak, LW, Sodertalje (SWE-2)

A creative playmaker, the 6-foot, 167-pounder is considered a flashy, entertaining offensive talent. He was a key player for the Czechs at the 2014 WJC; has improved his defensive game.

19. Minnesota Wild - Joshua Ho-Sang, C/RW, Windsor (OHL)

High-energy forward with great speed and quickness in transition. Has the capability of making plays at top speed; has very good puck control and playmaking ability in traffic.

20. Toronto Maple Leafs - Roland McKeown, D, Kingston (OHL)

With good size (6-0.75, 197), strength and balance, McKeown prides his game on skating and moving the puck with hard, accurate outlet passes.

21. Montreal Canadiens - Nikita Scherbak, LW, Saskatoon (WHL)

Good at driving to the net and creating scoring chances. He has a quick release and can finish at the net; very unselfish and uses linemates well.

22. Tampa Bay Lightning - Dylan Larkin, C, USA U-18 (USHL)

Strong skater with great closing speed; University of Michigan commit uses body well along the boards. He isn't afraid to play physical to generate turnovers.

23. Boston Bruins - Nick Schmaltz, C, Green Bay (USHL)

University of North Dakota recruit has quick hands, can skate with the puck at full speed and make big plays. Has good hockey sense and a sound defensive game.

24. Colorado Avalanche - Nikolay Goldobin, RW, Sarnia (OHL)

Has a strong, effortless stride; a good puckhandler and playmaker. The 5-11.5, 178-pound left-shot forward has good hockey sense and is a natural passer but also a good finisher.

25. San Jose Sharks - Thatcher Demko, G, Boston College (H-EAST)

The 6-3.75, 192-pounder helped Boston College win the Beanpot Tournament, posting a .966 save percentage in two games. Gained great experience traveling with U.S. as third goalie at 2014 WJC.

26. Pittsburgh Penguins - Jakub Vrana, C, Linkoping (SWE-2)

Great puck distributor with good vision; Vrana knows where to be and when he needs to get there. While he isn't flashy, he's reliable; a hard-working team player and a creative playmaker.

27. Chicago Blackhawks - Alex Tuch, C/RW, USA U-18 (USHL)

At 6-3.5, 213 pounds, it's hard to miss the Boston College-bound power forward with good hands, vision and hockey IQ. He's been more physical this season and has a heavy shot.

28. St. Louis Blues - Brycen Martin, D, Swift Current (WHL)

Has good speed out of the defensive zone into transition, with the ability to skate away from opposing forecheckers. Also excels at making a good first pass out of the zone.

29. Anaheim Ducks - Eric Cornel, C, Peterborough (OHL)

Can play center or right wing; good playmaker who has shown significant improvement. Possesses a composed, confident and unselfish game and has a great wrist shot.

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

Follow Mike Morreale on Twitter: @MikeMorrealeNHL