Steven Hoffner's 2014 final mock draft

Monday, 06.23.2014 / 3:00 AM
Steven Hoffner  - NHL.com Staff Writer

Hoffner's Draft
  1.FLA

Aaron Ekblad, D, Barrie (OHL)

If the Panthers keep the pick they will select the big defenseman who looks and plays like a seasoned vet.

  2.BUF

Sam Reinhart, C, Kootenay (WHL)

The Sabres' struggles last season result in them landing the top center in this year's draft.

  3.EDM

Leon Draisaitl, C, Prince Albert (WHL)

Assuming Edmonton stays in the third slot, GM Craig MacTavish takes the big German for help up the middle.

  4.CGY

Samuel Bennett, C, Kingston (OHL)

The future starts now with the dynamic offense of Bennett joining 2013 first-round pick Sean Monahan.

  5.NYI

Michael Dal Colle, LW, Oshawa (OHL)

With maturity beyond his years, Dal Colle would be a perfect fit with John Tavares.

  6.VAN

Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Halifax (QMJHL)

This offensive dynamo can be mentored by the Sedin twins as the rebuilding proceeds in Vancouver.

  7.CAR

Nicholas Ritchie, LW, Peterborough (OHL)

This big body up front can be a danger in both zones.

  8. TOR

Haydn Fleury, D, Red Deer (WHL)

The Maple Leafs need help in many areas, but if Fleury is available here expect Toronto to use the pick to get better on the blue line.

  9.WPG

Jake Virtanen, LW, Calgary (WHL)

Averaged a point per game this season and possesses a solid two-way game and high hockey IQ.

10.ANA
(From OTT)
Kasperi Kapanen, RW, KalPa (FIN)

Central Scouting's top-rated European skater impressed at the Combine and would be a nice replacement for Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu.

11.NSH

Brendan Perlini, LW, Niagara (OHL)

Speedy forward with a great shot possesses hands that will need to put pucks into nets, because the Predators have struggled to do so.

12.PHX

William Nylander, RW, Sodertalje (SWE-2)

He'll get bigger and stronger with time; creative offensive performer would be a nice addition if on the board here.

13.WSH

Anthony DeAngelo, D, Sarnia (OHL)

Has a high-octane offensive game reminiscent of a young Mike Green.

14.DAL

Alex Tuch, C/RW, USA U-18 (USHL)

Big second half propelled Tuch up the rankings and put him on the radar to be picked in the first half of the first round.

15.DET

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

The big, smooth-skating forward would fill a need up front for an aging forward group.

16.CBJ

Julius Honka, D, Swift Current (WHL)

High offensive prowess gives Honka an edge over other defensemen in this draft.

17.PHI

Robert Fabbri, C, Guelph (OHL)

A strong showing in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs and the Memorial Cup gave scouts much more to see, and like.

18.MIN

Kevin Fiala, LW, HV 71 Jr. (SWE-JR)

The speedy center isn't big (5-9, 178) but makes up for it with high-end offensive skill that helped him lead Switzerland in points at the 2014 World Junior Championship.

19.TBL

Jared McCann, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

With Ryan Malone on his way out, this big center would be a steal in this spot.

20.SJS

Sonny Milano, LW, USA U-18 (USHL)

His puck-trick video at the Scouting Combine made him an Internet sensation. But there's much more to his game.

21.STL

David Pastrnak, LW, Sodertalje (SWE-2)

The flashy Czech forward showed he could create top-end offense while playing against grown men in Sweden.

22.PIT

Thatcher Demko, G, Boston College (H-EAST)

The top goalie in this year's draft likely will spend at least one more season in college and potentially start for the U.S. at the 2015 World Juniors.

23.COL

Roland McKeown, D, Kingston (OHL)

Big (6-foot, 195), physical defenseman has the right tools to help, especially on the penalty kill.

24.ANA

Markus Petersson, D, Skelleftea Jr. (SWE-JR)

Tall, lanky (6-3, 167) defenseman with excellent hockey IQ can step into a full-time role once he puts on some muscle.

25.BOS

Jakub Vrana, C, Linkoping (SWE-2) 

Czech-born forward with speed is the kind of player Boston can hone into a bona fide scorer down the road.

26.MTL

Nick Schmaltz, C, Green Bay (USHL)

Coveted U.S.-born prospect led his team with 63 points in 55 games.

27.CHI

Brayden Point, C, Moose Jaw (WHL)

High-octane center starts to give the Blackhawks more depth.

28.TBL
(From NYR)
Ivan Barbashev, LW, Moncton (QMJHL)

Gifted player who put up solid numbers this season, his second in North America.

29.LAK

Nikolay Goldobin, RW, Sarnia (OHL)

If 94 points in 67 games in the OHL isn't enough to get you drafted in first round, I don't know what is.

30.NJD

Brendan Lemieux, LW, Barrie (OHL)

Plays like his father, Claude Lemieux; the hope is he has the same kind of solid career.

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