Draft experts agree on top two picks, not much else
| Related mock drafts: Mike G. Morreale | Steven Hoffner | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| NOTE: Final draft order to be determined at conclusion of Stanley Cup Final. | |||
| ORDER | TEAM | PLAYER | SKINNY |
| 1 |  |
Seth Jones, D, Portland (WHL) |
The need and the storylines are just too great for the Avalanche to pass on the draft's best defenseman. Big, strong, skilled and ready to step right in and anchor the blue line. |
| 2 |  |
Nathan MacKinnon, C, Halifax (QMJHL) |
The Panthers want someone who can step right into the lineup, and this high-end scorer looks ready to do just that. |
| 3 |  |
Aleksander Barkov, C, Tappara (FIN) | Big, strong and regarded for having arguably the best hockey IQ in the draft. Could step right into middle on Lightning's second line. |
| 4 |  |
Jonathan Drouin, LW, Halifax (QMJHL) | Showed sublime offensive skill on national stage at Memorial Cup. Predators are stacked with young defense prospects; this high-end offensive talent is just what they need. |
| 5 |  |
Darnell Nurse, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) |
The Hurricanes' weakest point last season was its defense, but this big, athletic blueliner potentially could step right into the lineup next season. |
| 6 |  |
Sean Monahan, C, Ottawa (OHL) |
The Flames can anchor their rebuilding effort around this smart, skilled center. |
| 7 |  |
Valeri Nichushkin, RW, Chelyabinsk (RUS) | Oilers president Kevin Lowe said you never can have enough talent, and the Russian power forward is too talented to pass on here. |
| 8 |  |
Hunter Shinkaruk, C/LW, Medicine Hat (WHL) | Versatile forward is a pure scorer capable of bringing fans out their seats with his dynamic puck skills. |
| 9 |  |
Elias Lindholm, C, Brynas (SWE) |
Smart two-way center capable of playing in Devils' top six, possibly as soon as next season. |
| 10 |  |
Bo Horvat, C, London (OHL) |
Big scorer also highly regarded for two-way game; might be draft class' best on faceoffs. |
| 11 |  |
Rasmus Ristolainen, D, TPS (FIN) |
Big, strong, skilled and nasty; already 6-4 and 207 pounds, with room to grow. |
| 12 |  |
Anthony Mantha, RW, Val-d'Or (QMJHL) | Coyotes need offense and Mantha was only player in this year's draft class to score 50 goals. |
| 13 |  |
Frederik Gauthier, C, Rimouski (QMJHL) | Complements solid offensive skills and impressive size with strong skating ability and complete, 200-foot game. |
| 14 |  |
Ryan Pulock, D, Brandon (WHL) |
Good size and already possess an NHL-caliber shot; showed toughness in battling through a few serious injuries. |
| 15 |  |
Valentin Zykov, LW, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL) | Isles can add to front-line depth with Russian forward who led all first-year QMJHL players in goals and points. |
| 16 | (From MIN) |
Ryan Hartman, RW, Plymouth (OHL) | Strong skater, versatile and tough -- played second half of season with shoulder injury; was key part of U.S. win at World Junior Championship. |
| 17 |  |
Max Domi, C/LW, London (OHL) |
His spectacular between-the-legs pass at the Memorial Cup was just a glimpse at the offensive skill set Domi supplies. |
| 18 |  |
Robert Hagg, D, Modo Jr. (SWE-JR) |
Last-minute addition to Sweden WJC roster became team's best defenseman; gained valuable experience playing part of season in top league. |
| 19 | (From NYR) |
Mirco Mueller, D, Everett (WHL) |
Swiss import was helped in North American adjustment by Blue Jackets prospect Ryan Murray. |
| 20 |  |
Zachary Fucale, G, Halifax (QMJHL) |
Sharks haven't drafted a goalie since 2008, so a chance at this year's best is too good to pass up. |
| 21 |  |
Kerby Rychel, LW, Windsor (OHL) |
Showcased strength at Scouting Combine after displaying hands skilled enough to score 40 goals this season on a struggling Windsor team. |
| 22 | (From STL) |
Ian McCoshen, D, Waterloo (USHL) |
American-born blueliner brings size, strength and skill in one 6-2.5, 205-pound package. |
| 23 |  |
Zach Nastasiuk, RW, Owen Sound (OHL) |
Improved throughout the season; lauded for offensive skill, defensive ability and prowess on the penalty kill. |
| 24 |  |
Nikita Zadorov, D, London (OHL) |
Big Russian would be outstanding addition to aging blue line. |
| 25 |  |
Alexander Wennberg, C, Djurgarden (SWE) | Skilled and smart from playing against men the past two seasons. |
| 26 |  |
Adam Erne, LW, Quebec (QMJHL) |
Connecticut-born power forward said he loved playing out west during youth days with L.A. Selects. |
| 27 | (From LAK) |
Curtis Lazar, C/RW, Edmonton (WHL) | Versatile and skilled, already has shown he can excel on the big stage -- has 30 points in 42 WHL playoff games past two seasons. |
| 28 | (From PIT) |
Eric Comrie, G, Tri-City (WHL) |
Almost fully healed from hip surgery; could be long-term replacement for Miikka Kiprusoff. |
| 29 | (From BOS) |
Samuel Morin, D, Rimouski (QMJHL) |
Giant blueliner (6-6.25, 202) grew in skill this season, and should continue to get bigger and stronger. |
| 30 |  |
Joshua Morrissey, D, Prince Albert (WHL) |
Brainy player has strong offensive game. |
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