NHL.com draft experts: MacKinnon, Jones top picks
| Related mock drafts: Adam Kimelman | Steven Hoffner | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ORDER | TEAM | PLAYER | SKINNY |
| 1 |  |
Nathan MacKinnon, C, Halifax (QMJHL) | If executive vice president of hockey operations Joe Sakic stays true to his word and takes a forward, it's hard to argue with taking MacKinnon, the most valuable player of the Memorial Cup. He had 32 goals and 75 points in 44 regular-season games and seven goals and 13 points in four Memorial Cup games. |
| 2 |  |
Seth Jones, D, Portland (WHL) |
It's amazing to think the most talented defensive prospect and top-rated player on Central Scouting's final ranking will fall to the Panthers. With plenty of forwards in the system and Calder Trophy-winning center Jonathan Huberdeau in the fold, this pick would be a lock. Jones has the size (6-3.5, 205), leadership and smarts to excel at the next level. |
| 3 |  |
Jonathan Drouin, LW, Halifax (QMJHL) |
The Canadian Hockey League player of the year is a dynamic playmaker with speed, shiftiness and creativity. He set a team mark with a 29-game point streak (26 goals, 65 points) and finished the season with 41 goals, 105 points and a plus-48 rating in 49 games. |
| 4 |  |
Aleksander Barkov, C, Tappara (FIN) | The Predators need a dynamic scorer and the 6-foot-3, 209-pound two-way center could provide just what they need. While a shoulder injury sidelined him for playoffs, he had 21 goals and 48 points in 53 games while playing against men in the top Finnish league. |
| 5 |  |
Valeri Nichushkin, RW, Chelyabinsk (RUS) | The 6-4, 202-pound Russian is determined to play in the NHL next season. He is skilled, tough, has a nose for the net and is clutch in big situations. A big, skilled forward also would take attention away from Eric and Jordan Staal and provide needed secondary scoring. |
| 6 |  |
Sean Monahan, C, Ottawa (OHL) |
There aren't many on the draft board as big, smart and determined as Monahan. A leader in every sense, the 6-2.25, 187-pound left-handed shooter excels on faceoffs, the power play and the penalty kill. He had 31 goals and 78 points in 58 games this season. |
| 7 |  |
Darnell Nurse, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) |
After choosing a forward with their first pick in each of the past six drafts, the Oilers likely will grab one of the toughest defenders on the board. He defends well, plays with an edge, is good off the transition and has a powerful shot. He had 12 goals, 41 points, a plus-15 rating and 116 penalty minutes this season. |
| 8 |  |
Elias Lindholm, C, Brynas (SWE) |
The 6-foot, 192-pound two-way center is in the too-good-to-pass-up stage at this point. Regarded as one of the finer two-way European forwards in the draft, Lindholm possesses all the necessary tools to succeed at the next level. |
| 9 |  |
Hunter Shinkaruk, C/LW, Medicine Hat (WHL) | The departure of Zach Parise hurt the offense this past season, but fortunately the Devils have the option to re-load with a versatile, Parise-like clone in this 5-10.25, 181-pounder. Deftly skilled, smart, deceptive and explosive, the left-handed shot can bring fans out of their seats. He had 37 goals and 86 points in 64 games this season. |
| 10 |  |
Rasmus Ristolainen, D, TPS (FIN) |
The Stars need a defenseman who can contribute offensively and strike some fear in the opposition when they enter the zone -- enter the 6-4, 207-pound Ristolainen. The right-handed shot is a solid skater, effective at both ends of the ice and is a prototype two-way defender with All-Star potential. |
| 11 |  |
Ryan Pulock, D, Brandon (WHL) |
The Flyers are in need of some punch on the blue line and Pulock fits the bill. The 6-foot, 211-pounder has one of the hardest shots in this year's draft class, is a leader and a big-time power-play performer. He's also tough -- Pulock sustained a fractured orbital bone and broken wrist this season but ultimately returned to the lineup. |
| 12 |  |
Nikita Zadorov, D, London (OHL) |
The Coyotes could use some physical defensemen in their pipeline and there aren't many better than the 6-5.25, 221-pound left-handed shooting Russian. A good skater with a great compete level, Zadorov is strong and physical. He had six goals, 25 points, a plus-33 rating and 54 penalty minutes as a rookie in OHL. |
| 13 |  |
Frederik Gauthier, C, Rimouski (QMJHL) | The Jets need for a top-flight center and this 6-4.5, 214-pounder has risen up the ranks on Central Scouting's list. He plays a 200-foot game, and had 22 goals, 60 points, a plus-22 rating and 46-percent winning percentage on faceoffs in 62 games. |
| 14 |  |
Valentin Zykov, LW, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL) | The Blue Jackets have a few options with three first-round picks, and the leading point scorer among QMJHL rookies makes the most sense. The 5-11.75, 209-pound right-handed shot had 40 goals and 75 points in 67 games. |
| 15 |  |
Max Domi, C/LW, London (OHL) |
The versatile scorer led the Knights with career highs in goals (39) and points (87) in 64 games. He's quick, smart, a contributor on the power play and relishes the big moments. The 5-9.25, 197-pound left-handed shot is considered a skilled forward. |
| 16 | (From MIN) |
Mirco Mueller, D, Everett (WHL) |
After picking a top forward earlier in the draft, the Sabres shift to the back end, and this 6-3.25, 184-pound Swiss import could turn out to be a steal at this stage. Mueller is a smooth skater and solid shot blocker and penalty killer. He had 31 points and 57 penalty minutes in 63 games as a rookie in the WHL this season. |
| 17 |  |
Alexander Wennberg, C, Djurgarden (SWE-2) | The 6-1, 190-pound two-way workhorse has good offensive instincts. He might be just below elite status, but is a proven goal scorer and tremendously gifted worker. He had 14 goals, 32 points in 46 games this season. |
| 18 |  |
Shea Theodore, D, Seattle (WHL) |
The Red Wings have a need along the blue line and Theodore, a 6-1.75, 178-pound left-handed shot would be a good fit. A solid skater with hockey sense and a big shot, he is good off the transition and effective at running the power play. Had 19 goals (nine power-play goals) and 50 points in 71 games. |
| 19 | (From NYR) |
Zach Nastasiuk, RW, Owen Sound (OHL) |
If the Jackets opt to continue filling the cupboard with solid offensive talent, they could look to the 6-1.25, 190-pound Nastasiuk. A potential second-line power forward who exceled as a penalty-killer this season, he has good offensive awareness and speed off the transition. He had 20 goals and 40 points in 62 games. |
| 20 |  |
Ryan Hartman, RW, Plymouth (OHL) | A gold medalist for Team USA at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship, he plays with heart and courage, and would be a fantastic fit for the Sharks. The 5-11, 181-pound right-handed shot is good on faceoffs, a leader and a big-game performer who also will block shots and drop the gloves if needed. |
| 21 |  |
Bo Horvat, C, London (OHL) |
An eventual tandem of Horvat and Nazem Kadri would give the Maple Leafs formidable depth down the middle. The 6-foot, 206-pound Horvat had 33 goals in 67 games, is a solid, high-end competitor, aggressive on the forecheck and finishes checks. |
| 22 | (From STL) |
Zachary Fucale, G, Halifax (QMJHL) |
Central Scouting's Al Jensen told NHL.com that Fucale offers the best net presence and coverage of any player at his position in the draft. On top of that, it'll be tough to pass on the best goalie available when Miikka Kiprusoff, 36, likely won't return next season. Fucale went 45-5-3 with a 2.35 GAA, .909 save percentage and two shutouts in 55 regular-season games. |
| 23 |  |
Anthony Mantha, RW, Val-d'Or (QMJHL) | A 6-3.75, 190-pound sniper who one day could help alleviate some pressure from Alex Ovechkin. Mantha skates well for his size, is good on the power play, has a great shot and hockey IQ, and was big in shootouts. He finished 10th in QMJHL with 89 points, including 50 goals. |
| 24 |  |
Kerby Rychel, LW, Windsor (OHL) |
The son of Stanley Cup champion Warren Rychel, Kerby offers a little bit of everything. The 6-0.75, 205-pound left-handed shot is a smooth skater with speed, agility and playmaking ability, but also enjoys the physical game. He had 40 goals (16 on the power-play) and 94 penalty minutes in 68 games. |
| 25 |  |
Chris Bigras, D, Owen Sound (OHL) |
The 6-0.5, 211-pound two-way defenseman is an extremely hard worker and team leader. He had eight goals, 30 assists and a plus-35 rating in 68 regular-season games. He consistently makes the smart play with quick outlet passes. |
| 26 |  |
Curtis Lazar, C/RW, Edmonton (WHL) | A versatile player who could fill a long-term need among the top-nine forwards. The 5-11.75, 190-pound right-handed shot closed the regular season with 30 goals and 44 points in his final 45 games to finish the season with 38 goals and 61 points in 72 games. |
| 27 | (From LAK) |
Robert Hagg, D, Modo Jr. (SWE-JR) |
Two-way defender is strong, aggressive and capable of unleashing a good, accurate shot from the point. He was one of the surprise performers for silver medal-winning Sweden at the 2013 WJC, playing a very consistent and controlled game. |
| 28 | (From PIT) |
Ian McCoshen, D, Waterloo (USHL) |
The 6-2.5, 205-pound two-way defender plays with an edge, defends well and has a great point shot. He had 11 goals, 44 points, 48 penalty minutes a plus-35 rating and 25 power-play points in 53 games. He's committed to Boston College starting next season. |
| 29 | (From BOS) |
William Carrier, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL) |
The 6-1.5, 198-pound left-handed shooting forward is a relentless puck pursuer with good hockey sense. He reminds some scouts of a young Patrice Bergeron with his hard work, face-off acumen, big-play potential and leadership skills. |
| 30 |  |
Joshua Morrissey, D, Prince Albert (WHL) |
The 5-11.75, 186-pound left-shot blueliner enjoys pushing the pace off the transition, making him a perfect fit for the defending Stanley Cup champion. He finished 12th among WHL blueliners with 47 points in 70 games. Morrissey already trains with Chicago's Duncan Keith in his hometown of Calgary. |
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