NHL.com draft experts: MacKinnon, Jones top picks
| Related mock drafts: Adam Kimelman | Mike G. Morreale |
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|---|---|---|---|
| ORDER | TEAM | PLAYER | SKINNY |
| 1 |  |
Nathan MacKinnon, C, Halifax (QMJHL) | Patrick Roy says he will take MacKinnon with the first pick if they keep the pick, and I believe him. MacKinnon certainly is good enough to go No. 1. |
| 2 |  |
Seth Jones, D, Portland (WHL) |
If Jones is available with the second pick, you can bet GM Dale Tallon will take the high-profile, high-skill defenseman. |
| 3 |  |
Jonathan Drouin, LW, Halifax (QMJHL) | I still believe Drouin is best player in this year’s draft skill-wise. He possesses outstanding hands and will be a nice replacement for Martin St. Louis once he decides to retire. |
| 4 |  |
Aleksander Barkov, C, Tappara (FIN) | He'll give the Predators sorely needed offense up the middle in the immediate future. Has size, and is the most coveted power forward in the draft. |
| 5 |  |
Valeri Nichushkin, LW, Chelyabinsk (RUS) | Some scouts believe he is the best player in the draft. Played in the KHL final this season but wants to and will play in the NHL. |
| 6 |  |
Sean Monahan, C, Ottawa (OHL) |
Calgary is in need of a high-impact offensive player and they get one with Monahan, who has one of the best two-way games in the draft. |
| 7 |  |
Darnell Nurse, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) |
Uncle Donavan McNabb will be proud once Darnell pulls on that Oilers jersey. Big, highly competitive defenseman does what it takes to win. |
| 8 |  |
Ryan Pulock, D, Brandon (WHL) |
One of best defensemen in draft has a great shot and plays a good, physical game. He's needed on a team ailing in a number of areas. |
| 9 |  |
Hunter Shinkaruk, C/LW, Medicine Hat (WHL) | Speedy forward with not much size, but that hasn't stopped the Devils from picking small, skilled forwards before. |
| 10 |  |
Elias Lindholm, C, Brynas (SWE) |
New GM Jim Nill would be pleased if Lindholm is available at this spot. He needs to get bigger, but has the makings of another Nicklas Backstrom. |
| 11 |  |
Zach Fucale, G, Halifax (QMJHL) |
Philadelphia puts its faith in a goalie who does nothing but win. With Ilya Bryzgalov getting bought out, Fucale could find himself in black and orange. |
| 12 |  |
Anthony Mantha, RW, Val-d'Or (QMJHL) | The big forward popped in 50 goals this season, and the Coyotes are in need of high-impact offensive talent. |
| 13 |  |
Max Domi, C/LW, London (OHL) |
Showed in the OHL playoffs he can get the job done. He would be a nice fit in Winnipeg. |
| 14 |  |
Ryan Hartman, RW, Plymouth (OHL) | Hurt toward end of the season, but he's a deceptive goal-scorer and plays tough. |
| 15 |  |
Bo Horvat, C, London (OHL) |
He had a really impressive OHL playoffs and Memorial Cup. Would do well by joining fellow Knights alum John Tavares on Long Island. |
| 16 | (From MIN) |
Adam Erne, LW, Quebec (QMJHL) |
Reminiscent of a Jeff Skinner-type of high-octane offensive player. |
| 17 |  |
Kerby Rychel, LW, Windsor (OHL) |
The Senators need a goal-scorer and Rychel put in 40 this season. Has an edge to his game as well, which will serve Ottawa well. |
| 18 |  |
Frederick Gauthier, C, Rimouski (QMJHL) | Plays the kind of two-way game that Wings coach Mike Babcock likes. |
| 19 | (From NYR) |
Alexander Wennberg, C, Djurgarden (SWE) | Possesses high-finesse game, and new GM Jarmo Kekalainen should have a solid feel for the top European talent. |
| 20 |  |
Rasmus Ristolainen, D, TPS (FIN) |
With an aging blue line, Ristolainen will bring size and puck movement. |
| 21 |  |
Samuel Morin, D, Rimouski (QMJHL) |
Though the Leafs have prospect depth on the blue line, this hulking 6-foot-7 defenseman has risen up the ranks and will be taken in the first round. |
| 22 | (From STL) |
Mirco Mueller, D, Everett (WHL) |
Big defenseman mentored by Blue Jackets prospect Ryan Murray. Will complement fellow Swiss top prospect Sven Baertschi. |
| 23 |  |
Nikita Zadorov, D, London (OHL) |
The 6-foot-5 Russian played this season in the OHL, and will be an asset for a Washington team with a blue line that needs some tinkering. |
| 24 |  |
Nicolas Petan, C, Portland (WHL) |
Small forward put up big results: 120 points in 70 games this season. |
| 25 |  |
Valentin Zykov, LW, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL) | Habs scouts will know all about Zykov’s 40 goals in the QMJHL this season. |
| 26 |  |
Ian McCoshen, D, Waterloo (USHL) |
Can't help but think advisor Brian Burke will have GM Bob Murray's ear, suggesting this top U.S. defenseman. |
| 27 | (From LAK) |
Morgan Klimchuk, LW, Regina (WHL) | Had a great World Under-18 tournament and could be a nice addition to Jackets' third or fourth line. |
| 28 | (From PIT) |
Joshua Morrissey, D, Prince Albert (WHL) |
Calgary native would love a chance to make himself a piece of the team's rebuild. |
| 29 | (From BOS) |
Robert Hagg, D, Modo Jr. (SWE-JR) |
Swedish blueliner can score and make a physical impact. Could turn some heads in the future. |
| 30 |  |
Shea Theodore, D, Seattle (WHL) |
Blackhawks could be targeting another offensive-minded defenseman. Theodore had a successful World Under-18 tournament this year in Russia. |
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