NHL.com draft experts: Reinhart consensus top pick
* Note: Draft order based on League standings at Olympic break
Related mock drafts: Adam Kimelman | Mike G. Morreale |
|||
---|---|---|---|
ORDER | TEAM | PLAYER | SKINNY |
1 | Sam Reinhart, C, Kootenay (WHL) |
May have slipped in the midseason rankings but has best raw offensive talent in draft. Sabres are in dire need of goals. | |
2 | Aaron Ekblad, D, Barrie (OHL) |
No-brainer decision for Oilers in taking best defenseman in draft. Has the talent to be the No. 1 pick depending on a team's need. | |
3 | Samuel Bennett, C, Kingston (OHL) | With the Panthers in need of depth up front, Bennett would be a nice fit to step in right away. | |
4 | Leon Draisaitl, LW, Prince Albert (WHL) |
Western scouts will be familiar with this power forward with slick hands and big offensive upside. | |
5 | Michael Dal Colle, LW, Oshawa (OHL) | With Thomas Vanek not likely to return, Dal Colle could serve as his future replacement. A great offensive talent. | |
6 | Nicholas Ritchie, LW, Peterborough (OHL) | In need of goals, Nashville could take Ritchie, who is putting up career-best numbers in the OHL this season. | |
7 | Haydn Fleury, D, Red Deer (WHL) |
The 6-foot-2, 202-pounder could be a good fit with Justin Faulk on the Hurricanes' blue line. | |
8 | Brenden Perlini, LW, Niagara (OHL) | Big forward with a great shot is only going to get better. | |
9 | Jake Virtanen, LW, Calgary (WHL) |
Hometown fans will love this versatile forward who looked great at CHL/NHL Top Prospects game in Calgary. | |
10 | Kasperi Kapanen, RW, KalPa (FIN) | Son of NHL alum Sami Kapanen, look for Kasperi to add more speed to the Capitals' offensive game down the road. | |
11 | (From Ottawa) |
William Nylander, RW, Sodertalje (SWE-2) | Speedy forward with hands needs to get bigger and stronger, but will provide Anaheim with support up front in the future. |
12 | Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Halifax (QMJHL) |
Danish forward impressed at Top Prospects game. Ehlers is quickly moving up rankings with his speed and skill. | |
13 | Nikolay Goldobin, RW, Sarnia (OHL) | The Red Wings always seem to find diamonds in the rough and Goldobin might be the surprise of this year's draft. | |
14 | Ivan Barbashev, LW, Moncton (QMJHL) | A strong leader with offensive ability, he's putting up strong stats in the QMJHL. | |
15 | Anthony DeAngelo, D, Sarnia (OHL) | He's tearing up the OHL with his offensive prowess. DeAngelo would provide a badly needed element to the Stars' blue line. | |
16 | Sonny Milano, LW, USA U-18 (USHL) |
A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, Milano has good net and puck instincts, and can give the Flyers some help on the wing. | |
17 | Roland McKeown, D, Kingston (OHL) | Smart, playmaking defenseman who brings a leadership quality to fill a potential hole on the blue line if Dan Girardi is traded or leaves as a free agent. | |
18 | Jared McCann, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) |
Hard to think he will slide this much but with so many teams heavy up the middle he may be the odd-man out. Can contribute at both ends of the rink and will help up the middle once the team's current flock of centers get older. | |
19 | Dylan Larkin, C, USA U-18 (USHL) |
Intense forward from the USNTDP can bring a flare and a high-tempo game up the middle down the road. | |
20 | Joshua Ho-Sang, RW/C, Windsor (OHL) | The Toronto native would be an outstanding fit on the wing. He would bring personality to the room as well as a high-end offensive game. | |
21 | Nick Schmaltz, C, Green Bay (USHL) |
Highest American-born prospect on the board. Schmaltz may not drop this far, but if he does will be a steal for Montreal up the middle. | |
22 | Julius Honka, D, Swift Current (WHL) |
Helped Finland win the gold medal at the 2014 World Junior Championship; also playing lots of minutes in the WHL and piling up points. | |
23 | David Pastrnak, LW, Sodertalje (SWE-2) | Not many have seen this flashy Czech teen with gifted hands, but he will be getting more attention once the draft gets closer. | |
24 | Adrian Kempe, RW, Modo Jr. (SWE-JR) |
NHL Central Scouting's No. 3-ranked European skater has great speed and can take advantage of weaker skaters defending him. | |
25 | Alex Tuch, RW/C, USA U-18 (USHL) |
The definition of a power forward. Once Joe Thornton hangs up his skates Tuch would be a fine young replacement. | |
26 | Thatcher Demko, G, Boston College (H-EAST) |
Penguins lack goaltending depth in their prospect pipeline, so expect general manager Ray Shero to start thinking about the future with this 6-foot-4 native of San Diego. | |
27 | Kevin Fiala, C, HV71 Jr. (SWE-JR) |
Game-breaking Czech forward has been moving up the rankings with his crafty play. | |
28 | Jakub Vrana, C, Linkoping (SWE-2) |
With strong work ethic and all-round offensive skill, Vrana is able to make quick plays for his size (5-11, 172). | |
29 | Chase De Leo, C, Portland (WHL) |
Having a great season for the WinterHawks. Grew up in La Mirada, Calif., a 20-minute drive from Honda Center. |
* Devils forfeit first-round pick to comply with penalties regarding Ilya Kovalchuk cap circumnavigation case
Follow Steve Hoffner on Twitter: @hoffner_steven