NHL.com draft experts: McDavid, Eichel to go 1-2 in Florida
* Note: Draft order based on League standings at All-Star Break
| Related mock drafts: Mike G. Morreale |
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|---|---|---|---|
| ORDER | TEAM | PLAYER | SKINNY |
| 1 |  |
Connor McDavid, C, Erie (OHL) |
A generational talent with elite-level speed, skill and vision, he can help any team speed up its rebuilding process. He had his full skill set on display while helping Canada win gold at the World Junior Championship; after missing six weeks with a broken hand he got better every game and finished tied for the tournament lead in points. |
| 2 |  |
Jack Eichel, C, Boston University (H-EAST) |
The 6-2, 196-pound forward is big, strong and sublimely skilled; NBC broadcaster Eddie Olczyk compared Eichel's reach and ability to protect the puck to Mario Lemieux. A college freshman, he leads the NCAA in scoring. Projects to be an outstanding pro player. |
| 3 |  |
Noah Hanifin, D, Boston College (H-EAST) |
The 6-2, 203-pound college freshman is considered the best draft-eligible defenseman. Can carry the puck and make smart decisions in the offensive end, but also is responsible in the defensive zone. |
| 4 |  |
Dylan Strome, C, Erie (OHL) |
The 6-3, 187-pound forward proved he was more than a product of playing with McDavid; in 20 games without his more famous teammate he had 14 goals and 29 points. Strome can play left wing or in the middle. His size and reach are impressive and he can kill penalties, showing his high hockey IQ. |
| 5 |  |
Lawson Crouse, LW, Kingston (OHL) |
A traditional power forward (6-4, 211), he is regarded as a strong skater for his size and has soft hands to operate close to the net. Showcased his skills at the WJC; became one of Canada's better forecheckers when he settled into a fourth-line role. |
| 6 |  |
Oliver Kylington, D, Farjestad (SWE) |
A smart, highly-skilled defenseman, Kylington missed the World Juniors because of injury but has shown strong skating and two-way ability since returning to the lineup. He can join the rush while using his skating to recover defensively in transition. |
| 7 |  |
Mikko Rantanen, RW, TPS (FIN) |
The 6-4, 209-pound power forward debuted in Liiga last season as a 17-year-old and has excelled there this season. Scouts love his skating, especially for a player of his size. Physical play doesn't seem to bother him which means he could make a quick adjustment to North American hockey. Was Finland's best player at World Juniors. |
| 8 |  |
Pavel Zacha, C, Sarnia (OHL) |
He has made a seamless transition from the Czech Republic to the North American game. Scouts rave about the 6-3, 210-pound forward's high-end skill and competitiveness. He also is responsible defensively. |
| 9 |  |
Mitchell Marner, C, London (OHL) |
With 90 points he leads all Canadian Hockey League players in scoring. With his size (5-11, 155), skill set and London pedigree, it's easy to compare Marner to the Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane. |
| 10 |  |
Zachary Werenski, D, Michigan (BIG10) |
A speedy puckmover honing his game in college, scouts love his size (6-2, 206), mobility and quickness. He's also unafraid to play physical. Werenski didn't look out of place as a 17-year-old playing for the United States at World Juniors. |
| 11 |  |
Timo Meier, RW, Halifax (QMJHL) |
Meier has a habit of making good players look better, whether it's Halifax teammate and Winnipeg Jets prospect Nikolaj Ehlers, or Nashville 2014 first-round pick (No. 11) Kevin Fiala at the World Juniors. A big body (6-1, 208) with soft hands and great vision. |
| 12 |  |
Ivan Provorov, D, Brandon (WHL) |
The Russian-born defender has been in North America since 2011. He's developed into an offensive force this season and has the ability to lead or join the rush. An excellent skater as well. |
| 13 |  |
Mathew Barzal, C, Seattle (WHL) |
Injuries have slowed him but when healthy his skating and offensive skills are unquestioned. Also has stood out when playing with better players; his three goals in seven games were second for Canada at the 2014 World Under-18 Championship. |
| 14 |  |
Kyle Connor, LW, Youngstown (USHL) |
A complete player who will excel at the next level because of his offensive instincts. He can make elite plays at top speed, and his vision is outstanding. His great skating also allows him to be strong in the defensive zone. |
| 15 |  |
Brandon Carlo, D, Tri-City (WHL) |
Already 6-4 and 198 pounds, Carlo relies on his size, skating and athleticism to be a shut-down defender. He's also working on building his offensive game. His all-around play earned him a spot on the U.S. team for the World Juniors. |
| 16 |  |
Jakub Zboril, D, Saint John (QMJHL) |
A strong two-way player still developing his all-around game. Can lead the rush and quarterback the power play, and at 6-foot and 184 pounds knows how to play physical. |
| 17 |  |
Nicholas Merkley, Kelowna (WHL) |
The 5-10, 191-pound forward is one of the top playmakers in the draft. Not the most physically gifted, but his high hockey IQ raises the level of his all-around play. |
| 18 |  |
Thomas Chabot, D, Saint John (QMJHL) |
Skilled, all-around defenseman has raised his stock as the season has gone on. Smooth skating allows him to carry the puck out of trouble, join the rush or get back in the defensive zone. |
| 19 |  |
Paul Bittner, LW, Portland (WHL) |
Big, strong and hard to handle down low in the offensive zone. Skates well and is a strong forechecker. Bittner is 6-4 and 206 pounds, so there's room to add strength. Already wins battles along the walls; more strength will make him that much tougher for opposing players. |
| 20 |  (From NY Rangers) |
Evgeny Svechnikov, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL) |
An outstanding offensive talent still learning North American game. The big (6-2, 199) Russian-born forward is averaging more than one point per game. His defensive play could use work but skating ability helps him there. |
| 21 |  |
Jansen Harkins, C, Prince George (WHL) |
The 6-foot, 177-pound forward is a hard-worker who is effective all over the ice. His father and his uncle played pro hockey, so there's an innate understanding of the game that will help him as he advances in his career. |
| 22 | (From Pittsburgh) |
Jordan Greenway, LW, USA U-18 (USHL) |
At 6-4 and 222 pounds Greenway is tough to move off the puck and can dominate on plays along the boards. A work in progress, but his upside is worth a first-round chance. |
| 23 |  |
Jeremy Roy, D, Sherbrooke (QMJHL) |
Among the top offensive-minded defensemen in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Roy can carry the puck out of the defensive zone, lead the rush and finish at the net. Not big (5-11, 189), but physical play doesn't bother him. |
| 24 |  |
Filip Chlapik, C, Charlottetown (QMJHL) |
The Czech-born playmaker models his game after the Pittsburgh Penguins' Evgeni Malkin. He's still adjusting to the North American game but his offensive skills are well-developed and his skating is catching up. |
| 25 | (From St. Louis) |
Travis Konecny, C, Ottawa (OHL) | Giant work ethic and intensity make up for lack of size (5-9, 174). Gifted offensively with elite puck skills, strong hockey sense and a dynamite release. |
| 26 |  |
Jacob Larsson, D, Frolunda Jr. (SWE-JR) |
A puck-moving, offensive-minded defender with good size (6-2, 191). Makes a good first pass out of the zone and can skate the puck out of trouble if necessary. Has played well enough to earn time in the Swedish Hockey League. |
| 27 | (From NY Islanders) |
Jens Looke, RW, Brynas (SWE) |
Two-way forward has climbed rapidly through the Brynas program. Good skater who can get to top speed quickly. A highly skilled playmaker with good vision and quick hands. |
| 28 | |
Daniel Sprong, RW, Charlottetown (QMJHL) |
A dangerous offensive player who knows how to create chances and finish plays. Can score off the rush or pick the corners with a strong shot he's able to get off quickly. |
| 29 |  |
Colin White, C, USA U-18 (USHL) |
Strong two-way player patterns his game after the Chicago Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews. An outstanding skater and is difficult to knock off the puck; also is fully committed in the defensive zone. |
| 30 |  |
Brock Boeser, RW, Waterloo (USHL) |
A two-way power forward who has developed into an outstanding goal-scorer with a quick release. The 6-foot, 191-pound forward knows how to use his body to protect the puck and is strong enough to fight through physical play. |
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