MIKE G. MORREALE'S MOCK DRAFT IV

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* Note: Final draft order to be determined at conclusion of Stanley Cup Final

1
Edmonton Oilers
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Red Deer (WHL)
SKINNY: Was tied for third in WHL with 106 points, had 31 goals, plus-30 rating and led league with 75 assists

2
Colorado Avalanche
 Adam Larsson, D, Skelleftea (SWE)
SKINNY: Can fill void on defense following trade of Kevin Shattenkirk; Larsson has poise, vision and cannon shot

3
Florida Panthers
 Gabriel Landeskog, LW, Kitchener (OHL)
SKINNY: NHL-ready power forward had 36 goals, 66 points; perfect complement to top prospect Nick Bjugstad

4
New Jersey Devils
 Jonathan Huberdeau, C, Saint John (QMJHL)
SKINNY: Finished third in league in goals (43) and points (105); now averaging 1.64 points per game in playoffs 

5
New York Islanders
 Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara (OHL)
SKINNY: Fits need along the blue line as solid puck mover, hard skater with an edge; 58 points in 67 games

6
Ottawa Senators
 Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)
SKINNY: Sens dropped one slot in Draft Lottery but secure future star at center; League MVP had 36 G, 96 P

7
Atlanta Thrashers
 Ryan Strome, C, Niagara (OHL)
SKINNY: The need for a pure goal-scorer ends with the tenacious Strome; 33 goals, 9 power-play goals, 106 points

8
Columbus Blue Jackets
 Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener (OHL)
SKINNY: A power-play specialist (14 PPG); led all draft-eligible defensemen in OHL with 79 points (26 goals)

9
Boston Bruins (via TOR)
 Nathan Beaulieu, D, Saint John (QMJHL)
SKINNY: Transitional dynamo along the blue line possesses speed, poise and a great shot; 45 points in 65 games

10
Minnesota Wild
 Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon (WHL)
SKINNY: Might be the most physical of the top-tiers defenders; skates well, good mobility; had 43 points, 121 PIM

11
Colorado Avalanche (via STL)
 Mika Zibanejad, C, Djurgarden (SWE)
SKINNY: The most improved European skater brings power, soft hands around the net, vision and speed

12
Carolina Hurricanes
 Sven Baertschi, LW, Portland (WHL)
SKINNY: Switzerland-born wing is being touted as next Nino Niederreiter. Had 34 goals, 11 on the power play

13
Calgary Flames
 Mark Scheifele, C, Barrie (OHL)
SKINNY: Two-way center posted 75 points, 13 PPG, against the best checking-line forwards in the league

14
Dallas Stars
 Jonas Brodin, D, Farjestad (SWE)
SKINNY: Smarts in the defensive zone, good in one-on-one battles and very poised and mature

15
New York Rangers
 Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert (WHL)
SKINNY: Right-handed pivot (6-foot-2, 201 pounds) is tough to play against, has good awareness at both ends

16
Buffalo Sabres
 Boone Jenner, C, Oshawa (OHL)
SKINNY: The 6-1, 204-pounder has relentless motor, finishes checks and forces turnovers; 66 points in 63 games

17
Montreal Canadiens
 Phillip Danault, LW, Victoriaville (QMJHL)
SKINNY: Versatile forward is perfect fit for Les Habitants. Had 23 goals, 4 shorthanded, and 67 points in 64 games

18
Chicago Blackhawks
 Zack Phillips, C, Saint John (QMJHL)
SKINNY: Time to load up on centers; solid skater with edge was second on team in scoring (38 goals, 95 points)

19
Edmonton Oilers (via LAK)
 Jamieson Oleksiak, D, Northeastern (HE)
SKINNY: A need to secure shut-down force along the blue line is accomplished with intimidating 6-foot-7 collegian

20
Phoenix Coyotes
 Scott Mayfield, D, Youngstown (USHL)
SKINNY: A skilled, intelligent blueliner who was named MVP for Team USA at 2010 World Junior 'A' Challenge

21
Ottawa Senators (via NSH)
 Joseph Morrow, D, Portland (WHL)
SKINNY: Could be the steal of the first round; has smarts and good recognition; produced 49 points and 67 PIM

22
Anaheim Ducks
 Nicklas Jensen, LW/RW, Oshawa (OHL)
SKINNY: The versatile 6-2, 187-pounder can play either wing; Had 29 goals, 58 points, plus-14 rating

23
Pittsburgh Penguins
 Brandon Saad, LW, Saginaw (OHL)
SKINNY: Native of Gibsonia, Pa., is a power forward who finished with 27 goals (12 PPG), 55 points, in 59 games

24
Detroit Red Wings
 Rickard Rakell, RW, Plymouth (OHL)
SKINNY: Great work ethic; high-energy Swede can forecheck hard and is very responsible in his own end

25
Toronto Maple Leafs (via PHI)
 John Gibson, G, USA U-18 (USHL)
SKINNY: Top-rated North American goalie voted best netminder at World U-18s (6-0-0, 2.34 GAA, .926 SVP)

26
Washington Capitals
 Alexander Khokhlachev, C, Windsor (OHL)
SKINNY: Skilled Russian with solid positional attack and toughness; had 34 G (12 PPG), 76 P, plus-9 rating

27
Tampa Bay Lightning
 David Musil, D, Vancouver (WHL)
SKINNY: Solid frame (6-3, 198), can box out and stand up for teammates; had 25 points, plus-1 rating, 83 PIM

28
Toronto Maple Leafs (via BOS)
 Vladislav Namestnikov, C, London (OHL)
SKINNY: Solid two-way game, accurate wrist shot and ability to beat defenders wide; 30 G, 68 P in 68 games

29
San Jose Sharks
 Ty Rattie, RW, Portland (WHL)
SKINNY: Produced 28 G, 79 P; great offensive skills and instincts who enters the tough areas to score goals

30
Vancouver Canucks
 Matt Puempel, LW, Peterborough (OHL)
SKINNY: Hip surgery limited him to 55 games, but still finished with team-highs of 34 goals and 69 points