STEVEN HOFFNER'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: Crafty, shifty forward with great vision. Oilers need defense, but he's too good to pass on

2
Colorado Avalanche
Gabriel Landeskog, LW, Kitchener (OHL)
SKINNY: A born leader; power forward would complement great PP line with Duchene

3
Florida Panthers
Jonathan Huberdeau, C, Saint John (QMJHL)
SKINNY: Speedy forward is tearing it up during the Sea Dogs' playoff drive

4
New Jersey Devils
Nathan Beaulieu, D, Saint John (QMJHL)
SKINNY: Having great playoffs with Sea Dogs; Devils are in need of a skilled defenseman

5
New York Islanders
Adam Larsson, D, Skelleftea (SWE)
SKINNY: Some scouts believe he'll be better than last top Swedish defense prospect, Victor Hedman

6
Ottawa Senators
Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara (OHL)
SKINNY: Big, solid defenseman who can throw the body around; had great playoff run

7
Atlanta Thrashers
Ryan Strome, C, Niagara (OHL)
SKINNY: Leadership qualities complement his flashy offensive skills

8
Columbus Blue Jackets
Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)
SKINNY: The skilled forward dominated the QMJHL last two seasons

9
Boston Bruins (via TOR)
Sven Baertschi, LW, Portland (WHL)
SKINNY: Skilled forward with great hands, and a lot of fun to watch

10
Minnesota Wild
Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener (OHL)
SKINNY: Had 79 points in 63 games; he loves to pinch and add to the offense

11
Colorado Avalanche (via STL)
Daniel Catenacci, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
SKINNY: The dark horse of draft; will be next Michael Cammalleri

12
Carolina Hurricanes
Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon (WHL)
SKINNY: Reliable defenseman would be a good addition to a subpar Hurricanes blue line

13
Calgary Flames
Vladislav Namestnikov, C, London (OHL)
SKINNY: Flashy center will add youth, skill to aging offense

14
Dallas Stars
Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert (WHL)
SKINNY: Center had a big year, posting 81 points in 70 games

15
New York Rangers
Mark Scheifele, C, Barrie (OHL)
SKINNY: Had good numbers in first OHL season; led Canada forwards in scoring at World U-18s

16
Buffalo Sabres
Boone Jenner, C, Oshawa (OHL)
SKINNY: Big power forward would add size and offense up front

17
Montreal Canadiens
Zack Phillips, C, Saint John (QMJHL)
SKINNY: Was second on QMJHL's best team with 38 goals, 95 points in 67 games

18
Chicago Blackhawks
Tomas Jurco, RW, Saint John (QMJHL)
SKINNY: Ridiculous hands and imagination, would complement an already impressive group

19
Edmonton Oilers (via LAK)
Jamieson Oleksiak, D, Northeastern (HE)
SKINNY: Oilers in need of defense, and at 6-foot-7, 244 pounds, Oleksiak could turn some heads

20
Phoenix Coyotes
Christopher Gibson, G, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
SKINNY: A Finnish goalie with outstanding numbers -- need we say more?

21
Ottawa Senators (via NSH)
Mika Zibanejad, C, Djurgarden (SWE)
SKINNY: Sens in need of scoring, and Zibanejad is a forward with great hands

22
Anaheim Ducks
Scott Mayfield, D, Youngstown (USHL)
SKINNY: Gritty defenseman who can score and hit

23
Pittsburgh Penguins
Joseph Morrow, D, Portland (WHL)
SKINNY: Great puck-moving, offensive-minded defenseman could be a steal this late first round

24
Detroit Red Wings
Niklas Jensen, LW/RW, Oshawa (OHL)
SKINNY: Danish-born speedy forward would complement Wings' European contingent

25
Toronto Maple Leafs (via PHI)
Matthew Puempel, LW, Peterborough (OHL)
SKINNY: Sharp-shooting prospect, would look good in blue and white

26
Washington Capitals
John Gibson, G, USA U-18 (USHL)
SKINNY: Central Scouting's top-rated goalie; if available, will be crucial for Caps to pick up

27
Tampa Bay Lightning
Max Friberg, LW, Skovde (SWE-3)
SKINNY: The forward will be one of this draft's big surprises

28
Toronto Maple Leafs (via BOS)
Tyler Biggs, RW, USA U-18 (USHL)
SKINNY: Big, strong forward exactly the type of player GM Brian Burke loves

29
San Jose Sharks
Shane Prince, C, Ottawa (OHL)
SKINNY: Speedy forward impressed many at January's Top Prospects Game

30
Vancouver Canucks
Joel Armia, RW, Assat (FIN)
SKINNY: Offensive-minded forward could go higher; would complement Canucks' offense nicely