5. Akil Thomas, Niagara (OHL)NHL Central Scouting: No. 15 (North American skaters)
The right-handed shot had 81 points (22 goals, 59 assists), 32 power-play points (six goals, 26 assists) and was 53 percent on face-offs in 68 games for the IceDogs. Thomas (5-11, 171) looks to become the 11th black player chosen in the first round of the NHL draft in the past 13 years; the most recent is defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph at No. 23 to the Arizona Coyotes in 2017. Thomas, 18, offers a great wrist shot and wants to be a difference-maker each shift.
6. Ryan McLeod, Mississauga (OHL)NHL Central Scouting: No. 16 (North American skaters)
McLeod (6-2, 206) has deceptive speed and arguably is one of the best passers available in the draft. He had 70 points (26 goals, 44 assists), six power-play goals, and was 54 percent on face-offs in 68 games for the Steelheads. The 18-year-old brother of New Jersey Devils forward prospect Michael McLeod is reliable and smart away from the puck.
7. Jacob Olofsson, Timra (SWE)NHL Central Scouting: No. 9 (International skaters)
Olofsson (6-2, 189) had 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 43 regular-season games, and four points (three goals, one assist) in 10 playoff games for Timra in Allsvenskan to help promote the club to the SHL in 2018-19. The 18-year-old is strong, has good acceleration, and is a calm and confident two-way forward.
8. Rasmus Kupari, Karpat (FIN)NHL Central Scouting: No. 11 (International skaters)
Kupari (6-2, 189) had 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 39 games for Karpat in Liiga, and represented Finland at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship. A strong skater with good offensive instincts and creativity. Karpat coach Mikko Manner said the 18-year-old "is a mix of Jesse Puljujarvi (Edmonton Oilers) and Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes)."
9. Ty Dellandrea, C, Flint (OHL)NHL Central Scouting: No. 25 (North American skaters)
Dellandrea (6-0, 184) was Flint's top offensive weapon, scoring 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists) in 67 games. The 17-year-old has plenty of speed, scoring ability and puck pursuit. He led the Firebirds in goals, power-play goals (10) and shots on goal (239), and was 50.6 percent on face-offs.
10. Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Halifax (QMJHL)NHL Central Scouting: No. 20 (North American skaters)
Groulx (6-1, 193) had 55 points (28 goals, 27 assists), eight power-play goals, and was 50.6 percent on face-offs (680-for-1,345). He is the son of Benoit Groulx, coach of Syracuse of the American Hockey League, the affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 18-year-old competes hard, has good vision, is strong below the dots and skates to the tough areas to make plays.