2020 MOCK DRAFT - ALEX MEDINA
Alex Medina takes a shot at predicting the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft
1. New York Rangers - Alexis Lafrenière - LW - Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
All the praise and hype for the left winger is warranted making him the consensus number-one pick. The elite skill, high hockey IQ and relentless style with a mix of physical play makes him a talent that will contribute right away with the Rangers. With a ridiculous 2.15 points-per-game average last season, Lafrenière gives them another lethal left winger and an overall franchise altering talent.
2. LA Kings - Tim Stützle- LW - Adler Mannheim (DEL)
The German brings a lot to the table with his skill and speed. Stützle plays an exciting fast-tempo game with the ability to make a play with his great passing and vision, to finishing them off with his superb shot. He sees the ice very well and has an ability to take the game into his own hands at an elite level. He can play at centre or the wing which opens up a lot of possibilities for the highly talented forward to go to work.
3. Ottawa Senators (via San Jose) - Quinton Byfield - C - Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Big, smooth skating and skilled. Byfield has the size teams love in a centreman standing at 6-foot-4 with the skill to back it all up as he compiled 86 points in just 46 games. It's not every day you see a player his size so quick and light on his feet and a possible duo of Byfield and Brady Tkachuk in the future would be deadly and cause headaches for opposing teams.
4. Detroit Red Wings - Marco Rossi - C - Ottawa 67's (OHL)
Don't let his size fool you, Rossi is the real deal. The OHL Player of the Year has arguably the best work ethic in the entire draft class, always making an impact in the game with his shot, passing and forecheck. The skill is there at a high level with 112 points in 68 games, the Austrian can do it all offensively and defensively he is a hound playing a full 200-foot game.
5. Ottawa Senators - Lucas Raymond - RW - Frölunda HC (SHL)
With two picks in the top 5, the Sens could take a defenceman but why not take the dynamic winger in Raymond. The Swede is an elite playmaker that forechecks hard and has a nose for getting into scoring areas. His shot will need some improvement but make no mistake, he is a wizard in the offensive end with the ability to play either wing making him a versatile threat.
6. Anaheim Ducks - Jamie Drysdale - D - Erie Otters (OHL)
Arguably the best defenceman in this year's draft class, Drysdale brings his smooth skating and high-end puck skills that will quarterback the Ducks powerplay for years and years. He is intelligent with the puck, always seeming to make the perfect play and with his smooth skating, he makes everything look so effortless.
7. New Jersey Devils - Alexander Holtz - RW - Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
Pure sniper, that's what Holz is and the perfect fit for the Devils in need of more scoring on the wing. He oozes with potential and arguably has the best shot in the entire draft class. He always places himself in the perfect spot for his teammates to find him and not afraid to get into the corners for battles. Holtz is also very good in keeping control of the puck but that lethal shot of his is something to always keep an eye for.
8. Buffalo Sabres - Anton Lundell - C - HIFK (Liiga)
Lundell saw his stock rise as the year went on and for good reason. He possesses a lot of skill with his ability to drive the play entering the zone but also takes pride in being a smart and reliable defensively. He plays a very mature game and does all the little things right making him any coaches dream prospect.
9. Minnesota Wild - Jake Sanderson - D - USA U-18 (NTDP)
First and foremost, Sanderson is a shutdown defender that takes care of his own end with ease. He collected 27 points this season showcasing he can chip in on offence although what the selling point for him is his ability to separate puck carriers off the puck. With solid skating and puck skills, the American isn't an offensive juggernaut on the backend but doesn't need to be already possessing a well-rounded game.
10. Winnipeg Jets - Cole Perfetti - C - Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Perfetti is a proven goal-scorer but offers so much more in his game. Although there isn't one area he excels in, that works to his benefit as he does everything so well at both ends of the rink. With 111 points, he finished second in scoring in the OHL, possessing a lethal shot and great playmaking. He will need a little more work on his skating but will be a key piece in a future Jets top-six role that needs depth at centre.
11. Nashville Predators - Jack Quinn - RW - Ottawa 67's (OHL)
The Preds are in need of more scoring and what better place to get that than with a 50-goal scorer in Quinn. He was a marksman last season with 52 goals and is a very well-rounded player that jumped from 32 to points in his first season with Ottawa to 80. He loves to dictate the control of pace and has the ability to beat defenders in a one-on-one situation. He has the potential to be a lethal sniper once he makes it to a main NHL roster.
12. Florida Panthers - Seth Jarvis - RW - Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Jarvis flew under the radar for most of the year, he was always featured in the first round of mock drafts but in my opinion never given the credit he deserves. Skill and tenacity is what he is all about and is electrifying whenever he steps onto the ice with his soft mitts and hard shot. He never backs away from the physical play even when he gives up a few inches and with 98 points is a proven offensive dynamo.
13. Carolina Hurricanes (via Toronto) - Iaroslav Asakrov - G - SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
Taking a look at the Hurricanes, they have a lot of good pieces everywhere but where they lack depth is in goal. Asakrov is as good as they come and while taking goalies in the first round can be tricky, he is worth it without question. A tough World Juniors hurt his stock a bit but is still an elite netminder that gives the 'Canes their goalie of the future. With no pressure to be NHL-ready right off the bat, it will give the Russian time to only develop more and become even better.
14. Edmonton Oilers - Dawson Mercer - C - Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
After taking defenders in the first round two years in a row, the Oilers would presumably look back on the offensive end and get a high-end talent here in Mercer. He can put the puck in the net scoring 24 goals but is primarily a smart playmaker. He makes timely passes with his great vision and has a calmness in his game in not forcing the issue.
15. Toronto Maple Leafs (via Pittsburgh) - Braden Schneider - D - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
It may be considered a reach at this point of the draft but the Leafs are in need of help on the backend and taking a hard-hitting, no nonsense defender in Schneider is the way to go. The 6-foot-2 rearguard had everyone keeping their head up when he was lurking around and although his bread and butter is shutting down players, he broke out for 42 points with Brandon last season after starting his career with 22 and 24 point seasons respectively.
16. Montreal Canadiens - Rodion Amirov - LW - Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)
The winger impressed scouts with his silky soft mitts, quick speed and a very capable shot. With Habs set at centre for years to come, Amarov would be a nice piece for them to pair up with Kotkaniemi or Suzuki, being comfortable on and off the puck and although he struggled transitioning from junior to the KHL, he will gain the confidence and maturity needed that will see him succeed once he makes the jump to the NHL.
17. Chicago Blackhawks - Dylan Holloway - C - University of Wisconsin - (NCAA)
A solid two-way centreman with a dangerous shot, Holloway would provide the Blackhawks with more skill in their forward ranks while being able to play in all situations. He plays a big game in not being afraid to throw the body while using his excellent skating to burst into transition from defence to offence or vice versa. Despite just 17 points, he is capable of being an offensive threat as proven with an 88-point season with the Okotoks Oilers the year before.
18. New Jersey Devils (via Arizona) - Connor Zary - C - Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
In terms of taking over a game, Zary has that wow factor with the ability to take matters into his own hands to score a big goal or draw defenders around him with the vision to then set up his teammates. With 80 points, Zary was a huge reason why the Blazers were a heavy favourite in the 'Dub this past season. He is strong in all three zones with great skating and a crazy-high ceiling.
19. Calgary Flames - Noel Gunler - RW - Luleå (SHL)
A quick and lethal shot with the potential to develop into a top scorer in the league. Gunler is an offensive threat every time he touches the puck that leaves defenders and goaltenders guessing with his quick movement seamlessly needing two strides to blow by the opposition with a knack for finishing off plays. He also possesses great vision but his shot is his bread and butter - one of the best in the draft with the power behind his quick release.
20. New Jersey Devils (via Tampa Bay, via Vancouver) - Kaiden Guhle - D - Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
The third and final pick in the first round for the Devils sees them adding a workhorse on the blueline. A former first overall Bantam Draft pick, Guhle has delivered for the Raiders blossoming into their top defender at just 17. He can play in all situations with his ability to quickly make the first pass out of the zone, shutting down top lines and an ability to jump into the rush. With 40 points this past season, Guhle will only continue to trend upwards as he matures.
21. Columbus Blue Jackets - Hendrix Lapierre - C - Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
A highly skilled playmaker with excellent vision, Lapierre was on track for a great season until injury struck seeing him finish with 17 points in 19 contests. He's a very shifty player who generates a lot of attention while leading the rush which he takes advantage of to find the open man without forcing a play or making a bad pass. Once back healthy, look for him to pick up where he left off with his offensive production during the 2018-19 season when he tallied 48 points in 45 games.
22. New York Rangers (via Carolina) - Mavrik Bourque - C - Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Bourque would make the most out of the pick for the Rangers, as he averaged well over a point-a-game with 71 in 49 tilts, showing great poise and patience with the puck to drive the play. He has an eye to pick his spots in finding holes in the defence and overall highly skilled offensively.
23. Philadelphia Flyers - Jacob Perreault - RW - Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Despite being on a club that only mustered 22 wins and finished last in their conference, that didn't stop Perrault from making an impact with 70 points - highlighted with 39 goals. He has vastly improved his skating which he used to his benefit, being at most dangerous in transition with the puck on his stick leaving defenders guessing if he'll take it himself or use his great vision to set teammates up.
24. Washington Capitals - John-Jason Peterka - LW - EHC München (DEL)
The Caps have an eye for adding talent and that trend will continue, and in my opinion adding Peterka is the way to go. With the ability to play on either wing, the great thing about Peterka is that he is just as dangerous without the puck as he is with it. His offensive awareness is through the roof. Pair his talent with the already stacked forward group, it's a match made in heaven.
25. Colorado Avalanche - Jan Myšák - C/LW - Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
After coming over from the Czech Republic, Myšák exploded for 25 points highlighted by 15 goals in 22 games for the Bulldogs this past season. He thinks the game extremely well and pairing that with his solid puck skills makes for a dangerous combo. He isn't afraid to crash the net and is effective in every offensive category more often than not making a play with each shift.
26. St. Louis Blues - Helge Grans - D - Malmö Redhawks (SHL)
A right-handed defender with an offensive mind, hard to pass that up. Grans has the big frame and backs it up with a quick first stride to easily get the puck out of his own end, take it up himself, or take the extra second to make the breakout pass. He thinks the game at a high level, seeming to be one or two steps ahead being and also very reliable in his own end with a smothering presence.
27. Anaheim Ducks (via Boston) - Tyson Foerster - C - Barrie Colts (OHL)
From 23 points to 80, Foerester caught the attention of everyone with his drastic 57-point improvement and for good reason. He plays a relentless game spotlighted with his great stickhandling and passing, while also creating space for himself with his lateral movement. He has a nice scoring touch and competes hard to find open space when the puck isn't on his tape. It wasn't by luck that he was on a tear all season.
28. Ottawa Senators (via New York Islanders) - William Wallinder - D - MODO Hockey J20 (SuperElit)
Standing already at 6-foot-4, Wallinder brings a lot to the table than just his size including his calmness with the puck. He reads the play very well at both ends of the rink and has made big strides in polishing his offensive game with 24 points in 37 contests. He has soft mitts for a big man and with his skill set there is a ton of potential for him to develop into a strong two-way defender.
29. Vegas Golden Knights - Brendan Brisson - C - Chicago Steel (USHL)
The speedy centreman has ridiculous foot speed, blowing by defenders or winning loose pucks which he then capitalizes on with his great shot. He creates numerous scoring opportunities with his vision and playmaking skills while also having the eye for finding open space to support the puck handler. With 59 points last season, those numbers will only continue to climb
30. Dallas Stars - Marat Khusnutdinov - C - SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)
The motor on this kid is insane. The Russian plays the game at a very high pace with every shift and has great puck handling - also being very smart in protecting the puck while looking for a play. He can play in all situations and his wheels opens time and space for himself which he is able to do very consistently. Finishing last season with 38 points in 44 tilts, there's a lot to like about his overall offensive game.
31. San Jose Sharks (via Tampa Bay) - Lukas Reichel - LW - Eisbären Berlin (DEL)
To close out the first round, the Sharks will look to make the most of their pick and Reichel is that guy to have them leave day one more than happy. The winger possesses silky hands and a high level of confidence with the puck on his stick in heavy traffic or with time and space. He's not afraid to get into puck battles always looking to win it back. He plays a solid mature game seeming to always make the right play at the right time.
Torie Peterson's Mock Draft
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Ryan Dittrick's Mock Draft
