2025 7 Round Mock Draft

[bdn00707]

LONG READ First four rounds. 2nd post will have the final

Thanks for viewing my mock draft for the 2025 class. It took a lot of work and I would appreciate any feedback. I tried to pick based on ranking and team needs and tried my best to be realistic. I did not include trades because that would have caused a few more headaches. These write ups were done using my own research both articles and youtube/twitter videos. I found sites like Eliteprospects, RecruitScouting, Upside Hockey, FCHockey and many more super helpful. Check them out if you haven’t. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about these prospects and look forward to seeing them in the future.

First Round

1. New York Islanders
   
   Matthew Schaefer #48
   LHD 6’2” 183 lbs OHL Erie
   
   -One of the best skaters, especially for a defenseman, in recent years. Fantastic work rate and hockey sense in all 3 zones of the ice. Schaefer has the makings of an elite puck moving two way defenseman. Can take over games. Plays both special teams exceptionally. Uses his intelligence to marshall forwards with elite stick work and drive up ice. Confidence is always sky high. Mature head on his shoulders and has battled personal challenges on his way to a top prospect. Got injured in the World Juniors but still did enough to show why he’s a worthy number 1 pick. Most complete player in the draft by far. Number one defenseman who can drive and control play like he can are worth their weight in gold. Islanders get their future defensive stud to usher in a new era.
2. San Jose Sharks
   
   Michael Misa #77
   C (L) 6’1” 185 lbs OHL Saginaw
   
   -If you need points he’s the pick. Misa had exceptional status from a young age. Offensively gifted in almost every facet. He is a strong skater and excels at putting the puck in the back of the net off the rush. His searing pace allows him to perform crossovers and stick handles at high speeds and toast defenders. Wicked release on his shot. Wants the puck and goes everywhere to get it. Will physically engage and drive the net. He doesn’t shy away from the defensive side of the game either and projects as a point producing center at the next level. Misa has torched the OHL all year and won MVP of the whole league. He is a serious talent who’s been breaking records for a while now. Even though they’d love a defenseman, Sharks take the top forward in the draft adding to Grier’s overflowing elite prospect group.
   
   
3. Chicago Blackhawks
   
   Anton Frondell #14
   C (L) 6’1” 196 lbs Allsvenskan Djurgardens
   
   -Pro-style center who has battled some injuries this year. Exploded in the second half of the season. Protects the puck well and has a strong two way game. Physical when needed and doesn’t shy away from contact in the defensive and neutral zones. Shows exemplary positioning and hockey IQ to be in the right spots as well as find his teammates with great touch passes. Has an NHL release and excites with a wicked one timer on the powerplay. Is one of the top snipers of the draft and is a threat from anywhere on the ice. Could get quicker off the blocks with his skating and there are also some who believe he will be better suited for the wing. Top European player this year. Chicago has a big choice of forwards here and always seem to prioritize skating. They go with Frondell over Desnoyers/Hagens because he brings much needed size and scoring to help superstar Bedard.
   
   
4. Utah Mammoth
   
   Caleb Desnoyers #18
   C (L) 6’2” 178 lbs QMJHL Moncton
   
   -Has the build of a pro and uses that to great effect in the Q. A true two way player who tilts the ice in his favor in all situations. His read of the game is truly top level and this makes him one of the better defensive forwards in the class. He also was the highest scorer on his team by a wide margin, Desnoyers has been one of the biggest risers this season. He has played himself into a top 10 spot with his motor and show of offensive force especially come playoff time. Desnoyers has a creative mindset and uses his size and skating to rack up points. Impressive vision of the ice in the offensive zone. Smart playmaker and has a crafty shot to boot. Could work on his explosiveness and maybe stickhandling but projects to be a top center who will impact the game night in and night out. Utah gets the consistent Desnoyers thanks to lottery luck. A wrist injury hurt him late in the year but Desnoyers is a player that you win with. Centers continue to be a hot commodity with high picks.
   
   
5. Nashville Predators
   
   James Hagens #10
   C 5’11” (L) 176 lbs NCAA Boston College
   
   -Top playmaker in the draft. The awareness is off the charts. Sublime offensive skills and top line potential. Has a strong two-way game with a high hockey IQ. Cerebral vision and creativity. Can drive a line all by himself or can complement other elite players. Fantastic, elite release on his shot. Supreme skater. Agile and has the puck on a string and can be a gamewrecker. Was one of the catalysts for the Gold Medal winning US squad at World Juniors. Had huge expectations trying to replace Will Smith at Boston College which I think actually hampered his NCAA production. Still a top, top player in this draft and could be a bit underrated by this point. Predators stop his mini slide and finally get an elite center high in the draft. I will be surprised if he goes lower than this.
   
   
6. Philadelphia Flyers
   
   Porter Martone #94
   RW (R) 6’3” 207 lbs OHL Brampton
   
   -Wrecking ball of a forward. Physically imposing winger with a pro build who GMs will salivate over. He is a scoring machine and doesn’t back down from anyone. Can score goals in all sorts of ways and possesses an NHL ready shot. Plays like a long lost Tkachuk brother when he wants to. Has the skills to make high end plays and can involve others on his line. His vision and playmaking skills are somehow underrated as his IQ enables him to gel with all types of forwards. His skating is sluggish at times but shouldn’t deter teams from making him one of the top picks of the draft. I know Danny Briere and company desperately want centers but they can’t pass on Martone. He is comfortably a top 4 talent in this class who only slips due to his position and skating. Plays like a Flyer and replaces a little bit of the same swagger they lost when Cutter Gauthier left.
   
   
7. Boston Bruins
   
   Jake O’Brien #44
   C (R) 6’2” 172 lbs OHL Brantford
   
   -O’Brien has grown into his game as the year has gone on. Elite Passer. He has performed well as a playmaker and facilitator for Brantford. Performs difficult passes and split second decision making because of his high hockey IQ. His puck handling is so smooth and he always seems to be in control. O’Brien also has a budding two way game and he shows the willingness to engage in battles all over the ice. When he gets stronger and fills out his body the two way game will shine. His skating could use some refinement but he looks to be a safe bet to grow into a top 6 forward in the pros. Boston select a young, high upside center to lead a new era of talent.
   
   
8. Seattle Kraken
   
   Radim Mrtka #6
   RHD 6’6” 207 lbs WHL Seattle
   
   -Hulking, imposing defender from Czechia. Mrtka transitioned to the WHL midway through the season and is learning how to use his size on the smaller ice. His positioning and hockey sense are excellent and he shows enough poise with the puck to be an effective distributor. The puck transition skill has started to show up more and more which adds even more to his game. He already shines defensively with his powerful frame and reach. He is a shutdown defender who will be one of the top D selected. Still lots of runway to grow and profiles as a player with massive amounts of potential. Rare blend of size, power and skill. RHDs with his size and skill usually are coveted during draft day. Former GM Ron Francis didn’t believe in drafting defense in the first round but I think that changes this year now that Botterill is GM. Kraken’s first ever D picked in the first will be Mrtka who has plied his trade right in there backyard. Mrtka can be a foundational piece of the defense and a leader for years to come.
   
   
9. Buffalo Sabres
   
   Brady Martin #44
   C (R) 6’0” 178 lbs OHL Soo Greyhounds
   
   -Martin has risen up draft boards for his physical, hard working style at a premier position. He has an excellent shot and is an extremely hard working player. Has no problem doing the heavy lifting in the defensive zone and separating the body from the puck. Probably the best bodychecker in the draft. He has adequate skating mechanics and shows some creativity when he has the time on the puck. He matches some skill with his tenacity and looks to be a middle six center in the show. Plays big minutes in all situations for Soo. Excellent at the U18s and certainly looks like a promising prospect. The Sabres snag the biggest riser in Martin as he is something there pool lacks. A true power forward; Martin brings an important toughness element that this team lacks. If they are to ever make the playoffs, Martin is the type of player they need to do it.
   
   
10. Anaheim Ducks
    
    Roger McQueen #13
    C (R) 6’5” 197 lbs WHL Brandon
    
    -Has been out with a back injury for awhile so that may cause some concerns. The fear is that the injury will require constant treatment. McQueen is a monster of a center that has all the makings of a powerful pivot in the NHL. Towers above his opponents but also has the skill to play with finesse. His playmaking, stickhandling and fantastic shot showcase an exciting prospect. His hands are incredible for a player so large. Needs to work on his skating which is very common for players of his ilk. GMs always draft size high and he may become another unicorn in the NHL much like Tage Thompson or Quinton Byfield. The combine eased many of his injury fears as he was able to do most of the workouts without limitations. GM Pat Verbeek loves size in his draft picks and they run to the podium if McQueen is still available. Anaheim has a ton of forwards but if his medical problems subside he could be one of the top forwards of the class.
    
    
11. Pittsburgh Penguins
    
    Viktor Eklund #38
    LW (R) 5’11” 161 lbs Allsvenskan Djurgardens
    -Slight, but skilled forward who has great attacking instincts and a playmaker's touch on the puck. Boasts fantastic agility on his edges and skating. Motors around the ice confidently and gets his wicked shot on net in a variety of ways. Drives to the net all game. One of the smartest forwards of his generation and uses it to great effect to deceive defenders. Tough customer who gives defenders fits. Could get stronger but looks to be one of the top players from Sweden this year. Arguably, just as good of a prospect as his brother was. Pittsburgh needs talent everywhere and get the top player on the board. Eklund will fit in well and his drive will endear him to Penguins fans.
    
    
12. New York Rangers
    Jackson Smith #7
    LHD 6’3” 195 lbs WHL Tri-City
    -Powerfully built LHD who uses his strong skating ability to dictate play. Can maneuver with the best skating forwards and keep them at bay. He is athletic and looks to be one of the top defenders in the class. Has a great ability to walk the point and loves to attack off the rush. An important puck mover he can do all the things top modern defenseman have to do. He can log heavy minutes and can shutdown opposing forwards and quickly spring attacks. Smith can work on his decision making/consistency but his physical ability is there to become a great NHL defender. Rangers fill a need with Smith and add an important piece to the puzzle.
    
    
13. Detroit Red Wings
    
    Carter Bear #11
    LW/C (L) 6’0” 176 lbs WHL Everett
    
    -One of the hardest working, physical players in the draft class. Will do whatever he can to win. Can drag his teammates into the fight and wills his team through the tough parts of the ice. Bear brings it every night and brings more to the table than just scoring. His plus level shot fools goalies and his playmaking skills have improved as the season has gone on. Not a strong threat off the rush he scores a lot of his points close to the net. He hounds opposing players and can play on the penalty kill just further improving his value. Projects as an all situations winger who will be a pest to opponents but teammates will love him. The achilles injury absolutely complicates things and makes his draft position murky. Stevie Y gets an all situations forward with high upside. If his medicals look clean he will be an important fixture in Red Wings lineups.
    
    
14. Columbus Blue Jackets
    
    Lynden Lakovic #17
    LW (L) 6’4” 190 lbs WHL Moose Jaw
    
    -Offensive dynamo out in the WHL. Lakovic brings size, speed and skill to the forefront of his game. He has all the offensive tools needed to be an impact player in the NHL. His stride is fluid and he can beat defenders for pace. His shot is a weapon he should use more as the whip generated by his frame blows it by goalies. Lakovic possesses a great array of stickhandling and dekes. If the game was purely played in the offensive zone he would be a top 5 pick. His size and skill is a tantalizing prospect for GMs to acquire. His consistency and his awareness in his own zone need to improve. He is lackadaisical and is prone to switching off on the backcheck or along the boards. Late season riser with his frame and potential offensive talents. CBJ like Lakovic as he is BPA and surely won’t make it to there next pick. High potential.
15. Vancouver Canucks
    
    Braeden Cootes #86
    C (R) 5’11” 183 lbs WHL Seattle
    
    -Aggressive player who plays hard and fast. Doesn’t take any shifts off and is willing to do the dirty work in his own zone. Strong penalty killer who pays attention to the details such as faceoffs and blocked shots. I think he plays similar to Carter Bear but does not possess the offensive ceiling. His stickhandling and passing is quick and precise especially on the rush. Showed well as a playmaker at the U18s highlighting a potential offensive flair. Very smart player who understands angles and positioning in all 3 zones. Cootes is a hard worker that teams will love. Looks to be an effective middle 6 center who will be a fan favorite. Vancouver grabs a major need at center.
    
    
16. Montreal Canadiens
    
    Justin Carbonneau #8
    RW (R) 6’1” 191 lbs QMJHL Blainville-Boisbriand
    
    -Offensively gifted winger from the Q. Dynamic offensive threat. Carbonneau has a bag of tricks and uses his natural puck skills to dance around defenders. He has excellent vision and a plus level shot that he uses to great effect. The release is powerful and rapid off the blade. His playmaking abilities are up there at the top of the draft class. The thing that sets Justin apart is the ability to execute at a high pace. Justin projects as a point producer and has a lot of high end traits that GMs look for in star wingers. His stock is rising and he may be drafted higher. Bit of a homer pick but Montreal grabs the local kid. Easy to root for and could be a star in the future with all the other great Montreal talents. Figured they are looking for a center but chance to go forward then dman is a logical choice.
    
    
17. Montreal Canadiens
    Logan Hensler #6
    RHD 6’2” 196 lbs NCAA Wisconsin
    -Two way defenseman who leans more into his offensive game. A physical player with strong skating in all directions as well as strong positioning in his zone. Excels defending against the rush. A workhorse who plays big minutes for Wisconsin and can lead many transition phases with great outlet passes. The one knock on Hensler is he doesn't produce much in terms of points and doesn’t activate in the offensive zone nearly enough. His puck movement and puck skills don’t show up often enough. The talent could be there though he likely tops out as a top 4 Defenseman with a more dynamic partner. Debated Aitcheson here but Montreal goes for the right handed Hensler. The LHD group is crowded and Hensler will have a clearer path to the NHL roster.
    
    
18. Calgary Flames
    Cole Reschny #7
    C/LW (L) 5’11” 183 lbs WHL Victoria
    -Intelligent forward who uses positioning and strong hockey sense to impact the game. Rechny doesn't have the physical makeup of some other prospects but his smarts elevate his game. Quick, fast twitch hands and a natural shot. Always seems to be able to make the right pass to teammates. He is diligent defensively and tracks opponents well on the forecheck and backcheck. Could become the Victoria Royals first ever first round pick. Needs to improve his skating speed. Cole was lights out in the second half of the season as well as the playoffs and will likely be a much higher pick come draft day. Flames need skill especially in the middle of the ice. If Reschny sticks to center this is a home run pick.
    
    
19. St. Louis Blues
    Kashawn Aitcheson #77
    LHD 6’2” 196 lbs OHL Barrie
    -Aggressive defender who plays on the edge. Aitcheson plays workhorse minutes for Barrie and also is the one usually setting the tone with a big hit or scrum. He has no problem scrapping other tough guys and is a good fighter. He has a strong skating technique and reads the game well on the defensive side. Aitcheson has a good enough first pass but his offensive game is defined by a nice point shot. Scores a lot of goals which is surprising for a player like him. He likely develops into a physical, top 4 defenseman who is a pain to play against. GMs always look for top players who can defend their teammates when called upon. A little slide for Aitcheson and the Blues take advantage. He is a perfect fit for there prospect pool as he fills a need with his toughness and mentality.
    
    
20. Columbus Blue Jackets
    Cameron Reid #18
    LHD 6’0” 174 lbs OHL Kitchener
    -Excellent skater and a well rounded defenseman who doesn’t have many flaws. Reid can defend well in all areas of the ice and uses his excellent edgework and agility to rarely get beat one on one. One of the more skilled defenders and has exciting offensive potential. He can walk the point on the powerplay and evades forecheckers with ease when bringing the puck out. Passing range is superb and is intelligent in his positioning on both ends. Very smart player who thinks the game at a high level. Competes well and if he was a little bigger he would be one of the first defenseman taken. Could put up more points to prove his offensive talents will blossom. Blue Jackets shore up the defensive pool with there second pick. Reid can run future powerplays.
    
    
21. Ottawa Senators
    Malcolm Spence #17
    LW (L) 6’1” 203 lbs OHL Erie
    -Leader of men. High character guy who doesn’t take plays off on both ends of the rink. Spence has a pro ready frame and plays a physical brand of hockey. He is athletic, a strong skater and has a hard, accurate shot. Gets involved in all situations. He isn’t the best playmaker or very creative on the puck but plays an effective north/south game. Projects as a finisher on a line but looks to be a high floor guy instead of a superstar ceiling. Ottawa goes BPA and Spence can mesh with other high skill guys. He will be invaluable in future playoffs for his ability to go up and down the lineup.
    
    
22. Philadelphia Flyers
    Jack Nesbitt #71
    C (L) 6’4” 183 lbs OHL Windsor
    -Powerful center who has the size and makeup that GMs want. Nesbitt uses his frame to shield the puck and make plays or draw penalties. His stickhandling and skating are adequate and enable him to get a nice wrist shot on net. Nesbitt has the hand to wreak havoc in front of the net. Could do more as a playmaker and setting up teammates. He can play physical if it is required and has no problem defending teammates with a scrap. Defensively, he is active and uses his reach/size to disrupt opponents. He projects as a matchup nightmare and middle 6 center who can play up with skilled linemates. Excellent at faceoffs. He needs to improve his finishing and acceleration to reach his potential. Flyers fill a need with another big bodied forward that plays with the old school Philly mentality.
    
    
23. Nashville Predators
    Ben Kindel #11
    RW (R) 5’10” 176 lbs WHL Calgary
    -Intelligent, versatile forward who is the engine for Calgary’s attacks. Kindel is slight, but is a good enough skater and sees the ice well to set up teammates. Methodical and knows the weaknesses of his opponents. He is great in transition where he can space out defenders and attack the space. His timing is always excellent and he arrives at the right spot more often than not. Kindel can play both the playmaker or finisher role and is above average in both. He is impressive in tight quarters and always seems to be a few steps ahead of the play. Works hard in all 3 zones and will skate himself into the ground for the team. Predators go BPA with the skilled Kindel.
    
    
24. Los Angeles Kings
    Sascha Boumedienne #78
    LHD 6’2” 183 lbs NCAA Boston
    -One of the youngest players in college hockey. Boumedienne is at his best when he sees the ice and makes great stretch passes. Excellent skater. He has high offensive instincts and can create at the point or off the rush. Defensively, he needs to be more consistent like any young defender. There’s some games where he shows some snarl and physicality and others where he looks passive and timid. Could get a bit more explosive off the jump as well. Has a high ceiling if he hits but will take some time. The growth shown later into the season as well as U18 Worlds show an exciting potential. Kings fill a need with Boumedienne. He and Brandt Clarke will be the eventual replacements for the dependable Drew Doughty.
    
    
25. Chicago Blackhawks
    Milton Gastrin #20/49
    C (L) 6’1” 185 lbs J20 MoDo
    -Two-way center who is the captain of the national teams he plays on. Gastrin is one of the best faceoff takers in the draft and is well rounded on both ends of the ice. Matches up with the opponents best lines and shuts them down with a gritty, competitive game. He elevates his teammates and has a great skating technique to keep up with opposing forwards. Can play both special teams. He’s a north/south player that can contribute offensively but will not be a huge point producer. Could work on his creativity and develop his shot but he can perform with other talented wingers. Projects as a shutdown middle 6 center who can gel with all sorts of linemates. Chicago continues to shore up the center pipeline with another Swede alongside Frondell. He is a competitive center that good teams need.
    
    
26. Nashville Predators
    Joshua Ravensbergen #31
    G 6’5” 192 lbs WHL Prince George
    -The top goalie this year. Southpaw goalie which is a unique look. Ravensbergen has ideal NHL size and athletic ability. Can challenge shooters based on his size and anticipates where the play is heading next. Explosive from side to side with fast reactions. Has the range and fluid of motion that makes it seem like he can cover the whole net. He is aggressive with shooters but his calm demeanor allows him to focus and read plays. Might not have the best numbers this year but has exciting potential to put it all together and be a #1 goalie. Highest ceiling out of all the goalies which is why he’s the first off the board. A year after trading away Yaroslav Askarov. The Predators take another first round goalie whose timeline better fits current starter Saros. With multiple first round picks, the Preds can make a riskier pick by grabbing a goalie.
    
    
27. Washington Capitals
    Cullen Potter #12
    LW (L) 5’10” 168 lbs NCAA Arizona St.
    -Joined NCAA hockey early which is a sign of his skill level. Perhaps the fastest player in the class. Potter is an energizer bunny that wheels around the ice attacking all 3 zones. Superb skater that can completely change direction very quickly. He has a quick release and great hands to use to finish near the net or beat defenders with a clean deke. Can drive play and has done so with not a lot of talent around him at Arizona St. Is a transition machine. The big thing holding him back is his size. He’s a demon on the rush but if he plays the cycle he can get squeezed out. He gets pushed off the puck and physically dominated at some points. Unfortunately, this will slide him down in the draft but the offensive wizardry is hard to ignore. Capitals target upside and it’s hard to do much better than Potter. His skating is next level and will be an injection of pace into a traditionally slower team.
    
    
28. Winnipeg Jets
    Blake Fiddler #3
    RHD 6’4” 209 lbs WHL Edmonton
    -Son of Vernon Fiddler. Responsible two way defenseman who is one of the top shutdown guys this year. Retrieves pucks with ease and can get out of tricky situations in his own zone. Good on the penalty kill and uses his reach and hockey sense to separate forwards from the puck. Excellent breakouts both with the puck or with a long stretch pass. Offensively he possesses good offensive awareness but hasn’t put up a lot of points yet. Lots of potential here and if he puts it all together could be a top defender. Jets need a defender and scoop up Fiddler. Fits a need and is probably one of the top players on the board still.
    
    
29. Carolina Hurricanes
    Jakob Ihs-Wozniak #17/71
    LW (R) 6’3” 184 lbs SHL Lulea
    -Fell a bit from earlier in the year but he is still a very skilled player that has the tools to be an impact top 6 winger if he irons out his deficiencies. Has the size and puck skills to be a power winger. His positioning in the offensive zone is great. Wozniak has great hands in tight and a quality, rapid release on his shot. Can make plays. Machine on the power play. His finishing is his best attribute but he has a few things he can work on. His skating is weak and his compete level varies. He plays at a slow pace and his languid movements slow the game down too much to make an impact. Although he has been good defensively he needs to play with consistent effort. Canes get more scoring into the system.
    
    
30. San Jose Sharks
    Henry Brzustewicz #2
    RHD 6’1” 194 lbs OHL London
    -Plays for a stacked London Knights blueline in the OHL. Brzustewicz has the build of a pro level defender and has the skating to back it up. Loves to jump up on the rush and activate in the offensive zone. The puck retrievals and breakouts are high end. Defensively he can stick with opponents with his size, physicality and skating. He clears the front of the net with ease and has a bit of a nasty side. Offensively, he hasn’t had much ice time to make an impact but has untapped potential. I think his brother Hunter also contributes to a high ranking because he was a similar prospect and exploded after his draft year. Needs to improve his handling of the puck. Sharks address defensive needs with a teammate of top prospect Dickinson.
    
    
31. Philadelphia Flyers
    Bill Zonnon #6
    LW/C (L) 6’2” 185 lbs QMJHL Rouyn-Noranda
    -High effort, physical forward that needs some fine tuning. Zonnon is a physical specimen who crushes athletic testing and always puts a shift in. His skating needs some refinement but he has good speed and puck skills to showcase some potential. Plays with speed. Has a hard shot and wins battles all over the ice. The growth will be interesting to see as he could still round out his frame and continue to grow his playmaking chops. He is a consistent, high floor player that could show potential to merit a very high selection. Flyers grab the best forward available and the fact Zonnon has shown some potential to play center is a plus.
    
    
32. Calgary Flames
    Jack Murtagh #9
    LW/C (L) 6’1” 200 lbs USDP
    -Probably the best player from the development program this year. Late birthday with a lot of room to grow. Murtagh is a shoot first forward with strong hands and puck handling. Plays a hard nosed game to get to areas on the ice to get his shot off. Needs to bulk up and continue to get stronger on his skates. His skating is excellent and his playmaking/passing is something he is noticeably working on to get better. Can play center but he is an offense first player who has traits of being a point producing winger at the next level. Heading to BU. With the last pick of the first, Flames grab a potential stud from the program.
    
    2nd Round
    
    
33. San Jose Sharks
    Kurban Limatov #55
    LHD 6’3” 198 lbs MHL Dynamo Moskva
    -Probably the best prospect playing over in Russia. Limatov is a fantastic skater for his size. His skating is similar to highly touted Russian defensive prospects Simashev and Silayev from the past couple years. Limatov isn’t close to them in his total package though. He does well in the offensive zone and when to pick his chances to attack. Can really move with the puck and has confidence in himself to make tough passes. He struggles and has lapses defensively. He can get over aggressive at times and try to lay a big check at inopportune times. A project pick as he has great physical tools but definitely has to improve in the defensive end to have any real shot at making a major impact in his pro career. Sharks nab another high upside defender with the first pick of the second round.
    
    
34. Chicago Blackhawks
    Vaclav Nestrasil #24
    RW (R) 6’5” 190 lbs USHL Muskegon
    -Powerful winger who plays as a power forward in the USHL. Uses his frame to dominate in front of the net. Has a great shot that he uses to great effect as he can get his frame behind and torque it. He controls the puck on a string and uses his body to shield it effectively. Nestrasil has exciting offensive potential but doesn’t back away from the defensive details either. He is an effective forechecker and has performed admirably on the penalty kill this season. Can work on staying engaged constantly as well as his explosiveness with his first step. With the right development Nestrasil has one of the higher ceilings in the second round. The Hawks have scouted Nestrasil extensively and keep adding pieces to there young studs up front.
    
    
35. Nashville Predators
    William Moore #14
    C (L) 6’2” 161 lbs USDP
    -Powerful center who had high expectations coming into the year. Hasn’t performed as well this year due to himself and a poor USDP team but still could go late in the first round/early second. Moore has great playmaking ability but needs to produce more to be a higher pick. The puck skills are high end and he is slick with the stickhandling and passing. Moore bulldozes his way around the ice and has the creativity to make things happen. Very smooth, technical player. He has a strong shot and is an okay skater but sometimes looks passive and disinterested in the play. Project player who is committed to Boston College.
    
    
36. Philadelphia Flyers
    Ivan Ryabkin #10/17/18
    C (L) 6’0” 201 lbs USHL Muskegon
    -The top Russian prospect this year is a tough one to figure out. Destroyed last year and was getting compared to mega prospects Michkov and Demidov. He started this year in the MHL but looked like he absolutely did not want to be there. He was lazy and disinterested while just skating around refusing to engage or make plays. Got healthy scratched some games. In the USHL we see glimpses of his immense talent and he’s everything you want from a playmaking center. He has a creative genius on the puck and is one of the top playmakers this year. Makes plays other players simply can’t. He has a fantastic shot and is willing to engage physically when he’s in the mood. Needs to be more consistent and prove his mentality but could be a steal of a pick if he slips. His aggressiveness and physicality has been too much in the USHL as he has racked up penalty minutes at an alarming rate. The Flyers make too much sense as they have loads of picks to gamble with and a growing Russian contingent. Ryabkin has too much skill to pass over and they will deal with any potential headaches for the possibility of him linking up with Michkov.
    
    
37. Washington Capitals
    Pyotr Andreyanov #64
    G 6’1” 207 lbs MHL Krasnaya Armiya Moskva
    -Smallish goalie but has long been hyped as a future star over in Russia. Andreyanov is an aggressive goaltender who is quick laterally and has a lot of faith in his lightning quick reflexes and agility. He has a strong glove hand and can make jaw dropping saves with great athletic ability. Has a high IQ in net and his positioning has continued to improve. He reads the game incredibly well. He can work on his rebound control as well as his ability to fight through traffic in front. Washington could use a goalie in the system and grab the top rated international netminder in Andreyanov.
    
    
38. Seattle Kraken
    Shane Vansaghi #23
    RW (R) 6’2” 216 lbs NCAA Michigan St.
    -Power forward who plays a physical game and loves to hit hard and initiate contact. Bullies people on the ice. Also shows strong offensive smarts and awareness. Needs to score more to rise up the rankings but his shot is high quality. Loves to park in front of the net and cause havoc with opposing defenseman. He is strong defensively and is a high energy player in all areas of the ice. His skating will need a lot of work as his stride is heavy and acceleration is weak. One of the top athletes in the class as shown at the combine. Seattle get the physical forward in the second.
    
    
39. Buffalo Sabres
    Alexander Zharovsky #88
    RW (L) 6’1” 163 lbs MHL Tolpar Ufa
    -A one man highlight reel. Zharovsky is one of the top stickhandlers in the class and dazzles with the puck on his stick. Came out of nowhere this year, the Russian is a menace in the MHL. His shot is impressive and explodes off his stick and his point production has gotten better as the year has gone on. He carries the puck extremely well into the heart of the defense and lets it rip. His physicality and attention to detail also shows impressive growth. Could improve the skating even more as that may be his main weakness. A general unknown before the season, Zharovsky has seen a meteoric rise and will be picked high due to his potential as a powerful playmaker. I know the Sabres could use a RHD but Zharovsky is a player worth taking here. Could be another exciting forward in the pipeline.
    
    
40. Philadelphia Flyers
    Jacob Rombach #5
    LHD 6’6” 201 lbs USHL Lincoln
    -Another mammoth defender which seems to be a common theme in the mid rounds of the draft. Rombach is purely a shutdown defender with almost no counting stats in the box score. Physically dominates kids his age and boxes them out along the wall and away from his goalie with ease. Plays a simple game and supports the puck when needed. His skating needs some work but he uses his gigantic reach and frame to overtake forwards and knock them off the puck. Flyers address the defense after going forward heavy so far.
    
    
41. Montreal Canadiens
    William Horcoff #44
    C/W (L) 6’4” 181 lbs NCAA Michigan
    -Another son of a former NHLer. Took an interesting route by bouncing from the program and leaving early to Michigan. Projectable two-way centerman who has a strong two way game. One of the best defensive players in the draft class. Uses his size and physicality to be imposing on the boards and reach to deter other players on the rush. His positioning is solid and has a strong hockey IQ. Offensively he has more levels to reach but his shot can be a surprising weapon. Needs to continue to improve his skating but projects to be an effective middle 6 or bottom 6 center in the NHL. Canadiens improve the physicality within there forward pool with the rising Horcoff.
    
    
42. New York Islanders
    Ryker Lee #10
    F (R) 6’0” 181 lbs USHL Madison
    -Crafty playmaker and naturally creative on the puck. Oozes skill and can dangle and drag with the best of them. Routinely beats defenders one on one. Lee has great hands and a quick, steady release that fools goalies. Has the touch of a magician on the puck. He looks especially comfortable on the power play with more space and time to think. However, his skating is poor and he could definitely use that extra burst that comes with cleaning up the mechanics. Michigan State will love the chance to work with a player of his skill level. Islanders could always use more skill in there organization so the chance to take Lee is a bet they’re willing to make.
    
    
43. New York Rangers
    Mason West #9
    F (R) 6’5” 207 lbs USHS-MN Edina High
    -Gifted athlete. West is actually one of the top quarterback recruits in the country. It will be interesting to see which sport he chooses or if he tries to play both. His physical gifts enable him to be a monster with the puck especially at the high school level. His body strength and positioning enable him to stick to his spots and outmuscle his opponents. Has plus level finishing and makes all sorts of things happen for his high school team. His vision is excellent and he shows a strong compete level in all three zones. He could work on improving his stickhandling in close as well as his processing speed but his athletic gifts make him an intriguing prospect. Rangers snag West as they hope to develop him into a star.
    
    
44. Detroit Red Wings
    Charlie Trethewey #19
    RHD 6’1” 190 lbs USDP
    -Trethewey came into the season with big expectations of a first round pick and to lead the USDP defense. The tools are there and he has the frame and capabilities of being a top 4 defenseman. The only question is if he can put it all together. His great skating allows him to be a puck moving two way defenseman who can match up with opposing forwards. His defensive game is at its best when he plays a little chippy and aggressive. His awareness in the defensive zone is borderline elite. Trethewey runs into problems when faced with pressure and quick decision making. He often is making boneheaded plays and has not produced much offensively. If he can clean up his decision making and work on his explosiveness/strength he will be well worth the pick. Picked BU for his next stop where he will hopefully grow and learn. Red Wings grab a defenseman thinking of the long term.
    
    
45. Philadelphia Flyers
    Semyon Frolov #52
    G 6’3” 203 lbs MHL Krylia Sovetov Moskva
    -Brings good size to the table and has performed admirably over in Russia. Frolov has great movement and is flexible making great saves that others simply can’t get. Shows poise and confidence and it’s hard to find a true weakness of his. He doesn’t get rattled. His consistency has been improving and he has a chance to be the best goalie of the class. Has been steadily rising. Flyers get a goalie. Might as well with the amount of picks they have here in the early going. Frolov can compete with Yegor Zavragin.
    
    
46. Utah Mammoth
    Haoxi Wang #7
    LHD 6’6” 212 lbs OHL Oshawa
    -The most raw prospect in the draft. Elite skater and puck handler. Guys who are that big should not be able to skate like that. Will be fascinating to see where he gets picked as he is purely a potential pick because his hockey skill and detail are not even close yet. He has some games where he’s physical and some where he’s not. Some brutal turnovers as well but he is still learning the game. If he continues to show growth he could be the next Zdeno Chara who comes out of nowhere. Obviously that’s the absolute best case. Long, long term thinking here. Utah make a splash with the intriguing selection of Wang. Could bring in a host of Asian popularity as well for the NHL’s newest club. The defender will be able to grow and learn out of major city spotlights.
    
    
47. Vancouver Canucks
    Eric Nilson #3
    C (R) 6’0” 154 lbs J20 Djurgardens
    -Smart center who plays an efficient two-way game. Is a flowy skater and can link defense to attack well with solid positioning and smart decisions in neutral ice. Plays with a lot of pace. His offensive game could develop more but he does a nice job of passing and making plays for teammates. Needs to shoot more and drive the opposing zone with more aggression. Can play the body defensively and doesn’t shy away from making hits or engaging in scrums. Needs to bulk up as he's a bit wiry. Projects as a solid third line center if it goes well. Canucks double down on smart centers with the first two picks.
    
    
48. Philadelphia Flyers
    Max Psenicka #77
    RHD 6’4” 181 lbs WHL Portland
    -Huge Dman from the WHL who projects as a two way defender. Plays hard to the whistle and is one of the main hitters on the ice due to his physical playstyle. Psenicka has great traits that help in the defensive zone which mainly are his long reach and frame to dispel any attacks. He has a good top speed for his size but he could work on his turns and edges to keep up with shifty forwards. He does show some possible offensive instincts. His point shot is okay but he could work on his creativity rather than just throwing hopeful shots at the net. Like any big bodied defender, Psenicka is a long term option who hopefully grows into his frame and becomes a top 4 dman.
    
    
49. Montreal Canadiens
    Nathan Behm #14
    RW (R) 6’2” 198 lbs WHL Kamloops
    -Big power forward winger. Behm has great skating with a powerful stride and has the stickhandling to match. He can shield the puck and shrug off defenders naturally. His shot is quick off his stick and he drives the lane well to occupy defenders and open up space. Behm could work on his passing and decision making under pressure. He could be more of a force physically especially in the defensive zone as he coasts. His intensity also lacks and he needs to give consistent effort all over the ice to make an impact. Behm has the frame and potential tools to be an impact player but also has a lot of inconsistencies that drop him to the second round.
50. New Jersey Devils
    Cole McKinney #11
    C (R) 6’0” 190 lbs USDP
    -Well rounded player with a strong hockey sense. High workrate and can run through people with his skating. Excellent skater with high top speed. Plays a physical style and impacts the game through hard work and determination. Excellent at faceoffs and contributes effectively on the penalty kill. Has sound positioning and vision but has work to do to improve his offensive game. Can be a playmaker but must work on getting some zip on his shot. Committed to Michigan and projects to be a middle 6 center.
    
    
51. Boston Bruins
    Cameron Schmidt #19
    RW (R) 5’7” 157 lbs WHL Vancouver
    -An offensive threat everytime he touches the puck. Makes things happen. Amazing, elite skater and has frightening speed as he screams past defenders. His quick side to side movements make him a nightmare to defend in space. Schmidt also possesses a great shot and scores a ton off the rush. He isn’t a slouch defensively but loses physical engagements just purely based on size. Shoot first player who reminds of Cole Caufield or Alex Debrincat because of his play style and size. Can get pushed around and needs to become a difference maker that can impact the game in different ways than just pure speed. Schmidt’s fall stops at Boston. They need difference makers in the pool with elite skills. Schmidt elite scoring allows them to overlook the size.
    
    
52. Minnesota Wild
    Carter Amico #15
    RHD 6’5” 205 lbs USDP
    -Purely defensive, shutdown defender. Amico uses his long reach and massive frame to dispel attackers and keep them at bay. He has great positioning on defense and has all the little nuances of a seasoned defender. Offensively his shot is okay and he can make simple passes but will need to improve his skating/agility to have any significant impact. Suffered a season ending injury in November so it will be interesting to see where he goes. Projects as a stay at home defender that can play the penalty kill and soak up minutes.
    
    
53. San Jose Sharks
    Benjamin Kevan #7
    W (R) 6’0” 183 lbs USHL Des Moines
    -A strong finishing forward who can put points up in a hurry in the USHL. He’s a fantastic playmaker and has a great burst to get around defenders and set up scoring chances. Can drive play with all sorts of stickhandling tricks and dekes through the neutral zone. He can play physical and isn’t afraid to lay a hit if necessary. The thing holding Kevan back is his consistency and dips in his play. He has hit a couple slumps this year and that is cause for concern for scouts. Needs to be effective more often.
    
    
54. Calgary Flames
    Luca Romano #86
    C (R) 5’11” 168 lbs OHL Kitchener
    -One of the better skaters and puck carriers in the draft. Romano uses his skating and vision to be a transition machine and find the open man. He plays with speed and shows adequate skill around the net and in the offensive zone. Has a banger of a shot which surprises people cause he’s so slight. Can be more explosive and get bigger but he does show determination to be a strong two way guy rather than purely play on the perimeter. Engages with opponents and doesn’t back down. Needs to get stronger as that is a real weakness of his.
    
    
55. Nashville Predators
    Peyton Kettles #4
    RHD 6’5” 194 lbs WHL Swift Current
    -Defensive defenseman. Has ideal size and skating ability to be a shutdown type in his pro career. Plays with some snarl and will drop the gloves for teammates. His puck skills are weak and his creativity is lacking. He is a simple passer and meat and potatoes type of player. Kettles has limited offensive game to speak of but his handedness and size will see him get picked high. One of the youngest in the class as well giving him much longer of a development curve.
    
    
56. Tampa Bay Lightning
    Daniil Prokhorov #72
    RW (L) 6’6” 209 lbs MHL Dynamo St. Petersburg
    -Ginormous Russian winger who fits the mold of past guys like Daniil But and Danila Yurov. Prokhorov shows impressive skill and has great hands for his size. His skating does not hold him back either as it is solid for his size. His biggest weapon is his shot. He has a wicked release and he can really get some bend and power to it. Physically, he can dominate smaller players but needs to be better at picking his spots of when to play the body. High potential player but is still extremely raw and will take a few years to still grow and play into his frame. Lightning need help all over in there prospect pool so the giant Prokhorov is the choice. They’ve done well drafting Russians before so why not try another upside bet.
    
    
57. Seattle Kraken
    Ethan Czata #12
    C (L) 6’1” 174 lbs OHL Niagara
    -Pro style center. Strong skater and puts in the work defensively. Workmanlike player. One of the better defensive centers in the draft. If he can unlock another level of his offensive game he will thrive. Strong finisher around the net and does well in close. He plays at a slower pace and is more a north south player rather than looking to be creative with the puck on his stick. He would be a much better player if he could perform at pace. Will be a great bottom 6 center if he hits due to his motor and attention to detail in the defensive zone.
    
    
58. Vegas Golden Knights
    Alexei Medvedev #78
    G 6’2” 165 lbs OHL London
    -Performs well for one of the top teams in all of the CHL. Excels at staying consistently ready even if he isn’t called upon a lot. He handles his crease effectively and is excellent from side to side in his net. Athletic build. He’s quick in his stance and has great movement speed. He sits back and takes up a lot of the goal and is able to stay upright to challenge shooters. He seems to have his consistency down which is the hardest skill to have as a young goalie. One of the youngest players in the draft and as a goalie still has a ton of growth in him.
    
    
59. Pittsburgh Penguins
    Matthew Gard #9
    C/W (L) 6’4” 192 lbs WHL Red Deer
    -Physical, two-way forward who will be at home playing in the bottom 6. Defensively responsible and plays physically in all three zones. Good on faceoffs as well. Has good enough vision and playmaking to stick to center but needs to work on the puck skills and handling to pull it off. He’s raw and sometimes can’t keep up with his brain. Gard could do with polishing up his skating so he can play with more pace in his game. The size and toolkit make him a typical target for GMs to hit a potential home run.
    
    
60. Anaheim Ducks
    David Bedkowski #25
    RHD 6’5” 214 lbs OHL Owen Sound
    -Mammoth defender that plays with a nasty streak. Has solid skating for his size and loves to explode into the body check. Drops the gloves and is brutal on opponents in front of the net. Uses his reach to neutralize entries and passes near him. Nearly no production offensively he is purely an intimidating defensive defenseman that can skate and keep pucks out of the d zone. Needs to work on his puck skills but his physical play will get him picked.
    
    
61. Boston Bruins
    Vojtech Cihar #92
    LW (L) 6’1” 187 lbs Czechia HC Energie Karlovy Vary
    -Smooth skating winger who plays physical and is engaged all over the ice. Cihar has the build of a pro style winger and already has mastered little nuances like lifting sticks and disrupting opponents. He projects as a checking forward who can fly around on the forecheck and retrieve the puck. His offensive game could use some development but he has been playing on the bumper spot on the powerplay in the Czech league. Could show more offense in the CHL or internationally in the future. One weakness is his decision making under pressure. High floor player.
    
    
62. New Jersey Devils
    Hayden Paupenekis #23
    C (R) 6’4” 198 lbs WHL Kelowna
    -Big bodied, high potential center who has a lot of exciting tools to develop. Paupenekis is a finisher, with a strong release and he can really whip it on net. Shows strong attacking instincts especially around the net and has no problem crashing for rebounds or to clean up loose pucks. He plays the body well in both zones and uses it to his advantage to push around other players. Has exemplary vision and has some playmaking skill that will make him even more dangerous. A high compete level and other intangibles show that he could put it all together and be a steal at this point in the draft. He could work on his consistency as well as improve his mobility and strength. Still extremely raw, Paupenekis is a player that will need years of development and fine tuning to pay off.
    
    
63. New Jersey Devils
    Michal Pradel #1
    G 6’5” 194 lbs USHL Tri-City
    -Imposing and commanding goalie who performs well internationally for Slovakia as well as his USHL team Tri-City. Continued to impress as the season went on. Pradel uses his big frame to stay in control of his net when faced with intense pressure. His movements and agility are solid for a big man and he does well fighting off opposing forwards and controlling the rebound. His pro projectability looks to be extremely high which is most important when deciding on goaltenders.
    
    
64. Toronto Maple Leafs
    Eddie Genborg #14
    F (L) 6’2” 185 lbs SHL Linkoping
    -Big winger who is more of a sidekick internationally to the top Swedish forwards of his age group. Genborg has a great shot and uses clever positioning to get it off in the offensive zone. Needs to improve his skating as it is definitely a weakness for now. Hardworking, and he doesn’t shy away from the physical side of the game while being a beast on the forecheck. Hits everything. An excellent possession player on the boards in both zones. He always seems to be around the puck defensively and is committed to a two way game. Projects as a checking forward who might have a goalscorer’s touch.
    
    3rd Round
    
    
65. Vancouver Canucks
    Theodor Hallquisth #41
    RHD 6’2” 172 lbs J20 Nationell Orebro
    -Two-way defenseman who plays the game the right way. A good skater with a nice frame. Always seems to be in the right position and is excellent at puck retrieval. He is smart with the puck and sets his teammates up. He has the makings of a puck moving defender in the pros. These attributes allowed him to play games in the SHL which is a super rare feat for a 17 year old player. He does not have any standout talents but is a dependable performer for his age group.
    
    
66. Chicago Blackhawks
    Reese Hamilton #6
    LHD 6’1” 170 lbs WHL Regina
    -Mobile puck moving defenseman with great handles and borderline elite skating. Hamilton was one of the top defenders coming into the year after his exploits last season in the WHL. Has struggled a bit this year and has not put up many points and needs to be more physical defensively. His skating allows him to be a breakout machine and he has value in the fact that he can keep the puck moving up to the forwards. May not be the dynamic defenseman that many thought he would be but still can find a role as a rush defender and good puck carrier out of the zone.
    
    
67. Nashville Predators
    Theo Stockselius #24
    C/W (L) 6’2” 181 lbs J20 Djurgardens
    -Tall, wiry forward from Sweden. Stockselius uses smart positioning and strong hockey IQ to impact the play. Has a nice shot and vision in the zone but could be more physical and engaged with defenders. Has a lot of giveaways when trying to do too much. Has great hands and awareness. A little slow on his skates so could work on his explosiveness off the blocks. Good defensively and has spent time on the penalty kill. Overall, just a solid player with no defining characteristics.
    
    
68. Philadelphia Flyers
    Tomas Pobezal #48
    C (L) 5’10” 179 lbs Slovakia HK Nitra
    -Versatile forward who uses a high IQ and positioning to produce points and impact all three zones. Has a great shot and has put up points in the Slovak league for a few years now. The puck handling and hands enable him to slow the play down and make the right decision. His skating is a weakness as he doesn't have the quickest game but he is still effective. He competes hard and has no problem taking abuse in the crease to get a chance. Needs his linemates to drive the play as he doesn’t create much himself but he will finish it. Can play the defensive role if asked.
    
    
69. Boston Bruins
    Everett Baldwin #4
    RHD 6’0” 174 lbs USHS St. George’s
    -Exciting player still in prep school. One of the best skaters in the draft irregardless of position. Rivals some of the best from the past few years as well. He has a ton of power and explosiveness in his crossovers and flies up and down the ice. It’s good enough to get him drafted if it was his only trait. The skating allows him to be a two way force at this level and contributes to strong offensive performances. His defensive game needs some work. His decision making and IQ in the zone gets him in trouble. He is able to survive and perform with his elite mobility but at higher levels this will get exposed.
    
    
70. New York Rangers
    Arvid Drott #66
    RW (R) 6’1” 187 lbs J20 Djurgardens
    -Powerful winger from Sweden who possesses great physical traits and a budding offensive game. Drott has a high compete level and uses his strong frame to box out opponents and park in front of the net to cause chaos. He is at his best in front of the net on the powerplay and shows no fear in getting in front of slappers to tip it or shovel home the rebound. Willing to work in the dirty areas to retrieve the puck as well with stellar skating. He could work on being more consistent as he only shows flashes of his potential. His playmaking will have to improve and he needs to handle the puck better. Strong potential as a late birthday as well.
    
    
71. Buffalo Sabres
    Sean Barnhill #18
    RHD 6’5” 205 lbs USHL Dubuque
    -High compete level and a mountain of a player on the back end. Shows good energy to get stuck in with opponents as well as defend the middle lane. Barnhill has good defensive positioning and awareness of his responsibilities. Barnhill is not offensive at all but possesses strong skating and mobility for a player of his size. His stick work is solid and he is aggressive when he needs to be both physically and mentally. He is projectable as a pure shutdown defender. Still very raw and is a bit of a project pick. Heading to Northeastern University.
    
    
72. New York Rangers
    Conrad Fondrk #16
    C (L) 6’0” 192 lbs USDP
    -Good skater with potential to be a skilled playmaker. Hasn’t put it all together yet at the program but Fondrk is a complementary forward who has shown flashes. He has excellent vision to make the correct reads and has good hands with a solid shot. His puck skills stand out when he has the puck but he needs to demand it more often. His skating can be an asset for him but he needs to push the pace more rather than rely on his teammates to raise his game.
    
    
73. Pittsburgh Penguins
    Lucas Beckman #33
    G 6’2” 194 lbs QMJHL Baie-Comeau
    -Absolute workhorse down in the Q. Beckman logged a ton of minutes and the consistency was impressive. He is a quick side to side goalie with impressive agility and burst off the post. He does well controlling rebounds with strong reflexes but struggles sometimes not challenging shooters and getting beat high. His technical traits are sound and he looks to have the mentality of being a solid shot stopper in the pros. Probably the most competitive goalie in the draft.
    
    
74. New York Islanders
    Alex Huang #12
    RHD 6’0” 161 lbs QMJHL Chicoutimi
    -Puck moving defender who is a great skater. Carries the puck with confidence through the neutral zone and has an explosive first step to avoid opponents. He has a great outlet pass and also uses his edges and agility to buzz around the offensive zone and set up chances. He definitely leans more offense as his defensive game is still a work in progress. Uses his stick well to disrupt the play but his strength and physical play is lacking. He is smart and continuing to improve and his upside is still present.
    
    
75. Detroit Red Wings
    Michael Svrcek #17
    C (L) 5’10” 176 lbs SHL Brynas
    -Grinder who is a borderline elite skater and plays with a lot of jam. His work ethic is off the charts and he forechecks with purpose and hounds puck carriers. Wins his individual battles more often than not. The quickness and hockey IQ project him to be an excellent checking forward. His shot is clean and has some pop but he doesn’t put up many points. More of a transition player rather than creatively making something happen in the offensive zone. His size also might be a question mark because he tries to play physical and can sometimes get overpowered. Needs to work on his awareness as well as sometimes he plays like a chicken with his head cut off.
    
    
76. Detroit Red Wings
    Owen Conrad #10
    LHD 6’3” 209 lbs QMJHL Charlottetown
    -Two-way defenseman who specializes defensively. Excellent defending in transition with fantastic positioning and an active stick. He has a high defensive IQ and knows how to cleverly position his body and take the puck even from bigger forwards. Efficient passer but doesn’t try many creative plays or activate in the offensive zone. Conrad could work on his acceleration and skating as it looks a bit clunky and slow to pick up pace. Projects as a bottom pair defenseman who will play a simple game and blend into the game in a good way.
    
    
77. Columbus Blue Jackets
    Tyler Hopkins #91
    C (L) 6’1” 181 lbs OHL Kingston
    -High end skater who shows impressive talent in the offensive zone. Can really fly and is shifty on the puck especially in transition. Hopkins has a fantastic shot with a hard, rapid release. The puck handling and creativity is all there to mold into a prolific scorer. Late on in the season he has grown in his point production and consistency which was a weakness early on in the year. His off puck game could also grow a bit more but he’s beginning to show the capability to take over games. Can play in almost any role. Would not be surprised if he’s a higher pick at this point.
    
    
78. Utah Mammoth
    Viktor Klingsell #9
    LW (L) 5’10” 183 lbs J20 Skelleftea
    -Skilled winger who is an excellent skater and does well internationally for Swedish teams. Klingsell has loads of talent on the puck and uses his high IQ to slip away from defenders and find the open space. Leans passer rather than shooter but possesses a wicked shot. Can rack up points both ways. Distributes all over the ice and has the technique to complete almost any offensive movement. Could do with being more physical as he plays a lot on the perimeter of the zone and doesn’t engage. There are questions if that style will translate to the NHL but the talent is there if he can put it together.
    
    
79. Montreal Canadiens
    Mikkel Eriksen #22
    C (L) 5’11” 185 lbs J20 Nationell Farjestad
    -More and more prospects seem to be coming from Norway. It’s an exciting development for a country grabbing a foothold in the World of hockey. A product of the same youth team as recent Norwegian first rounders Stian Solberg and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Eriksen plays a hard, gritty game and his intangibles are through the roof. Has great vision and IQ on his positioning in the offensive zone. Goes to the net and finishes plays. He’s got a nifty release and his skating is a real strength. Eriksen competes hard but could work on his defensive game especially as a center because he can sometimes get lost. Another extremely young player for this draft, missing the 2026 draft by days.
    
    
80. Calgary Flames
    Mace’o Phillips #6
    LHD 6’6” 227 lbs USDP
    -Physical defender who plays with an edge for the US youth teams. His calling card is defense first. Uses his ginormous reach to keep attacks at bay and easily deter opposing forwards from driving the net. His strong positioning and physical playstyle enable him to snuff out attacks and punish unsuspecting forwards entering the zone or along the boards. Phillips can sometimes cross the line and take unnecessary penalties but that part of his game is who he is. Phillips skates well for his size while contributing simple passes to start offensive plays. Projects as a shutdown defender and will get better at the University of Minnesota.
    
    
81. Montreal Canadiens
    Tomas Poletin #15
    LW (L) 6’1” 196 lbs Liiga Pelicans
    -Hard working, competitive power forward. Poletin is a bull on the ice and is a difficult player to stop when he gets going. He is an excellent skater with good edgework and crossovers. Displays good positioning in both zones and is engaged defensively. Aggressive on the boards and great on puck retrieval. Not the most creative but is effective as a no nonsense player that displays strong leadership. Could improve his puck control and continue to play with more pace.
    
    
82. Montreal Canadiens
    Lasse Boelius #25
    LHD 6’0” 181 lbs Liiga Assat
    -Not the strongest Finnish class this year as Boelius takes the honor of being the first Finn drafted. He’s a defenseman who is at his best with the puck on his stick. Is strong in transition and uses excellent skating to maneuver around the ice and escape dangerous areas. Fantastic breakouts. He has elite passing and shows an innate understanding of how to bring his teammates into the game. Walks the point effectively and distributes the puck well on the powerplay. Defensively, Boelius is not physical at all and struggles with his positioning in his own zone. If he is to become a bottom pairing defenseman he will need to bulk up and be better at protecting the slot and dangerous areas of the ice.
    
    
83. Edmonton Oilers
    Jack Ivankovic #72
    G 5’11” 179 lbs OHL Brampton
    -One of the top goalies this year. Would be in the mix for a first round pick but his size holds him back. Ivankovic tracks pucks well and is as competitive as they come. Has solid poise in the net and commands his defenders. Very athletic and reminds me of smaller goalies like Wolf (CGY) and Levi (BUF). Very reactive goalie. His quickness serves him well side to side but he sometimes overcommits out of position. He needs to work on fighting through screens and controlling the rebound. His team has a pretty leaky defense so he gets lots of action. Would like to see how he fares on a better team. Size questions drop him a bit.
    
    
84. Pittsburgh Penguins
    Kristian Epperson (OA1) #86
    LW (L) 6’0” 185 lbs OHL Saginaw
    -One of the top players from his age group when he was a young star. Epperson had a demoralizing season last year and as a result did not get drafted. His processing speed wasn’t up to par. This year he seems to have put together a much better body of work as he has grown into his body and as a player. He has performed admirably with top prospect Michael Misa on the top line is Saginaw. Epperson plays fast and puts defenders on their heels as he cruises through the gears. He is a great playmaker and has a quick release on his shot that he should use more. His motor in all three zones and puck carrying is what has scouts excited to see if he can harness his obvious talents and make a name for himself. The inconsistency and decision making creeps back into his game from time to time but he has worked to iron those kinks out. Has some attitude problems that cause concern.
    
    
85. Pittsburgh Penguins
    Zeb Lindgren #20
    LHD 6’2” 192 lbs J20 Skelleftea
    -Physical defender with a NHL frame. Plays differently than most European defenseman as he is very physical and will step up and destroy guys at the blue line. His skating is excellent and is good on breakouts and transition phases. A great passer in all three zones and keeps possession like a modern defender. Zeb also possesses a hard shot but does not yet have a strong offensive game. Could work on decision making under pressure. I think his style of play suits the North American game much better so don’t be surprised if his projections are much higher.
    
    
86. Toronto Maple Leafs
    Jimmy Lombardi #10
    C (L) 6’0” 179 lbs OHL Flint
    -Dynamic skating and a high compete level. Lombardi is a beast in transition using his quick pivots and crossovers to cover ice rapidly. He possesses quick twitch hands and great stickhandling to go with his dekes and agility. Can change directions very quickly. He is at his best when skating with pace in transition. He also has a quick release on his shot and has no problem getting into the dirty areas to score. Lombardi’s defensive game is solid as he backchecks hard and uses strong positioning to read opponents. He is a pick based on his film as his numbers haven’t been great this season. If he can get stronger and add quicker decision making to his repertoire he could be a middle six pivot in the pros.
    
    
87. Carolina Hurricanes
    Max Westergard #22
    F (L) 5’11” 163 lbs J20 Nationell Frolunda
    -Smooth skating playmaker who’s plying his trade in Sweden. Has great vision and can pick out crafty passes with ease. Can play across the forward line and uses his high IQ to impact play. Max also has great hands and nimble footwork while allowing him to stick handle and get a pass off. He can carry the puck confidently through the zone and in transition. Westergard is an excellent skater with quick turns and strong edgework. One of the fastest in the draft class. Westergard looks to be a complimentary player that is at his best with a play driving linemate.
    
    
88. Los Angeles Kings
    Mason Moe #19
    F (L) 6’1” 185 lbs USHL Madison
    -Moe is a fantastic skater who brings a developed, two way game to the table. He has great top speed, crossovers and edgework which enable him to fly around the ice and tilt it in his favor. His stickhandling and positioning enable him to be a real threat in possession and a transition machine through the neutral zone. He possesses a deceptive release and is a finisher more than a playmaker. His defensive abilities are where he truly stands out. His aforementioned skating enable him to flourish as a puck retriever and quickly turn defense into attack. He shows exemplary defensive awareness and hustle on the backcheck as well as picking up assignments in the zone. His floor is a strong bottom 6 player and although he doesn’t have an extremely high ceiling, Moe is a potential gem at this point in the draft.
    
    
89. Anaheim Ducks
    Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen #7
    LHD 6’0” 181 lbs NCAA Michigan
    -Son of Manon Rheaume so this will be a pretty cool full circle moment. Dakoda is a smooth skating, puck moving defenseman who does his job quietly without much fuss. Playing in the NCAA has enabled him to grow his defensive game. He has an active stick and uses his great skating to retrieve pucks and transition up ice. It remains to be seen if he can grow his physical game but his IQ and positioning equip him to be effective in the defensive zone. He won’t be a point producing machine or a physical behemoth but he will do his job effectively.
    
    
90. New Jersey Devils
    Malte Vass #57
    LHD 6’1” 179 lbs J20 Nationell Farjestad
    -Physical defender who plays a rugged style and shuts down opposing players. Vass uses his body effectively to punish opposing forwards or marshall them out of the lane. He has an active stick defensively and is strong on his angles and positioning. A good skater and soaks up tough minutes. Simple game is the offensive zone and projects as a stay at home shutdown defender.
    
    
91. Vegas Golden Knights
    Artyom Vilchinsky #13
    LHD 6’5” 243 lbs MHL SKA St. Petersburg
    -Monster of a defender out of Russia. Vilchinsky is a shutdown defender who uses his physical gifts to be a physical behemoth on the back end. He clears out opponents with ease and uses his physicality and elite reach to separate from the puck. He is willing to lay his body on the line to block shots and has the positioning to break up plays. Works well on the penalty kill and is one of the top players in the MHL in +/-. Offensively, Vilchinsky is non-existent. He has a weak point shot and struggles to be dynamic with the puck. His skating is just average so his mobility is limited which may be a tough thing for some GMs to stomach. He is appealing as a pure defensive specialist to intimidate the other team.
    
    
92. Winnipeg Jets
    Melvin Novotny #68
    LW (L) 6’1” 187 lbs J20 Leksands
    -Two way forward with some solid traits that project him as a scoring forward on lower lines. Novotny has strong attention to detail on both ends of the ice. His IQ and versatility allow him to mesh with many different linemates. He has great positioning as well as a strong compete level on the forecheck and around the boards. His release is excellent and he has good vision and playmaking. Could improve his explosiveness and willingness to drive the net for points. Will contribute in more ways than one.
    
    
93. Washington Capitals
    Bryce Pickford (OA1) #27
    RHD 6’0” 190 lbs WHL Medicine Hat
    -One of the top overagers in the draft. Pickford is one of the highest scoring defenseman in the WHL this season while maintaining strong defensive play throughout. Pickford has a booming shot from the point and is equally at home jumping into the rush. He can play both special teams and is a tireless worker. His defending is aggressive and he likes to use his quick skating to rush and crowd opposing forwards off the puck. Impressive playoff performances for Medicine Hat as he has become one of the go to goalscorers as a defenseman.
    
    
94. Dallas Stars
    Jan Chovan #25
    C/W (L) 6’3” 187 lbs U20 SM-sarja Tappara U20
    -Two-way forward who can play in all situations due to a mature, defensive game and game IQ. He is a smart, heady player that makes the correct decision more often than not. He can make plays, has an accurate shot, but his best skills are with puck protection and being hard on pucks. He’s hard to move off his spot even though his stickhandling could get better. Chovan needs to improve his explosiveness when it comes to his skating. Has some consistency issues to work out but is still a solid prospect due to his frame and potential upside.
    
    
95. San Jose Sharks
    Gustav Hillstrom #27
    C (R) 6’2” 176 lbs SHL Brynas IF
    -Hard working defensive center. Has got some time with the SHL club in Sweden. Versatile as he does play some wing as well. He is a menace on the forecheck and is quick with the outlet passes in transition. Plays very physical and is capable of shutting down other top lines. Doesn’t produce a whole lot of offense but puts in work on the penalty kill and contributes with high compete and energy. If he gets stronger it will serve him better with the style of play he plays with.
    
    
96. Ottawa Senators
    Carlos Handel #7
    RHD 6’1” 170 lbs QMJHL Halifax
    -Swift skating puck moving defenseman who shows impressive offensive capabilities. Handel comes alive in the offensive zone and times his pinches and jumps into the play well. He has good vision in the zone and can create havoc around the net with penetrating drives into the goalmouth. Will never be a physical, shutdown type but Handel has shown an active stick and great positioning against the rush. Struggles with his puck handling especially under pressure. Also could play with more explosiveness and aggressiveness at times.
    
    4th Round
    
    
97. Ottawa Senators
    Bruno Osmanis #21/26
    RW (R) 5’11” 170 lbs Allsvenskan IF Bjorkloven
    -Toolsy play-driving winger who flashes high end vision. Is more of a playmaker rather than a scorer and prefers to distribute to teammates once in the offensive zone. An excellent passer, he can find seams and gaps that few can. In transition he shows quick feet and good decision making at high speeds. Osmanis has a high compete level and is willing to battle to maintain control of the puck. If he can develop his shot into a weapon, Osmanis has the tools to be an impact forward. Could work on his defensive details as well as his explosive top speed skating. Could perform well if he moves to a better team.
    
    
98. Chicago Blackhawks
    Carson Cameron #15
    RHD 6’2” 194 lbs OHL Peterborough
    -Young defender who is underrated in many circles. Cameron is an excellent skater and is confident handling the puck through transitions or retrievals in the d zone. He does a superb job evading the rush and finding open attackers to launch out on the counter. Defensively, he uses his strong agility to quickly close gaps and shut down rush attackers. Can play both powerplay and penalty kill and soak up minutes. Putting on some muscle will make him an even better defender and better able to physically match up with his peers. Good potential two way defenseman.
    
    
99. New Jersey Devils
    Mateo Nobert #16
    C (L) 6’0” 168 lbs QMJHL Blainville-Boisbriand
    -A young, smooth playmaker who can drive offense with strong puck handling and instincts. He is excellent at setting up his linemates for high danger chances with his supreme vision and passing skills. When he has the puck on his stick, Nobert can dance around defenders or manipulate his positioning to reach the right spot. He is at home on the half wall of the powerplay. Nobert needs to develop his physical strength and balance to have an impact. He gets pushed off the puck and bullied along the wall rendering him completely ineffective. He could also improve his shot and become more of a goal threat.
    
    
100. Boston Bruins
     Francesco Dell’Elce (OA2) #23
     LHD 6’1” 185 lbs NCAA UMass
     -Two-way defenseman who has performed magnificently for UMass and made the all rookie team. He is a steady force in his own zone and performs his role with minimal fuss. He is a solid player and makes reliable decisions with the puck. The skating stands out as he has shown an impressive motor this year. The mobility gives him potential as a puck moving defenseman. Dell’Elce has a good breakout pass and is able to hold his own defensively. Doesn’t have any high end traits but will be a dependable player as he continues to grow.
     
     
101. Anaheim Ducks
     Adam Benak #9
     C (L) 5’7” 161 lbs USHL Youngstown
     -Tiny player but scores a ton and was one of the best junior players ever for the Czechs. Benak is quick and uses a brilliant skating technique to get up to top speed quickly. Has been racking up points all season in different ways. He has great hockey sense/smarts and is a great passer especially through the middle of the ice. He plays hard and doesn't shy away from contact. He’s great when given space but the size is worrying. Wide range of outcomes on draft day but I think someone takes a chance in the middle rounds.
     
     
102. Seattle Kraken
     Samuel Meloche #31
     G 6’3” 196 lbs QMJHL Rouyn-Noranda
     -Workhorse for the Huskies of the QMJHL. Played a ton of minutes this year showcasing an ability to handle a crazy workload as a rookie. He had a few lulls in the middle parts of the season but has been on fire in the playoffs. Meloche has the competitive drive and stamina that make him an interesting goalie prospect. He is extremely fast and has the quick twitch reflexes to challenge shooters especially down low. Could work on his rebound control and sometimes overcommits. Strong goalie prospect.
     
     
103. Buffalo Sabres
     Maxim Agafonov #21
     RHD 6’2” 198 lbs MHL Tolpar Ufa
     -Good skater who is a defensively sound, two-way defenseman. Agafonov has strong agility and movement to keep his pace high against the rush and recover quickly when he gets beat. He is a shutdown defender but uses his stickwork and skating rather than overpowering them physically. He doesn’t panic under pressure and is at his best making last ditch clearances or pass breakups. Agafonov has good passing range but the offense could flash even more. Projects as a defensively responsible third pairing player.
     
     
104. Anaheim Ducks
     Filip Ekberg #34
     LW (L) 5’10” 168 lbs OHL Ottawa 67s
     -Ekberg is a player who is still finding his footing in the North American game but has shown rapid progress as the season has gone on. He is an exciting playmaker who has great skating and attacking flair. He has a quick release on his shot and is a weapon on the powerplay. His agility allows him to make rapid changes of direction and uses his lightning quick hands to make fools of defenders. He is aware of his defensive responsibility but will need to bulk up and take charge more often. He needs to demand responsibility and take charge rather than wait for the play to come to him. Fantastic performance at the U18s will improve his standing.
     
     
105. Pittsburgh Penguins
     Quinn Beauchense #13
     RHD 6’0” 187 lbs OHL Guelph Storm
     -Dependable blue liner who saw some action for Canada at the Hlinka. He is a well rounded player who takes smart positions defensively and uses his smarts and stickwork to defend his zone. Hard working and loves to play physical. Stays a step ahead of opposing forwards and retrieves pucks quickly and efficiently out of the zone. He is a strong passer and is willing to take risks to make things happen when he’s on the ice. No outstanding traits but Beauchense can become a solid depth option in the pros.
     
     
106. New York Islanders
     William Belle #8
     F (R) 6’4” 218 lbs USDP
     -Built like a truck, Belle is a big boy who can skate well for his size. He plays a simpler game then most but has shown flashes of creativity and possesses a booming shot that he could use more. His passing game has sneaky upside and he is smart on when to engage and when to back off defenders. The defensive role may simply be the role he is asked to play in the program. He does good work along the boards and effects the game in all 3 zones with his high compete. Defensively, he is physically intimidating and uses his strength and reach to break up plays. Projects as a high potential defensive forward that has a major positive impact on his teammates.
     
     
107. Chicago Blackhawks
     Brandon Gorzynski #38
     C (L) 6’2” 181 lbs WHL Calgary
     -Physical player who is an excellent skater. Gorzynski is a devil on the forecheck and can hammer opponents with body checks. He projects as a bottom of the lineup forward due to his work in the defensive zone as well. He outworks his opponents and bodies them out of the way for his goalies/defenders to clean up the mess. His offensive game is more of a playmaker and he is excellent in transition. His skating and positioning really shines. If he could develop a plus level shot he will be a fantastic player.
     
     
108. Montreal Canadiens
     Aidan Lane #11
     RW (R) 6’2” 192 lbs OHL Brampton
     -Came over to the OHL from St. Andrews College and is also committed to Harvard. Skilled winger with a silky touch and great hands on the puck. Lane displays tremendous stickhandling to go with high puck smarts and a competitive edge. He is a solid winger who makes his linemates better and contributes in all facets of the game. Cuts to the center of the ice to make things happen. He plays both special teams and has good playmaking ability to finish off plays near the front of the net. His skating is below average and will need to improve at the next level. If he can add some explosiveness and figure out his edgework he will be a solid contributor on the wing.
     
     
109. Columbus Blue Jackets
     Love Harenstam #1
     G 6’2” 194 lbs J20 Nationell Skelleftea
     -Athletic goalie out of Sweden who has quick reflexes and agility. His side to side coverage is one of the best in his class. Can explode off his hips to jump the other direction. Is great on scramble plays and is flexible enough to make difficult saves. A little on the small side so doesn’t receive the attention of the high profile goalies in the class. He sometimes relies on his athleticism too much rather than just calmly reading the play and letting the shot come to him. Could work on playing under control and tracking rebounds.
     
     
110. Utah Mammoth
     Teddy Mutryn #10
     C/W (R) 6’1” 207 lbs USHL Chicago
     -Powerful forward whose main strength is his finishing ability. Can score from everywhere on the ice and his positioning and IQ enable him to set up in good areas to pot goals. He loves to muck it up and play a power forward role by forechecking and being a nuisance to defenders. A powerful skater as well, Mutryn plays a direct style and prefers to charge right at defenders. He is a sneaky good defensive player as well with an active stick and quick feet that are always moving. Mutryn has a lot of potential to be harnessed and is a steal at this point. Committed to Boston College.
     
     
111. New York Rangers
     Will Reynolds #71
     LHD 6’3” 192 lbs QMJHL Acadie Bathurst
     -Excellent skater who is a defensive defenseman by trade but is starting to show an offensive instinct. He uses his quickness to snuff out attacks and quickly counter the other direction. He excels at retrievals and his positioning is generally pretty solid because he’s always keeping his feet moving. Reynolds also has the frame and temperament to be nasty when he has to. He can physically impose his will and is willing to scrum it up around the net. His clear weakness is his puck handling and carrying and he can be prone to losing possession often. Offensively he plays fine from the point but doesn't really join the rush or carry the puck anywhere.
     
     
112. Florida Panthers
     Karl Annborn #65
     RHD 6’1” 187 lbs J20 Nationell HV71
     -Well rounded two way defender. Annborn is a safe, reliable defenseman that can shut down opposing forwards using exquisite defensive positioning and great skating. Excellent at puck retrievals and aware of weak spots on the defense. He plays a lot of minutes and is generally very composed and mature in his playstyle. The offensive game is starting to develop consistency and he shows good activation of the rush and in the offensive zone. Annborn has a safe floor and projects as a reliable puck moving defender in the pros.
     
     
113. Montreal Canadiens
     Luka Radivojevic #28
     RHD 5’10” 165 lbs USHL Muskegon
     -Play driver from the defense. Great stickhandler and a quick skater up the ice. Dynamic agility and elite mobility with and without the puck. Small, offensive defenseman have seen some success recently even though they usually aren’t high picks. Defensively, he doesn't shy away from physicality but he still has an uphill battle due to his size/strength. Needs to get stronger. High IQ but the risks are prevalent in his game. Struggled to end the season.
     
     
114. New Jersey Devils
     David Lewandowski #86
     F (L) 6’1” 176 lbs WHL Saskatoon
     -One of the best German players. Lewandowski is a goal scorer who plays a power game with his frame and a plus level shot. His release is hard and he gets it on net regularly. He is very physical both offensive and defensive while remaining diligent in his own zone. The German plays with great energy and compete level especially on the forecheck and down low. His skating is an issue. The foot speed is not up to par and his pace lags behind as a result. The production internationally stands out and will garner him attention but the skating will cause him to slip.
     
     
115. San Jose Sharks
     Evan Passmore #88
     RHD 6’4” 209 lbs OHL Barrie
     -Big beefy defender from Barrie. Passmore is a shutdown defenseman who has a physical game and a bit of a nasty side. He uses his punishing physicality to be a beast on the boards and clear out the front of his net. The reach is also extremely effective because he can easily rappel and strip opposing forwards while maintaining his excellent gap control. Moves well in his skates for a guy of his size. Passmore can “pass more” but does not have good hands and creativity. His point shot is excellent but he rarely puts up any point production. Projects as an excellent bottom pair physical behemoth.
     
     
116. Buffalo Sabres
     Ashton Schultz #13
     C/W (R) 5’11” 181 lbs USHL Chicago Steel
     -Defensive center with a pro style game. Schultz is a two way center who plays in all situations to great results. He is aggressive defensively and wins back possession constantly to kickstart a counter. A fluid skater with good speed while having the smarts to use his positioning to his advantage. Off the puck he’s always in the right spot. A hard worker, Schultz is workmanlike in the offensive zone and has a quick, efficient shot. Doesn’t shy away physically even though he could gain a few more pounds of muscle. Could be more creative but is a high floor player whose work ethic and attention to detail will take him far.
     
     
117. Vancouver Canucks
     Petteri Rimpinen (OA1) #30
     G 6’0” 176 lbs Liiga Kiekko-Espoo
     -Confident, poised goalie who performed admirably in the World Juniors. Made the All Star team. Rimpinen uses his elite positioning and control of the crease to always be in the right position. His rebound control is great and he does all the fundamentals well. His speed side to side allows him to read plays before they happen and he is there to make the save. Has performed all season in Liiga and has been one of the best goalies regardless of age. Making a case to be one of the top goalies drafted.
     
     
118. Colorado Avalanche
     Sam Laurila (OA1) #13
     LHD 6’1” 187 lbs USHL Fargo Force
     -A developing two way defender who just missed getting drafted last year. Scouts wanted to see his offensive game improve and he has been one of the leading point producers for the Fargo Force. His passing and decision making has improved by leaps and bounds and he still remains an excellent rush defender. His stick work and physical game remain consistent and he is easily able to take care of attackers. His consistency and output has remained steady showcasing the growth and runway for more.
     
     
119. Detroit Red Wings
     Shamar Moses #24
     RW (R) 6’1” 203 lbs OHL North Bay
     -Playmaker who has excellent passes and drives the net with purpose to collect all kinds of points. Has good vision and reads the game at a high level. He is locked in defensively and shows innate understanding of where to be in the defensive zone. He can play with skill and will be a strong complimentary player rather than a play driver. Could play with more physicality as it sometimes shows up but not consistently. Struggles with his skating as it lacks the true explosiveness and quickness to make a difference. Will drop if the mobility issues persist.
120. Los Angeles Kings
     Topias Hynninen (OA1) #52
     C/W (L) 5’10” 176 lbs Liiga Jukurit
     -One of the top overagers this year. I actually had him ranked late third round last year and was surprised nobody picked him. He is on the small side but this year Hynninen has found another gear and has put up points in the men's league in Finland. His skating and motor is more of the same high level he previously displayed. His playmaking has continued to steadily improve and this year he has become great defensively and on the forecheck. He could be a sneaky bottom of the lineup player that can produce offense for his linemates.
     
     
121. Minnesota Wild
     Owen Martin #21
     C/W (R) 6’0” 183 lbs WHL Spokane
     -Well rounded centerman who can play various roles. Excellent at puck possession and retrievals. Martin is a hard worker who leans into his passing and vision rather than his goal scoring. He can play both PP and PK and is efficient at finding spaces to exploit to set up teammates. He is a complimentary forward rather than a play driver. He is a great skater and has exemplary positioning and a disruptive stick helps out immensely in the defensive zone. Could work on his explosiveness and his shot. Projects as an average two way player in the pros.
     
     
122. Vegas Golden Knights
     Anthony Allain Samake #26
     LHD 6’0” 165 lbs USHL Sioux City
     -Offensive defenseman who needs to start showing more production.. Samake is excellent with the puck on his stick. He walks the point with extreme confidence and displays the creativity and skills to man a power play and set up prime scoring chances. He has work to do defensively as he is often exposed trying to do too much with the puck rather than making a smart play to get it out of the zone. Needs to play more physically as well to slow down opponents.
     
     
123. Washington Capitals
     Tommy Lafreniere #16
     C/W (R) 5’11” 170 lbs WHL Kamloops
     -Strong skater who performed well for a weak team in the WHL. Played on the wing mostly this season. Laf is a high IQ player who displays great positioning and attention to detail. His vision has enabled him to become a playmaker with the puck. Uses his high motor to get to high danger spots on the ice as well as track opponents. His body positioning and stick work is advanced defensively and he could develop into a checking forward. Could bulk up and increase his goal scoring abilities if he wants to be more than a bottom 6 player.
     
     
124. San Jose Sharks
     Cooper Simpson #21
     F (L) 6’1” 179 lbs USHS Shakopee
     -Powerful shooter from the US High School circuit. Beats goalies clean with a snappy wrist shot. Good puck protection in the corners and sometimes displays high end passing. Is involved physically when handling the puck but doesn’t rely on the body defensively or to place a bodycheck. Has solid positioning and hustles when he wants to. The concern is his inconsistency is very apparent and is especially troubling considering the level he plays at. Could improve his decision making and skating to be more explosive. Heading to North Dakota next year in the NCAA.
     
     
125. Carolina Hurricanes
     Daniil Skvorstov #59
     LHD 6’4” 214 lbs OHL Guelph Storm
     -Another big Russian defender who projects as a two way monster. Russia keeps pumping out these massive pillars that can skate. Skvorstov uses his frame to close the door on any opponent's rushes and displays adequate stick work that can keep up with even the quickest players. He isn’t only a shutdown merchant as Skvorstov has shown willingness to jump up into the play and has creativity that is only starting to show. He has a strong point shot and is one of the main outlet passers on his team and is learning to drive offense. Skvorstov is still extremely raw and his consistency is lacking. Continuing to improve his skating and drive will be important but also could be a lot of work to build an elite defenseman.
     
     
126. Seattle Kraken
     Ryan Miller #23
     F (L) 5’11” 174 lbs WHL Portland
     -Hard nosed winger who can play an aggressive game. Has a fantastic motor and plays with grit in all three zones. Has powerful legs and uses his body to disrupt the flow of the game and get in opponents faces. Fearless and never seems to slow down his excellent skating. Appears all over the ice and impacts the game in small ways. Uses positioning near the net to put up points but his shot is weak and he doesn’t have the best creativity. Good transition player. Battles away in front of the net. Projects as a bottom 6 grinder and energy/glue guy on higher level teams.
     
     
127. Tampa Bay Lightning
     Linus Funck #72
     RHD 6’3” 183 lbs J20 Nationell Lulea HF
     -Great passer who can get the puck anywhere around the ice. Has a brilliant outlet pass and reads the ice effectively from the back end. Defensively, he uses his pro level frame to physically engage with forwards and is an unpleasant customer to forwards in front of the net. His skating and mobility will hold him back if it remains at its current level. Funck labors to get around the ice. He struggles with the current pace of the game and when pressured he is pushed to make mistakes.
     
     
128. Florida Panthers
     Elijah Neuenschwander #35
     G 6’4” 192 lbs U20
     -Swiss HC Fribourg-GotteronGoalie who has the desired frame for modern day goalies. Elijah has performed well in the Swiss leagues for some time now and as a result is an interesting prospect. He is a calm and collected goalie who relies on technical skill and positioning to succeed. He is able to perform consistently and is reliable in high pressure situations. His strengths are his focus and attention to detail when under heavy fire. Athletically, the Swiss keeper is a bit below average in regards to his quickness and movements side to side. Because of this he can sometimes lose the handle on rebounds and get beat with quick passes. Project goalie who is still developing with a lot of ceiling for growth.

 

[bdn00707]

LONG READ
Part 2 of 7 round mock draft 129-224. Part 1 is the previous post. Thanks for viewing

5th Round

129. Florida Panthers

Kirill Yemelyanov #7
C (L) 6’0” 170 lbs MHL Loko-76 Yaroslavl

-Supporting player who does his best work in the defensive zone. Kirill is responsible with his positioning and plays an intense, high motor game. He is more than willing to be a physical pest defensively and is excellent at puck retrievals and winning possession. Applies pressure well and uses his high IQ to outsmart the opponent. He can quickly turns pucks up ice but does not display high end offensive traits. He prefers to defer the puck to his linemates and then drive to the net. Bottom 6 checking player.

130. Pittsburgh Penguins

Will Sharpe #10
LHD 6’1” 194 lbs WHL Kelowna

Composed defender who is a great passer with great vision. Facilitates quick transitions and is a pure puck mover who tries to get everyone involved on the ice. Skates and moves well in all zones and shows the necessary activation traits to be an offensive defenseman in the pros. Can run the powerplayer with ease. Needs to improve defensively. He does not have much physicality and seems to lack urgency with clears and hits. Has an active stick but without the intensity he sometimes struggles to match his opponents energy.

131. Nashville Predators

Asher Barnett #13
LHD 6’0” 194 lbs USDP

Mean, physical defender from the US program. Plays hard in between the whistles and likes to lay crunching hits. He is a strong skater and is reliable in his positioning especially in his own zone. He is excellent at defending the rush and has a penchant for making a great first outlet pass. Solid in almost any role and is a well rounded player. Always willing to put a shift in. Can be molded by coaching as right now he just plays whatever role is asked of him. Heading to Michigan next year.

132. Philadelphia Flyers

Roman Bausov #76
RHD 6’5” 190 lbs MHL Dynamo St. Petersburg

Large defender with a massive stride that helps him keep up with the pace of play. Projectable as a shutdown defender and has the traits to be a defensive stalwart. GMs love size and Bausov is no exception. He uses his smarts and reach to keep things to the outside. Uses the puck simply by dumping it in or doing basic outlet passes. Stickhandling is nothing to write home about. Raw player who needs to be more physical as well as hone any offensive skill.

133. Boston Bruins

Bruno Idzan (OA1) #16
F (L) 6’1” 194 lbs USHL Lincoln

A rare Croatian talent. Bruno is an offensive dynamo in the USHL after coming over from the Croatian league, the AlpsHL. He has great skating speed and has shown a knack for being a finisher around the net. Has a quick, snappy release that is deadly accurate and keeps goalies guessing. He drives the net with and without the puck always seeming to be in great positions. Idzan hounds opposing puck carriers with a high workrate and active stick while quickly looking to turnover possession. In the defensive zone he could be more consistent with his defensive responsibilities as he sometimes loses focus.

134. Seattle Kraken

Caeden Herrington #2 (OA1)
RHD 6’1” 185 lbs USHL Lincoln

Two way defender. Herrington led the USHL in defenseman goals this past season and has shown the growth that was needed to be selected this year. His point shot is a legit weapon and he activates well in the offensive zone. The skating/mobility has continued to impress and his positioning against the rush showcases two way potential. The physicality has ramped up and his positioning has been much more confident and assured. Could continue to grow his standout traits as he is still a bit raw and doesn’t stand out as much as he should.

135. Buffalo Sabres

David Rozsival #15
LW (L) 6’0” 185 lbs CzechiaU20 Bili Tygri Liberec

Well rounded forward who uses excellent skating as well as elite puck protection to fit in on almost any line and situation. Excels at possessing the puck and eventually getting it to his skilled linemates. Rozsival rarely loses the puck. He’s a plug and play forward who has a high IQ and processing speed of the play around him. It shows with his ability to play both special teams. David has a quick release on his shot as well as an impressive array of passing skills. He is dependable in his own zone displaying high awareness, retrieval ability and compete level. Only question about Rozsival is if the offense will translate. I think he has a strong D+1 performance.

136. Anaheim Ducks

Luke Mistelbacher (OA1) #26
RW (R) 6’0” 194 lbs WHL Swift Current

Goalscorer with an accurate snapshot that he shoots from anywhere. Volume shooter that is one of the go to guys in the WHL. He has the puck skills and vision to put up points as well. Mistelbacher is tough to take off the puck as well with great balance and stickhandling. Usually makes the right decision in the offensive zone leading to a goalscoring chance. His skating is average as he needs to add more explosiveness. Is not the most physical player and is more of a luxury offensive specialist.

137. Toronto Maple Leafs

Emile Guite #86
LW (L) 6’2” 174 lbs QMJHL Chicoutimi

-One of the best shots in the class. Unleashes a thunderbolt with little space or time. His release is quick and he can get a shot off from almost any angle. His offensive game is a bit one dimensional but he has started to become a bit better with his playmaking. His skating looks strong but he could work on driving with the puck and demanding more of it. Defensively, Guite is almost nonexistent. He is lost in his own zone and is not very physical. Seems lackadaisical at times. Projects as a one-dimensional forward but it is the most important part of hockey, scoring goals.

138. New York Islanders

Aron Dahlqvist #24/5
LHD 6’3” 205 lbs J20 Nationell Brynas

Beast of a defender. Dahlqvist is a physical player from Sweden who enjoys a solid body check and being nasty to play against. He played a little bit in the SHL this year due to his monster frame and grown man strength. Dahlqvist is a reactionary defender who plays within his own strengths and doesn’t try to do too much. The high defensive IQ allows him to take up advantageous positioning and use his reach and frame to dislodge the puck. His puck movement out of the zone is solid and he sometimes can skate it out with his plus level skating. Dahlqvist does not impose anything on the offensive side of things but can be a shutdown, depth defender if he continues to learn the game.

139. New York Rangers

Alex Misiak #88
RW (L) 6’0” 183 lbs USHL Waterloo

Another brother this time the younger of 2nd rounder Martin Misiak. Alex is a strong skating winger who has a great shot and has no problem crashing the net with power to score in close. Can make plays with his brain as well with great vision and creativity. His acceleration is fantastic especially on the forecheck as he likes to hit opponents as they try to leave the zone. Always leaves his mark when passing by. The energy and aggression is apparent in all aspects of his game as he plays “angry”. Likes to be without the puck as he is not a classic play driver. Also Misiak does not engage in the defensive areas consistently and makes mistakes that seem to deflate his confidence. The consistency is something that may hold him back a bit.

140. Detroit Red Wings

Matous Jan Kucharcik #23
C (L) 6’2” 154 lbs Czechia2 HC Slavia Praha

Strong two-way center who has been a bit under the radar in Czechia. Has the potential frame to be a future pivot at higher levels. Kucharcik drives play and engages in all zones of the ice. Uses his smarts and positioning to be a playmaker and shines in transition. Holds the puck well with many dangles and flashy stickhandling that display quick hands. Matous plays with patience to wait for the right moment to strike. More of a passer and sprays passes from the flank on the power play. Defensively he does well to support his defenders and puts himself in the right spots to break up the play. He won’t be confused with a defensive specialist anytime soon. His skating is one weakness as he plays at a low pace without much dynamism.

141. Minnesota Wild

Jamiro Reber #39 (OA1)
C/W (L) 5’10” 176 lbs SHL HV71

Very fast skater who plays with a lot of dynamism and can be electric to watch. His speed and agility enable him to fly around the ice and embarrass defenders with the puck on his stick. He may have been overlooked because he lacked physicality and was a very predictable north/south player. Was one of the youngest players in the draft last year. This season he has shown great growth by being able to attack in different ways and embraced the playmaker role in the men's league in Sweden. Although he’s still slight he has learned how to use his game breaking speed to his benefit.

142. Utah Mammoth

Lirim Amidovski #29
RW (R) 6’1” 174 lbs OHL North Bay

Hard working power winger. Engaged physically almost every time he is on the ice and hits hard in the corners. Excellent along the wall and on the forecheck. Has a dangerous shot and loves to use a power move and “swim” past the defender to get to the inside. Has good hands but Amidovski does not possess strong puck skills and is a north-south player when in transition. Shows good work on the penalty kill and has the attention to detail to be an effective defensive forward.

143. Vancouver Canucks

Harry Nansi #34
C (R) 6’3” 179 lbs OHL Owen Sound

-Pro style frame who hasn’t quite put it all together yet. Nansi has an exciting toolkit and is an absolute tank along the boards with his body and reach. He shows flashes of great passing but hasn’t put up many points this year. Works hard and is definitely a bit of a project player at this point. Needs to improve his skating and explosiveness as it is really lacking. Projects as a bottom six grinder who can put in a shift but could potentially be more with some coaching and growth.

144. Calgary Flames

Atte Joki #10
C (L) 6’2” 190 lbs U20 SM-sarja Lukko

Hardworking center who loves to play physical and use his frame to his advantage. Parks in front of the net and is skilled at tips as well as cleaning up rebounds. His smarts enable him to take up good positions and get a shot off. The determination and leverage give him a step on defenders. He needs all the advantages he can get because his skating is very poor. The acceleration and explosiveness need development to get up to adequate NHL speed.

145. Montreal Canadiens

LJ Mooney #18
RW (R) 5’7” 157 lbs USDP

Been talked about for a long time after being somewhat propped up by being Logan Cooley’s cousin. Mooney is dynamic on the puck but his size will clearly have limitations to what he can do. Has plus level stickhandling as well as vision in the offensive zone. His skating is awesome as he glides across the ice with super quick crossovers and agility. A transition monster as his peers struggle to slow him down. His energy is non stop and he makes many highlights even on the defensive side. The playmaking and puck skills are excellent but will it be enough to convince a GM to select him. His reach and frame make it hard to fit him into some systems. Montreal will gamble with another small American much like Caufield and Hutson before.

146. Dallas Stars

Benjamin Rautiainen #78 (OA2)
F 6’0” 174 lbs Liiga Tappara

Performed well against men in Finland’s top league. Rautianien is an average skater who prefers to carry the puck into the zone. He can drive the net and is a playmaker who is at his best in the offensive zone. His skill and finishing set him apart from his peers. He is very good at taking defenders on and bewildering them with a quick move. Positioning is a strength as he can play both C and W. He is diligent defensively and has a hardworking mindset. Performs well for Finland youth teams. Is not a physical player and will have to adjust accordingly to perform in NA leagues.

147. St. Louis Blues

Louis Antoine Denault #31
G 6’8” 205 lbs QMJHL Quebec Ramparts

Absolutely enormous netminder. Had a growth spurt recently so he is still a very raw goalie who will need a ton of work on his fundamentals and what it takes to be a pro. However, you can’t teach his size and athleticism combo. He continued to improve as the season went on which may cause somebody to gamble on his future upside. The newfound strength in his movements and less awkward positioning showed great growth. It may be tough to get to the reaction levels required to be a NHL goalie for somebody his size but will be a fantastic story to watch.

148. Pittsburgh Penguins

Lukas Sawchyn #95
F (R) 5’10” 174 lbs WHL Edmonton

Brother of Gracyn. Dynamite on the puck. Sawchyn is one of the better stickhandlers and puck manipulators in the class. He is a distributor who uses his aforementioned puck skills to get passes through and around defenders with ease. His hands are apparent in many of his highlight reel plays. His shot could use some velocity to score from range. Sawchyn does most of his damage up close and uses a relentless work ethic to move quickly around the ice. The skating is great and his stocky build makes him tough to get off the puck. Words diligently defensively but needs to work on his decision making under pressure. He sometimes looks lost during high intensity games or situations.

149. Ottawa Senators

Owen Griffin #96
C (R) 5’10” 172 lbs OHL Oshawa

Two way center in the OHL. Griffin plays both special teams highlighting his well rounded game. He is a playmaker with the puck, making quick reactions and decisions to manipulate the game around him. His passing is his best attribute. Griffin works hard in all three zones and plays bigger than his size. He can be scrappy in front of the net and is willing to attack larger guys to get the puck back. The skating is an asset as he uses his strong agility to weave around the ice. The smarts are also apparent defensively as he can keep up with players and strip them of the puck. Always seems to be in the right position. A strong playoff performance for Oshawa has his stock rising. Needs to get stronger and work on his shot.

150. San Jose Sharks

Edison Engle #15
LHD 6’2” 174 lbs USHL Dubuque

Puck moving defenseman. Engle has great outlet passes and uses his explosive, plus level mobility to defend. A smooth skater, he can keep up with most forwards and can retrieve as well as carry the puck at speed. He has natural defensive instincts and leverages strong awareness and positioning to deter opponents. Consistent defender and plays an unfazed game. Plays a bunch of minutes in the USHL but could continue to improve offensively. He also doesn’t have much of a physical side to his game. Committed to Ohio State.

151. Tampa Bay Lightning

Nathan Quinn #29
C (R) 5’10” 168 lbs QMJHL Quebec

Well rounded, classic center who displays solid traits in all three zones. Is not the most dynamic player but shows consistent performances to make an impact. Has fantastic hockey sense and uses that to make plays in the offensive zone. He does well holding the puck on his stick and waiting for plays to develop. Although slight, he doesn’t shy away from physical scrums and loves to battle and position himself in front of the net. Strong defensively with a penchant for creating turnovers and keeping plays to the outside. One of the younger players in the draft so the upside may not even be scratched yet.

152. Los Angeles Kings

Luke Vlooswyk #4
RHD 6’4” 201 lbs WHL Red Deer

Physical, shutdown defender with an enticing frame and skillset. The mobility, handedness and size will surely make Vlooswyk a hot commodity on draft night. His rush defense is his best trait and he uses a strong stick and punishing physicality to defend entries into the zone. He can close quickly on his edges and muscles the puck out of dangerous areas. Excellent on the penalty kill with his awareness and positioning. Shows the required snarl and grit to be a solid bottom defender in the NHL. Offensively, he can make the required passes and could maybe entice a bit more offense as he grows.

153. Toronto Maple Leafs

Brady Peddle #10
LHD 6’3” 203 lbs USHL Waterloo

Another shutdown defenseman who is a smooth skater and has an imposing frame/weight combo. He is a bit raw and has a lot of aggression when engaging forwards entering the zone. He uses his body well and is willing to get to the dirty areas as a gritty dman. Late season riser and had a good playoff with Waterloo. Projects as a bottom pair defender but will need some more seasoning in the NCAA. Committed to Michigan State.

154. Vegas Golden Knights

Liam Kilfoil #9
C (L) 5’11” 176 lbs QMJHL Halifax

High energy defensive center. Works hard with powerful skating to keep up with the play. His ability to disrupt opponents is a marvel with his great positioning and stickwork. He takes away time and space expertly and forces turnovers to quickly transition. However, his puck handling is shoddy and he isn’t a very physical player. He prefers to use his smarts to take the puck. Offensively he is definitely more of a playmaker but is viewed as a safer player rather than displaying any offensive dynamism.

155. Washington Capitals

Kadon Mccann #5
C (L) 6’3” 201 lbs WHL Medicine Hat

Big bodied brute of a player who projects as a checking forward in the future. He uses his size and long reach effectively to punish opponents. He can bulldoze his way around the boards and his high compete level makes him a pain for defenders to push back on. Holds the puck well. Mccann has a very simple game that is straightforward and a bit predictable. His offensive talents have definitely been a work in progress although he has good power moves to get to the front of the net. The creativity and playmaking is lacking for a top 9 skill player at the next level.

156. Winnipeg Jets

Mads Kongsbak Klyvo #64
LW (L) 6’2” 194 lbs J20 Nationell Frolunda

Great skater and agile. Has a NHL frame and uses it well both holding the puck and dislodging it from others. Klyvo is a transition machine with an aggressive skating style where he drives into defenders. Has great hands to stickhandle and is skilled as a playmaker even though he could make quicker passes. Has a quick, fast twitch release that can snipe corners. Could improve his top speed and decision making but is a promising player who was a late riser this year. Power forward who could see a bigger role next year in the SHL.

157. Philadelphia Flyers

Lucas Karmiris #27
C (R) 5’11” 190 lbs OHL Brampton

Budding center who excels defensively. Karmiris is a fantastic skater and is an ideal bottom 6 center prospect. He grinds players out on the wall and harasses the puck carrier. His penchant to force turnovers and pursue showcase a non stop motor. Karmiris has the awareness to snuff out attacks before they even start. Active with his stick and gets in passing lanes, he excels on the penalty kill and can be a matchup nightmare for opposing top forwards. Wins faceoffs. Offensively, Karmiris can potentially be a two way player with his stickhandling and transition skills. He drives play and attacks the net with straight line speed. His creativity and scoring could use a boost to raise up his level. Karmiris also has struggled with injury this season so he remains a riskier pick. Flyers nab Martone’s teammate on Brampton.

158. Dallas Stars

Julius Saari #6
LHD 6’2” 172 lbs U20 SM-sarja

Stay at home defenseman who plays a simple game. He has great positioning defensively and has the required defensive acumen to cut off plays early. Saari has a long reach and his long, efficient skating make him a problem to get around. Can play with a nasty edge by throwing big hits or whacking guys in front of the net. Saari is excellent at puck retrievals and finding a quick first pass. Offensively, Saari has a hard shot but no creativity or stickhandling to be an effective point producer. Plays the PK and is a hard working defender. Projects as a simple defenseman who plays defensive situations in the pros.

159. Anaheim Ducks

Liam Pettersson #65
LHD 6’2” 170 lbs J20 Nationell Vaxjo Lakers

Great skater, Pettersson is a mobile defenseman who saw a cup of coffee with the SHL club this past season. Pettersson shows offensive upside with his puck carrying in transition as well as his ability to direct play from the point. He produces points by being a great breakout passer and remaining calm with the puck on his stick. There are some questions about his defensive game as he struggles with his positioning and well as using his frame physically against opposing forwards. Projects as a bottom pair puck moving defenseman.

160. Florida Panthers

Nicolas Sykora #77
LW (L) 6’0” 174 lbs USHL Sioux City

-Son of former player Petr Sykora. Sykora is a shooter who possesses a great shot with a snappy release and launch angles. Does well to get into scoring positions and let it rip. Sykora is a poor skater with so, so acceleration and agility. He doesn’t carry the puck much and instead prefers to set up shop to shoot. He has an inconsistent compete level and would probably need some energetic linemates to retrieve and dig out pucks. Performs well defensively when he is on his game. Heading to Quinnipiac.

Sixth Round

161. New Jersey Devils

Stepan Hoch #14
LW (L) 6’4” 192 lbs Czechia U20 HC Motor Ceske

Has the size and build to be a power winger. Hoch is an average skater but shows potential playmaking ability when he has the space to do so. He enjoys carrying pucks into the zone and zipping over a cross ice pass to the other forward. The big bodied forward also is excellent at screening goalies and parking in front of the net for tips and rebounds. Defensively he uses his reach and size to block shots and cut off passing lanes. Hoch needs to be more physical with his body as he is still trying to figure out how to add that aggression to his game. That passivity and showcasing no elite traits may cause him to slip. Not the highest ceiling.

162. Chicago Blackhawks

Matthew Lansing #26
C (L) 6’1” 181 lbs USHL Waterloo/Fargo

Underrated center prospect from the USHL. Played for the Junior Sabres and developed into a powerful player who uses strong skating and grit to stand out. The skating is what allows him to be a two way force and carry the puck in transition. His ability to shield the puck is one of the best and he muscles his way to the center of the ice with ease. Lansing is willing to put a shift in defensively and anticipates where the puck is heading to cut off the play. He’s willing to play physical and win battles all over to get the puck. Could show more creativity and work on adding some range to his shot. He definitely has the tools to develop his offense. Heading to Quinnipiac University.

163. Nashville Predators

Zachary Morin #10
LW (L) 6’2” 174 lbs QMJHL Saint John

-Left the USHL for the Q in the middle of the season to get more minutes. Morin is a physical power forward who plays with an edge while still maintaining a strong offensive game. Throws checks all over the ice and does have some temperament issues when things aren’t going his way. He was a top youth prospect and the offense has begun to pop. He has a beautiful shot and is highly skilled maneuvering his way into the slot to get a shot off. His NHL frame enables him to shield the puck effectively and his long stride shows a player who still has potential to improve. Struggled immensely this year. Needs to improve his decision making, attitude and awareness.

164. Philadelphia Flyers

Jacob Kvasnicka #7
RW (R) 5’11” 172 lbs USDP

Gritty, robust winger for the US Development Team. Kvasnicka plays a two way game with lots of pace and aggression. The speed is eye catching as the skating really pops and he takes powerful strides down the ice. He plays with a lot of energy and is at his best flowing with the puck in transition. Plays a simple game that is effective with some occasional flashes of playmaking. Not much of a shooter. Kvasnicka works well in tandem with teammates in the defensive zone. Defensive awareness is high and he is willing to engage on and off the puck to keep opponents out of dangerous areas. Projects as a bottom 6 energy player.

165. Boston Bruins

Noah Laberge #8
LHD 6’1” 185 lbs QMJHL Acadie-Bathurst

Puck moving defenseman who uses beautiful skating to impact the game especially in transition. Laberge has all the skating requirements of a pro player and uses it to great effect. He is quick to step up and match attackers and then strip the puck from them with his agility. He is an excellent stickhandler up tight and can create offense by himself through the neutral zone. The outlet passes are a beauty to watch and he is a top level distributor of the puck. His two way game has grown immensely and his positioning and awareness will continue to mature. His decision making can be suspect at times and he could get a bit more physical at times. Another modern defenseman with good potential.

166. New York Rangers

Mans Goos #60
G 6’5” 190 lbs J20 Nationell Farjestad

Great frame and one of the better European projectable goalies this year. Has the raw athleticism and size to make an impact. He fills the net and does well with his reflexes and reactions. He’s strong when squaring up shooters and exudes confidence with his communication to his defenders. He needs to work on the technical parts of being a goalie, especially his rebound control. He gets beat on plays right in front of the net too often as he seems to lose a little focus when the play is in his face.

167. Buffalo Sabres

Charlie Cerrato #15 (OA2)
C (L) 6’0” 190 lbs NCAA Penn St

Overager who has developed into a legit prospect at Penn State. Cerrato has greatly improved his skating to keep up with the higher pace of the game. The playmaking and vision allow him to make great decisions and thread the needle on his passes. Could improve his shot velocity and dynamism. He has the intelligence and defensive awareness to impact the game defensively even when his offensive stuff isn’t working. His active stick and penalty killing talent have shone this year. The floor of a reliable fourth line player will see Cerrato have many admirers as one of the more mature players in the draft.

168. Anaheim Ducks

Kierin Dervin #9
C (L) 6’2” 181 lbs PHC St. Andrew’s College

Dominated at St. Andrew’s but struggled when he moved to the OHL midway through the season. Dervin is a great skater with strong puckhandling and skill. Has high end vision that helps him make nifty passes and sees the ice well. His shot is a plus level with hard accuracy and a quick release. Dervin is willing to work defensively and is smart with his positioning. He needs to process play quicker as his consistency playing at pace has come under fire. He is also a bit weak and does not use his frame to physically engage. Long development for Dervin but has potential. Committed to Penn St.

169. Pittsburgh Penguins

Drew Schock #10
LHD 6’0” 174 lbs USDP

One of the best skaters on the US team this year. Highest scoring defender. Schock is an all action defenseman who had some nights where he looked like the best player on the ice. He can really fly around and impact the game on both ends of the rink. His puck handling at speed is a marvel to watch and he can quickly join rushes or lead the rush himself. Runs the powerplay with creative passing and quick decisions. Defensively he relies on his physical gifts a bit too much but is willing to work hard to win back the puck. He cheats a bit because of his speed. Schock is an exciting player but he can work on his consistency and his shot. Heading to Michigan.

170. New York Islanders

Burke Hood #35
G 6’3” 192 lbs WHL Vancouver

Was a surprise call up for Canada at the U18s. Improved as the season went on. Hood is a positionally sound goalie who has an innate understanding of the game. The calm and patient approach serves him well under pressure. The rebound control is excellent as he is a technician. Athletically he could get a bit quicker but he can play bigger than he appears by standing up to shooters and taking away the net. Project goalie who understands the position but may need to level up his skillset to realize his potential..

171. New York Rangers

Philippe Veilleux #44
LW (L) 5’9” 165 lbs QMJHL Val-d’Or

Quick skating winger who is quite elusive with the puck. Veilleux is the primary playmaker for his team using his smarts and positioning to impact the play. The hockey IQ is apparent with the amounts of points he puts up while showing supreme stickhandling and vision. He possesses all the necessary passing skills to set up his teammates. His shot is deadly accurate and will continue to get stronger. Physically, Veilleux is weak and he gets pushed off the puck. He does not engage much defensively or use his body even as a small player. Prefers to much rather be on the attack.

172. Detroit Red Wings

Kale Dach #91
C (L) 5’11” 165 lbs BCHL Sherwood Park

One of the top players in the BCHL this year. Playmaker who makes quick reads and has creative hockey sense to elevate his linemates. Attacks the middle of the ice which opens it up for his teammates. A quick skater and willing to work defensively. A well rounded player who does all the right things. Could improve consistency. Will be interesting to see him at higher levels and see if he can continue to progress.

173. Columbus Blue Jackets

Eduard Bondar #91
RHD 6’5” 194 lbs QMJHL Val-d’Or

Formidable defender who squashes attacks for fun. Still raw and growing into his frame. He is an excellent rush defender using his frame and reach to easily brush aside attackers. In juniors, he’s able to use his size to simply run over guys on his way to getting the puck. Blocks shots easily and is a good foil to an offensively minded partner. He is active in the defensive zone retrieving pucks and getting attacks started. Offensive game is very limited and his skating will need an overhaul to keep up with the uptick in pace of play. Could become a 6/7 defensive dman with the right development.

174. Utah Mammoth

Linards Feldbergs #88 (OA2)
G 6’2” 187 lbs QMJHL Sherbrooke

Burst onto the scene at the World Juniors this year with Latvia. Was getting some MVP shouts and even backstopped a crazy upset win over Team Canada. Also did well for Sherbrooke in the latter half of the season to remain firmly on scouts radar. Feldbergs uses his quickness and reflexes to shut the door on opposing shooters. He isn’t the biggest and there are some concerns that he struggles to fight through traffic sometimes.

175. Vancouver Canucks

Dmitri Isayev #63
LW (R) 5’9” 148 lbs MHL Avto Yekaterinburg

Talented player who scored in bunches in the MHL. His size is definitely a hindrance but he dances around the ice effectively. His puck handling and edgework is a joy to watch. He plays with an aggressive nature that is rare in smaller players. His shot is excellent and his hockey IQ puts him in many dangerous spots in the offensive zone. Has to be careful with the high amount of turnovers but that is expected with somebody who takes the risks he does. A pure scorer, Isayev will be a point producer but not much else as his role is pretty easily defined.

176. Calgary Flames

Artyom Gonchar #9
LHD 6’0” 143 lbs MHL Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk

Yes he’s the nephew of Sergei Gonchar. Man time flies. The newest Gonchar on the block is an offensive defenseman who is a fantastic stick handler and playmaker from the back end. He pushes himself to join the rush and at every opportunity uses his excellent skating to put pressure on defenses. Is a great outlet passer and is also at ease just taking the puck down the ice himself. Has produced points this season showing that he can be a consistent player. He needs to work on his defensive awareness and positioning. He is solid at retrievals but physically he needs improvement as he is to skinny and frail right now to be a strong defenseman.

177. Montreal Canadiens

Carter Klippenstein #19
C/W 6’3” 181 lbs WHL Brandon

Prototype checking forward who doesn’t bring much to the table offensively. He is a competitive player who likes to lead by example and physically engage opponents. The size and strength combination help along the boards and defensively in front of his net. Klippenstein’s skating is also a strength as he is a great skater for a large player. He is stout defensively, killing penalties and disrupting play with his frame and stick. Profiles as a bottom 6er in the future unless his offense suddenly explodes next year.

178. New Jersey Devils

Travis Hayes #13
RW (R) 5’11” 168 lbs OHL Soo

Small but feisty forward who is a pest and loves to instigate post whistle scrums. Hayes has a borderline elite shot but that is clearly his top offensive skill. It flies off the stick with a quick release or a hammer of a one timer. His playmaking and creativity is somewhat lacking and his skating looks to be about average. He doesn’t have the pop or dynamism that top forwards possess. He sometimes struggles in transition and prefers to lay the puck to someone else or just dump it in and hope for the best. Works hard defensively showing an active stick and willingness to get to the dirty areas to get the puck out. Projects as a bottom of the lineup forward.

179. St. Louis Blues

Lev Katzin #33
C (L) 5’8” 176 lbs OHL Guelph Storm

Quick skater and ultra competitive. Although a bit on the small side, Katzin has shown talent especially in international play with Canada. Katzin shows no fear when attacking and hits hard. He has no problem being physical and being a pest. He leans passer and is a playmaker in every sense of the word. Excitement builds when he gets the puck and blows past opponents. His stickhandling, dekes and vision stand out especially when playing with other cerebral forwards. He likes the puck on his stick and sometimes drifts when the play doesn’t come to him. This can be especially problematic in the defensive zone where his size gets taken advantage of. Could work on the shot as well as he gets to great areas but can’t finish. Made the OHL all rookie team.

180. Minnesota Wild

Andrew O’Neill #17
C (R) 6’2” 194 lbs USDP
Competitive center who was a grinder for the program this year. He was a defensive first forward who has great positioning and awareness in the defensive zone. He would draw defensive zone faceoffs and the intensity he played with would be obvious with his physical game. He was quick to strip opponents of the puck and his skating made it so he could keep up with most forwards. Offensively, he is limited as he doesn’t produce many points and profiles as a bottom of the lineup forward who will work hard on the defensive end. He can play on the cycle and protect the puck but he won’t be known for his offensive upside. Player who fits a defined role who may be picked late.

181. Ottawa Senators

Jasper Kuhta #27
C (L) 6’2” 181 lbs U20 Sm-sarja HIFK

High floor, low ceiling type of player. Kuhta is active in both zones and although he isn’t the quickest, he works hard and has good energy when pushing the pace. The size allows him to be strong in front of the net as he looks for tips and rebounds. His best work happens off the puck as he is a physical defender who disrupts transition and always seems to be open for an outlet pass. Offensively he needs a lot of development but defensively he has good reads and positioning to retrieve the puck. Good at marking forwards out of the game. Pro style player without a ton of upside.

182. Nashville Predators

Ilyas Magomedsultanov #6
LHD 6’2” 176 lbs MHL Loko Yaroslavl

-Physical defender who’s been plying his trade in the MHL. Ilyas is a classic defender who puts his body on the line night in and night out. He plays nasty in his own end and is competitively aggressive to get the puck. Excellent at separating the body from the puck. His stickwork is helpful when he defends the passes inside or on the rush. Ilyas could improve the edgework and explosiveness when skating as well as improve his offensive abilities. He is fine making simple passes but will need to display some sense of puck distribution or scoring to be a bottom pair defender in the pros.

183. Carolina Hurricanes

Ethan Wyttenbach #17
F (R) 5’10” 181 lbs USHL Sioux Falls

Very strong hockey IQ and character off the ice. A natural leader. Wyttenbach was the winner of the first Gaudreau award given to the USHL player who demonstrated on ice excellence combined with joy, enthusiasm, care and responsibility. Wyttenbach uses his positioning to great effect and is the main playmaker on his Sioux Falls team. He led the team in scoring despite missing a fair chunk of time. He can set up teammates or use his quick, sharp release to beat goalies clean. His skating is average and he could play with more physicality. Wyttenbach is a late season riser that will have many admirers for the way he carries himself on and off the ice.

184. Los Angeles Kings

Jesper Kotajarvi #4
LHD 5’11” 174 lbs Liiga Tappara

Smooth skating defenseman who is one of the better transitional puck carriers in the class. Kotajarvi can play both sides equally and uses his agility and turns to be an effective player. His gap control and retrievals show a player who when confident can run the game. He is a great passer who can run the point with his aforementioned supreme control of the puck. Steps up on rushes and has the quickness to handle smaller forwards. He can play physical but his size and weight will hold him back somewhat. Toolsy player with a wide range of outcomes.

185. Toronto Maple Leafs

Viggo Nordlund #8
F (L) 5’9” 168 lbs J20 Nationell Skelleftea

Swift skater out of Sweden. Nordlund has a worker bee mentality and he doesn’t slow down at all. The stickhandling showcase elite hands that can rip off a shot very quickly. His hockey IQ meshes perfectly with his puck skills and he is an offensive driver. Nordlund can carry the puck and maneuver around defenders with ease. He is competitive and doesn’t let his size deter him from heading to the front of the net. Obviously, with his size he struggles with physical contact and is weak. This means he doesn’t have much of a defensive impact even though this is not for lack of effort. If he can gain some man strength he can be an interesting late round selection due to his high skill level.

186. Vegas Golden Knights

Jett Lajoie #37
F (R) 5’11” 179 lbs WHL Prince George

Competitive and physical for his team. Has no problem laying the hit or being a menace to play against in the crease or boards area. Good at retrieving pucks and working hard on the forecheck. Lajoie is a well rounded forward that plays a supporting role well in the WHL. He is not a shooter but gets most of his points around the net. His passing and puck handling could use improvement or else he is going to be cast as a 4th line player. His skating is average but his transition game could be something that starts to blossom and make him stand out. One of the best bets to explode next year as he will be handed more responsibility with lots of older players leaving.

187. Vegas Golden Knights

Caden Taylor #19
W (L) 6’’3” 185 lbs OHL Petersborough

Taylor is a winger with one of the top shots in the class. The release is top notch and he gets it off quickly. He is able to get in position to rip off a one timer and will work towards the middle of the ice to open up the net. Taylor also has a polished skating technique but can struggle with his puck handling at times. He isn’t a creative playmaker but can make simple passes when needed. Works hard on the backcheck and is willing to use his stick and reach to cut off passes. One thing he could do better is use his frame more to his advantage. He loses one on one battles far too often for a player of his size and skating.

188. Winnipeg Jets

Andrei Trofimov #72 (OA1)
G 6’3” 170 lbs MHL Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk

Bit of an under the radar goalie this year out in Russia. Trofimov is an athletic goalie who has the quick twitch reflexes that are required at higher levels. He generally relies on his size and lateral quickness over his positioning between the posts. He can track pucks at a high level and flashes the glove on high shots routinely. Could work on improving his rebound control like many young goalies. He also struggles with consistency on the blocker side and can fall into spells of up and down play.

189. Carolina Hurricanes

Mikhail Fyodorov #84
W (L) 5’11” 152 lbs MHL Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk

Highly skilled who has the creative genius and swagger of many young Russian prospects. He has fantastic hands and loves to have the puck on his stick. Can manipulate the eyes of defenders making him a serious weapon in the offensive zone with his vision and execution. A pure creator and comes alive offensively making plays for his team. The reason Fyodorov has some struggles is that he doesn't have a strong two way game and needs to gain more weight to be more explosive. Could improve his stride to be more of a downhill skater as well.

190. Dallas Stars

Jordan Gavin #11
C/W (L) 5’11” 179 lbs WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

-Floaty playmaker who needs to play with more pace. Shows very high end creativity and hockey sense to make things happen out of nothing. His brain is amazing to watch. His passing is one of the best in the WHL and his positioning is fantastic. He has the tools to be a great player but can be lackadaisical. He needs to be more physical and get to the danger areas rather than being a perimeter player. He shows attention to defensive detail but again doesn’t seem to be able to make the same decisions at high speeds and chaos. Project player but if he hits it will be glorious.

191. Edmonton Oilers

Daniel Nieminen #87 (OA1)
LHD 6’0” 187 lbs Liiga Pelicans

Smooth skater out of Finland. Performed well against men this season which has seen his draft stock rise. Nieminen is an ever present on the Finland youth teams and always puts in a shift. Defensively he is calm and collected and can always recover with his pace and agility. His retrievals and interceptions have continued to show a high IQ game that can adapt to higher levels. He has good gap control and can transition with the puck out of pressure. Isn’t the most offensive defenseman in the zone but shows adequate puck handling and decision making to push up ice and create odd man rushes. Could be more physical but still profiles as a puck moving defender.

192. Florida Panthers

Andreas Straka #15
C (L) 6’1” 192 lbs QMJHL Quebec

Defensively excellent Slovakian playing in the Q this year. He pays attention to details and it pays off with his positioning and anticipation. He has a strong frame and can dislodge pucks from greasy areas and take off the other way. Plays physical and can wreak havoc. His aforementioned positioning makes him a threat in the offensive zone in front of the net for tips and rebounds. The work ethic is stellar and he looks quicker than he actually is. Could use more creativity with puck skills in his game and the counting stats weren’t high enough to warrant a high selection. Has the frame and style that GMs want.

Seventh Round

193. Tampa Bay Lightning

Savin Virk #16
RW (R) 6’0” 172 lbs WHL Tri City

Quick winger who’s played on a few different teams this year. Attacks with speed and stickhandling being his main strengths. Has a solid wrister and uses clever positioning to get it on the net. Virk plays a complete game and is attentive defensively. Backchecks and works hard to harass opponents in the defensive zone. The hockey IQ is apparent with his decision making. Not a physical player at all so will need to add that to his repertoire. Still very young so the strength and explosiveness might still need to be developed.

194. Chicago Blackhawks

John Parsons #30 (OA1)
G 6’4” 194 lbs USHL Chicago

-Former US development team goalie. Parsons is quick on his skates which enables him to display his quick reflexes and lateral movement when forced to change directions. He has the frame and nimbleness to be an effective goalie. He is excellent at tracking the puck through screens and catching when the shooter releases the puck. Good handling of the puck is an added bonus. He could work on his consistency and he sometimes overcommits leaving holes in his stance when moving around the crease.

195. Buffalo Sabres

Will Murphy #55
LHD 6’4” 205 lbs QMJHL Cape Breton

-Tough defender who has the frame and temperament to be a shutdown defensive player. Logs big minutes in the Q and has no problem sticking up for teammates and blocking shots. Plays an old school style. His first pass is usually good although he isn’t very dynamic with the puck. He skates well for his size and sticks to what his role is. Projects as a defensive defenseman who can anchor a third pairing or 6/7 dman who can come in when his physicality is required.

196. Los Angeles Kings

Remi Gelinas #10 (OA2)
C (L) 6’0” 187 lbs QMJHL Rouyn-Noranda

One of the oldest draft eligible players this year. Gelinas exploded this year with his goalscoring exploits especially in the latter half of the year. The uptick in scoring was certainly noticed by scouts. He is a good skater and uses his high IQ to always get in the open spaces and rip a shot on net. He has quick hands especially in front of the net. Gelinas doesn’t take shifts off defensively and works hard to turn the puck over and spring the other way. Excellent on faceoffs as well which is a bonus.

197. Boston Bruins

Gabriel D’Aigle #20
G 6’4” 207 lbs QMJHL Victoriaville

Has been a highly thought of goalie prospect for some time now. Struggled this year with a very weak team in front of him. Has the frame and butterfly style that teams are looking for. His technique is excellent as he likes to square up to shooters and covers up a lot of the net. His reflexes are solid and his glove hand is especially sharp. The lateral quickness is explosive from side to side. He isn’t the quickest goalie and sometimes gets surprised by some shots. He could improve his rebound control and especially his handling of the puck. Bit of a project goalie but competes hard and has potential.

198. Seattle Kraken

Maxim Schafer #71
F (L) 6’4” 187 lbs DEL Eisbaren Berlin

Big bodied forward who has the frame and intangibles needed to make an impact. Schafer skates well for a big man. Plays physically in front of the net and enjoys scrums and skirmishes with the other team. Plays the body and does work defensively to win back possession. He is an able penalty killer and can be a nuisance to try and get around due to his reach and frame. He does not do well handling the puck and defers to teammates when carrying it in transition. Projects as a bottom of the lineup player whose size and skating will have some admirers.

199. Buffalo Sabres

Patrik Kerkola #31
G 6’3” 194 lbs KalPa U20 U20 SM-sarja

Reactionary, hybrid goalie that plays a bit chaotic in net. Raw in terms of his technique he will definitely require some work to improve. Has the frame and physical traits to be an interesting prospect. Kerkola is lightning quick and his fast reactions even surprised himself at times. His compete level is said to be very high end and he tracks pucks well through traffic. He can work on his skating and his consistency when dealing with rebounds.

200. Anaheim Ducks

Tinus Luc Koblar #94
C (L) 6’3” 187 lbs J20 Nationell Leksands IF

-The late rising Koblar has great physical tools and a pro style game. He is a center that matches up with the opposing top centers and does well. He wins battles along the boards and hounds opponents with his high energy style of play. HIs positioning around the ice is excellent and he always finds himself in good positions. His skating is average but his stickhandling helps him get out of many jams. Does well holding the puck. Add in his growing playmaking chops and it’s easy to get excited by his potential. It is still very early and he’s a raw player so he probably will still be a late round selection.

201. Pittsburgh Penguins

Jermey Loranger #22
C (R) 5’10” 165 lbs BCHL Sherwood Park

The other half of the fantastic BCHL duo with Kale Dach. They both torched the league this year. Loranger is an elite stickhandler and is extremely creative with the puck. He routinely smokes guys one on one. Although smaller and not as polished, he put up more points than Dach and was the more likely to make something happen with the puck. He is quick on his skates and the speed enables him to slice open defenses with a quick pass. The vision and playmaking is exemplary and quickly apparent at a lower level like the BCHL. Loranger will slide a bit because his defensive play is inconsistent and he does not play physical. He will occasionally take retaliatory penalties as well. Still enough of an offensive wizard to get drafted but will be late.

202. New York Islanders

Reko Alanko #62
RHD 6’6” 205 lbs U20 SM-sarja Jokerit

-Came out of nowhere late this season. Alanko has the makeup of a true warrior on the back end. He battles for position in front of the net and has no problem playing mean. He uses his massive frame to physically punish and uses his reach to great effect. He wins the majority of his one on one duels in his age group so it will be interesting to see him against men at higher levels. He is also willing to be a two way player and make his mark in the offensive zone. His great skating allows him to be mobile and close gaps quickly. He can use his strength more effectively against the rush and needs to work on his decision making with the puck. His passing is too lazy at times. One of the better potentials of the late rounds.

203. New York Rangers

Niklas Nykiri #4 (OA1)
LHD 6’2” 190 lbs Liiga HIFK

-Solid defender who possesses good puck moving skill with high defensive awareness. Nykiri has been a presence for Finnish teams for a while now and has always been dependable. He isn’t flashy in the way he plays but consistently puts out fires. His positioning is his strongest suit and he is able to quickly get the puck off his stick to a forward. He is strong both on the puck and with opponents shoulder to shoulder. He could play more aggressively both in regards to his quickness and nastiness. Pretty much what you want from a bottom pair defender if he gets a little meaner.

204. Detroit Red Wings

Felix Farhammar #27
LHD 6’1” 185 lbs J20 Nationell Orebro J20

-Two way defender who has above average skating and puck skills. Farhammar is excellent in transition and most of his value comes from his heads up play with the puck. He can find the outlet pass and spring attacks with ease. Runs the powerplay and his mobility is on full display with the open ice. Defensively, he could use a bit more seasoning as he needs to play more physical and engage with opponents more often. Too often he reaches and doesn’t impose himself or force a mistake. He cheats a bit with his mobility to just wait and take the puck. This won’t happen at higher levels. Overall he fits a modern mold with his puck skills and skating.

205. Columbus Blue Jackets

Roman Luttsev (OA1) #74
C (L) 6’1” 174 lbs MHL Loko Yaroslavl

Hard nosed centreman who has continued his strong performances to get on the draft radar. One of the top scorers in the MHL this year. He does an excellent job at pulling up and finding teammates and moving the puck at different speeds. His shot is also a weapon as its heavy and accurate as it finds the corner. He works hard and is physical when seeking out the puck. His skating has improved from last season which allows him to carry the puck in transition much more effectively.

206. Tampa Bay Lightning

Maddox Labre #25
LHD 6’2” 179 lbs QMJHL Victoriasville

Raw defender who has the potential tools to make an impact. Played on one of the worst teams in the Q which hurt his numbers. Labre is a physical defender who has the frame, skating and natural defensive IQ to develop into something substantial. He has high level speed as well as stickhandling when carrying the puck up ice. He displays smart reads when making outlet passes and joins the rush at will. Defensively, he can be nasty in front of his net as well as use his lateral agility and stick to disrupt opponents. He is willing to make or take a hit to make a play. Labre needs to clean up his decision making as he often tries to be the hero rather than making a simple play.

207. Vancouver Canucks

Joe Wahlund #26
LHD 6’1” 185 lbs J20 Nationell Farjestad

-Wahlund is a steady two way defenseman who is a solid puck mover and skater. He brings value with his transitional game and poise. He plays calm under pressure and although he isn’t dynamic, can activate in the offensive zone when he wants to. Defensively he uses his frame and reach to good effect but again doesn’t always instigate contact or rush opponents. He generally plays pretty passive without much risk. Pretty standard depth defenseman without any standout traits. Solid floor player to give depth in an organization.

208. Calgary Flames

Parker Snelgrove #9
C (L) 6’0” 190 lbs OHL Guelph Storm

-Pro style center who plays a fast paced, energetic game. Has a high work ethic and harasses opponents on the ice. Shows improving vision and feel for the game in the offensive zone with his passing. Could work on his shot a bit as his points come from close to the net. He won’t be an offensive producer but his detailed defensive game will make him an intriguing prospect. He has timing and space figured out in regards to keeping the puck away from dangerous areas. If his offensive game jumps he could be a sneaky good prospect and longshot NHL candidate.

209. Montreal Canadiens

German Suzdorf #98
C (L) 6’7” 209 lbs MHL SKA-Yunior Krasnogorsk

-A massive center who is a pure project pick. He has played for the St. Petersburg youth teams and has shown flashes of a potential player. He is extremely athletic and shows okay skating for a big man. His skill level is definitely a work in progress as he fumbles around with the puck and loses his position often. He is willing to play physical and with his size he would be an intimidating bottom of the lineup player. He separates players from the puck and pins them to the wall. At this point in the draft he is a dart throw worth taking. Long development needed.

210. San Jose Sharks

Blake Vanek #19/25
RW (R) 6’4” 205 lbs USHS Stillwater High

-Thomas Vanek’s son. Blake is a beefy kid who possesses some of the hallmarks of Thomas’s game. He does an excellent job of possessing the puck and using his body to shield away defenders. His shot is also top notch for his age and has quick twitch hands that have a feel for the puck. Will need to improve his skating as well as playmaking but the potential could be there. Bit of a homer pick since Thomas is a scout for the Sharks.

211. Detroit Red Wings

Makar Fomin #27
LHD 5’11” 165 lbs MHL Almaz Cherepovets

Made waves this season appearing in some KHL games as a teen. Fomin is an undersized puck moving defenseman who is one of the top passers of his age group. He is an excellent skater and has fluid strides with supreme agility. This agility allows him to be a transition machine and bypass onrushing defenders with ease. The edgework is especially noticeable in the offensive zone as he constantly dances past defenders to open up passing and shooting lanes. Defensively, Fomin has strong reads to intercept the play and uses his mobility to step up on opponents. Unfortunately, he is small and lacks strength. He is targeted on the wall and will especially need to bulk up to have a chance.

212. Tampa Bay Lightning

Ondrej Stebetak #1
G 6’2” 176 lbs WHL Portland

Stebetak struggled this year in the WHL. He was a top prospect for his age group for a little while but lacked the consistency this year that scouts were hoping to see. His performances with Czechia was the only saving grace this year. He is a projectable goalie who is still growing into his frame but still needs to bulk up. He can perform well under pressure, moving fluidly with his reflexes and quickness. Makes big saves but lets in leaky ones far too often. Could improve his positional discipline. His puck handling is also a plus and can lead quick breakouts in transition. We will see if his numbers are too alarming for GMs but he profiles as a potential NHL backup.

213. Ottawa Senators

Noah Jenken #24/19
LHD 6’3” 190 lbs OHL Guelph Storm

-Shutdown defender. Jenken has a pro build and uses it to great effect by physically overpowering other players. After a midseason trade, Jenken began to grow in confidence and responsibility. He played both special teams and has good skating for a big player. This allows him to have excellent breakout passes and better handle the puck. His offensive game is still very limited and he projects as a shutdown defender at higher levels. With more growth he can become a depth defenseman in the show.

214. Colorado Avalanche

Oliver Turner #18
RHD 6’5” 194 lbs PHC St. Andrew’s

-Imposing defender who impacts the game with his frame and defensive sturdiness. He can shutdown players at this level with ease due to his physical play style and defensive awareness. Turner blocks shots and leverages his stick to stop attacks. The skating is not a hindrance and he moves well for such a big player. He projects as a stay at home defender with a simple offensive game. The puck skills need to improve, especially his passing. He too often gets caught in his own zone due to the inability to handle the puck. Turner is very raw but has a long runway to develop. It will be interesting to see how he does at higher levels but the frame and intangibles are there.

215. Tampa Bay Lightning

Carson Harmer #13
C (L) 5’10” 185 lbs OHL Saginaw

-Well rounded forward who is more of a playmaker in his center role. His positioning is excellent and he has a snappy shot with great hands. He can drive inside and has a nose for the open ice. Very smart player. Works extremely hard defensively and is a physical player for his size. He hits and battles along the ball with opponents way bigger than him. Has no problem being gritty in front. Does not have the best skating and this will hinder him in a major way because his size isn’t doing him any favors.

216. Los Angeles Kings

Matus Lisy #81
LHD 6’1” 181 lbs Slovakia HK Nitra
-Offensive defenseman with a work in progress defensive ability. Projects as a two way defender. Lisy is a skilled player who has high class positioning and agility. He moves the puck well around the zone and is skilled with his dekes and head fakes. His shot from the point is underrated and he should use it more often especially on the man advantage. Defensively he can keep up with the play but will need to add an element of physicality especially around the net.

217. Toronto Maple Leafs

Matthew Koprowski #31
G 6’3” 198 lbs OHL Owen Sound

-Quick reflexes from in close and strong lateral agility from post to post. He is great at setting up the correct position and squaring up to shooters. The anticipation is also a strength and it allows him to remain in control in high pressure situations. Mentally strong as he has battled for the crease this year and has come back strong after disappointing performances. He needs to be more consistent and work on his puck handling which will get exposed at higher levels. Back up caliber.

218. Columbus Blue Jackets
David Granberg #15 (OA2)
C/W (L) 6’2” 194 lbs SHL Lulea

Won the SHL with Lulea this year. Granberg already plays a pro style game and could be ready for pro action as soon as next year. He is an excellent penalty killer and uses his physical style to shutdown opponents. Granberg’s physical frame and reach allow him to steal pucks. He is a wonderful skater and this added mobility aids a two way game that has continued to grow. He has good vision and playmaking from the center role but projects as a bottom of the lineup forward who can perform on the penalty kill and take tough matchups. Not the highest ceiling but a dependable pro.

219. Buffalo Sabres

Jordan Charron #27
RW (L) 6’2” 190 lbs OHL Soo

-Power forward that can skate with a purpose and leverages his large frame to dominate in juniors. His pace is a true asset as it turns him into a weapon on the forecheck. Charron possesses a wicked shot and that is his go to in the offensive zone. He isn’t much of a playmaker and struggles to handle the puck especially under pressure. He defends aggressively and uses the aforementioned size to win board battles and come away with the puck. His awareness is good and he can lay people out if they aren’t paying attention. If he can fix his puck skills he looks like a bottom 6 forward.

220. Winnipeg Jets

Mazden Leslie #47 (OA2)
RHD 6’1” 201 lbs WHL Vancouver

Captain of Vancouver. Leslie is an offensive defenseman who has had to learn how to defend in space as well as how to be a leader. He is a force on the point with quick sidesteps and deceptive passing to free up others. His shot has continued to be effective with pinpoint accuracy and high velocity. Defensively he has begun to use the body much more and separate the player from the puck. Leslie’s positioning can sometimes be suspect and his average skating makes it a bigger weakness than similar players. Gambling on his offensive game may see him get picked late.

221. Carolina Hurricanes

Bogdan Pestretsov #65
LHD 6’3” 203 lbs MHL Krasnaya Armiya Moskva

Mobile, shutdown defender. Pestretsov is somewhat of an unknown commodity over in Russia but is a promising prospect. He is a beast in his own zone with his willingness to put his body on the line. He blocks shots, hits and cuts off passes. His skating is high level and he can maneuver in ways that allow him to stick to forwards like glue. Not much offensive ceiling as he prefers to just make simple breakout passes and follow the play up ice. Comes alive in the defensive zone. Looks to be a potential 3rd pairing candidate in the pros.

222. Dallas Stars

Matej Pekar #88
C/W (L) 5’10” 168 lbs WHL Seattle

-Quick skating forward who brings offensive tenacity to the forefront of his game. He is very shifty with the puck and is able to stop and turn on a dime. He is able to attack on the rush and is excellent in transition with his agility. Does well on the power play with extra space. The shot is plus level but he is inconsistent with his decision making in the offensive zone. He hurries defenders on the forecheck but is too small and weak to truly make an impact physically. This factor limits his options as he can’t rely on a physical game to make it as a bottom of the lineup player. Could be a depth scorer at higher levels but needs a lot of work to stick around.

223. Edmonton Oilers

Oscar Davidsson #67
LW/C (L) 6’1” 187 lbs J20 Nationell HV71

-On the older side for this draft class, Davidsson is a physical forward with a developing power game. His non-stop motor allows him to be a presence defensively as well as on the penalty kill. His awareness is a hallmark to his game as it enables him to cut off passing lanes as well as be a contributor by being in the right spot. He is a complementary forward who works hard to be available rather than carry the puck. A solid skater and can possess the puck with his body when required too. His hands show flashes of talent and good passing. Could be a fine role player someday.

224. Florida Panthers

Oliwer Sjostrom #27
LHD 5’11” 176 lbs J20 Nationell Lulea

Undersized defenseman. Sjostrom is a classic tweener that has a wide range of draft outcomes due to his size. He is a mobile defenseman who can really move the puck and skate. His smarts while handling the puck allow him to make strong outlet passes and make the right decision under pressure. He is an excellent passer and can work a powerplay or carry the puck up ice. Possesses a high hockey IQ that is necessary due to a lack of powerful physical traits. Defensively he uses his stick and positioning to try and beat opponents to pucks but really lacks physically. He is not elite offensively so will have a tough time finding a defined role in the pros.


Honorable Mentions:

Jayden Kraus #33
G 6’2” 207 lbs WHL Victoria

Anthony Cristoforo #44 (OA1)
RHD 6’0” 181 lbs OHL Windsor

Michal Capos
RHD 6’5” 216 lbs

Ludvig Johnson #33/97 (OA1)
LHD 6’0” 181 lbs NL EV Zug

Patryk Zubek #26
LHD 6’3” 203 lbs Slovakia U20 Barani Banska Bystrica

Drew Allison #3
LHD 6’2” 192 lbs QMJHL Baie-Comeau

Tomas Galvas #79 (OA1)
LHD 5’10” 154 lbs Czechia Bili Tygri LIberec

William Bundgaard #22
F (L) 6’4” 187 lbs Denmark Rodovre Mighty Bulls

Vyacheslav Vasilyev #87
C (L) 6’3” 185 lbs MHL SKA St. Petersburg

Julius Sumpf #26 (OA2)
C (L) 6’2” 194 lbs QMJHL Moncton

Jacob Crawford #16
C/W (L) 6’3” 181 lbs OHL Owen Sound

Maxim Zaitsev #16
W (L) 6’1” 183 lbs MHL Krasnaya

Ryan Rucinski #56
F (R) 5’10” 176 lbs USHL Youngstown

Brent Solomon #2
RW (R) 5’11” 165 lbs USHL Sioux

Gavin Cornforth #9
RW (R) 5’10” 170 lbs USHL Dubuque

 

[bdn00707]

Delete please the numbering got all messed up

 

[Mrfenn92]

Delete please the numbering got all messed up

Up to you while the numbering is a bit messy it’s still a great list. Thanks for the effort enjoyed the reading.

 

[bdn00707]

Up to you while the numbering is a bit messy it’s still a great list. Thanks for the effort enjoyed the reading.

Thank you! Let's delete and i'll try to resubmit it with it cleaned up. Shouldn't take terribly long

 

[Mrfenn92]

Thank you! Let's delete and i'll try to resubmit it with it cleaned up. Shouldn't take terribly long

No problem

 

[LT]

Thank you! Let's delete and i'll try to resubmit it with it cleaned up. Shouldn't take terribly long

It looks like it's a BBCode formatting issue. I can try to fix it later when I have some time. Or you can do it manually as well and simply edit the posts.

 

[bdn00707]

It looks like it's a BBCode formatting issue. I can try to fix it later when I have some time. Or you can do it manually as well and simply edit the posts.

Sweet thanks i'll try that

 

[Nevins]

Impressive work. Thanks

 

[Voodoo Glow Skulls]

Great post.

Very good read with some rankings I love.