The 2020 NHL Draft has the potential to be the best in years. There are tons of talented players coming out of both North America and abroad. While the New York Rangers are on the clock with the first overall pick, the Islanders currently will not participate in the first or second round, as the picks were dealt to the Ottawa Senators in the Jean-Gabriel Pageau trade. The Islanders’ first selection is 90th overall, or the 28th pick of the third round. They also have the 28th pick in rounds four through seven, which are 121st, 152nd, 183rd, and 214th overall. Every year, the draft falls in the last week of June, a few days before free agency opens on July 1st. However, due to this year’s playoffs taking place in the Toronto and Edmonton bubbles after the Coronavirus pause, those dates are shifted drastically. The first round of this year’s draft is Tuesday, October 6th, and rounds two through seven are on Wednesday, October 7th. Even if the Islanders don’t select on Tuesday, they may trade for one. The Islanders are trying to clear cap space, and if they choose to move on from someone who is a valuable asset on the NHL roster, they could warrant a top pick if more assets are included. So, here are our picks in our final 2020 NHL mock draft from Drive4Five contributors Ben and Scott.

Note: These picks were finalized the night of Monday, October 5th, and were not changed in the event of any trades occurring on the day of the draft.

1. New York Rangers

Scott: LW Alexis Lafreniere – 52 GP, 35G, 77A, 112P (Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL)

This is the easiest decision of the night by far, and may even be the only decision that has been made. For the past few years, Lafreniere has been the consensus first ranked player in this draft class, and it is well-deserved. He exceeded all expectations that were placed on him, even improving on aspects of his game, making him more valuable. He will most definitely make an immediate impact on a team that already has loads of scoring talent on it with the likes of Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad.

 

Ben: LW Alexis Lafreniere – 52 GP, 35G, 77A, 112P (Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL)

Seeing this guy on the Islanders’ biggest rival is a rough blow. Lafreniere has the potential to blossom into one of the league’s best players and will be another star upfront in the for the New York Rangers. This is a no-brainer for them and he can make an impact immediately.

 

2. Los Angeles Kings

Scott: LW Tim Stutzle – 41GP, 7G, 27A, 34P (Adler Mannheim, DEL)

There is no unanimous choice for who the Kings will select with the second overall pick. In this case, I went for the dynamic skater in Stutzle over the big-bodied Quinton Byfield. His creativity would fit in well with the type of players that the Kings have been drafting over the past few years, with Alex Turcotte, Rasmus Kupari, and Akil Thomas sticking out in particular. He could likely start on the third line next season no matter where he goes but will be a key component of a team’s top-six in the future.

 

Ben: C Quinton Byfield – 45GP, 32G, 50A, 82P (Sudbury Wolves, OHL)

Byfield and Stutzle are close, but I will give Byfield the slight edge. The Kings have a huge prospect pool, arguably the best in hockey, but might be missing a leader. They haven’t picked this high since 2008 when they chose Drew Doughty. They need someone with those same leadership qualities with this pick, and Byfield took a Sudbury Wolves team without much help and managed to win the OHL Central Division. If Los Angeles wants to win a cup in the future, this guy should be taking the opening faceoffs on the first line, possibly wearing the “C”.

 

3. Ottawa Senators (via San Jose Sharks)

Scott: C Quinton Byfield – 45GP, 32G, 50A, 82P (Sudbury Wolves, OHL)

This pick was fairly simple, as whoever the Kings don’t take at two will likely be Ottawa’s pick at three. Either way, both the Kings and Senators can’t go wrong, as both players will be impact players throughout their NHL careers. Byfield is one of the strongest players in the draft, and with that comes good skating, soft hands, and great vision. Ottawa has strong center depth with players such as Colin White and Chris Tierney, but no matter if they draft Byfield or Stutzle, they are getting the franchise center they need.

 

Ben: LW Tim Stutzle – 41GP, 7G, 27A, 34P (Adler Mannheim, DEL)

Ottawa is in a position where their decision is basically made for them. Lafreniere is essentially a lock for number 1, and these two are the only two options behind him. If Los Angeles goes Byfield, Ottawa will likely choose Stutzle, or vice versa. In terms of talent, these are the only two that make sense here, but Ottawa would be lucky to get either. There is a huge upside for Stutzle to have a strong future in Ottawa.

4. Detroit Red Wings

Scott: C Marco Rossi – 56GP, 39G, 81A, 120P (Ottawa 67’s, OHL)

Despite being one of the shorter players in this year’s draft, Rossi plays much larger than he stands. His skating does need some work, but other than that, he is very well-rounded. He has great hockey sense, is a creative playmaker, and plays a strong two-way game. He would fit well with what the Red Wings are putting together as their future up front looks bright with Anthony Mantha, Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Joe Veleno, and more. Rossi would be a fantastic addition to their up-and-coming core and will be able to adjust to the system of whatever team drafts him easily.

 

Ben: C Marco Rossi – 56GP, 39G, 81A, 120P (Ottawa 67’s, OHL)

Many people think there is a huge drop off between picks three and four this year. There is definitely a drop-off, but I don’t believe it’s as big as some may imagine. Rossi is criticized for his size, and his crazy number of points from being on a super team, but I think this kid has serious talent. A point-racking-up fanatic, he can do just about everything asked of him. He has one of the highest ceilings of the draft, and although it’s a risk, this may be the pick we look back on and how great it was.

 

5. Ottawa Senators

Scott: D Jamie Drysdale – 49GP, 9G, 38A, 47P (Erie Otters, OHL)

Ottawa should be aiming for both a top forward and top defenseman with their top-two pick, and if they come out of the top five with Byfield and Drysdale, Senators fans and front office alike should be celebrating. Drysdale is the best defenseman in a shallow pool of blueliners in this year’s draft, and is a fantastic skater who moves the puck with ease, strong in the transition game, and has a high hockey IQ. If the Senators are able to add him to an already bright future on defense with Thomas Chabot, Erik Brannstrom, and Jacob Bernard-Docker, they shouldn’t refuse.

 

Ben: C Cole Perfetti – 61GP, 37G, 74A, 111P (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

Cole Perfetti is one of the most complete players in this draft. He plays defense, passes, shoots, and is just an all-around powerhouse. With a pass-first Stutzle taken two picks earlier, Ottawa needs someone with a high hockey IQ that can get into scoring lanes and notch lots of goals of Stutzle assists. When you have to picks so high, you need to create a one-two punch for the future. Stutzle and Perfetti would be an amazing duo who can complement each other’s strengths.

 

6. Anaheim Ducks

Scott: LW Lucas Raymond – 9GP, 3G, 11A, 14P (Frolunda HC, J20 SuperElit) + 33GP, 4G, 6A, 10P (Frolunda HC, SHL)

Raymond had a tough season last year dealing with mono and did not play as much as people would have liked during his pre-draft year. He is one of the more well-rounded forwards at the top of the draft, both getting towards the net to score and working the boards to facilitate plays. The Ducks are a team that has focused on forwards for the past few years in the draft, most recently drafting Trevor Zegras and Brayden Tracey in the first round last year, but a player like Raymond who plays in all situations would be a great pick for the Ducks.

 

Ben: D Jamie Drysdale – 49GP, 9G, 38A, 47P (Erie Otters, OHL)

Anaheim’s biggest weakness has been on defense for a few years now. The young all-star goalie John Gibson severely needs help for his development, and if no defenseman goes top-five, the Ducks should make this move. Get the best defenseman of the class, a tame, and smart defenseman that shines on the breakout.

7. New Jersey Devils

Scott: RW Alexander Holtz – 35GP, 9G, 7A, 16P (Djuårdens IF, SHL)

Adding a winger should be a priority for the Devils with this pick, and with their top two centers in place for the long term in Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, a sniper to play alongside one of them would be ideal. Holtz is one of the best pure snipers in the draft class and may have the most NHL-ready shot while being close to, if not already, NHL ready. The Devils have a serious need for a true goal scorer since Jaromir Jagr left, and Holtz could be playing that they are looking for.

 

Ben: C Anton Lundell – 44GP, 10G, 18A, 28P (HIFK Helsinki, SM-Liiga)

Lundell may be one of the most underrated players in this class. For being in a rough league with less ice time than many other draft prospects, Lundell’s stats and presence for his club in Finland have been remarkable. Although they took Jack Hughes, a center last year with the first pick, I don’t see a reason for New Jersey to get cute. I fell Lundell is the best remaining talent, and the Devils are rebuilding. It’s okay to stock up on a position like center in a prospect pool, especially for rebuilding teams like the Devils.

8. Buffalo Sabres

Scott: C Cole Perfetti – 61GP, 37G, 74A, 111P (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

Having Perfetti drop to the eighth pick may be a blessing in disguise for the Sabres. Perfetti is a strong playmaker, strong in all three zones, and his high hockey IQ allows him to play much bigger than he stands. He would be a great pick for Buffalo, as their superstar and captain, Jack Eichel, has struggled to find success during his time in Buffalo. Adding a player like Perfetti would allow for Dylan Cozens, the seventh overall pick last year, to shift to the wing, and potentially play with Eichel, while he could take over as the future second-line center.

 

Ben: LW Lucas Raymond – 9GP, 3G, 11A, 14P (Frolunda HC, J20 SuperElit) + 33GP, 4G, 6A, 10P (Frolunda HC, SHL)

Raymond missed some time last season but has shown in a short amount of time what he is capable of. He has a 200-foot game and could be the elite winger Eichel needs on his line. The Sabres are looking to end their rebuild and get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2011, and a guy like Raymond is absolutely necessary to do so.

 

9. Minnesota Wild

Scott: D Jake Sanderson – 19GP, 2G, 12A, 14P (Team USA U18)

Minnesota has an interesting situation at hand. With the trade of Devan Dubnyk yesterday, they currently are without a starting goaltender, and there are still rumors floating around about potentially trading Matt Dumba. In this case, I go with Sanderson, who may be picked much higher than his talent level is. The defense class in this year’s draft is somewhat weaker compared to previous years, so teams may want to bite the bullet and take a defenseman that could be better served later in the round, earlier than expected.

 

Ben: RW Alexander Holtz – 35GP, 9G, 7A, 16P (Djuårdens IF, SHL)

Minnesota has the defense and maybe making a trade in an attempt to solve its now-vacant starting goalie spot. They need someone who can put the puck in the net. Ideally, they would draft a center, but with Lundell off the board, there are no centers left worthy of being taken top ten. Despite playing on the wing, Holtz scores a ton of goals but isn’t bad in other areas of the game. If he pans out in the NHL, this could be a very successful pick for the Wild becoming a contender in a few years.

10. Winnipeg Jets

Scott: C Anton Lundell – 44GP, 10G, 18A, 28P (HIFK Helsinki, SM-Liiga)

There has been a ton of controversy about where Lundell will land in this year’s draft due to injuries and inconsistencies at Finland’s top level. Despite the inconsistencies, he is an all-around great player with a high hockey IQ, strong defensive acumen, flashes of offensive upside, and has an excellent work ethic. With the report that Bryan Little may never play again due to his injury, Lundell would not only be a safe pick for the Jets at ten but also the right pick.

 

Ben: D Jake Sanderson – 19GP, 2G, 12A, 14P (Team USA U18)

The Jets have an elite top-6 core of guys, with quite possibly the league’s best goalie in Connor Hellebuyck. It’s clear their defense was holding them back from being a scary playoff team, and losing Dustin Byfuglien was a really rough blow. Sanderson is very talented for a tenth overall pick, and him falling into the Jets’ lap would be their perfect situation. He is great on defense and provides tremendous help on the offensive end as well.

 

11. Nashville Predators

Scott: C Seth Jarvis – 58GP, 42G, 56A, 98P (Portland Winterhawks, WHL)

Nashville is a team in need of speed and offensive upside, and Jarvis brings both of those to the table. He is more of a high-risk, high-reward player in comparison to others in this area of the draft, and if he is not able to put it all together, may not be as impactful as he could be. Jarvis can play in all situations, and on the penalty kill, he is much more likely to be the guy picking off passes at the top of the zone. The Predators are potentially listening on many of their forwards, and if one gets moved, a player like Jarvis could be a possibility at 11.

 

Ben: RW Jack Quinn – 62GP, 52G, 37A, 89P (Ottawa 67’s, OHL)

The Predators are a team run by their defense and really struggled in the goal-scoring category. Quinn scored a ton of goals this past year, just three shy of the OHL leader. However, parts of his game need work. He often relies on teammates to find him and pass him the puck for goals, so you’d want him on a line with elite wingers like Filip Forsberg. Still, if used correctly, he can be a huge game-changer for their goal-scoring issue.

12. Florida Panthers

Scott: RW Dawson Mercer – 42GP, 24G, 36A, 60P (Drummondville Voltiguers and Chicoutimi Sagueneens, QMJHL)

The Panthers are likely losing two of their goal scorers this offseason in Mike Hoffman and Evgenii Dadonov, and they will need players to replace them in the future. Mercer is an obvious choice here for them, as he has one of the better shots in the class and can easily replace Hoffman in the future. Adding him to a forward core already including Aleksander Barkov, Johnathan Huberdeau, and, in the near future, Grigori Denisenko and Aleksi Heponiemi would allow for the Panthers to make some noise this offseason.

 

Ben: RW Dawson Mercer – 42GP, 24G, 36A, 60P (Drummondville Voltiguers and Chicoutimi Sagueneens, QMJHL)

Dawson Mercer is a smart player who’s very likely to translate into the NHL nicely based on his play style. Guys like Mike Hoffman and Evgenii Dadonov may be leaving Florida shortly, and Mercer is a similar player who can fill the void those players may be leaving behind. If he plays his cards right, he can find himself on the first line with Johnathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov.

13. Carolina Hurricanes (via Toronto Maple Leafs)

Scott: G Yaroslav Askarov – 18GP, 2.45 GAA, .920 SV% (SKA-Neva St. Petersburg, VHL)

There are many teams in need of a young goalie, and the most logical spot for Askarov is the Hurricanes, whose future in goal is currently murky. The most highly-touted goalie prospect since Carey Price will still take some time to get over to North America, but during that span, he will be playing behind the best team in the KHL, SKA Saint Petersburg. Carolina will be a force in the Metropolitan Division for years to come, and adding a goaltender like Askarov in the fold would only make their future brighter.

 

Ben: G Yaroslav Askarov – 18GP, 2.45 GAA, .920 SV% (SKA-Neva St. Petersburg, VHL)

Many believe the Carolina Hurricanes would be Stanley Cup contenders with an elite goalie. Askarov is only 18, and goalies generally take a long time to develop. It could end up like an Ilya Sorokin situation, where he plays oversees into his mid-20’s until eventually coming over. So, it may not solve the immediate goaltender issue, but if they are patient he has the potential to be a top NHL starter.

 

14. Edmonton Oilers

Scott: RW Jack Quinn – 62GP, 52G, 37A, 89P (Ottawa 67’s, OHL)

Edmonton needs help on the wing for both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and players like Zack Kassian will not cut it for much longer. Adding Quinn into the fold will only be beneficial to both of the Oilers’ Hart Trophy winners. He has one of the best shots in the class, and plays in all situations with ease. His speed is one thing that could be concerning, as he does not have a great first step. Quinn may take a little more time to transition to the NHL game and could be a bright spot for the Oilers in the future.

 

Ben: D Braden Schneider – 60GP, 7G, 35A, 32P (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

A shutdown defenseman like Schneider is exactly what the Oilers need. They’ve had too many high scoring games they could have won, but they allowed too many goals. If they want to cut that down, Schneider is a safe and logical pick and a potential future partner to Evan Bouchard on the Oilers’ defense core.

15. Toronto Maple Leafs (via Pittsburgh Penguins)

Scott: D Braden Schneider – 60GP, 7G, 35A, 32P (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

The Maple Leafs acquired this pick from the Penguins in the Kasperi Kapanen trade, and for all we know, it could potentially be flipped again. If they do draft here, however, I believe they do defenseman, no matter the situation at hand. With Cody Ceci and Tyson Barrie leaving, there is minimal defensive depth in their system aside from Timothy Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin. Schneider is a strong right-shot, two-way defenseman that would fit in with what the Leafs are building.

 

Ben: C Seth Jarvis – 58GP, 42G, 56A, 98P (Portland Winterhawks, WHL)

If Seth Jarvis falls to pick 15, it’s likely a steal. The Maple Leafs could do a few different things with this pick, as they have also spoken about moving it for the right price, likely an NHL defenseman. With three defensemen gone already, reaching for one may not be the best move as long as Jarvis is available.

16. Montreal Canadiens

Scott: RW Rodion Amriov – 17GP, 10G, 12A, 22P (Toplar Ufa, MHL)

Amirov is a great fit for the Canadiens here. He is a well-rounded offensive player who could serve as a complimentary piece to a second line that, in the case of Montreal, potentially centered by Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Nick Suzuki, or Max Domi in the future. Amirov is someone that a team that could take a swing on, and potentially hit a home run.

 

Ben: RW Rodion Amirov – 17GP, 10G, 12A, 22P (Toplar Ufa, MHL)

An all-around winger that often likes to sling the puck on goal, this could be a great pick for Montreal. A bit of a “sleeper” in this draft, as many people may think top-20 is too high for Amirov. He can fill a hole that Max Domi may be leaving of he is traded.

17. Chicago Blackhawks

Scott: LW Dylan Holloway – 35GP, 8G, 9A, 17P (Univ. of Wisconsin, NCAA)

Hailing from the University of Wisconsin, one of the NCAA’s premier programs, Holloway is one of the more intriguing players in this class. He is a true 200-foot player with offensive skill, a great skater, and goes to the net. He will likely need one or two more seasons in college before he is NHL-ready. When he is, however, he will be an immediate impact player for whatever team takes him, especially in the case of Chicago, where he could play with any of Kirby Dach, Dominik Kubalik, or Dylan Strome.

 

Ben: C Connor Zary – 57GP, 38G, 48A, 86P (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)

Connor Zary reminds me of a Jonathan Toews-like player, so him being one of Zary’s mentors makes perfect sense. The Blackhawks need more centers, so Zary can be a great fit in their middle-six. He is a pass-first guy but isn’t afraid to shoot when necessary.

18. New Jersey Devils (via Arizona Coyotes)

Scott: C Connor Zary – 57GP, 38G, 48A, 86P (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)

The Devils can take a defenseman here, but in this case, I think passing up on Zary is ridiculous. He a slick passer with one of the higher offensive upsides in the class, and would be a fantastic fit on a team like New Jersey. He will also shoot the puck when necessary, and has great vision and hands that can’t be taught to players. His two-way game needs some improving but he will be a priority for some teams picking in the middle of the first round.

 

Ben: D Kaiden Guhle – 64GP, 11G, 29A, 41P (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)

With a boatload of talent up front, plus taking Anton Lundell with the seventh pick, it’s time New Jersey goes defense. Guhle is a solid value for this pick, and he is an all-around defenseman that has a similar playing style to Will Butcher. He would be a very intriguing pickup for the Devils, a team with very little defensive depth in their system.

 

19. Calgary Flames

Scott: C Mavrik Bourque – 49P, 29G, 42P, 71P (Shawinigan Cataracts, QMJHL)

Bourque isn’t big or fast, which could potentially drag him down some boards. He does, however, play much larger than his stature. Bourque goes into the dirty areas, battling for loose pucks and setting up his teammates in open areas of the ice. He would be a great fit on a team like Calgary, who plays a hard-nosed style and is lacking center depth.

 

Ben: C Mavrik Bourque – 49GP, 29G, 42P, 71P (Shawinigan Cataracts, QMJHL)

Bourque is a guy with tremendous edgework that loves to set up teammates. His defensive game has improved significantly over the past year, despite his lack of size. He is a playmaker that can make waves on a team like Calgary, who is likely to have a busy offseason.

 

20. New Jersey Devils (via Vancouver Canucks through Tampa Bay Lightning)

Scott: D Kaiden Guhle – 64GP, 11G, 29A, 41P (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)

After picking two forwards earlier in the round, the Devils should go defenseman here, and the likely pick here could be Guhle. He is an above-average skater, but the question is if his offensive capabilities that started showing up in the CHL over the past few years, will continue to evolve over time. If the answer to that is no, then the Devils or any other team that drafts him can bank on him being a strong penalty killer, but still needs to build into his full frame.

 

Ben: C Hendrix Lapierre – 19GP, 2G, 15A, 17GP (Chicoutimi Sagueneens, QMJHL)

This is one of the riskiest picks of the draft, but since Lundell and Guhle have been two seemingly “safe” pick by New Jersey, here as an opportunity to gamble. Lapierre has been tremendous when in but over the past two years has missed a significant amount of time due to injury. If he can stay healthy and injuries don’t get in the way of his development, it is likely a steal. If it does, this could be a pick to forget.

 

21. Columbus Blue Jackets

Scott: RW John-Jason Peterka – 42GP, 7G, 4A, 11P (EHC München, DEL)

Peterka is one of the players in this draft class that has both a high floor and a high ceiling. He is a hard-working, two-way player who has a strong shot to pair with some hard-nosed play. He is also somewhat aggressive, reminding me of a current Columbus Blue Jacket in Josh Anderson, scoring goals while getting in people’s heads and fighting along the boards for the puck. There is a chance he gets moved, so Peterka would be an almost exact replacement for the Blue Jackets.

 

Ben: LW Lukas Reichel – 42GP, 12G, 12A, 24P (Eisbären Berlin, DEL)

Reichel is a “crash the net” type of player. He gets goals, many in or near the crease off of rebounds, but also is a very fast skater. The Blue Jackets are missing that spark in their offense, and this could be a steal in this draft. He is a prospect that I’m excited about that could be very successful in the right scenario.

22. New York Rangers (via Carolina Hurricanes)

Scott: RW Noel Gunler – 45GP, 4G, 9A, 13P (Lulea HF, SHL)

Gunler’s offensive talent is unquestionable, and his shot is most definitely his best attribute, but it doesn’t stop there. He is a strong passer, has great hands, and is prone to take advantage of his opponent’s mistakes, which is something any team would like. The Rangers are known to scout Europe heavily and based on previous drafts where they have drafted players like Nils Lundkvist and Vitaly Kravtsov, Gunler is definitely a player the Rangers could jump on if he is available.

 

Ben: LW Dylan Holloway – 35GP, 8G, 9A, 17P (Univ. of Wisconsin, NCAA)

This may seem low for Holloway, but I have my doubts. The University of Wisconsin is home to one of the top NCAA hockey programs. With Alex Turcotte, Cole Caufield, and K’Andre Miller all on that roster, Holloway didn’t get much ice time or have a big role for the team. If he does slip this far, he could be a great pick, but he hasn’t yet proven to have as high of potential as others taken before him due to his minimal ice time, and he will likely need a few more years in college before playing in the NHL.

 

23. Philadelphia Flyers

Scott: LW Lukas Reichel – 42GP, 12G, 12A, 24P (Eisbären Berlin, DEL)

Reichel is a guy who has been holding his own in Germany’s top league since he was 17 years old, and hasn’t slowed down since he started. He has been flying under the radar in the DEL due to Stutzle and Peterka being heavily scouted, but he isn’t much worse than Peterka. Some even say he might have a higher ceiling. Reichel has a strong work ethic and is a smooth skater, while also being able to get the puck to his teammates. He would be a good fit in Philadelphia, especially if James Van Riemsdyk could be on the way out in any form.

 

Ben: RW Noel Gunler – 45GP, 4G, 9A, 13P (Lulea HF, SHL)

Gunler likely won’t slip this far, and although he’s an amazing sniper, parts of his game worry me. He isn’t very consistent and his defense needs work. He can pan out very well, but many players like this end up as busts. In this case, depending on the situation he is brought into, his progression can take him either way.

 

24. Washington Capitals

Scott: C Jan Mysak – 26GP, 5G, 4A, 9P (Litvinov HC, ELH) + 22GP, 10G, 15A, 25P (Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL)

Mysak is a strong skating forward who has a high hockey IQ, and has great success in the offensive zone. He is a quality finisher who is able to read plays well and is good at finding open space to get the puck to the net. His defensive game shouldn’t be overlooked, as there is some progress needed in the defensive end. He would be a great fit for a team that needs scoring depth and likes playing a high-paced game, and the Capitals fit that definition well.

 

Ben: D Helge Grans – 27GP, 4G, 23A, 27P (Malmö Redhawks, J20 SuperElit)

Grans is one of my favorite guys that can go late first round, because of his fun play style and high ceiling. He is a bit small for a defenseman, but makes up with it with a great offensive impact, and is faster than most defenseman. Still, he is good defensively and plays similarly to Capitals’ star blue-liner John Carlson.

25. Colorado Avalanche

Scott: C Marat Khusnutdinov – 44 GP, 13G, 25A, 38P (SKA-1946 St. Petersburg, MHL)

Khusnutdinov is a little undersized but is a fantastic skater. His first step and acceleration match up with the top-tier of the class, and his speed pairs well with his excellent hands. He has the vision to set up his teammates from anywhere on the ice, but can also score himself if he finds open space. The one downside to his game is that he has a tough time matching up with bigger defenders, but he is able to produce turnovers that turn into offensive chances. Colorado would be a great fit for him as he will need a few years to develop in Russia, but afterward, he can serve as a strong middle-six option for a team that likes having skill throughout the lineup.

 

Ben: RW Tyson Foerster – 62GP, 36G, 44A, 80 P (Barrie Colts, OHL)

Tyson Foerster is an interesting player. After barely having a role last year, had a crazy improbable breakout season, increasing 57 points, or 347%, in two fewer games. This may worry NHL teams that he’s only had one year of first-round-level play, whereas most prospects have two or three. Still, he’s very talented all around and can be a great pick.

 

26. St. Louis Blues

Scott: D William Wallinder – 37GP, 5G, 19A, 24P (MODO Hockey, J20 SuperElit)

I doubt Wallinder makes it to 26, as, like I said before, this defense class is weaker than normal and teams could reach for one in the middle of the first round. He is a great skater who is able to move the puck with ease and pass to any of his teammates who could potentially on the breakout. As he is one of the youngest players in the draft, he will need time to build into his frame, but once he does, he will be a strong two-way defenseman for any team. St. Louis is in a tough spot when it comes to defense as their captain Alex Pietrangelo seems to be headed to free agency, so picking a defenseman here is the smart choice.

 

Ben: D William Wallinder – 37GP, 5G, 19A, 24P (MODO Hockey, J20 SuperElit)

Wallinder still has a lot of developing left to do. He is big and has a great shot, but hasn’t shown what it takes to be an NHL defender on his side of the ice. He has lots of potential and will need to play in Europe for a few more years before making the move to North America, and it could work out in St. Louis in the future as they need defensive help.

 

27. Anaheim Ducks (via Boston Bruins)

Scott: D Helge Grans – 27GP, 4G, 23A, 27P (Malmö Redhawks, J20 SuperElit)

After going forward earlier in the draft, the Ducks will likely draft a defenseman here. Grans is a right-shot defenseman who has a great stride and can support the offense at all times. He is strong in the transition game and can lead the breakout, and despite not being overly physical, he gets involved in the defensive zone. A team like Anaheim could use a defense that plays closer to a two-way game and will be in the NHL in two to three years, to pair with their current talent in Hampus Lindholm and Cam Fowler.

 

Ben: C Jacob Perreault – 57GP, 39G, 31A, 70P (Sarnia Sting, OHL)

The Ducks went defense early in the mock, it only makes sense they go get a goal scorer. Perreault has parts of his game to work on, such as his skating and consistency, but is a work-in-progress with high upside if taken late in the first round.

28. Ottawa Senators (via New York Islanders)

Scott: C Jacob Perreault – 26GP, 5G, 4A, 9P (Litvinov HC, ELH) + 22GP, 10G, 15A, 25P (Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL)

Perreault has a ton of offensive upside and a great shot but has some struggles defensively. Playing off the puck is not his forte, and has a tough time getting involved in defensive play. He needs to work on those aspects of his game, but getting drafted to a team like the Senators would be beneficial, as they have some two-way forwards on their roster and in their system already that will be able to help Perreault on their line.

 

Ben: D Shakir Mukhamdullin – 13GP, 2G, 8A, 10P (Toplar Ufa, MHL) + 27GP, 0G, 1A, 1P (Salavat Yulaev Ufa, KHL)

With two forwards taken with their first two picks, now they should go defense with the Islanders pick. Mukhamdullin is a defensive defenseman that has looked much more mature as of recent. He doesn’t do much offensively, but passes well and can set up others with good scoring chances.

 

29. Vegas Golden Knights

Scott: C Brendan Brisson – 45GP, 24G, 35A, 59P (Chicago Steel, USHL)

Brisson is an interesting player in the fact that his future shouldn’t really be at center. He is an okay skater that has a high hockey IQ and has a knack for finding his teammates, but he also has the ability to shoot the puck. He is decent in the defensive end, but not good enough that his long-term position could be center. A team like Vegas can certainly move him over to the wing and turn him into a power-play threat and a middle-six option.

 

Ben: RW John-Jason Peterka – 42GP, 7G, 4A, 11P (EHC München, DEL)

Peterka is a flashy kid who likes to make moves by defenders and rip shots, and becoming a better and faster skater could go a long way for him. There are some aspects of his game that need work, but if the Golden Knights can take the chance and help him develop, he can fit well in their future plans.

 

30. Dallas Stars

Scott: RW Tyson Foerster – 62GP, 36G, 44A, 80 P (Barrie Colts, OHL)

Dallas’ forward core is aging quickly, and their depth at the position could get even deeper with the addition of Foerster. He is very productive from the top of the circle, close to what many know as “Ovi’s Office”, and through that not only scored a ton of goals but also created many rebounds that were then buried in by his teammates in front of the net. Dallas could potentially view him as a future winger for former first-round pick Ty Dellandrea, and playing alongside Jason Robertson.

 

Ben: C Jan Mysak – 26GP, 5G, 4A, 9P (Litvinov HC, ELH) + 22GP, 10G, 15A, 25P (Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL)

Jan Mysak has played well both in the Czech Republic and the OHL this past year, so it’s good he can handle change. The real test will be the NHL. He has a weird, quirky way of accelerating, but fine-tuning to his playstyle can be huge. He is small and needs to learn how to play as a small guy before testing his luck against NHLers.

31. San Jose Sharks (via Tampa Bay Lightning)

Scott: RW Ozzy Weisblatt – 64GP, 24G, 45A, 70P (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)

Weisblatt is one of the most well-rounded players to come out of this class. He is fast, can generate scoring opportunities, put the puck in the back of the net himself, is a great puck handler, works hard in the defensive zone, and is overall a smart player. He will likely stay put in the CHL for a few more years, but after that can slot right into a lineup on any line. A team like San Jose, who has already been active to start the offseason acquiring Devan Dubnyk and Ryan Donato from the Minnesota Wild, could use a versatile player like Weisblatt in their future plans.

 

Ben: C Brendan Brisson – 45GP, 24G, 35A, 59P (Chicago Steel, USHL)

Brendan Brisson is the playmaker that can have a huge impact in San Jose. He is flashy and is hard to miss on the ice. He is mainly a center but can be used on the wing if necessary. If they play him correctly, he could be a standout pick.