Arguably being one of the toughest top 10s to judge in recent years, my final NHL mock draft includes some big shocks in the top five, a couple of interesting trades, and some big steals for those later in the first round. Here we go.
New York Islander- Matthew Schaefer, D, OHL
Although I still believe Schaefer is not the best player in terms of ability in the draft, the Islanders will take no chances on passing up on him, with a defensive core of a potentially departing Dobson, and aging Pelech, and a subpar Romanov, Schaefer's excellent puck rushing and ability to dominate the defensive zone will be the breath of fresh air they have needed on the blue line for a while. Being 6 '2 and a confident four way skater, his ability to be an offensive weapon could also flourish in the NHL, and his poise and IQ is better than most defensemen in the last five years. With improvement on the way, a year out with injury will require him to put on some muscle, and sizing up is the only major need for him, but other than size concerns, and some issues with offensive playmaking, his overall game at his position is grade A, and an offseason of development, being in the gym, and plenty of practice will only make him better than what we see on paper.
2. Chicago Blackhawks (VIA SJ)- Michael Misa, C, OHL
The first trade of the day is an early one in my mock draft, a hefty trade package (Which you can find out here) earns the Blackhawks their desired second overall pick in the draft, and take the guy they have had their sights set on for months, Michael Misa. With 62 goals, 72 assists, in 65 games, his 200 foot game, and classy offensive awareness makes Misa for me the best player overall in the draft, and despite Schaefer’s high ceiling, Misa already has what it takes to compete in the NHL right away. His vision, dynamic instincts, quick shot, and passing ability perfect for a team like Chicago puts him acres above the competition, and hockey intelligence alone in the offensive zone makes it look like he is just playing for fun. Being an extremely confident skater, and quick hands often compared with Patrick Kane, Misa is technically a freak, and is a no-brainer to be the first offensive talent off the board. Also size and frame is a slight issue, joining a Blackhawks team who already has some offensive challenges, it is something he can easily brush up on, but it is hard to find weaknesses with Misa.
3. San Jose Sharks (VIA CHI) - Porter Martone, RW, OHL
To complete the trio of OHL talent to leave the board the top three, Brampton captain Porter Martone is the right guy for San Jose, and moving back with Chicago still secures them a player which makes more sense given their centre situation. Not only does adding Martone bring high compete level, leadership, and danger to their evolving offense, it balances out their line combinations, and gives Celebrini his help up top, and allows Will Smith to drop back down in to his natural centre role, making a perfect balance for a top six which will only carry on improving. Martone who stands at 6 ’3, and 208 pounds, joining a line of Macklin Celebrini and William Eklund will bring the gritty, physical presence to the line, and bring an element they are missing to be much more effective, and a player who given his potential and all around ability could be a smart move for the Sharks. Having a lethal shot alongside the danger he brings around and in front of the net, Martone is 100% a future leader, and is a matured individual who knows his position better than anybody, the perfect pick for San Jose. With a few years of developing his poise and consistency, Martone is a freakishly respected talent, and has the elite, and high ceiling to be the next Joe Thornton like player for the Sharks, a heavy checking leader, but offensive weapon which could be useful in the future.
4. New York Islanders (VIA UTA)- James Hagens, C, NCAA
Finally heading out of the OHL, I have the New York Islanders taking former consensus number one overall James Hagens with their newly acquired number four overall pick in which Utah receive the 16th and 17th overall picks in the draft following the Noah Dobson trade. He is unlucky not to have made the top three. Hagens who for a while was wowing people with his truly natural ability to move the puck quickly, keep his head up at all times, and has vision some of the NHL’s best players don't even have, but inconsistency and worries over size and declining performances made NHL scouts unsure. But having seen what he can do in a league as competitive as the NCAA at his age, the pros massively outweigh the cons, and issues like that may only take time to wash away. Hagens is a player who not only handles and manages the puck on another level in the offensive zone, but his two-way game, and desire to win the puck and play a tight possession game means very little margin for error, often resulting in himself being his own worst enemy. But, with pressure not a problem, for him, and his decision making and playmaking ability arguably the best across the entire draft, his ability is there, and had he returned to what he once showered, could be a steal for the Islanders. Being a similar player on the puck to the Mammoth’s Clayton Keller, maybe another year of development to ensure he gets back to his own level, and can reinvigorate his game, a weak prospect pool of centres in New York could use a talent like Hagens, and really is ranked unfairly, and is still making his case for being one of the best players in the draft on raw ability and NHL readiness.
5. Nashville Predators- Roger McQueen, C, WHL
Here is where the first so-called ‘shock’ of my mock draft comes in, the Brandon Wheat Kings 6 ‘5 physical monster Roger McQueen heading to Nashville at the number five spot. It is obvious that Nashville have a badly ageing offense, and have some big gaps in their prospect pool, gaps that are calling for a centre. It is no doubt that there are plenty of options for Nashville, but physicality was a big issue this year, and not enough scoring from future Hall Of Famer Steven Stamkos, and the constant trade chatter around Ryan O’Reilly means there is clear desire for a new centre on the team, McQueen for me being the perfect candidate. What sticks out for me is that just like Hagens, McQueen is arguably the most slept-on prospect, and is easily a top five player, and for his age, is a physical freak who shows nothing but upside. Standing at 6 ‘5 with a long and impressive reach, a scarily quick but powerful shot, and hold up play which a team struggling with poise like Nashville needs. It has been said that McQueen doesn't use his size well enough, and hasn't really adapted to being the power forward he could thrive at being, but as a power play weapon, and with really silky hands, and the potential to be a feared physical beast, shades of Rick Nash often show with McQueen, and could be exactly what Nashville are looking for. A year of development either in the NCAA, AHL, or back in Brandon could give McQueen the time to fully adapt to his role and improve, but is exactly the kind of centre you need in today’s NHL, and a physical monster with elite hands and scoring ability is always going to be a problem.
6. Philadelphia Flyers- Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens
For me, it would’ve been a defenseman as the number one priority heading into this year’s draft for Philadelphia, but the opportunity to take Djurgardens Anton Frondell had he fall this low would just be too good to pass up on. With their winger depth being pretty solid including Michkov, Tippett, and Konecny, the addition of Trevor Zegras makes their centre depth that little bit better, but with 32 year old Sean Couturier leading as the number one centre in Philly, Swedish phenom Anton Frondell may be the man the Flyers have in mind to step into his position in the future. It is likely with Rick Tochet in charge, Roger McQueen may have been the favoured option given Tochet’s desires for power up top, but a playmaker like Fronmdell who has great two-way ability, and is a very defensively minded forwards, he would be an excellent addition, and balancing piece for Rick Tochet’s offense, and with great abilities and a lot of strengths on both sides of the ice, droppin to six would be a no brainer for Filly. Aside from him not being a flashy player, does not score highlight reel goals, and isn't the speedster everyone thinks he should be, Frondell’s hockey abilities are amazing, and will be the perfect complimenting piece to the showcases like Michkov and Zegras, and a defensively mature centre like him will be perfect to fill in a much needed spot in Philadelphia, and is a reliable, and well disciplined prospect.
7. Boston Bruins- Caleb Desnoyers, C, QMJHL
Some may say Desnoyers has fallen too far in this draft, but for me he sits perfectly at seven, and a perfect addition for the Bruins who have a really odd centre situation. Having Elias Lindholm locked down on a pretty bad contract for what he’s offering, and having Pavel Zacha as their number 1 centre isn't ideal, but Desnoyers with a year or two of development could be the new man at TD Garden. Desnoyers who led his team to the Memorial cup playoffs in a season where he only kept getting better, his abilities thrived late on in the season, and really opened the eyes of every scout who doubted him. A reliable and responsible 200 yards player who similarly to Hagens thrives on perfection and detail, and like Frondell doesn't need to showstopper ability to prove his worth. What Desnoyers lacks, is the true ability to be a number one centre, and with a team like Boston, it is likely they utilise his reliability and two way strengths to make him a perfect third or second line centre, rather than a poster boy on the top line. Being skilled and having the ability to be a solid playmaker, Desnoyers just lacks that spark to be a team leader, and alongside players like David Pastrnak, just doesn't seem to be a guy who has the ceiling of a to; line forward. But, with traits unlike others in the draft, the Bruins will definitely find a way to utilise him, and will highlight that not every top 10 pick needs to be a franchise superstar, but a solid weapon and key piece who does what he needs to do.
8. Seattle Kraken- Radim Mrtka, D, WHL
Now number eight could have been the second trade of the night, Pittsburgh in particular looking to move up to secure their guy who I have at number nine, but it is Seattle who keep Czech defenseman in the Emerald City by selecting right handed d-man Radim Mrtka. Not really any surprises here, Mrtka is a solid defensive defenseman, but does have some underlying offensive abilities which could eventually poke out in the NHL. Towering above the competition, the Kraken's defensive depth in the prospect pool is nothing compared to their glistening offensive pool, and Mrtka would be a great addition with a slowly ageing and declining blueline, he could be someone who gives them lots of hope for the future. What likely elevates him aswell is his developmental years would be spent in Seattle with the Thunderbirds who are known for solid development of young defensemen much like Kevin Korchinki and Nolan Allan of the Chicago Blackhawks. Being on the slow side means his reach, skating and defensive awareness make up for it, and being a lock down defenseman in the NHL kuch like Victor Hedman means Mrtka looks like a future defensive defenseman, and has some potential, but definitely has a very high ceiling to be dangerous at both ends.
9. Pittsburgh Penguins (VIA BUF) - Kashawn Aitcheson, D, OHL
The official second trade of the day in my mock draft is a big one. Buffalo received: the 11th overall pick, the 130th overall pick, and forward Rickard Rakell, Pittsburgh received: the 9th overall pick, and defenseman Bowen Byram. Moving up to eight to pick swap with Seattle might have been to much to give up, but after Seattle put Pittsburgh at ease by picking Radim Mrkta, the possibility of Buffalo picking Kashawn Aitcheson means a blockbuster trade which also involves a massive trade around the heavily talked about Bowen Byram is also worked out. But aside from the trade itself, Pittsburgh get their guy, a left handed, mean and physical defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, who shined for the Barrie Colts, impressing scouts and fans with his incredible work ethic and competitiveness, and his exciting potential for a massive upside with some development in the OHL. Excellent mobility, the ability to attack, but the solid defensive duties is exactly what Pittsburgh need, and with the right path of development, is the exact guy they want to fill in for Kris Letang. Some polishing up on his speed and decision making during quick transitions is easily brushed up, and as exciting of a prospect as he is, could be an amazing pick for Pittsburgh who have very little defensive prospects. Now with Pickering and Aitcheson, it could be very exciting for Pittsburgh, but in this mock draft, they are not quite done yet.
10. Anaheim Ducks- Brady Martin, C, OHL
Anaheim are one of those teams who have had a lot of recent success through the draft, but to this day are still living up to their reputation for making surprise picks. Last year in particular we saw Beckett Sennecke picked third overall in a really shocking turn of events, but this year, I have the Ducks going for a slightly less shocking pick in Brady Martin. Martin who is an extremely versatile player across the entire offensive line is a massive need for Anaheim, and although Sennecke can play both wings, the right side looks weak in the Ducks future, and a player like Martin who can adapt to any situation whether it is being a playmaker, and two way guy, or a puck carrier, he can be the perfect guy for a team who is in desperate need of a ‘wildcard’ player. Being a player who is so smart with his positioning, and is a great asset in a number of positions, his physical game could do with some improvement, but a lethal scorer who can easily transition into a reliable two way guy, Martin will definitely spend some years developing, and really becoming a jack of all trades, and would be a great pick for the Ducks to add an interesting tool like Martin.
11. Buffalo Sabres (VIA PIT)- Jake O’Brien, C, OHL
Now in this mock draft moving back from nine to 11 isn't the end of the world for the Sabres as players like Jake O’Brien and Victor Eklund are still on the board, but in this mock draft, going for a centre who can hopefully flourish into a number one playmaker in the future. O’Brien is one of those prospects who have been up and down the rankings, but alongside the Blackhawks Nick Lardis in Brantford this year, he really highlighted his vision, playmaking, and remarkable passing ability which with another year in Branford will elevate even more. While trying to find his true game in the OHL, he has developed into a perfect passing machine, but also has a very solid shot and could become a solid dual threat. But one thing to note is O’Brien has a ridiculously high ceiling, and with the role he adapted with the Bulldogs, he often shows similar tendencies to Jonathan Toews, sort of like the magician who creates constantly among a team with a lot of goalscorers, something he would thrive on with the likes of Tage Thompson. A creative weapon who with any luck could be the Sabres next elite level playmaker.
12. Pittsburgh Penguins- Carter Bear, LW, WHL
Pittsburgh have had a stroke of luck this year after the Rangers decided to give up their 12th overall this year in order to keep their 2026 first round pick which means another pick of the bunch for Kyle Dubas. In this case, after securing Kashawn Aitcheson and Bowen Byram in this mock, electing for a player who can play both winger and centre like Carter Bear would be a perfect player to deepen their offensive prospect pool. With a bleak amount of forwards not really standing out for the Penguins, a developing north to south talent who impresses with elite positioning up against the boards and in front and behind the net like Bear could be an exciting prospect in the making. With a quick release, leadership, and adaptability, he is a perfect person to learn from the deep veteran core in Pittsburgh, and although his creativity levels and skating need some work, nothin a little bit of practice won't help, Bear at 12 is not only a respected pick, but also a pick in which they could take a chance on a player that the Penguins development team could turn into a phenom.
13. Detroit Red Wings- Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgardens
What sets the Red Wings apart from the rest is that their prospects, and already young talent on the team isn't in dire need of any world beaters or anymore deep prospects, so in this case, barring any intriguing trades come their way, it will most likely be a situation of tasking the best available player off the board, in this case Djurgardens Victor Eklund, brother to William Eklund of the Sharks. Although their plans for Eklund wouldn't be to develop him quickly into a top line talent who will save the franchise, his worth will still be recognised, and his abilities to forecheck, get himself into tough areas, and thrive off the rush will be appreciated. Eklund’s smaller frame doesn't stop him from heading into traffic, and certainly doesn't stop him from getting into dangerous areas, strongly veering away from a dump in play style. Similarly to Jesper Bratt when he was a rookie, the only reason Eklund drops as far as 13 is purely because of some big holes in his game, but for a team like Detroit who will take their time with him, it is no worry. A couple years away to learn how to keep up with a higher pace, and to better his consistency of decision making, and up his size to be more involved in the physical game, the Red Wings could turn him into a solid checking forward who makes goals, but also plays safe.
14. Calgary Flames (VIA CBJ)- Jackson Smith, D, WHL
Yet another trade in this mock sees the Flames make a deal with the Blue Jackets proposed by Columbus which ends up with Columbus moving back to number 18 overall. Calgary receives: the 14th overall pick in the draft, and prospect Jordan Dumais, Columbus receives the 18th overall pick in the draft, and defenseman Rasmus Andersson. This trade facilitates Columbus’ holes on the right side of the blue line, and allows the Flames to add an elite prospect as well as jumping four spots to pick defenseman Jackson Smith. Although the Flames have a decent defensive prospect core with Jeremier Poirier as their main left defense rookie, Jackson Smith is still an elite level prospect who could beat out Poirier, and has lots more to offer, with a much higher upside. Although shooting left, being smart across the entire blue line, and being a reliable but offensively sound defenseman is a big plus for a team who has struggled offensively from the back like Calgary, and being such a mature defender, but will take it in his stride attack, his gap control and breakout IQ are a very attractive asset for a defenseman in today’s NHL. With positives heavily outweighing the negatives, it is puck skills which let him down, but as a defender, and as a lock down but also free flowing d-man, he is a very good option, and a steal for a team like the Flames at 14. A solid sacrifice for a player who has much more to offer in the future.
15. Vancouver Canucks- Lynden Lakovic, LW, WHL
The Canucks for me are in a situation where they need to get meaner. With Elias Pettersson, and Quinn Hughes as the leaders, not meeting the physical quota, and J.T Miller leaving, losing a lot of physical presence, despite acquiring Evander Kane, a player like Lakovic who already has size and plays a heavy and physical game, he is a perfect player who with time will only continue to up his game behind the net and on the bards, and is looking like he could become a solid power forward. Similar to many in the league like Pat Maroon and Matt Martin, Lakovic does have some swag, but prioritises his size to win battles, and be effective, something the Canucks have been lacking. What the Canucks would need to consider with picking Lakovic, is that if they are looking for a power forward who can score heaps of goals, and drive plays with creativity, Lakovic isn't your guy, but for board battles, little to no turnovers, and the physical presence which can switch the feel of the game instantly, in two to three years, Lakovic could be the league's next power forward who does every fundamental to the perfect standard, and is probably one of the most complete blue-collar players in this draft class.
16. Utah Mammoth (VIA NYI)- Justin Carbonneau, RW, QMJHL
I know this draft is looking a little bit trade heavy, but as it is one of the most unpredictable drafts in recent memory, and the Canadiens who often make draft day moves, and especially now do not need a big list of prospects having two back to back picks in the draft, the trade which brought Noah Dobson to Montreal, and the eventual trade between Utah and New York, opens the door for the QMJHL’s Justin Carbonneau in Utah. Now it is an interesting pick wherever Carbonneau ends up, being one of the highly touted prospects, but also being one with a very low ceiling and thin margin for error. He is a very smart powerplay asset, and dictates play very well with very good vision and passing abilities, but has the problem of slow skating which often contradicts these strengths. Even in the QMJHL, one of the lower rated leagues, he struggled to keep up with play, and despite dictating pace, being a quarterback on the powerplay in the NHL, the way he dictates the game may be a bit slow and not as snappy as the NHL demands. But regardless of weaknesses, he is an offensive weapon, and everything that is asked of from a winger, a very interesting pick who could excel in Utah amongst an older RW core.
17. Utah Mammoth (VIA NYI)- Ivan Ryabkin, C, USHL
Well here is a shock. I know what everyone will be thinking, Ryabkin! In the top 20! Yes. Ryabkin who once pushed even Michkov and Demidov to the limits in Russia still has lots to give, but aside from the potential that is waiting to blossom, it is a smart move for Utah. The addition of Ryabkin, a Russian youngster, who still has so much to offer, with a pick which does not make or break their future is perfect. Their team who now looks playoff ready with the addition of JJ Peterka could mean a risk on a player like Ryabkin is valid, and taking a chance on him is a risk Utah are in a great position to take. The best case scenario for Utah is that with some development Ryabkin can find his skating, find his discipline, and find consistency on top of his already amazing puck skills, playmaking, IQ, and physical play, and he can be a very, very good top six forward. Most will think him being taken in the top 20 is crazy, but for me it is a clever, risk free, high reward move which could turn out to be a steal they will never regret.
18. Columbus Blue Jackets (VIA CGY)- Joshua Ravensbergen, G, WHL
Moving back while acquiring a great player is definitely the move Columbus should make as they are finally heading out of the rebuild and are in a great position to trade some draft capital, but while they have some great capital, taking the chance to draft a goalie with beaming potential like Joshua Ravensbergen is an easy decision to make, and a risk free with a super high ceiling, and the potential to be a franchise level goalie. At 6 ‘5 he fills the net, and is like a brick between the posts, rarely leaving silly gaps, and rarely opening up for easy shots to be taken. He is 100% the best goalie in the draft, and has the composure and positioning that not even most goalies in the NHL have, and with time will only get better. His durability, athleticism, and size is something the Blue Jackets have lacked in their goalies since Sergei Bobrovsky, and among the goalies in this year's class, is a great pick for the Blue Jackets, and for Ravensebergen, is probably the perfect fit.
19. St Louis Blues- Logan Hensler, D, NCAA
The Blues are in a pretty nice situation heading into the draft, not too late, not too early, they are in a situation where they can pick a solid guy who in a couple years could develop to be a great starting player, in this case, Wisconsin’s Logan Hensler. St Louis looks like a solid playoff team for some years to come, and with a great defensive unit, a prospect in the system like Hensler is a great guy who can line up to slot in perfectly in the next coming years for the aging blue line. A solid defensive defenseman who moves the puck with care and ease, a high defensive IQ, and has poise in all three zones, a solid defenseman, who just looks perfect for a Jim Montgomery team, and a player who is perfect for the new St Louis system. Staying in college would be ideal for Henseler to improve, and with no rush for young defenseman, alongside others, Hensler could be the number one defenseman in the pipeline for the Blues, a perfect guy who does the basics very well, and is an easy no stress option for St Louis.
20. Columbus Blue Jackets- Cole Reschny, C, WHL
Like I said before, Columbus are in no need for prospects now, and now that they can compete, they can keep some in the pipeline to take time to develop, and become NHL ready with no rush to have them perform too early. Cole Reschny is one of those guys. Although a highly rated versatile forward who can play centre and wing, his size, low ceiling, and lack of elite traits worry me, and is the sole reason for his drop. Although, with his dedication to the University of North Dakotas for the foreseeable future, Reschny will have the chance to put his skills on show at a very respected NCAA programme, and will be able to develop his skills to the right level before jumping into the NHL, and could be a really big steal had things go the right way for Columbus.
21. Ottawa Senators- Braeden Cootes, C, WHL
Ottawa have had some really good draft success over the last couple of years, and in this mock draft Cootes at 21 is a gem I don't think Ottawa would pass up on. 63 points in 60 games, captained Canada at the u-18 world championships, and has had a great deal of leadership on the Seattle Thunderbirds this season. Cootes isn't a ground breaking, flashy centre, but a two way, Senators type of player. He plays physical despite only being 5 ‘11, he plays in every zone, and plays carefully, and reliably, making sure his defensive duties are on point, and is as good as anyone in terms of consistency over three zones. Playmaking isn't something Cootes thrives on, and does not implement these game changing plays, but he is the ideal top six forward for today’s NHL, and among the physical players and culture in Ottawa, hard work and effort is exactly the type of guy they could use in a couple years time.
22. Philadelphia Flyers- Blake Fiddler, D, WHL
Another very important pick in the first round for Rick Tochet’s Flyers means a right shot defenseman could be on the radar with the list thin of solid RHD in this draft and previous drafts, but the Edmonton Oil Kings’ Blake Fiddler could just turn out to be a future top four defenseman for the Flyers. Currently with a weak pipeline of RHD, Fiddler could be a gem, and a player passed up on one too many times. He is defensively sound and still offensively raw and unexposed, and especially a smart defensive weapon. His mobility and movement off the rush manages to open himself up for options and to make plays easily, and being right handed is something more desirable than people think. Fiddler, who will have so much improvement as an offensive defenseman in the future would be a perfect option for the Flyers had he fallen, and with a massive frame and impressive ability for his size, it is a pick which just makes sense, and could pay off massively.
23. Nashville Predators- Jack Ivankovic, G, OHL
Unlike the Flyers, the Predators late round draft pick isn't filled with pressure, and could be an ideal spot to take a goalie following the loss of Askarov to the Sharks, the ideal goalie being Brampton’s Jack Ivankovic. Ivankovic unlike Ravensbergen is undersized, but like most goalie prospects will have years to develop his size, and with a bigger frame, will only continue to become a better net minder. He is one of those goalies who is perfectly taught in positioning, and rarely overcommits, and has pure, raw, and athletic ability unlike any goalie in the draft (apart from Ravensbergen). He has Poise, he doesn't feel pressure, and his confidence and concentration levels are NHL worthy, and has the elite trait of perfect rebound control without over committing, and reads pucks well. One issue is consistency under heavy fire, but years of improvement and training camps will teach him fundamentals and how to deal with heavy fire, a good pick for Nashville, and a smart one to fill a hole in their goalie prospect room.
24. Los Angeles Kings- Jack Nesbitt, C, OHL
It was hard to find the perfect option for the Kings, but a plethora of good wingers in the system, and a lack of left defenseman that would accommodate LA means Jack Nesbitt is the best option. A player who could replicate Kopitar’s game to an extent, his height and weight are perfect for a ‘ratty’ NHL forward, and his elite ability to win net battles, board battles, and to get into areas which annoy defences is perfect for LA, and could add some more offensive abilities with time. Although he lacks dynamic and attractive offense, his faceoffs, zone management, and physicality offer something refreshing, and at a young age has already found his role, and will only continue to adapt. He is often seen as a pesky player, but a player who would fit the Kings culture to a tee. A winner, and could have some strong leadership attributes in a couple of years.
25. Chicago Blackhawks- Malcolm Spence, LW, OHL
Another first round pick courtesy of the Toronto Maple Leafs gives the Blackhawks yet another promising prospect to add to their extremely strong pool, Malcolm Spence of the Erie Otters being a great option due to weak wing talent in the pipeline. The Blackhawks who have struggled physically, and could use a strong and heavy checking forward to add to their system, Spence being the perfect option. Spence is very confident during contact, and has the great trait of managing to withhold the puck during collisions and in tight spaces. He uses his big frame and size to manage pressure well, and is a powerful, but creative piece on the wing, but a reliable defender who can easily be transitioned to a solid two way forward. Although Spence isn't a highly creative playmaker, and doesn't really have the ‘danger’ factor when it comes to offense, he is still an athletic beast, and uses his raw ability to play long shifts, and play with contact and speed. With a high ceiling to be a real weapon on both ends, playing a Zach Parise type role could be a role the Blackhawks could be interested in, and would be a perfect fit for the project, only furthering his abilities at Michigan State next season.
26. Nashville Predators- Cameron Reid, D, OHL
A third first round pick for the Predators wont go to waste for sure, and a left handed defenseman like Kitchener’s Cameron Reid is the perfect option. A smooth skating, large framed defenseman who will excel in a couple of years, having a very high ceiling to be a top four NHL defenseman. With high hockey IQ across all three zones, his main eye catcher has to be his brilliance in the transition, making him one of the top two way blue liners in this year's draft class. His mobility and speed to recover from quick turnovers and transitions are impeccable, and very strong gap control, thriving in shutting down plays quickly rather than letting them unfold. He can probably be considered one of the biggest leaders in thIS years class, and will soon be a vocal, mature, and leader in the NHL, mostly impressing with his captain like character and traits. He is a perfect power play quarterback, and despite not being the most effective or lethal shooter, he still has some great offensive qualities, and knows the boundaries of his offense. Although there are some problems in his play as of now, he is definitely bound to be an NHL defenseman, and character and what his personality offers alone will win him a spot.
27. Washington Capitals- Sacha Boumedienne, D, NCAA
With Washington quickly returning to winning ways under head coach Spencer Carbery, their prospect pool which they have built over the last few years is still strong, but very offense heavy, which means a defenseman could be on the cards for the Capitals. They will probably find themselves a little bit unlucky to have grabbed any of the better d-men like Blake Fiddler of Logan Hensler, but Sacha Boumedienne of Boston University, a 6 ‘1, two way defenseman who could definitely be ready to prove some people wrong next season. His playmaking and elite skating and mobility traits definitely stood out at the start of the NCAA season and definitely showed at the u18 world championships where he led all defensemen in points, but it is his physical maturity, and often poor decision making which has caused a radio drop over the last few months. His inconsistency, and risky decision making in the defensive zone could be an issue, but as time goes on, his high trajectory, and hopes of what he can be may be enough to turn it around next season, and if he can, Washington may have a steal at number 27.
28. Winnipeg Jets- Milton Gastrin, C, MoDo
Winnipeg are a team who would be more than comfortable to take a swing on a player who has potential, but hasn't quite shown it yet, in this case, MoDo hockey’s Milton Gastrin could be a solid top six forward who could be an effective penalty killing weapon in the future. Unlike most in the draft, first round picks are make or break, but with Winnipeg being a solid contender for years to come, it allows Gastrin to develop even further, and any problems or issues they see will have plenty of time to disappear, and his weaknesses and strengths will have time to blossom, making him an even better, patiently developed star. He is a solid scorer, and loves to win, something Winnipeg fans will love. His accuracy while both passing and shooting is a hygge plus, and shows lots of defensive trust with his penalty killing strengths, and likes to play a physical game, backchecking being one of his finest qualities. Being a player who hasn't completely been figured out yet, it's a swing, but for a low risk team like Winnipeg, he could turn into a star, and Winnipeg may just be the team to identify that true potential.
29. Carolina Hurricanes- Cullen Potter, C, NCAA
Here he is. This year’s boom or bust player. Arizona State’s intense, high intensity, high impact forward who makes plays, scores goals, changes games, and shows nothing but maturity in his game. He is reliable at both ends of the ice, he rapidly unfolds new plays left, right, and centre, his first stride and explosive skating stand out, his puck handling, high intensity forechecking shifts, and is trustworthy in high pressure situations, at his age, he is something special. But he could get caught out with a change of speed in the NHL or even at higher levels of college, his physical play, and shift to shift consistency is nowhere, and can easily be figured out by defense. He has all the traits needed to be a high level middle six NHL forward, and a perfect gamble for a team like Carolina, because with the right development, and development that gets little to nothing wrong, and hits the right spot, Potter can be special, but his ceiling, or floor can only be decided on whether he can take it to the next level, and can brush off those weaknesses, and manage to put the right pieces in the right places.
30. San Jose Sharks- Cole McKinney, C, USNTDP
With the 30th overall pick, the Sharks could be tempted to make a trade, but adding another potentially great top six forward like the USNTDP’s Cole McKinney could be useful. Much like Celebrini and Will Smith, McKinney is versatile, and as the US programme is known for developing some great talent, McKinney could be the next great one for the Sharks. McKinney is very strong when it comes to puck protection, and could provide the rough, blue collar style of play a guy with his size loves for the Sharks in the future, and not only has great offensive awareness, but drives plays well, and isn't afraid to attack the net. He is a fearless player who is a great special teams asset, and is a relentless and competitive player who works no matter what, and never gives up on potential plays in the making. He ensures smart plays are made, and limits risk, making sure he is a very reliable and respected player on the ice, someone who doesn't take the puck for granted, and uses his patience very well to allow opportunities to arise. Much like most late first round picks, McvKinney has never been talked about as a ‘game changer’ but definitely has useful traits, but concerns over projection and his actual offensive productivity may have to be improved in the next few years in the NCAA. An interesting player however.
31. Philadelphia Flyers- Cameron Schmidt, RW, WHL
Philadelphia’s third pick of the night goes to the Vancouver Giants speedy, electric right winger Cameron Schmidt in this mock draft, a pick most may think is too late, but for some, just right. Being only 5 ‘7, and 160 lbs, size is an issue, a big one, but does he have some underlying abilities which just make him too desirable to give up on? Yes. He is an elite shooter and finisher, his speed, balance, and agility alone is enough to break ankles and his turn of pace is rapid. He is a player who rarely is seen lethargic or putting in 50% on the ice, and his compete level is off the charts. A gamble on a player like Schmidt who has some very easy improvements to make could be an interesting one for Philly, and size and defensive issues lots of great players used to have shows in the future, had these be brushed up on, he could become a classic speedy, and dangerous winger. He has the ability to be a 40 goal scorer, and is one of those players, who with some improvement with contact, could become a relentless playmaker and scorer.
32. Calgary Flames- Henry Brzustewicz, D, OHL
With the final pick of my mock draft, I have an absolute steal going to the Calgary Flames, the London Knights star defenseman Henry Brzustewicz. The reason for the drop is teams focusing on bad tempo against the rush, poor offensive production with a weird shot, and his poor use of physicality, but all can be put aside given his versatility, motor, and trust. He is a very, very dangerous special teams weapon, excelling on the powerplay and the penalty kill, and often is one of the players who play 20+ minutes, stamina being a trait he impresses with. Although he often misjudges his physicality in puck battles, his IQ of board battles themselves often make him extremely successful in one on ones, and his ability to takeaway the puck, and create dangerous plays quickly with almost flawless first time passing is exceptional. With some time away in either the OHL, AHL, or had he decide to head to college, Brzustewicz can be a great NHL defenseman, and in a tricky situation at the moment for Calgary, his right handedness and adaptability across the blue line could be a key reason he becomes a great NHL defenseman.
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