New York Islanders- Matthew Schaefer- A+
Of course the Islanders are going to land an A+ on this selection, Matthew Schaefer who was the consensus number one for almost a year, and it would have been a travesty had he not go at number one. But everything you need in an NHL defenseman, Schaefer has and more, a great start to the night ahead of two more first rounders, an A+ for New York.
San Jose Sharks- Michael Misa- A+
Rumours circulated all week about potentially trading the second overall pick, but also rumours of passing on Misa circulated, but in the end, Misa’s generational talent was too good to pass up on for San Jose. His goal scoring ability, scoring, and overall play is arguably the best in the class, and amongst some of the Sharks best pieces like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, is another great addition for the Sharks. A+.
Chicago Blackhawks- Anton Frondell- B+
Chicago may have failed to get themselves up to number two to grab Michael Misa, but getting a reliable and powerful guy like Frondell isn't the end of the world, but could’ve been better. Chicago already has a very deep centre prospect pool, and could have done with taking a winger like Porter Martone which would have added some variety to the prospect pool. A solid player, but could’ve been smarter. B+.
Utah Mammoth- Caleb Desnoyers- B
For me, if Utah were looking to draft a centre, Desnoyers wouldn't have been the first option with the likes of James Hagens still on the board, but can still turn out to be a good pick. A solid, big and powerful guy who has a lot to offer, but trajectory worries with the low skill level in the QMJHL means there is more pressure for Desnoyers, but will still likely live up to expectation. A rating of B is fair, better options available, but a punt which is valid and could work out to prove many wrong.
Nashville Predators- Brady Martin- A
A great pick for Nashville in Brady Martin, a versatile centre who can play across the forward line, reliable, and is strong positionally, and is a very flexible option for the Predators who could use a ‘wildcard’ type player. With a lack of adaptable forwards who have a high IQ across a number of positions in Nashville, taking a swing on Martin at number five deserves an A ranking, and could be a smart move to start their first round.
Philadelphia Flyers- Porter Martone- A+
Getting Porter Martone anywhere past the top four is a massive win, especially for Philadelphia, a team who could really use a solid net front presence, and powerful scorer who is gritty and has solid forechecking abilities. Dropping past four was never a reality for Martone, but landing in Philadelphia earns them an A+, and down the line, will be an amazing pick to look back on, a player who offers so much for one position.
Boston Bruins- James Hagens- A
Personally, Hagens, the player who has one of the highest ceilings and potentials in this year's class dropping to seven is more than a steal, and heading to a respected franchise who have a history of solid development for young centres is worthy of an A rating. With bags of potential, and time with the Bruins who will be able to squeeze out any potential, Hagens at seven was never anything anyone thought was possible a year ago, and is a steal for Boston with a high reward given the right path.
Seattle Kraken- Jake O’Brien- A
A team like Seattle who need a playmaking centre in the top six manage to get their hands on Brantford’s Jake O’Brien, passing up on other options such as defensemen, and taking a chance on O’Brien, a playmaking beast with exceptional vision, shot accuracy, and amazing poise under pressure, maintaining creativity in all three zones. The Kraken still maintain a solid group of prospects with this pick, and have a lot to look forward to in the future. The perfect pick, an A rating here.
Buffalo Sabres- Radim Mrtka- A+
Mrtka, who was heavily expected to head to Seattle with their big need of a towering defenseman, but falling right into Buffalo’s hands in a time of need for their bleak defense deserves their praise, and once again, Buffalo have gotten it right. A massive 6 ‘6 d-man who will be a real competitor among the massive talent on the Buffalo blue line, and a big pickup for their continuing rebuild. A gift which landed right in the lap, Radim Mrtka at number nine overall, A+.
Anaheim Ducks- Roger McQueen- A
And to end off the top 10, Anaheim took the plunge on big power forward from the Brandon Wheat Kings, Roger McQueen. McQueen has some injury concerns, especially back injuries. It was a punt for any team to take a chance on him, but the talent is 100% there. He is a solid big centre who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, but is a playmaker and can score, the exact piece the Ducks are missing. He slots in perfectly, and barring the injury issues, he is top five calibre. An excellent pick once again for Anaheim, A.
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