Shane Wright (Frank Gunn, The Canadian Press)
A passion of mine that I haven't quite mentioned yet are mock drafts. Though I am far from a scout, when you watch as much hockey as I do, you can start to notice some plays beneath the surface. After the recent NHL draft lottery confirmed that the Montreal Canadiens would be selecting first overall, I felt that now was a good time to make my first NHL mock draft of the season.
In this article, I'm only going to be looking at every pick in the first round.. Using scouting reports from Dobber Hockey, Sam Cosentino of Sportnset and the Athletic, I will try to find a perfect fit for every team that kept a pick in Round 1 of the amateur draft.
I've watched highlights and game footage and pored over dozens of different scouting reports for this task. It'll be difficult to nail down many of these picks,
This is a significant project as it takes a lot of effort and work to find perfect fits from picks 1-32. This has been a few weeks in the making, so I hope you enjoy it!
LEGEND:
HT-height
WT-weight
Shoots-preferred shooting hand
CS Rank-ranking according to Central Scouting
BCS-best-case scenario comparison
1. Montreal Canadiens
Shane Wright, C, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
HT 6-1 WT 185 Shoots R
CS Rank: 1 (North America)
BCS: Mika Zibenejad
Even though several people have been tipping Juraj Slafkovsky to go first overall, I'm still sticking with Wright. He may not be a generational player, but if he goes to Montreal, he would be a part of an excellent 1-2 center duo with Nick Suzuki. He disappointed me when I went in-person to watch Kingston this year, he is definitely NHL-ready. His point production is advanced for a player of his age. He also has a very high floor; he'll be a good player no matter what, which can't be said for Slafkovsky.
OTHER OPTIONS: LW Juraj Slafkovsky
2. New Jersey Devils
Juraj Slafkovsky, LW, TPS (Finland)
HT 6-4 WT 224 Shoots L
CS Rank: 1 (Europe)
BCS: Rick Nash
While there remains the possibility that New Jersey trades this pick, Slafkovsky seems like the perfect fit for the Devils. They need a dynamic winger and the Slovakian fits the bill. He earned MVP honours at the Olympics as a 17-year old. He obviously possesses a powerful shot and a large frame. His physicality is an underrated aspect of his game. There aren't many youngsters who have Slafkovsky's combination of snarl and offensive ability.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Logan Cooley, D Simon Nemec
3. Arizona Coyotes
Logan Cooley, C, U.S. NTDP (NTDP)
HT 5-11 WT 174 Shoots L
CS Rank: 2 (NA)
BCS: Mathew Barzal
Arizona needs centers desperately, so Cooley should be the pick here. The smart and speedy American has been picking up steam in recent weeks. He can easily play with pace and he holds onto possession really well. He likely isn't a primary goal scorer at the NHL-level, but he's elite on offense nevertheless. Stylistically, he'd be a great fit with Arizona's top prospect Dylan Guenther.
OTHER OPTIONS: D Simon Nemec
4. Seattle Kraken
Simon Nemec, D, Nitra (Slovakia)
HT 6-1 WT 192 Shoots R
CS Rank: 3 (Euro)
BCS: Mackenzie Weegar
I'm suspecting that GM Ron Francis will opt to build his team out from the back. Thus, either Nemec or Jiricek are in play here. I'd lean Nemec, because he fits the bill of a blueliner who would succeed in today's game. Nemec is the perfect modern defenseman with his efficient play and excellence in transition. Much like Matty Beniers, Seattle's top pick in 2021, Nemec isn't the flashiest player, but he does everything right. He's a solid and safe pick at 4th overall.
OTHER OPTIONS: D David Jiricek, C Conor Geekie
5. Philadelphia Flyers
David Jiricek, D, Plzen (Czechia)
HT 6-3 WT 176 Shoots R
CS Rank: 4 (Euro)
BCS: Marc-Edouard Vlasic
This is where the draft starts, in my opinion. American forward Cutter Gauthier is garnering real interest from Philly here, but I suspect that Jiricek will still got at 5. The Czech will give the Flyers a physical presence, as they try to capture the magic of the Broad Street Bullies era. He doesn't have the same power play impact as somebody like Nemec, but he's a top-tier safety blanket. I could see him becoming an elite defensive defenseman, especially if new coach John Tortorella can pair him with a more offensively inclined player.
OTHER OPTIONS: LW Cutter Gauthier, RW Joakim Kemell
6. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Chicago Blackhawks)
Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW, Djugarden
HT 5-11 WT 172 Shoots R
CS Rank: 6 (Euro)
BCS: Brock Boeser
There is no point in making a mock draft if you just pick the obvious selections. Columbus are the most likely team to go off the board early. Personally, I really like Lekkerimaki. He is a dynamic offensive player, but his all-around game impressed me at the World U-18 tournament. His shot is the obvious highlight, but he's also a ruthless checker. I think his game would translate better to the NHL than most experts and I think the Jackets could share my view.
OTHER OPTIONS: LW Cutter Gauthier, C Matthew Savoie, RW Joakim Kemell
7. Ottawa Senators
Cutter Gauthier, LW, U.S. NTDP (NTDP)
HT 6-3 WT 189 Shoots L
CS Rank: 3 (NA)
BCS: JT Miller
The Sens would be thrilled that Gauthier dropped to 7. Some savvy draft experts have suggested he could break into the top-3, but I'm slightly more skeptical, simply because I'm not convinced that center is his best position. While he was reportedly told that most teams view him as a center, his strong shot and powerful play on the boards is giving me winger vibes. Ottawa like power forwards and Gauthier fits that mould to a tee. He isn't a superstar, but he's a really solid complementary piece.
OTHER OPTIONS: RW Joakim Kemell, C Matthew Savoie
8. Detroit Red Wings
Marco Kasper, C, Rogle (Austria)
HT 6-1 WT 183 Shoots L
CS Rank: 5 (Euro)
BCS: Sam Bennett
The correlations between the Red Wings and Marco Kasper are too obvious to ignore. He is Steve Yzerman's type of player. Kasper possesses a good motor and skillset, two qualities that Detroit love. The Wings really need a center and I'm more confident in Kasper's potential down the middle than I am in Matthew Savoie's, so I would go with the Austrian.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Matthew Savoie, C Frank Nazar, RW Joakim Kemell
9. Buffalo Sabres
Matthew Savoie, C, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
HT 5-9 WT 178 Shoots R
CS Rank: 4 (NA)
BCS: Brayden Point
Centers under 6-feet tend to slide in NHL drafts, but Savoie's talent might be too difficult to ignore. He's an excellent skater and his shot is close to NHL-ready. He also plays with a noticeable edge to his game. Buffalo don't need to nail this pick, considering how good their prospect system is, but Savoie offers legitimate top-six upside. His size might hold him back, but the way the game is going, I think teams will be more impressed with his play-driving ability.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Matthew Savoie, D, Kevin Korchinski, C Frank Nazar
10. Anaheim Ducks
Joakim Kemell, RW, JYP (Finland)
HT 5-11 WT 165 Shoots R
CS Rank: 2 (Euro)
BCS: Patrik Laine
I could see Kemell sliding a bit on draft day. Though Anaheim would probably like a LHD here, I can't see them passing up on Kemell, when he is clearly a player with star potential. His ability to light the lamp is among the best in this draft. He can get off his shot from just about anywhere, thanks to his quick release. The Ducks probably wouldn't mind fortifying the flanks, so I think Kemell will be GM Pat Verbeek's first choice.
OTHER OPTIONS: D Kevin Korchinski, D Denton Mateychuk, C Conor Geekie
11. San Jose Sharks
Kevin Korchinski, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
HT 6-2 WT 175 Shoots L
CS Rank: 7 (NA)
BCS: Shea Theodore
The Sharks have focused on slight, skillful forwards for the past few drafts. The downside of that strategy is that it has taken away from their prospect depth on the blueline. Korchinski is good enough to justify taking here. He has a long reach and he is very mobile, which allows him to move the puck quickly. His skating is really good, but he has work to do defensively. That hasn't bothered the Sharks in the past, so they may be the team to take a swing on him.
OTHER OPTIONS: D Pavel Mintyukov, C Conor Geekie, D Denton Mateychuk
12. Columbus Blue Jackets
Lian Bichsel, D, Leksand (Sweden)
HT 6-5 WT 212 Shoots L
CS Rank: 9 (Euro)
BCS: Darnell Nurse
After taking Lekkerimaki, I could see the Jackets making another leap for upside at 12. Lian Bichsel is a polarizing prospect, to say the least. He is a physical force and he uses his body well to get better positioning on quicker forwards. However, his upside is probably limited, because he isn't known to be a real producer. This could be a boom-or-bust pick, but in my mind, GM Jarmo Kekalainen should take the risk on Bischel.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Conor Geekie, RW Danila Yurov, D Lian Bichsel
13. New York Islanders
Denton Mateychuk, D, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
HT 5-11 WT 186 Shoots L
CS Rank: 14 (NA)
BCS: Shayne Gostisbehere
Like Bischel, Mateychuk has been projected all over the first round. I could see him going as high as 10 and as low as 24. As you can see, I'm a bit higher on him than most. His hockey IQ and willingness to join the rush make him a real weapon. The Islanders need to fortify their blueline, especially since Noah Dobson is an RFA this offseason. He's also a really exciting power play weapon.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Conor Geekie, D Pavel Mintyukov
14. Winnipeg Jets
Conor Geekie, C, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
HT 6-4 WT 205 Shoots L
CS Rank: 5 (NA)
BCS: Jeff Carter
Geekie was overshadowed on an incredible Winnipeg Ice team, but his tools are there for all to see. NHL teams are always looking for a massive center who can make plays at even strength. Geekie can do that. But his skating is an obvious concern. I've noticed from doing past mock drafts that concerns about skating is a big ding and that it can cause slides down the draft board. Winnipeg have been looking for a middle-six center to allow one of Chaz Lucius or Cole Perfetti to move to the wing, so Geekie may be too good to pass up. The Jets just can't ignore the concerns about his mobility.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Frank Nazar, RW Jimmy Snuggerud
15. Vancouver Canucks
Nathan Gaucher, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
HT 6-3 WT 207 Shoots R
CS Rank: 16 (NA)
BCS: Blake Coleman
Yet another bold pick here. I really like Nathan Gaucher and I've been hearing talks that he's being slept on by the NHL community. He isn't the most dynamic center in this class, but with Elias Pettersson already in Vancouver, there is nothing wrong with taking a reliable center who can provide secondary scoring. His creativity is limited (he can be a bit predictable), but he always seems to be effective and he already possesses NHL size.
OTHER OPTIONS: LW Liam Ohgren, C Frank Nazar, D Ryan Chesley
16. Buffalo Sabres (via Vegas Golden Knights)
Brad Lambert, RW, Pelicans (Finland)
HT 6-0 WT 179 Shoots R
CS Rank: 10 (Euro)
BCS: Andre Burakovsky
I think this might be a bit too high for Lambert, but the Sabres are one of the few teams that can afford to gamble on the Finn's upside. His tools can't be ignored. He is one of the better skaters in the class and his hands are really good. But he can never seem to put it all together. His woeful compete level will scare some teams away. He'll be a frustrating player for Buffalo, which is why I'm not super confident with this pick, but I think that Lambert is too good to slide much further.
OTHER OPTIONS: RW Danila Yurov, C Frank Nazar, D Denton Mateychuk
17. Nashville Predators
Danila Yurov, RW, Magnitogorsk (KHL)
HT 6-1 WT 172 Shoots L
CS Rank: 7 (Euro)
BCS: Mikko Rantanen
The Preds need a defenseman in this draft, but Danila Yurov's upside could prove too difficult to pass up on. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is going to make the treatment of Russia's top players very interesting to watch. Many teams will pass on Yurov, but I think David Poile is one of the general managers capable of pulling the switch. Yurov plays a heavy offensive game; his shot is good and he is a quick skater. If Poile wants to shed salary, he could pick Yurov and let Filip Forsberg walk in free agency. Yurov is so good that it wouldn't be a hated move, but the negative PR that could come with drafting him will be a factor.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Frank Nazar, D Owen Pickering, D Lane Hutson
18. Dallas Stars
Ryan Chesley, D, U.S. NTDP (NTDP)
HT 6-0 WT 187 Shoots R
CS Rank: 18 (NA)
BCS: Ryan McDonagh
A lot of draft aficionados have Chesley much lower, but I think he is a perfect Dallas Stars player. The Stars will need a RHD after John Klingberg leaves in free agency. While Chesley doesn't have the same offensive gifts as Klingberg, he is a very complete player. His compete level and hockey IQ stand out. Chesley won't wow everybody with his rushing ability, but he is unlikely to flop at the NHL level.
OTHER OPTIONS: LW Rutger McGroarty, D Owen Pickering, RW Jimmy Snuggerud
19. Minnesota Wild (via Los Angeles Kings)
Frank Nazar, C, U.S. NTDP (NTDP)
HT 5-11 WT 175 Shoots R
CS Rank: 21 (NA)
BCS: Matt Duchene
Finally, the Frank Nazar fall ends. I could see Nazar going as high as 8, but there always seems to be a couple players who fall way below their original valuation. Nazar could be included. As I mentioned earlier, centers lacking in size are often overlooked on draft day. Despite that, Minnesota could be a good spot for him, as they need center depth. Nazar's energy level wowed scouts and he can do a bit of everything. I can't see him being a number 1 center in the NHL, but he should carve out a nice career for himself.
OTHER OPTIONS: LW Isaac Howard, LW Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW Julian Lutz
20. Washington Capitals
Rutger McGroarty, LW, U.S. NTDP (NTDP)
HT 6-1 WT 204 Shoots L
CS Rank: 22 (NA)
BCS: Mark Stone
The Caps will continue the run of NTDP players with McGroarty. McGroarty's skating will hold him back, but the Caps often like players with his work ethic. He can produce anywhere in a lineup and he plays a very defensively responsible game for a winger. McGroarty can find ways to get open, but he can't make space on his own. If he can prove to be NHL-ready, he would be a nice addition on an entry-level contract.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Jiri Kulich, C Owen Beck, D Owen Pickering
21. Pittsburgh Penguins
Jiri Kulich, C, Karlovy Vary (Czechia)
HT 6-0 WT 172 Shoots L
CS Rank: 13 (Euro)
BCS: Martin Necas
Kulich is a player that I've heard will be picked a lot higher than people expect on draft day. With Evgeni Malkin's future in question, Kulich would fill a need in Pittsburgh's system. He's got good size for a center and he brings energy to a roster. The versatility that Kulich holds is something Pittsburgh will covet. He can play on either wing if he has to.
OTHER OPTIONS: D Owen Pickering, RW Jagger Firkus, D Tristan Luneau
22. Anaheim Ducks
Owen Pickering, D, Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
HT 6-5 WT 178 Shoots L
CS Rank: 15 (NA)
BCS: Travis Sanheim
The Ducks crave mobile defensemen and Owen Pickering could be the next prospect to join that club. Now that Anaheim's depth is thinning out at the NHL-level, they need another injection of skill. Pickering has real upside and his skating is very pleasing to watch. I wouldn't be stunned if he went a little earlier.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Jiri Kulich, LW Liam Ohgren, D Pavel Mintyukov
23. St. Louis Blues
Pavel Mintyukov, D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
HT 6-2 WT 190 Shoots L
CS Rank: 6 (NA)
BCS: Ivan Provorov
This would be a major fall for Pavel Mintyukov. But, like with Yurov, the Russian status may very well be a factor in his draft-day stock. The Blues' need for cheap, young defensemen was exposed in the playoffs, so they seem to be one of the likelier teams to take a stab on Mintyukov's upside. He's a future top-4 defenseman with his creativity and hockey IQ paired with respectable defensive work rate.
OTHER OPTIONS: RW Jagger Firkus, D Seamus Casey, RW Jimmy Snuggerud
24. Minnesota Wild
Isaac Howard, LW, U.S. NTDP (NTDP)
HT 5-10 WT 182 Shoots L
CS Rank: 9 (NA)
BCS: Jean-Gabriel Pageau
After trading Kevin Fiala to the Kings, the Wild will be desperate to add a scoring winger who can replace his impact. Isaac Howard seems like their sort of player. He'll be playing at the University of Minnesota-Duluth next season, so they can keep an eye on him. He is speedy with and without the puck. He always seems to get open for a shot. His tenacious play differs from Fiala's graceful skating, but he was the leading scorer on a stacked NTDP team for a reason.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Noah Ostlund, LW Julian Lutz, LW Ivan Miroshnichenko
25. Toronto Maple Leafs
Liam Ohgren, LW, Djugarden Jr. (Sweden)
HT 6-1 WT 190 Shoots L
CS Rank: 8 (Euro)
BCS: Filip Forsberg
Liam Ohgren is a very Dubas-type player. He's got loads of skill and a strong shot, while also carrying himself with poise on and off the ice. He combines speed and sturdiness better than most in the draft. With a need for wingers in the near future, the Leafs will undoubtedly be attracted to Ohgren if he drops to 25.
OTHER OPTIONS: RW Jagger Firkus, D Lane Hutson, C Noah Ostlund
26. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames)
Tristan Luneau, D, Gatineau Olympiques
HT 6-2 WT 174 Shoots R
CS Rank: 24 (NA)
BCS: Anton Stralman
It's crucial to remember that the draft is in Montreal this year. So, the Habs' front office will have a bit of people pleasing to do. Picking a Quebecois defenseman could go a long way in that regard. Luneau is intelligent and he works really hard. He doesn't project as a top-of-the-lineup defenseman, but he gives Montreal some much needed depth on the blueline.
OTHER OPTIONS: RW Jimmy Snuggerud, C Jack D. Hughes, C David Goyette
27. Arizona Coyotes (via Carolina Hurricanes)
Filip Mesar, RW, Poprad (Slovakia)
HT 5-10 WT 172 Shoots R
CS Rank: 20 (Euro)
BCS: Artturi Lehkonen
Mesar blatantly revealed that the Coyotes were very interested in his services at the combine, so it would make sense for them to opt for the Slovakian winger. Mesar is quick and creative. He has flashed his upside at the international level against men. This might be a bit high for him, but he could pair well with Logan Cooley soon, especially if he adapt to the NHL ice surface.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Noah Ostlund, D Maveric Lamoureux, RW Jimmy Snuggerud
28. Buffalo Sabres (via Florida Panthers)
Maveric Lamoureux, D, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
HT 6-7 WT 196 Shoots R
CS Rank: 20 (NA)
BCS: Nic Hague
BCS: Nic Hague
The tantalizing potential of a 6'7 defenseman who can skate will be too much to pass up on for the Sabres. Along with Owen Power, Lamoureux would form a pair of titans on the blueline. His physicality and puck play are common for somebody of his size, but his excellent mobility is a rare trait. He could be a future depth defenseman for Buffalo.
OTHER OPTIONS: D Sam Rinzel, RW Jagger Firkus, D Ty Nelson
29. Edmonton Oilers
Jagger Firkus, RW, Moose Jaw Warriors
HT 5-10 WT 150 Shoots R
CS Rank: 12 (NA)
BCS: Johnny Gaudreau
Firkus has real boom-or-bust vibes. He's tremendously skilled offensively, but his size could hold him back. The diminutive winger wouldn't translate to the NHL immediately, but if the Oilers could hold on to left-handed centers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Firkus could be a seamless fit in Edmonton's top-six. His creativity is evident and he could be the player to elevate players around him with his elite playmaking.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Jack D. Hughes, LW Reid Schaefer, C Noah Ostlund
30. Winnipeg Jets (via New York Rangers)
Seamus Casey, D, U.S. NTDP (NTDP)
HT 5-10 WT 162 Shoots R
CS Rank: 29 (NA)
BCS: Samuel Girard
After going with a center earlier, the Jets will likely choose a defenseman late in the first round. This may seem high for a player with limited upside, like Casey, but the Jets love drafting from America. Casey is a great skater who can move the puck. Some scouts are saying he's likely a second-to-third round pick, but he is the blueliner that stands out to me at 30.
OTHER OPTIONS: LW Reid Schaefer, D Lane Hutson, C Jack D. Hughes
31. Tampa Bay Lightning
Reid Schaefer, LW, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
HT 6-3 WT 213 Shoots L
CS Rank: 31 (NA)
BCS: Alex Killorn
Schaefer's comp is Alex Killorn, a player whom Tampa Bay are obviously very familiar with. He's a big-bodied player who can score and thrive in the dirty areas of the ice. The Bolts built a near-dynasty on the backbone of that idea. Schaefer could perhaps go higher, so the Lightning will be thrilled to see him here. I could see Tampa Bay taking a punt on Ivan Miroshnichenko's upside here as well.
OTHER OPTIONS: C Rieger Lorenz, LW Julian Lutz, LW Ivan Miroshnichenko
32. Arizona Coyotes (via Colorado Avalanche)
Noah Ostlund, C, Djugarden Jr. (Sweden)
HT 5-10 WT 163 Shoots L
CS Rank: 18 (Euro)
BCS: Jesper Bratt
It may seem odd for the Coyotes to not take a defenseman with any of their three first-round picks, but nobody stands out to me here. The Coyotes evidently need to get deeper at the center position, even with Cooley, so Ostlund would be a smart choice. He's a crafty playmaker and his hockey sense is off the charts. His size could hold him back, but he's a deceptively quick skater who would add more of a secondary offensive presence to the Coyotes forward group.
OTHER OPTIONS: LW Ivan Miroshnichenko, D Ty Nelson, D Sam Rinzel
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