Adam Fantilli (Getty Images)
The NHL draft is looming, which means that it is time for the final speculative mock draft of the entire process. Despite a clear number 1, the swath of rumours and reports has whipped up genuine intrigue for the rest of the first round. The entire trajectories of some franchises will change following Wednesday night's showcase, especially when you consider the vast range of supposedly game-breaking talent on the board.
As always, I will be using my own well-trained eyes as well as the audits from certain scouts to assemble a 32-player list of my expectations for how the first round will play out.
LEGEND:
HT-height
WT-weight
Shoots-preferred shooting hand
CS Rank-ranking according to Central Scouting
BCS-best case scenario comparison
1. Chicago Blackhawks
Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL)
HT 5'10 WT 185 Shoots R
CS Rank: 1 (North America)
BCS: David Pastrnak
There is no point in overthinking this selection. Bedard is a franchise-altering player, the only prospect in the class capable of being considered a generational talent. Blessed with one of the most lethal releases that I have ever seen from a player of his age bracket, the Blackhawks are clamouring for somebody with his potential. Having surpassed every expectation at this rate, it is not unreasonable to assume that the Regina Pats product could be Chicago's top center as soon as this year. Expect big things from Bedard.
OTHER OPTIONS: none
2. Anaheim Ducks
Adam Fantilli, C, Michigan (BIG10)
HT 6'2 WT 195 Shoots L
CS Rank: 2 (NA)
BCS: Jonathan Toews
Perhaps not a given just yet, Fantilli has been a lock at #2 throughout the process, in my opinion. Fantilli is the most complete player in the class: a big, strong Canadian center with elite puck skills and a relentless competitive level. The Michigan product will certainly stick at center upon his arrival at the NHL level, allowing the Ducks to push Trevor Zegras to the wing and wield a Fantilli-Mason MacTavish duo down the middle. His skating can improve, but Fantilli is an underrated playmaker with a wicked shot that goes unnoticed in contrast with those of Matvei Michkov and Bedard. In most other years, he'd be a worthy first-overall selection.
OTHER OPTIONS: Leo Carlsson
3. Columbus Blue Jackets
Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro
HT 6'3 WT 198 Shoots L
CS Rank: 1 (International)
BCS: Mikko Rantanen
Though I had penciled American center Will Smith at 3rd overall in my previous mock draft, I believe that Leo Carlsson has overtaken his competitor following a mature and impressive performance at the recent World Championships. After bolstering their defense through the trade market, the greatest need for Jarmo Kekalainen's team is a new top-line center. Carlsson is frankly more of a guarantee than Smith at this rate. Armed with excellent stickhandling abilities and a solid reading of the ice, he is used to playing against men in Sweden, which should serve him well upon his call-up to the Show. Like Fantilli, Carlsson lacks phenomenal separation speed, but his size certainly makes up for that issue.
OTHER OPTIONS: Will Smith
4. San Jose Sharks
Will Smith, C, USA U-18 (NTDP)
HT 5'11 WT 181 Shoots R
CS Rank: 3 (NA)
BCS: Clayton Keller
I expect polarizing Russian talent Matvei Michkov to come into play here, but all scouting reports seem to indicate a clear tier of four players that will not be challenged by general consensus. Though I am very high on Will Smith, I believe that Carlsson has played his way ahead of the American stud in the latter stages of the draft process, which is hardly a condemnation of the NTDP graduate. Earmarked by his tremendous puck skills and offensive vision, Smith is a player that is highly projectable at the NHL level. He is already capable of making impressive passes or dangles into high-danger areas of the ice at a rapid pace, illustrating that he can handle the speed of the next level upward. Smith would be an excellent consolation prize for a Sharks team that needs blue-chip offensive players.
OTHER OPTIONS: Matvei Michkov, David Reinbacher
5. Montreal Canadiens
Ryan Leonard, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP)
HT 5'11 WT 192 Shoots R
CS Rank: 5 (NA)
BCS: Matthew Tkachuk
The number 5 slot is where the draft is scheduled to get interesting. The Canadiens have plenty of options at their disposal. In contrast to flashier names like David Reinbacher and Matvei Michkov, Ryan Leonard may attract plenty of skeptics from Habs fans. However, as we approach the fateful date, I have warmed up to the American. Reports are currently stating that GM Kent Hughes is leaning in the direction of the competitive scorer from the development program. Leonard is universally liked by the scouting community, who admire his work ethic and ability to drive to the net, while playing a clean defensive game. Intel about the Canadiens' preference came out last year when Juraj Slafkovsky appeared to leap to the top of their list. The same aspect could be occurring with Leonard, though I still think that David Reinbacher is in the mix.
OTHER OPTIONS: David Reinbacher, Matvei Michkov
6. Arizona Coyotes
David Reinbacher, D, Kloten (SWISS)
HT 6'2 WT 185 Shoots R
CS Rank: 5 (Int.)
BCS: Brett Pesce
After going heavy on offense with their selections last year, I'd expect the Coyotes to seize the opportunity to take the best defenseman in the draft; though, I've heard that Arizona are major supporters of Dalibor Dvorsky. Reinbacher has several pro tools and fits the mould that teams tend to crave on draft night. Physical, mobile right-handed blueliners are coveted around the league, an archetype that the Austrian fits to a tee. His gap play requires refinement, but he seems as likely as anybody in the class to deal with NHL forechecking, utilizing his strong frame and hockey sense to muscle players off of the puck.
OTHER OPTIONS: Dalibor Dvorsky, Matvei Michkov, Nate Danielson
7. Philadelphia Flyers
Nate Danielson, C, Brandon (WHL)
HT 6'1 WT 185 Shoots R
CS Rank: 7 (NA)
BCS: Roope Hints
One of my biggest risers in the recent stages of the draft process, I expect the Flyers to consider beefing up down the middle with the seventh pick, especially if the Kevin Hayes trade eventually goes through. Though Dvorsky and Michkov will garner consideration, Danielson seems like the type of building block that new GM Daniel Briere will pursue at the draft. His defensive tendencies are elite, which the Flyers likely want at the top of their lineup. I believe that Danielson is a more well-rounded center than Dvorksy, the other likely consideration with this pick. I could see Danielson being an upper-bracket second-line center that can kill penalties and contribute offensively.
OTHER OPTIONS: Matvei Michkov, Dalibor Dvorsky
8. Washington Capitals
Matvei Michkov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg (RUSSIA)
HT 5'10 WT 172 Shoots L
CS Rank: 2 (Int.)
BCS: Nikita Kucherov
Due to their organizational need for game-breaking skill in the pipeline as well as their history with polarizing Russian forwards (Alexander Ovechkin), the Capitals seem like the likeliest destination for the high-risk selection of Michkov. While this would constitute a fall for a player that has been deemed a rival to Bedard on pure talent, his current contract status with SKA in the KHL makes him a potentially vulnerable option. Inside the opposing blue line, Michkov is a superstar, blessed with phenomenal hockey IQ, puck skills, and a fantastic shot. However, his work rate leaves a bit to be desired and he will never be a two-way player. Frankly, I doubt that the top 7 teams in this class will feel comfortable picking Michkov over anybody else on the board, due to those concerns. Nevertheless, his upside is too high for a team like the Capitals to ignore a swing.
OTHER OPTIONS: Dalibor Dvorsky, Gabe Perreault
9. Detroit Red Wings
Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (SWEDEN-2)
HT 6'1 WT 201 Shoots L
CS Rank: 3 (Int.)
BCS: Bo Horvat
Before I speak about Dvorsky, I have heard rumblings that the Red Wings are considering Tom Willander with this selection, which wouldn't surprise me whatsoever. However, if Danielson sneaks into the top 7, Detroit is almost guaranteed Michkov or Dvorsky, an opportunity that I expect them to capitalize on. While I am not Dvorsky's biggest fan, the Slovak is highly projectable due to his muscular frame and strong skating stance. He can add an element that the Red Wings may be craving in the near future, which is his excellence behind the goal line. Dvorsky can open seams in opposing defenses with his vision and puck skills. Personally, Willander seems like a better fit in this selection, but Dvorsky would hardly be a bad pick.
OTHER OPTIONS: Tom Willander, Gabe Perreault, Samuel Honzek
10. St. Louis Blues
Tom Willander, D, Rogle Jr. (SWEDEN-Jr.)
HT 6'1 WT 180 Shoots R
CS Rank: 12 (Int.)
BCS: Jakob Chychrun
With Kevin Hayes likely on his way to the Blues to fill a void up front, the best available defense prospect is the obvious selection at #10. I'm clearly higher on Willander than Central Scouting, but he seems like the type of defender that teams covet on draft night. He's a smooth skater that can progress the puck into all three zones with his vision and playmaking abilities. Once he adds physicality to his game, which Swedish defensemen typically lack in their youth, he could be a very good defender as well, capable of closing down on checks and being elusive enough to prevent easy net-front drives. With Torey Krug possibly on his way out, Willander could be a cheap option on an entry-level contract to help the Blues in the next few years.
OTHER OPTIONS: Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Brayden Yager, Oliver Moore
11. Vancouver Canucks
Matthew Wood, RW, UConn (H-EAST)
HT 6'3 WT 193 Shoots R
CS Rank: 4 (NA)
BCS: Drake Batherson
The Canucks are placed in a weird position with this selection, as they have encroached upon the winger part of the draft. Taking a defenseman or center with this pick may be seen as a reach, despite fulfilling their greatest organizational needs. At the end of the day, the Canucks should take the best player available, who I believe is UConn's Matthew Wood. With Brock Boeser potentially on his way out, a scoring winger with a powerful shot could appeal to GM Patrik Allvin. Wood possesses high-end skill for a player of his frame, which is an exciting package of tools for a young prospect.
OTHER OPTIONS: Brayden Yager, Zach Benson, Oliver Moore
12. Arizona Coyotes (via Ottawa Senators)
Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg (WHL)
HT 5'9 WT 163 Shoots L
CS Rank: 6 (NA)
BCS: Mats Zuccarello
Benson is a victim of the primitive thinking of the NHL. Admittedly lacking in size, Benson is a top talent that would be going in the top-8 if not for his diminutive frame. Nevertheless, the Winnipeg Ice winger does not play like he's 5'9. Benson is great defensively and his relentless engine is a useful tool that allows him to cover large swaths of ice with ease. He is equally a phenomenal playmaker with great vision. His size will likely cause a fall on draft day, but I expect Arizona to take a swing on the best available talent if they pick up a big defenseman like Reinbacher with the sixth pick.
OTHER OPTIONS: Daniil But, Samuel Honzek, Dmitriy Simashev
13. Buffalo Sabres
Gabriel Perreault, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP)
HT 5'11 WT 165 Shoots L
CS Rank: 10 (NA)
BCS: Jake Guentzel
As we have moved further along in the process, Perreault's spot in the 10-15 region seems locked in. At one point, I thought that he would be considered as high as the seventh overall pick. While he is a skilled and intelligent offensive player, Perreault seems like more of a complementary piece than an actual top-of-the-lineup player, which should diminish his value. Nevertheless, the NTDP graduate's handedness and creativity make him a good option to take over from Jeff Skinner in the future. Perreault would undoubtedly be a safe pick. On the other hand, Buffalo could afford to take a swing, so I wouldn't count out an upside pick here.
OTHER OPTIONS: Dmitriy Simashev, Daniil But, Axel Sandin-Pellikka
14. Pittsburgh Penguins
Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D, Skelleftea Jr. (SWEDEN-Jr.)
HT 5'11 WT 176 Shoots R
CS Rank: 7 (Int.)
BCS: Torey Krug
A scoring winger is on the wish list, but with Benson and Perreault off the board, I could see Pittsburgh pivoting in a different direction to pick up a useful defense prospect. Seen as one of the most fluid puck-movers in the draft, Sandin-Pellikka is flashy and a quick skater. He pinches well to get scoring opportunities and his shot from the point serves him well as a potential power-play option in the future. New general manager Kyle Dubas may look to rebuild the Pens' prospect pipeline from the back end inwards, which would mean taking the right-handed Sandin-Pellikka who seems to have lost momentum in the latter stages of the draft process.
OTHER OPTIONS: Brayden Yager, Colby Barlow, Samuel Honzek
15. Nashville Predators
Samuel Honzek, LW, Vancouver (WHL)
HT 6'3 WT 186 Shoots L
CS Rank: 9 (NA)
BCS: Jamie Benn
New GM Barry Trotz implored Nashville's scouts to find a high-upside player to pursue with this pick. While Honzek may be seen as a safer pick, this would constitute a fall for the strong winger, an opportunity that Nashville took advantage of last year with Joakim Kemell. Despite a need for defensemen in the pipeline, Honzek is a proper profile that the Predators often appreciate. Honzek is one of the better two-way wingers in the draft class armed with decent skating and a hard shot. My sleeper pick for the Preds here would be David Edstrom, who has been a late riser in the draft process.
OTHER OPTIONS: David Edstrom, Dmitriy Simashev, Quentin Musty
16. Calgary Flames
Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound (OHL)
HT 6'0 WT 190 Shoots L
CS Rank: 12 (NA)
BCS: Carter Verhaeghe
Barlow to Calgary reminds me of Brennan Othmann to the New York Rangers a few years ago. A strong winger that seems like a perfect fit for the organization's winger values. I nailed the Othmann to NY prediction and I've been on the Barlow to the Flames train for a long while. While the Owen Sound winger may not be an offensive dynamo at the NHL level, he does have the potential to reach that level. Either way, he'll be a hard-working two-way player with an offensive touch around the net. The Flames are in need of anything to spurn their looming rebuild and a versatile winger that can contribute on both special teams will be a valuable piece when considering his floor and his ceiling.
OTHER OPTIONS: Brayden Yager, Oliver Moore, Dmitriy Simashev
17. Detroit Red Wings
Dmitriy Simashev, D, Yaroslavl Jr. (RUSSIA-Jr.)
HT 6'4 WT 198 Shoots L
CS Rank: 19 (Int.)
BCS: Mattias Ekholm
I expect the Red Wings to leave the first round with at least one defenseman. If Willander is the choice at #9, they'd be free to take any of the talented wingers still available in the middle stages of the draft. However, if not, Simashev is the best blueliner available per my estimation. Judging the fall for Russian players is a unique challenge, but teams with multiple first-round picks and a history of favouring Russians are typically a good bet. Detroit fulfills both those requirements. Simashev is a tall, mobile defenseman with great puck skills for a player of his size. He has a physicality element to his game that most defenders with a first-round grade are lacking. I could see Simashev being a reliable second-pair defenseman for many years due to his breakout passing and play in the corners.
OTHER OPTIONS: Brayden Yager, Daniil But, Oliver Moore
18. Winnipeg Jets
Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw (WHL)
HT 5'11 WT 166 Shoots R
CS Rank: 11 (NA)
BCS: Travis Konecny
The Jets have a plethora of options at their disposal. While addressing the defense corps is a possibility here, I expect the vast range of talented forwards that slipped through the gaps to be considered, especially with Blake Wheeler and Pierre-Luc Dubois expected to leave. Yager is a pro-ready center that brings energy and fight. He can make creative plays at NHL pace and his shot is a genuine plus tool. His feistiness out of possession would make the Moose Jaw forward a ready-made replacement for the qualities that a Dubois departure would vacate.
OTHER OPTIONS: Oliver Moore, Oliver Bonk, David Edstrom
19. Chicago Blackhawks (via Tampa Bay Lightning)
Oliver Moore, C, USA U-18 (NTDP)
HT 5'11 WT 188 Shoots L
CS Rank: 8 (NA)
BCS: Dylan Larkin
Considering I mocked Moore to St. Louis with the 10th pick in my first mock draft, this would be a major fall for the best skater in the class. While I think Moore will be an option as high as 10, my instinct is that he could be a candidate for a fall simply based off the values that teams admire among first-round talents. Skating is the easiest deficiency to fix among prospects these days, meaning rapidity isn't the same boon that it once was. Nevertheless, he'd be on Chicago's list as a strong forward prospect with respectable defensive potential that could potentially allow Bedard to take shifts on the wing in the future. The Moore pick mirrors Chicago's selection of the NTDP's Frank Nazar from last year.
OTHER OPTIONS: Daniil But, Otto Stenberg
20. Seattle Kraken
Quentin Musty, LW, Sudbury (OHL)
HT 6'2 WT 200 Shoots L
CS Rank: 14 (NA)
BCS: Alex Killorn
The rumours of Musty garnering interest from Seattle have been plentiful. Organizational needs aren't as prevalent for a team as new as the Kraken, so intel from reporters is the sole way to measure the likely options with this selection. Musty is one of the youngest players in the draft, meaning that he has more growth than most. It would be a project for GM Ron Francis to undertake, but one that could yield major rewards. He's a big body, which isn't a ripe archetype in the Seattle franchise. His skating has generated skeptics, but he's a very good passer who can equally score from down low or from the slot. Like many OHL players, his consistency and effort level needs work, but the Kraken pride themselves on extracting intangibles from their players.
OTHER OPTIONS: David Edstrom, Oliver Bonk, Daniil But
21. Minnesota Wild
David Edstrom, C, Frolunda Jr (SWEDEN-Jr.)
HT 6'2 WT 185 Shoots L
CS Rank: 25 (Int.)
BCS: Joel Eriksson Ek
Despite the recent selections of promising centers in Marat Khusnutdinov and Marco Rossi, the Wild's biggest issue in the playoffs was evidently their lack of reliable, two-way centers, illustrating the team's need to add down the middle. Edstrom plays a similar style to the Wild's current best middleman, Joel Eriksson Ek, who plays an excellent two-way game and honed his game in Sweden. Though Edstrom isn't flashy, he wins a lot of puck battles, which bodes well for his NHL future. The Swede can also kill penalties, namely due to his underrated skating.
OTHER OPTIONS: Calum Ritchie, Charlie Stramel, Daniil But
22. Philadelphia Flyers (via Columbus Blue Jackets)
Oliver Bonk, D, London (OHL)
HT 6'2 WT 180 Shoots R
CS Rank: 20 (NA)
BCS: John Marino
After taking Danielson with their seventh pick, the Flyers may look to address the blueline with the team's second pick of the first round. Bonk has been garnering traction amidst draft circles and I think he could go a bit higher than this. However, it isn't unreasonable to assume that Bonk could be in play here. He's a big, mobile D-man that can progress the puck and do the simple things right. While his upside isn't necessarily high, he projects as a good top-4 defensemen, which the Flyers will need to gather as they undergo their rebuild.
OTHER OPTIONS: Calum Ritchie, Eduard Sale, Mikhail Gulyayev
23. New York Rangers
Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa (OHL)
HT 6'2 WT 185 Shoots R
CS Rank: 13 (NA)
BCS: Boone Jenner
Calum Ritchie struggled in accordance with expectations in his D0 year. I admire the skillset that he possesses, but as a Generals fan myself, there were occasions where I watched Ritchie and found him to be too far on the periphery. That level of inconsistency tends to frustrate NHL scouts, which may lead him to being available in the late first. However, the Rangers may be a team likely to take a swing at him, as they require center depth in their pipeline. After focusing on wingers recently, a skilled C with size makes a lot of sense. Alternatively, I could see Charlie Stramel as a more playoff-ready option.
OTHER OPTIONS: Charlie Stramel, Riley Heidt, Eduard Sale
24. Nashville Predators (via Edmonton Oilers)
Daniil But, LW, Yaroslavl Jr. (RUSSIA-Jr.)
HT 6'5 WT 203 Shoots R
CS Rank: 9 (Int.)
BCS: Alex Tuch
But would be in contention for a lottery selection, if not for his nationality and mediocre skating ability. Eventually, a team will take a bet on his upside. Nashville have not shied away from selecting Russians in the past, which may actually mean that they don't go for But here. However, this pick would fit with Trotz's upside declaration. While two wingers may seem strange, Honzek (their first pick in this mock) has center potential, thanks to his strong two-way game. At the end of the day, a strong shot and craftiness in tight areas is a good bet with a late first.
OTHER OPTIONS: Tanner Molendyk, Etienne Morin, Charlie Stramel
25. St. Louis Blues (via Toronto Maple Leafs)
Charlie Stramel, C, Wisconsin (BIG10)
HT 6'3 WT 212 Shoots R
CS Rank: 30 (NA)
BCS: Charlie Coyle
After going with a defenseman at #10, the Blues address their void down the middle with the competitive Stramel. He struggled in his draft eligible year, but scouts adore his work ethic and his play style that seemingly suits playoff games. Taking a supposed depth option with a first-round pick seems strange, but Stramel's physical engagement and net-front play could make him a very good middle-six player years down the road. Centers with his frame and skating ability are a rare commodity, and it helps that he is a face-off ace.
OTHER OPTIONS: Tanner Molendyk, Lukas Dragicevic, Eduard Sale
26. San Jose Sharks (via New Jersey Devils)
Michael Hrabal, G, Omaha (USHL)
HT 6'6 WT 209 Catches L
CS Rank: #2 G (NA)
BCS: Jacob Markstrom
I'd expect the first goalie of the draft to go in the late first or the early second. San Jose's major need for a long-term option between the pipes means they could be the first to bite. Hrabal is the top goalie on my board, based on floor and ceiling. He needs to track pucks slightly better, but he makes the difficult saves that separate great goalie prospects from simply adequate ones. If the Sharks expect Hrabal to slide to pick 36, they'll take whomever they decide is the best player available.
OTHER OPTIONS: Oscar Fisker Molgaard, Tanner Molendyk, Etienne Morin
27. Colorado Avalanche
Oscar Fisker Mølgaard, C, HV 71 (SWEDEN)
HT 6'0 WT 163 Shoots L
CS Rank: 18 (Int.)
BCS: Robert Thomas
With Evan Rodrigues' future uncertain, an NHL-ready center is the primary need for the Avs. Molgaard possesses the speed and skill to slot almost instantly onto an NHL roster and be a difference maker for pennies on the dollar. A player like Tanner Molendyk or somebody that adds an infusion of skill, like Eduard Sale, also make sense as a target for Colorado, as defensemen are always valuable and the Avalanche's prospect cupboard lacks a game breaker.
OTHER OPTIONS: Tanner Molendyk, Gavin Brindley, Eduard Sale
28. Toronto Maple Leafs (via Boston Bruins)
Etienne Morin, D, Moncton (QMJHL)
HT 6'0 WT 180 Shoots L
CS Rank: 19 (NA)
BCS: Bowen Byram
Morin seems like the type that the Leafs will covet with this pick. Under Brad Treliving, it makes sense for the Leafs to take a defensemen, especially after trading Rasmus Sandin earlier this year. Morin can make plays with his combination of poise and puck skills, while he is very competitive. Though his defence may not project well to the NHL level, he'd be a strong puck mover in a sheltered role, similarly to what Sandin provided to the Leafs in previous years.
OTHER OPTIONS: Eduard Sale, Otto Stenberg, Mikhail Gulyayev
29. St. Louis Blues (via Dallas Stars)
Eduard Sale, LW, Brno (CZECHIA)
HT 6'2 WT 174 Shoots L
CS Rank: 4 (Int.)
BCS: Taylor Hall
After finding solutions to their two biggest needs in the pipeline, the Blues may feel comfortable swinging on a player like Sale, who was once deemed a top-10 talent in this class. Betting on talent this late on Day 1 is reasonable. Big forwards with dynamic offensive capability are too enticing of a package to slip too far, though Sale's inconsistent tendencies could cause a slide of this nature. Though GM Doug Armstrong prefers heavy-hitting, energetic types, Sale could be a future top-6 winger.
OTHER OPTIONS: Tanner Molendyk, Danny Nelson, Otto Stenberg
30. Carolina Hurricanes
Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Osmk Jr. (RUSSIA-Jr.)
HT 5'10 WT 170 Shoots L
CS Rank: 10 (Int.)
BCS: Josh Morrissey
The collapse of the Tony DeAngelo trade showed that Carolina still wants another puck-mover to add to their defence corps, meaning that Gulyayev could appeal to GM Don Waddell. Skill in the latter stages of the first round is a common trend, a trait that Gulyayev possesses in spades. He's an intelligent and quick blue liner that should be able to produce at a high rate in limited minutes. Due to his size and edge work, defense could be a concern, but the Hurricanes have shown immaculate usage of managing their offensively gifted D-men.
OTHER OPTIONS: Gavin Brindley, Lukas Dragicevic, Bradly Nadeau
31. Montreal Canadiens (via Florida Panthers)
Tanner Molendyk, D, Saskatoon (WHL)
HT 6'0 WT 182 Shoots L
CS Rank: 28 (NA)
BCS: Mario Ferraro
I expect that the Canadiens would like to leave the first round with a forward and a defensemen; Molendyk is the top blueliner on the board, so he's an obvious candidate at 31. He brings athleticism and strong skating to the table. Molendyk's stock rose significantly recently, which should line him up for a late first-round pick. In fact, I expect him to go higher, but the run of forwards in the late 20s has provided the Habs with a decent chance to pick up a defensemen with excellent edge work and positioning sense.
OTHER OPTIONS: Bradly Nadeau, Carson Rehkopf, Anton Wahlberg
32. Vegas Golden Knights
Danny Nelson, C, USA U-18 (NTDP)
HT 6'3 WT 202 Shoots L
CS Rank: 22 (NA)
BCS: Brock Nelson
Nelson's tools will be too difficult to ignore for contenders at the end of the first round. His point production was disappointing in his draft season, but as a center who can shift to the wing, and who has played defense in the past, his versatility and athleticism are highly useful to project his NHL future. His poor hockey IQ must be improved upon, but you simply can't teach the positional versatility that Nelson offers.
OTHER OPTIONS: Gavin Brindley, Otto Stenberg, Ethan Gauthier
ALL STATS COURTESY OF ELITE PROSPECTS
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