The NHL season has come to an end but the fun is about to begin. Friday, the NHL Entry Draft will take place in St. Paul, Minnesota. With Mock Draft’s and trade rumours flooding the internet, I thought it would be fun to put together my own mock draft. These things are virtually impossible to predict, as I have done a mock draft for every draft since 2007 and have got a whopping 18 of 120 picks correct. I can’t believe I’m admitting that but here we go again:
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| Ryan Nugent-Hopkinn: soon to be Oiler? |
1. EDMONTON OILERS - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Red Deer (WHL)
Analysis: The Oilers will pick first overall for the second straight season and so far so good (excluding his injury) for last year’s pick, Taylor Hall. Not much argument here with Nugent-Hopkins, as the majority of mock drafts has him going first as well. The one argument that can be made is the Oilers lack of depth on defence. To that I say, in my opinion from watching him play, as I help cover the Calgary Hitmen, Nugent-Hopkins is the real deal. I don’t think the Oilers can pass on him and when him and Hall fully mature, they will complement each other very well and could be a lethal duo. Keep in mind the Oilers also hold the 19th pick in the first round and have a couple solid prospects on the back end with Jeff Petry and Martin Marincin in their system.
2. COLORADO AVALANCHE - Gabriel Landeskog, LW, Kitchener (OHL)
Analysis: The Avalanche has done very well in recent drafts. Matt Duchene looks to be a budding super star after his first couple of seasons in Colorado. Looking at the Avalanche roster and prospects, they are filled to capacity down the middle and are fairly solid on the back-end. With Chris Stewart being dealt to the Blues before the deadline for defensemen Eric Johnson, the Avalanche has some holes on the wing. Landeskog is the unanimous choice here. Compared to Mike Richards of the Philadelphia Flyers, Landeskog along with Duchene could make the Avalanche perennial contenders. Landeskog was captain of the Rangers at the young age of 17 and with the recent retirement of Adam Foote, could be groomed to be the Avalanche’s next captain in a couple seasons.
3. FLORIDA PANTHERS - Jonathan Huberdeau, C, Saint John (QMJHL)
Analysis: No prospects stock has soared higher than Huberdeau’s after his outstanding performance and MVP selection at the Memorial Cup. The Panthers have built from the net out in recent drafts, selecting goaltender Jacob Markstrom 31st overall in 2008, puck-moving defensemen, Dmitri Kulikov 14th overall in 2009 and bruising defensemen, Erik Gudbranson, 3rd overall last June. The Panthers now need to add some punch up front and Huberdeau brings that after scoring 105 points last season with the Sea Dogs. Huberdeau is projected to be an offensive forward in the NHL.
4. NEW JERSEY DEVILS - Adam Larsson, D, Skelleftea (SWE)
Analysis: After a disappointing season, where nothing went right for the Devils, they managed to get into the NHL draft lottery and win it, moving them up 4 spots to select 4th. This pick is a no-brainer to me after the Devils have lost top defensemen like Scott Niedermayer, Brian Raflaski and Paul Martin in recent seasons. Larsson is projected to be a top pairing two-way defenseman when he gets into the league and he falls nicely to the Devils at number 4. Larsson was a power-horse at the WJC and many scouts have compared him to Nicklas Lidstrom. Larsson could be ready to step into the league right away.
5. NEW YORK ISLANDERS - Mika Zibanejad, C, Djurgarden (SWE)
Analysis: The Islanders have gone off the board a bit in recent drafts, which make this pick even harder to predict. The Islanders would love to compliment, #1 center and franchise player, John Tavares and Zibanejad is their guy. Rated as the second best European skater by NHL Central Scouting, Zibanejad played in the Swedish Elite League, so his offensive numbers weren’t strong. He has size and versatility which will make him a strong two-way forward in the NHL. The only question surrounding Zibanejad is if he will mature with his offense in the NHL.
6. OTTAWA SENATORS - Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)
Analysis: The Senators are much like the Panthers with their prospects in their farm system, strong in net with Robin Lehner and solid on the back-end with David Rundblad and Jared Cowen. Missing on the Senators is some offense to help out Jason Spezza and co. Sean Couturier in my mind, is another no-brainer with this pick. He showed flashes of brilliance at the WJC and is expected to be an offensive forward in the NHL. His stock has dropped over the season but his size (6-4, 195), will have Sens GM, Bryan Murray drooling.
7. WINNIPEG - Ryan Strome, C, Niagara (OHL)
Analysis: What an exciting time in Winnipeg. NHL hockey is finally back and the fans have been going crazy. This could be the most anticipated pick in the whole draft, as new GM, Kevin Cheveldayoff will have the honour along with owners, True North to select it. The new Winnipeg franchise has a solid core to build from with young stars like Evander Kane, Zach Bogosian and Ondrej Pavelec. Strome could be the perfect complement to these guys as he projects to be a play-making centre in the NHL. Strome has been an internet sensation with some dazzling moves. His stock has sky rocketed through the season as he finished with 106 points. Strome will need to add some strength.
8. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS - Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara (OHL)
Analysis: This is the most interesting pick of the draft as reports have swirled that Blue Jacket GM, Scott Howson has been working the phones, trying to make a slash. The rumour getting the most attention is one involving the Philadelphia Flyers. The rumoured deal would see the Flyers send Jeff Carter to the Blue Jackets in return for the 8th pick and winger, Jakub Voracek. The Flyers have to free up some cap space after acquiring the rights to Ilya Bryzgalov from the Phoenix Coyotes. If the Blue Jackets do keep the pick, Dougie Hamilton is their man. The Jackets have craved a defenseman like Hamilton for a number of years. Hamilton brings size (6-4, 193) and a solid two-way game that could make him a force on the Jackets blue line for years to come.
9. BOSTON BRUINS (via TOR) - Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener (OHL)
Analysis: The rich get richer, thanks Brian Burke. Nothing much can go wrong for the Bruins after winning their first Stanley Cup in 39 years. Second overall pick from last year, Tyler Seguin showed flashes of pure brilliance when he got into the line-up against the Lightning in round 3. The Bruins will happily add more promise to their future as Ryan Murphy is a great pick at 8th overall. Murphy lacks size (5-11, 176) but makes up for it will excellent skating ability and uncanny vision. Murphy is projected to be and offensive defensemen in the NHL. Who needs size when you’re protected by Zdeno Chara anyways?
10. MINNESOTA WILD - Sven Bartschi, LW, Portland (WHL)
Analysis: There will be a lot of pressure on Wild GM Chuck Fletcher with the draft at their home barn. Excitement is what is needed in Minnesota as lacklustre, defensive hockey has seemed to dry out. Bartschi is pure skill and excitement. Born in Switzerland, Bartschi followed fellow countryman and Islanders draft pick, Nino Nierderreiter to the WHL and the Winterhawks. Bartschi lacks size but he is what the doctor ordered in Minny.
Coming Tuesday: Picks 11-20 including who the Calgary Flames could land...
Nick Symon
Jersey Fouls!
thesportsroundup@gmail.com
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