The 2019 NHL Draft is sort of upon us and followers of all 31 Nationwide Hockey League golf equipment are eagerly anticipating what prospects their crew will draft. Right here at The Hockey Writers, we’ve continued an annual custom with our Writers Mock Draft.
Crew USA’s Jack Hughes (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Carlos Osorio)
Our workers members choose groups after which mock draft the primary spherical from the angle of these groups. Our solely rule: no buying and selling picks.
Associated: Our Free NHL Draft Information
1st total: New Jersey Devils choose F Jack Hughes from the U.S. Nationwide Improvement Program
Just lately, the controversy between Hughes and Kaapo Kakko has spiked, particularly after the Finn’s robust efficiency on the World Championship. He’s a real goal-scoring winger, which is one thing that the Devils do not need sufficient of in the mean time. Hughes is a play-making middle, which the Devils drafted in 2017 with Nico Hischier. If drafting for want, then the Devils take Kakko, however that may be a flawed technique. It’s a lot smarter to go for the very best participant out there, and this 12 months, that’s simply Hughes. Hughes has probably the most factors of any USNDP participant ever, the best point-per-game common within the USHL, and almost probably the most assists in each leagues. These are leagues which have included the likes of Auston Matthews, Patrick Kane, and Phil Kessel. Hughes is a expertise you construct round, and for a Devils crew nonetheless rebuilding, they should take Jack. [Dayton Reimer]
2nd total: New York Rangers choose F Kaapo Kakko from TPS Turku
The “comfort prize” within the 2019 class is Kakko, a flexible, proficient and poised Finnish ahead who might probably leap in and assist out the rebuilding Rangers instantly. [Ryan Pike/Jeb Biggard]
third total: Chicago Blackhawks choose F Alex Turcotte from the U.S. Nationwide Improvement Program
The selection at three is between Turcotte or Bowen Byram. The Blackhawks want every little thing proper now, however after taking blueliners in every of the previous two first rounds (within the type of Henri Jokiharju and Adam Boqvist), it is sensible to go for stability and seize a ahead. Turcotte has been a scoring machine on the junior degree. [Ryan Pike]
4th total: Colorado Avalanche (from Ottawa) choose D Bowen Byram from the Vancouver Giants
Byram is an efficient skater with elite puck abilities who retains gamers from getting behind him on protection. He has an amazing shot and is opportunistic on scoring alternatives. Byram may help quarterback the ability play. The Avalanche need to proceed to develop their defensive pipelines. Since defensemen typically take time to develop, Byram could possibly be an excellent useful resource in a 12 months ought to Tyson Barrie not prolong his contract. If Barrie does go away in a 12 months or two, Byram will be capable of step in and preserve the Avalanche’s one scoring D-man paired with the keep at house defender all through their defensive pairings. If the Avalanche are lucky sufficient to have too many high quality defensemen in a number of years, they will commerce one and get an excellent return on funding, creating commerce choices in addition to skillsets. The Avalanche have a historical past of going with the very best participant out there at their draft slot and Byram suits the invoice. [J.D. Killian]
fifth total: Los Angeles Kings choose F Cole Caufield from the U.S. Nationwide Improvement Program
Cole Caufield is every little thing you need in a winger. His velocity and skill to place the puck behind the online will assist our offense immensely. We really feel we’ve plenty of younger facilities who’re NHL caliber and with Caufield’s ability set, he’ll praise any one among them. [Lucas Main]
Trevor Zegras of the U.S. Nationwide Improvement Program (Hickling Photographs)
sixth total: Detroit Crimson Wings choose F Trevor Zegras from the U.S. Nationwide Improvement Program
With Turcotte off the board, Trevor Zegras was the very best middle out there and has the ability set to kind a dynamic duo with Filip Zadina for years to return. Steve Yzerman desires to construct a contender based mostly on velocity and ability – the USNTDP product actually suits that mould. Zegras’ elite imaginative and prescient, superior hockey IQ, and skill to be a driver at five-on-five give him number-one middle potential. [Tony Wolak]
seventh total: Buffalo Sabres choose F Dylan Cozens from the Lethbridge Hurricanes
Whereas Buffalo has their franchise middle in Jack EIchel and one other strong prospect in Casey Mittelstadt, one factor they lack up the center is measurement and energy. Cozens brings an influence sport to his already skilled body and can slot in properly within the Sabres’ middle-six. Combining his velocity and ability together with his energy and skill to make use of his physique successfully will permit him to deliver a pleasant change of tempo in the midst of the ice for the Sabres for years to return. [Jordan Deshane]
eighth total: Edmonton Oilers choose F Kirby Dach from the Saskatoon Blades
The Oilers are happy to absorb their thoughts the very best out there participant at this spot. Whereas his skating wants work, every little thing else about him is tantalizing. He might develop into their future 2C behind Connor McDavid. [Mark Scheig]
ninth total: Anaheim Geese choose F Peyton Krebs from the Winnipeg ICE
Krebs’ latest harm complicates issues barely. Both approach, middle remains to be a place of want for the Geese together with protection and since Bowen Byram wasn’t out there at No. 9, the Geese go along with the very best middle. Krebs velocity, play making capability and defensive zone duty make him an acceptable potential alternative for Ryan Getzlaf. He’s suits in Bob Murray’s plan to transition the Geese to a sooner sport together with his velocity and skating capability (hopefully submit harm as effectively). Most draft analysts have highlighted his play-making capability even on a weak WHL crew, which can hopefully turn out to be useful one on day a Geese energy play that has struggled. Draft specialists have additionally talked about his forechecking capability. Having the ability to power turnovers within the offensive zone would do wonders for Anaheim’s pathetic puck-possession capability. [Anthony Ciardelli]
10th total: Vancouver Canucks choose F Alex Newhook from the Victoria Grizzlies
The Canucks don’t must go far to land a possible dynamic middle. He’ll add a component of offense and velocity to an already attention-grabbing core. [Mark Scheig]
Philip Broberg #25 of Sweden versus Finland on the IIHF World Junior Championships on the Save-on-Meals Memorial Centre on December 26, 2018 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. (Photograph by Kevin Gentle/Getty Photographs)
11th total: Philadelphia Flyers choose D Philip Broberg from AIK
After years of the protection being the power of the Flyers’ prospect pool the pipeline is starting to run skinny. The entire high names on ‘D’ have graduated to the NHL on a full-time foundation (Ivan Provorov, Travis Sanheim, Shayne Gostisbehere), or are anticipated to this season (Philippe Myers). Including skating Swedish defenseman Philip Broberg provides the Flyers one final bonafide prospect on the back-end with first-pairing potential to enrich their bevy of high-end ahead skills. [Ryan Hodge]
12th total: Minnesota Wild choose F Matthew Boldy from the U.S. Nationwide Improvement Program
In his first draft on the helm of the Wild, Paul Fenton goes with the very best participant out there. Boldy is an offensive-minded winger with measurement, velocity and ability. He’s off to Boston School for some seasoning. [Ryan Pike]
13th total: Florida Panthers choose F Vasili Podkolzin from SKA-1946 St. Petersburg
The Panthers have proven they are often affected person with the event of excellent younger gamers. Podkolzin is destined to stay round Russia for no less than a pair extra seasons, however the Panthers’ system is deep sufficient that they will afford to attend. [Ryan Pike]
14th total: Arizona Coyotes choose F Arthur Kaliyev from the Hamilton Bulldogs
After ending with the third-fewest targets within the league final season, normal supervisor John Chayka ought to have a straightforward choice at No. 14: he must draft a ahead. If Arthur Kaliyev remains to be out there, he needs to be Arizona’s choice. The 17-year-old scored 31 targets for the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs as a rookie in 2017-18, and he elevated his output to 51 targets, with 51 extra assists, in 2018-19. He’d be a pleasant addition to a gaggle that wants goalscorers and assistance on the ability play. Kaliyev, at 6-foot-2, 190 kilos, has good measurement and he’s proven a capability to remain out of the field as effectively, with simply 42 penalty minutes in 135 whole common season video games within the OHL. He doubtless gained’t be able to play within the NHL in 2019-20, however he will likely be a giant a part of the crew’s future going ahead if chosen at No. 14. [Louis Pannone]
15th total: Montreal Canadiens choose D Victor Soderstrom from Brynas IF
Soderstrom is arguably the neatest defenceman within the draft and performs an distinctive two-way model. He isn’t overly large, however his capability to course of the sport beneath strain permits him to achieve extra time and house with a view to make performs. He checks the field in each ability division and isn’t overly dangerous with the puck. The Canadiens have been missing consistency and creativity from the back-end and Soderstrom is the reply. [Peter Kapelanski]
16th total: Colorado Avalanche choose F Raphael Lavoie from the Halifax Mooseheads
Lavoie brings measurement – he’s 6-foot-four, almost 200 kilos – in addition to ability to an space of want. The Avalanche want extra scoring forwards and he’s proven a capability to play in all three positions. Whereas Lavoie didn’t knock folks’s socks off within the common season, his playoff manufacturing was past reproach. He racked up 20 targets and 32 factors over 23 postseason video games, serving to his Halifax Mooseheads attain the finals and completed second in playoff factors. Most significantly for the Avalanche, he’s proven a willingness to drive to the online, one thing the Avalanche want. [J.D. Killian]
17th total: Vegas Golden Knights choose D Moritz Seider from Adler Mannheim
The Golden Knights boast a good quantity of depth in any respect positions, however after sending Erik Brannstrom to Ottawa within the Mark Stone commerce they elect to switch him with one other expert defender in German product Moritz Seider. [Ryan Pike/Kieran McMahon]
Ryan Suzuki of the Barrie Colts (Terry Wilson OHL Photographs)
18th total: Dallas Stars choose F Ryan Suzuki from the Barrie Colts
The Stars go for an offensively proficient ahead so as to add to their ranks. Suzuki’s velocity and tenacity properly complement the Stars’ rising younger core. [Ryan Pike/Jake Rivard]
19th total: Ottawa Senators (from Columbus) choose D Thomas Harley from the Mississauga Steelheads
He’s been the highest defender for the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads this previous season, in simply his sophomore marketing campaign. He’s among the best skating defenders within the draft, probably second solely to Bowen Byram. Combining his elite velocity with an already promising group of prospects on protection would possibly simply give the Senators among the best defensive prospect swimming pools within the league. [Josh Bell]
20th total: New York Rangers* (from Winnipeg) choose D Cam York from the U.S. Nationwide Improvement Program
(* – The true world Jets and Rangers ignored our “no trades” edict. York was chosen when the Rangers nonetheless owned this choose, and sure could be an excellent match for the Jets in the event that they determined to nab him at 20th total.)
After going for a high-end ahead early within the first spherical, the Rangers go for the very best out there blueliner at 20th total. York will want a little bit of time to marinate in school, however his offensive consciousness is a large asset for the Blueshirts. [Ryan Pike/Jeb Biggart]
21st total: Pittsburgh Penguins choose F Philip Tomasino from the Niagara IceDogs
With a fairly skinny prospect pool, the Pittsburgh Penguins are in place to take the very best participant out there with the 21st total choose. After simply lacking out on Cam York, the crew will nonetheless be proud of Philip Tomasino, a highly-skilled ahead out of the OHL. The 17-year-old went off for 72 factors with the Niagara IceDogs final season, counting on his robust skating and bettering play-making abilities. [Tyler Bowen]
22nd total: Los Angeles Kings (from Toronto) choose G Spencer Knight from the U.S. Nationwide Improvement Program
The Kings have been thrilled to see Spencer fall to them at 22. This child has all of the instruments to be their future starter. He has good measurement, may be very athletic, and a relaxed demeanor. They really feel he’ll be taught lots from their different American goalies and the very best is but to return with him. [Lucas Main]
23rd total: New York Islanders choose F Bobby Brink from the Sioux Metropolis Musketeers
If Brink goes this late within the opening spherical, it could possibly be a serious steal for the Islanders. Some sources have Brink going as excessive as 15th total. At 5-foot-Eight and across the 160-pound, his diminutive measurement is the deterrent for some groups. However that didn’t cease him from scoring 35 targets and 68 factors in 43 video games for the USHL’s Sioux Metropolis Musketeers this previous season. Brink additionally had 6 factors in 5 video games on the 2019 U18 event for Crew USA. [Nathanial Oliver]
24th total: Nashville Predators choose F Samuel Poulin from the Sherbrooke Phoenix
The Nashville Predators’ largest difficulty in 2018-19 was scoring, with solely three 20-goal scorers. In actual fact, within the franchise’s historical past, they’ve had simply 9 cases of a participant scoring 30 or extra targets and the brand new franchise report for targets in a season was established in 2018-19 by Viktor Arvidsson with 34. Arvidsson is nice, as is Filip Forsberg, however neither are thought-about a top-tier sniper. That’s the place Samuel Poulin enters the image. He could also be the very best pure aim scorer within the draft, due to an unreal launch that helped him rating 29 targets this season within the ‘Q.’ He is aware of the place to go within the offensive zone to attain targets, is unafraid to go to the gritty areas, and in contrast to different gamers on this draft, already possesses the scale to face up to the abuse he’ll encounter within the NHL. He’s additionally devoted to backchecking, one thing the Predators require of their forwards. He might not at the moment be the quickest skater, however that’s a ability that may be developed. Poulin most closely fits the crew’s wants and he was out there when their choose got here up. There was no cause to overthink this. [Kyle Gipe]
Nils Hoglander of Rogle BK. (photograph by Andreas Ljunggren)
25th total: Washington Capitals choose F Nils Hoglander from Rogle BK
Trying to a typical supply of expertise for them, Sweden, the Capitals seize Nils Hoglander. A poised, versatile ahead enjoying within the SHL, he provides the Capitals some depth ready within the wings. [Ryan Pike]
26th total: Calgary Flames choose D Tobias Bjornfot from Djurgardens IF
The Flames know the Swedish hockey scene inside and outside, and even not too long ago formalized Hakan Loob’s long-time scouting consulting function. Grabbing a smooth-skating, sensible Swedish defender is a brilliant, calculated transfer from the Flames. [Ryan Pike]
27th total: Tampa Bay Lightning choose F Jakob Pelletier from the Moncton Wildcats
The Lightning have gotten an incredible quantity of mileage out of undersized ahead Brayden Level. It stands to cause that they’d don’t have any concern in taking one other undersized offensive ahead, Pelletier, at 27th total. [Ryan Pike]
28th total: Carolina Hurricanes choose D Ville Heinola from Lukko
The Hurricanes defensive prospect pool is skinny after Jake Bean, and the previous group of excellent prospects are actually of their prime. Heinola provides them a participant who tasks to be within the high 4 and is coming off a profitable season in Finland’s skilled league. He’s a median skater with above common puck dealing with and senses. [Tim Chiasson]
29th total: Anaheim Geese (from San Jose) choose D Lassi Thomson from the Kelowna Rockets
I knew I used to be going to take a defenseman with the Geese No. 29 choose. I additionally knew I used to be searching for a right-shot defenseman with offensive ability, contemplating the Geese traded Brandon Montour this season and Sami Vatanen final season. Late within the first spherical, it’s tough to inform who belongs on the finish of the primary spherical and who belongs in the beginning of the second, however for me, it got here right down to Finns Lassi Thomson or Anttoni Honka. In response to draft specialists, Honka is the higher skater, however I selected Thomson. Thomson is an efficient skater as effectively, he’s acquired a robust shot and good offensive instincts. Thomson could possibly be one other asset on the ability play for Anaheim and his weaknesses, like extra power and positional self-discipline could be labored on and aren’t because of elements like peak or angle. [Anthony Ciardelli]
30th total: Boston Bruins choose F Simon Holmstrom from HV71
The Bruins get an explosive participant with measurement who excels as a playmaker from the wing. He’s no stranger to producing offensively and has an correct shot. Expertise enjoying within the SHL can also be a plus. An excellent discover late within the first spherical. [Brandon Share-Cohen]
31st total: Buffalo Sabres (from St. Louis) choose F Egor Afanasyev from the Muskegon Lumberjacks
After watching what the Blues and Bruins did on their respective runs to the cup remaining, the Sabres look to additional bolster their measurement and ability. Afanasyev leverages his massive body and competitiveness to beat opponents 1-on-1 and has proven he has the ability to place up factors. If his skating improves, he can challenge to be a strong middle-six choice for the Sabres going ahead. [Jordan Deshane]
