Down the Frozen River

Tag: Mock Draft

2015 Mock NHL Entry Draft (During the Playoffs, After the Draft Lottery)

By: Nick Lanciani

Based on the 2015 NHL Entry Draft Lottery from April 18^th, 2015. There will be more versions of my mock draft as the playoffs continue to pan out and conclude.

1) Edmonton Oilers – C Connor McDavid, Erie (OHL)

Peter Chiarelli’s reign as GM of the Oilers begins with one of the most hyped turnarounds in hockey. Chiarelli’s leadership, combined with whatever decisions he makes in the offseason and drafting McDavid has talk of the Oilers making the playoffs, if not next season, then in the near future. A lot nearer than before. McDavid’s the best, period.

2) Buffalo Sabres – C Jack Eichel, Boston University (H-East)

Eichel forgives Sabres GM, Tim Murray, on the stage with a professional handshake and is reunited(?- although they were never separated in the first place) with Evan Rodrigues. It’s possible that both make the roster on the same line.

3) Arizona Coyotes – D Noah Hanifin, Boston College (H-East)

The plethora of talent youth in the desert continues to grow. Hanifin is the best defenseman in the draft and Coyotes fans are going to love him. Expect the Coyotes to continue to keep adding to their roster throughout the offseason. Keep in mind, however, that Arizona needs a solid starting goaltender at some point.

4) Toronto Maple Leafs – C Dylan Strome, Erie (OHL)

Big, strong, great skating abilities- Strome is NHL ready in none other than the biggest market in the NHL. While McDavid and Eichel overshadow him in the leadup to the Draft, Strome finds his niche and competes next season for the Calder.

5) Carolina Hurricanes – LW Lawson Crouse, Kingston (OHL)

6’4”, 211 pounds, and a physical force on the ice, brings a much needed power forward caliber to the Hurricanes lineup and adds size to their roster.

6) New Jersey Devils – RW Mikko Rantanen, TPS (FIN)

He’s a big power forward that will provide some oomph in the Devils otherwise soft lineup. Rantanen’s a decent skater for his age and should be a part of New Jersey’s rebuild, because let’s face it, they have too many older players that didn’t do much for them this season.

7) Philadelphia Flyers – C Mitchell Marner, London (OHL)

This guy is a really skilled playmaker with 128 assists and 185 points in 127 career OHL games. He’s drawn comparisons to Patrick Kane and Jordan Eberle, with great vision and passing skills. Not a steal of the draft, but a great player to draft.

8) Columbus Blue Jackets – D Ivan Provorov, Brandon (WHL)

Extraordinary at the 2015 World Junior Championship for Finland- 6’4”, 209 lbs, effective on the power-play, and difficult to move off the puck. Has hockey sense and hands that supplement his shot.

9) San Jose Sharks – D Zachary Werenski, Michigan (BIG10)

The youngest player in NCAA history joins the youth movement in San Jose. He can block shots and adjust on the fly. He’s got some size to work with at 6’2”, 206 lbs. Werenski was named to the All-Big Ten Hockey First Team and the All-Big Ten Freshman Team this season.

10) Colorado Avalanche – C Pavel Zacha, Sarnia (OHL)

He effortlessly transitioned from the Czech Republic to North America. He’s 6’3”, 210 pounds, and can play a two way game. Think of him as this year’s bigger version of Boston’s David Pastrnak, if that suffices your hopes. Could fit well alongside Nathan MacKinnon on a line for the Av’s.

11) Florida Panthers – LW Kyle Connor, Youngstown (USHL)

6’1”, 177 pounds, led the USHL in scoring with 80 points. His 34 goals ranked fourth in the USHL, with 9 game-winning goals and 32 points on the power play. Connor’s got quickness and hands that can do things with the puck on his stick.

12) Dallas Stars – RW Timo Meier, Halifax (QMJHL)

Scored 44 goals in 61 games for Halifax this season. He can also be a playmaker as he had 46 assists this year too. Oh and he’s 6’1”, 209 lbs. Meier is exactly the player you want to covet if you are the Stars looking for substantial youth to build around.

13) Los Angeles Kings – C Mathew Barzal, Seattle (WHL)

Offensively minded, Barzal was injured for a lot of WHL action. The Kings luck out on a player that just may be able to make those around him better. He’s a 5’11”, 175-pound right shot forward with vision, playmaking skills, and had 12-45-57 totals in 44 games. Barzal also scored 4 times in 6 WHL playoff games.

14) Boston Bruins – D Gabriel Carlsson, Linkoping Jr. (SWE-JR)

6’4”, 183-pounds, this left-shot defenseman is big and intelligent for his position. He’s a stay at home defenseman, something the Bruins need in one of their younger defenders. Carlsson uses his size and strength as well as you need him to. He’s not an immediate replacement for the tremendously conditioned, Zdeno Chara, but Boston’s definitely thinking about Carlsson a few years down the road.

Picks 15-30 TBD with the conclusion of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

April 26, 2015
2015 Mock NHL Entry Draft (Before the End of the Regular Season)

By: Nick Lanciani

Based on League Standings through March 22^nd, 2015. There will be at least another mock draft or two during/after the playoffs, so things are likely to change.

1) Buffalo Sabres- C Connor McDavid, Erie (OHL)

Obviously if you have the option to take one of the potential greatest players ever, you’d take him, right? McDavid is the best in the draft, bar none. He might also be one of the best to ever play the game, unless he turns into Patrik Stefan (which is unlikely).

2) Arizona Coyotes- C Jack Eichel, Boston University (H-East)

Obviously if you have the option to take one of the potential greatest players ever, second to the guy that was taken first overall, you’d take him, right? There’s no doubt he might be this generation’s Mike Modano.

3) Edmonton Oilers- C Dylan Strome, Erie (OHL)

The Oilers continue to get the formula wrong and skip over drafting a defenseman, but at least Strome is better than some of the forwards they currently have.

4) Toronto Maple Leafs- D Noah Hanifin, Boston College (H-East)

Toronto lucks out on Edmonton’s oversight and selects the best defenseman in the draft, which is good for them, considering that they really need a defenseman.

5) Carolina Hurricanes- LW Lawson Crouse, Kingston (OHL)

6’4”, 211 pounds, and a physical force on the ice, brings much needed power forward caliber to the Hurricanes lineup and adds size to their roster.

6) Columbus Blue Jackets- D Ivan Provorov, Brandon (WHL)

Might be the only other NHL ready defenseman in the draft, can and will help stabilize Columbus’s blue line, as well as add youth to their roster.

7) New Jersey Devils- LW Kyle Connor, Youngstown (USHL)

Quick on the play in tight spots, moves the puck well, and is capable of being a careful piece of the Devils rebuild. New Jersey badly needs youth and they need it now.

8) Philadelphia Flyers- C Pavel Zacha, Sarnia (OHL)

He effortlessly transitioned from the Czech Republic to North America. He’s 6’3”, 210 pounds, and can play a two way game. Think of him as a larger version of Boston’s David Pastrnak.

9) Dallas Stars- RW Mikko Rantanen, TPS (FIN)

Extraordinary at the 2015 World Junior Championship for Finland- 6’4”, 209 lbs, effective on the power-play, and difficult to move off the puck. Has hockey sense and hands that supplement his shot.

10) San Jose Sharks- C Mitchell Marner, London (OHL)

This guy is a really skilled playmaker with 128 assists and 185 points in 127 career OHL games. He’s drawn comparisons to Patrick Kane and Jordan Eberle, with great vision and passing skills.

11) Colorado Avalanche- RW Timo Meier, Halifax (QMJHL)

Colorado has a good sense of the Halifax system- with Nathan MacKinnon on the Av’s roster- so they opt for a strong RW/C that bulks up their youth filled roster.

12) Florida Panthers- D Zachary Werenski, Michigan (BIG10)

The youngest player in NCAA history joins the youth movement in Florida. He can block shots and adjust on the fly. With Aaron Ekblad as this season’s Calder Trophy favorite, Werenski would be in good company.

13) Los Angeles Kings- C Jansen Harkins, Prince George (WHL)

Harkins is a two-way player in all three zones of the ice and would balance out LA’s roster. Depending on his faceoff win percentage, there’s a chance he could be compared to Patrice Bergeron.

14) Ottawa Senators- D Thomas Chabot, Saint John (QMJHL)

6’1”, 181 lbs. Smart transitional skating defenseman that can handle pressure in getting the puck out of his own zone- he’s a natural fit in Ottawa’s energetic, young, roster.

15) Boston Bruins- D Brandon Carlo, Tri-City (WHL)

The 6’5”, 196 lb. defenseman brings size and athleticism as a shutdown defenseman. He’s definitely more defensive minded, but that fits with Boston given how Dougie Hamilton and Torey Krug are equally offensive producing as defensive as they are.

16) Calgary Flames- D Oliver Kylington, AIK (SWE-2)

Kylington is a two-way defenseman that’s going to need some time to develop, but that’s just what Calgary has been successful at recently. The Flames need to add capable youth to their blue line as their forwards get more experienced and begin carrying their weight.

17) Winnipeg Jets- C Nicholas Merkely, Kelowna (WHL)

Great playmaker that knows how to crash the net with precision and skill. Also has a great hockey IQ that makes up for some lacking physical qualities in his game.

18) Minnesota Wild- RW Daniel Sprong, Charlottetown (QMJHL)

Sprong is a nifty playmaker with good hands and great speed, but he’ll need to get stronger to make the transition to the NHL and add grit to his already impressive offensive game.

19) Washington Capitals- C Travis Konecny, Ottawa (OHL)

His second half of the regular season in the OHL really displayed his skill level. With that said, his size isn’t much of an issue as his compete level and willingness is unmatched- and so is his work ethic.

20) Vancouver Canucks- D Jakub Zboril, Saint John (QMJHL)

Zboril plays a willingly physical game despite only being 6’0”, 184 lbs. His shot from the point could come in handy on the power-play. Adds versatility to Vancouver’s defense.

21) Detroit Red Wings- D Jacob Larsson, Frolunda Jr. (SWE-JR)

6’2”, 191 lbs. Sweden knows how to make solid defensemen and Detroit knows how to pick solid Swedish defensemen. Larsson reads situations well and controls the puck excellently.

22) Edmonton Oilers (from PIT)- LW Paul Bittner, Portland (WHL)

At 6’4”, 205 lbs. this LW adds some much needed size on a young Oilers roster. He’s a power forward that’s willing to be the first to rush in on a dump and chase, which would go a long way in Edmonton to finally have someone willing to go in and start a play.

23) Buffalo Sabres (from NYI)- C Mathew Barzal, Seattle (WHL)

Offensively minded, Barzal was injured for a lot of WHL action. While his ranking fell far from where he could have been, potentially, the Sabres luck out on a player that just may be able to make those around him better.

24) Arizona Coyotes (from CHI)- LW Jordan Greenway, USA U18 (USHL)

Tough to move off the puck and along the boards, Greenway is 6’4”, 222 pounds and will need some time to refine his game before being inserted as a force to reckon with in Arizona. Not to worry though, things will time out right in the Coyotes’ rebuild such that a skilled young lineup is on the verge of changing the franchise’s direction.

25) Toronto Maple Leafs (from NSH)- LW Evgeny Svechnikov, Cape Breton (QMJHL)

This power forward will bring something to the Maple Leafs that they desperately need- fight. They need a fight in them and they need a fight to win. He might just also be a bit like another Evgeny (but with a different spelling)- Evgeni Malkin.

26) Winnipeg Jets (from STL via BUF)- C Nicolas Roy, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

Strong two-way center at 6’4”, 200 pounds and solid on faceoffs, he can get things going on the power-play. The Jets add to their plethora of young, skilled, prospects and don’t need to rush him in the lineup yet.

27) Philadelphia Flyers (from TB)- LW Jake DeBrusk, Swift Current (WHL)

DeBrusk is always following the puck, whether it’s on the forecheck or forcing turnovers. He can be excellent on the power-play, focused on moving the puck where it needs to go and scoring. Might also bring some physicality to Philly, which is much appreciated by their fans.

28) Anaheim Ducks- C Colin White, USA U18 (USHL)

Can’t go wrong with one of the best skaters in the draft. The Ducks pick a forward that can move with the puck and carry it defiantly out of his own zone with ease. It also helps that he’s physically difficult to knock off the puck.

29) Montreal Canadiens- C Filip Chlapik, Charlottetown (QMJHL)

Positioning is one of Chlapik’s best assets, whether it’s with or without the puck, he goes to the right places. Smooth skating, with vision, he’s pretty decent all around as a 6’1”, 194 pound center.

30) Tampa Bay Lightning (from NYR)- RW Michael Spacek, Pardubice (CZREP)

Closing out the draft, Tampa Bay picks up a small, but dynamic RW that is exciting to watch. The Czech program is really starting to crank out some great prospects that shouldn’t be overlooked, considering the current success and lucky find that David Pastrnak currently is with the Boston Bruins.

April 3, 2015
2014 Mock NHL Entry Draft

1. Florida Panthers      D Aaron Ekblad          Barrie (OHL)

Florida needs what Florida needs- defense. Sign a few free agent forwards, or make a good trade, and they have the potential to do a lot more now that they have a solidified goaltender in net.

2. Buffalo Sabres                     C Sam Reinhart Kootenay (WHL)

Sabres have some good depth on defense with young players and whatnot, but they need to focus on growing offensively with Grigorenko and Girgensons.

3. Edmonton Oilers                 C Leon Draisaitl          Prince Albert (WHL)

6’1”, 208 pound, center that beefs up the Oilers down the middle. Just might be the miracle that Edmonton needs, or is that said every year? It’s time to develop a real plan and get active in the trade market if free agency isn’t going to work out for the Edmonton Oilers.

4. Calgary Flames                   C Sam Bennett            Kingston (OHL)

Calgary steals a good one that’ll do well alongside Sean Monahan. He’s a two way center that everyone has had their eye on in the Sam and Sam battle between this year.

5. New York Islanders            LW Michael Dal Colle            Oshawa (OHL)

This power forward seems like he could be the key alongside Tavares. Then again, these days anyone could be the key with the Islanders because of the revolving door management has made so attractive. Their youth will improve, but they need a solid veteran that actually wants to be there. Doug Weight would you consider playing again, Gordie Howe or Chris Chelios style?

6. Vancouver Canucks            LW Jake Virtanen       Calgary (WHL)

In the expected aftermath, Kesler goes and Virtanen arrives. Vancouver’s got to find a goaltender as well. Hello Cam Ward? Or if the right moves are made, Ryan Miller? Anyone? Anyone?

7. Carolina Hurricanes            LW Nicholas Ritchie   Peterborough (OHL)

Carolina needs size in their lineup and at 6’2”, 226lbs, Ritchie packs a punch. What they also need is a new third jersey, but I’ll reserve that for another time.

8. Toronto Maple Leafs         C Jared McCann         Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

If they can’t acquire a good center, why not draft one? Either that or defense! Honestly, though, how can anyone in management focus in Toronto with all that is surrounding Dion Phaneuf, Nazim Kadri, Dave Bolland, and anyone else that I might have missed.

9. Winnipeg Jets                     RW Kasperi Kapanen KalPa (Finland)

Jets resolve some issues (Evander Kane) and work on building around Mark Scheifele. Better goalie needed- this is the market to get someone.

10. Anaheim Ducks (from OTT) LW Brendan Perlini           Niagara (OHL)

Talent runs deep in Anaheim, as noted by their season and GM of the year, Bob Murray. Another power forward drafted in the first round and another reason why the Ducks will improve their physicality to take on their rivaling California teams.

11. Nashville Predators           RW William Nylander            Sodertalje (SWE-2)

Seth Jones and Shea Weber need someone to score- they can’t do everything people. Nashville is going to be going through an interesting time now without Legwand and based on their last couple of seasons. This year will be a test as to whether or not they need a shakeup or something else.

12. Arizona Coyotes              D Haydn Fleury                     Red Deer (WHL)

Unsure of whether or not Keith Yandle may be trade bait the Coyotes pick a defenseman just in case. Also, another case for a new third jersey, only it should be retro and classy.

13. Washington Capitals         D Anthony DeAngelo                        Sarnia (OHL)

Washington takes a D-man because he’s an offensive defenseman (& offense wins, right Ovi). This year the Capitals learned that you can have the leading scorer and the worst plus minus in one player. Regardless, the Winter Classic will look cool in DC, right?

14. Dallas Stars                       C/RW Alex Tuch                    USA U18 (USHL)

He’s no Mike Modano, but he’s big (6’4”, 213) and can play a Western Conference style game. Youth movement continues in Dallas, and maybe they can land a big Star or two in a trade or free agent signing (oh and, yes, that pun was completely intended).

15. Detroit Red Wings            D Julius Honka                       Swift Current (WHL)

Defense wins championships. That’s been the mantra since, forever, for the Red Wings.

16. Columbus Blue Jackets     D Jack Dougherty                   USA U18 (USHL)

Columbus adds youth to their blue line and make moves this summer to become a contender. Bet on it. Admit it, you didn’t think they would be as competitive as they were against the Penguins. A healthy Nathan Horton and a leader in the locker room in the form of Scott Hartnell are the kind of veterans that you need and want to be involved with not only the team, but the surrounding community as well.

17. Philadelphia Flyers           LW Sonny Milano                  USA U18 (USHL)

The Flyers take a winger with good hands and hope to do better than this year. Isn’t that what everyone thinks every year? I’m not sure what else to say other than, Lecavalier. Irony comes in the form of Daniel Briere’s contract being bought out and then the same monstrosity being taken on by the Vincent Lecavalier signing, but you probably already knew that. Sorry to inflict pain.

18. Minnesota Wild                G Thatcher Demko                 Boston College (Hockey East)

We have the first goaltender of the draft! He had an impressive year at BC and is the best goalie in draft. Backstrom, Harding, Bryzgalov, Kuemper, someone make up their mind because Demko looks promising. In the meantime, hey BC, keep up with producing good goaltenders, okay?

19. Tampa Bay Lightning       LW Nikolaj Ehlers                  Halifax (QMJHL)

Ehlers falls unexpectedly but Tampa sticks to the Q (& Halifax- Jonathan Drouin last year, Ehlers this year) and gets a steal at 19^th overall pick. 19 was also a good number for another reason, but I’m sure GM Steve Yzerman already knows.

20. San Jose Sharks                 C Dylan Larkin                       USNTDP (USHL)

Jumbo Joe or Marleau, which one will be the one to go? Larkin replaces them eventually. And I promise not to talk about the Kings in front of you, okay? Oh. Sorry.

21. St. Louis Blues                  C Ryan MacInnis                   Kitchener (OHL)

As in Al MacInnis’s son. Great skater that can play in any situation. Fits the Western Conference mold. By the way, are new jerseys on the way, because I bet they’d look awesome. St. Louis has a thing for making good looking jerseys.

22. Pittsburgh Penguins          LW Nikita Scherbak                Saskatoon (WHL)

Pittsburgh wanted Demko, but settles for a winger instead. He’s unselfish and great teammate. And the team needs a gold third jersey, but might I recommend one that is fresh and not a carbon copy of the nineties or eighties. I’m thinking rearranging the color palette on the home jersey and changing it to gold would look cool. But wear black helmets, because I’m not so sure gold helmets are a cool thing in hockey, unless you’re Notre Dame.

23. Colorado Avalanche          D Rolan McKeown                Kingston (OHL)

While Brendan Lemieux (Claude Lemieux’s son) drew interest from Jack Adams winner, Patrick Roy, the Av’s need another young defenseman to offset all of their young offense men from the last few seasons.

24. Anaheim Ducks                LW Brendan Lemieux             Barrie (OHL)

So the Ducks take him instead (see comment above). He’s scrappy and fits the rivalry with San Jose & Los Angeles. He compliments the Ducks roster nicely, especially if they do what everyone thinks they might do.

25. Boston Bruins                   C Nick Schmaltz                     Green Bay (USHL)

It was either a Swede, a Czech, or an American- and he’s good. At least, NHL Network told me he is. Either way, there’s no need to rush him in, the Bruins have enough down the middle for now.

26. Montreal Canadiens          LW Adrian Kempe                 Modo Jr. (SWE- JR)

So the Canadiens take the Swede I was thinking of instead (again, see the comment above). 6’1”, 187, finally brings some size to Montreal.

27. Chicago Blackhawks         C Brayden Point                     Moose Jaw (WHL)

If this guy turns out to be a gem, then somebody better start working on finding the Blackhawks horseshoe. I mean, really, Saad, Kane, Toews- they’ve stolen from the draft before and they’ll do it again if you’re not looking.

28. Tampa Bay Lightning (from NYR) LW Ivan Barbashev Moncton (QMJHL)

This playmaker has hands, is Russian, and ushers in a new beginning for the Lightning.

29. Los Angeles Kings            C Jakub Vrana                         Linkoping (SWE-2)

Vrana slides down the ladder in the draft and the Kings get a steal. Skilled Czech= Cup clincher (if you need him to be). Oh and time for the obligatory congratulations to the 2014 Stanley Cup champions, maybe you can share the comeback wealth with everyone else next year, okay?

30. New Jersey Devils                        C Robert Fabbri                      Guelph (OHL)

I’m still unhappy with how the NHL handled the Kovalchuk contract, but anyway, Fabbri rounds out top 30.

*Barring any trades, this is how I see it progressing, but I’d like to see a lot of trades just to destroy my mock draft picks, like how someone always destroys my bracket during March madness.

June 26, 2014