2. Los Angeles Kings: Quinton Byfield, C, Sudbury-OHL
Lisa Dillman: Just like that … the Kings’ succession concerns at No. 1 center are eased. Anze Kopitar can mentor Byfield, settle in and hand over the baton. With a formidable one-two punch down the middle – like when they were winning championships – the Kings won’t be pushed around physically. Furthermore, it will allow them to keep Jeff Carter on the wing.
The Kings’ head of amateur scouting, Mark Yannetti, told me in late May that Byfield is far from a finished product physically, saying: “He’s certainly not at the bottom end of that scale. I think he can gain another 15 pounds without blinking.”
This isn’t Lafreniere but it does move the Kings’ rebuild along a bit more swiftly. They already have excellent supporting pieces coming along in the pipeline. Now you add an upgrade to the other good ones in place and it paints a really bright future for the organization. And the last time they picked No. 2? It worked out quite nicely in 2008 with a certain defenseman named Drew Doughty.
Pronman’s take: In NHL circles in the second half of the season, Tim Stutzle emerged into the conversation for the No. 2 pick and is a legit possibility at this slot. From talking to sources, it is 50/50 between him and Byfield. But if I had to guess, this slot will go to Byfield. Byfield has all the makings of a star center in the NHL, as an elite athlete with his size and skating ability, combined with great skill and playmaking. He is a player you could project right at the top of your depth chart for a decade who will make an impact with his offense. Even though he is one of the youngest players in the draft, I think he will challenge to be in the league next season, especially with the extra downtime to catch up physically.
He is exactly what the Kings need. He could be a franchise-changing player down the middle and the top piece of a rebuild that has accumulated a lot of great assets but was missing that foundational piece.
3. Ottawa Senators: Tim Stutzle, LW, Mannheim-DEL
Hailey Salvian: The Senators have a stacked prospect pool with players like AHL rookie of the year Josh Norris, Alex Formenton and Drake Batherson, to name a few. But what the organization is missing is without a doubt, a No. 1 center. Stutzle, who also plays on the wing, could be that No. 1 option for the Senators. His combination of dynamic speed, good hands and excellent hockey sense makes him the perfect center to play on the top line with Brady Tkachuk, who excels with players who can make plays and get the puck to the net. And, as one NHL scout told TSN’s Bob McKenzie: “If there’s someone in this draft who could go by Lafreniere in the years to come, it’s (Stutzle).” That future outlook could certainly help soften the blow of missing out on the first-overall pick.
Pronman’s take: Stutzle was great versus men last season and has all the tools to become a top-line forward in the NHL, whether on the wing or down the middle. He’s a dynamic player with his speed and skill. Given how well he played versus men last season, he has a strong argument that he could be NHL ready but
his arrival may be delayed. Ottawa’s biggest organizational need is a No. 1 center, and I think Stutzle could become that even though he is listed as a winger.
4. Detroit Red Wings: Lucas Raymond, LW, Frolunda-SHL
Max Bultman: The Red Wings need a game-changer, plain and simple. And while Raymond had a comparatively quieter statistical season in the SHL with Frolunda, he has the dynamic skillset to help Detroit catch lightning in a bottle after its tumble to the fourth pick. Raymond’s hockey sense and creativity can make him the Red Wings’ chief playmaker of the future, even from the wing. And he has shown an ability to take over in big moments, such as his hat trick in the 2018 World U18 gold medal game against Iaroslav Askarov and Russia. The idea of pairing Raymond with Anthony Mantha or Filip Zadina should be tantalizing for Detroit.
Because of Raymond’s more limited role in the SHL this season, it may take a bit of a leap of faith for Detroit to use this pick on him. But one potential development in his favor could be the SHL returning in mid-September, before the draft. If an expanded role allows him to better showcase his dynamic qualities, he will have a chance to put any reservations at ease.
Pronman’s take: Raymond is a player you could realistically project to be a first-line, first power play type who runs your man advantage and makes a ton of plays. He is not Lafreniere or Byfield, but he’s a great player and someone you could see playing high in the Wings’ lineup in a few years. He will feed passes to Zadina for years to come.
5. Ottawa Senators: Cole Perfetti, C, Saginaw-OHL
Salvian: After adding a top center, the Senators need to add some elite offensive wingers. Perfetti is a smart-two way player who also boasts an impressive skillset. He won’t dazzle you with offensive flair, but analysts say he sees the game better than most and is one of the best passers in this draft class. And he can score. Perfetti first came on the scene in the OHL as a 16-year-old, scoring 37 goals and 74 points in 63 games in his rookie season. He followed it up with 37 goals and 111 points in 61 games this season. He appears to bring the whole package and could help bolster the Senators’ top-six, either as a top-line player, or a second-line winger going over the boards after Tkachuk, which will instantly boost the depth on the left side.
Pronman’s take: Ottawa, by taking Stutzle and Perfetti, gets two extremely talented and versatile players who can play both wing and center, and bring a lot of offense. In the Sens organization, especially one with Stutzle, you likely see Perfetti moved to the wing. Ottawa has a lot of great young forwards, but Perfetti rises to the top group behind Tkachuk and Stutzle, but ahead of guys like Logan Brown, Josh Norris and Drake Batherson. Perfetti projects to play high in the lineup and run a power play unit.
6. Anaheim Ducks: Jamie Drysdale, D, Erie-OHL
Eric Stephens: Readily admitting this is a departure from selecting Marco Rossi in our original mock draft. But I wasn’t anticipating Drysdale being there in the No. 6 spot. Yeah, the Ducks need scoring forwards in the worst way. But if you are looking for the combination of being the best player available and filling a massive organizational need, then the Toronto native will take care of both for the Ducks. They would be getting a poised rearguard that has long been considered the top choice among the defensemen in this draft. Drysdale epitomizes what teams are turning to in defenders in the current age. Someone who can use his effortless skating ability to drive play in all zones and close gaps effortlessly when in defend mode. The Ducks are woefully thin on right-handed prospects on the blue line. Drysdale would vault right to the top of the list.
Pronman’s take: Anaheim walks out with a great defense prospect in Drysdale. Anaheim has done a lot of great work with highly mobile and intelligent defensemen, and Drysdale fits that profile in bunches. He’s a player you hope is in a top-four in a couple of years and, along with Trevor Zegras, becomes part of the core of the next group.
7. New Jersey Devils: Marco Rossi, C, Ottawa-OHL
Corey Masisak: The reaction to this pick might be “of course” in some NHL circles because the Devils have drafted three prospects who played with Rossi on the 67s and traded for a fourth, but New Jersey should know as much about the Austrian forward as any team. Rossi is not tall, but he plays bigger than his height, and he’s one of the most skilled players in the draft. He led the OHL with 120 points this season.
The Devils have drafted a center in the first round in four of the past five drafts, but if they take Rossi they will have to worry about where he eventually fits with Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, either next to one of them on a top-two line or as the No. 3 center. The franchise needs more high-end talent, regardless of position. New Jersey could be one of the teams that consider American defenseman Jake Sanderson at this spot as well, given the club’s penchant for drafting players from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and need for a potential top-pairing defenseman.
Pronman’s take: Rossi is listed as a center, but NHL scouts think it’s possible he moves to the wing, which in an organization with Hughes and Hischier is a very reasonable path even though he can play center. In Rossi, the Devils get a projected all-situations top-line forward who plays the game a different way than Hughes or Hischier, in that he’s still very talented, but also a relentless worker.
8. Buffalo Sabres: Alexander Holtz, RW Djurgarden-SHL
John Vogl: The Sabres will gladly add Holtz to a group that includes fellow Swedes Rasmus Dahlin, Victor Olofsson, Marcus Johansson, Rasmus Asplund, Linus Ullmark, Jonas Johansson and prospects Marcus Davidsson, Erik Portillo, Filip Cederqvist, Linus Cronholm and William Worge-Kreu. Think there might be a reason why the NHL sent the Sabres to Sweden last season?
But forget Holtz’s place of origin. His place on the ice fits Buffalo’s needs. The right winger is a goal-scorer with an elite shot. Holtz is already contributing in the SHLe, skating in 35 games while recording nine goals and 16 points – the league’s highest point total by an under-18 player. He added three goals in seven games at the world juniors to help Sweden earn bronze.
The immediate comparison for Holtz will be Olofsson. The snipers have put up similar numbers. At age 16 in Sweden’s J18 Elite league, Olofsson scored 15 goals in 21 games, while Holtz buried 23 in 17 games. At age 17 in the Super Elite league, Olofsson poured in 19 goals in 19 games, while Holtz buried 30 in 38. Yeah, Buffalo will be happy to have Holtz.
Pronman’s take: Buffalo adds the top goal-scorer of the class to its group in Holtz, giving it a very talented player who is close to NHL ready, probably needing one year and maybe two at the most before being ready to push for ice time after how good he looked versus men last season. He fits into a tremendous group of young players that gives the Sabres plenty of looks up front to go with.
9.Montreal Canadiens: Jake Sanderson, D, USNTDP-USHL
Nine seems like the floor for Sanderson, whose stock kept building as the season went on with a tremendous last few months of the season. He gives Montreal’s organization something it lacks, a truly multi-dimensional defenseman with size who can project to play high in the lineup.
10. Chicago Blackhawks: Jack Quinn, RW, Ottawa-OHL
Quinn’s stock kept going up over the second half of the season, and he looks like a lock for the top 12. I’ve also heard his name suggested higher than No. 10 by some NHL scouts. He’s full of skill and hockey sense, fitting in with the type of player Chicago likes.
11. New Jersey Devils: Anton Lundell, C, HIFK-Liiga
Lundell is a tough player to project. I could see him slide to around No. 20, but I could see him go top 15 as I’m projecting here. He’s not an exciting player, but teams still give him credit for how he’s played at high levels of competition for years. I’ve heard scouts suggest goalie Yaroslavl Askarov to the Devils here, but I could see New Jersey valuing what Lundell has done so far in his career.
12. Minnesota Wild: Iaroslav Askarov, G, SKA-VHL
Askarov is a top goalie prospect and I could see the Wild valuing how unique a goalie he is given the organization lacks a goalie of the future. NHL scouts think Askarov could go higher than this spot, but I think realistically the 10-15 range is roughly where he’ll land. I think if Quinn gets this low, this could be where he ends.
13. Winnipeg Jets: Braden Schneider, D, Brandon-WHL
A lot of teams express optimism for Schneider. I’ve heard him suggested by some scouts as high as No. 5, although that is an extreme outlier position. I think for organizations like Winnipeg that value size, skating and hockey sense, he makes a lot of sense.
14. New York Rangers: Dawson Mercer, C, Chicoutimi-QMJHL
Mercer isn’t the sexiest name among the top prospects, but he does so much well that I think he’s going to go top 15. He’s very skilled, intelligent, can score, plays both ways and puts up a lot of points. The Rangers could really use some young talent down the middle too, especially with Lias Andersson likely on his way out.
15. Florida Panthers: Kaiden Guhle, D, Prince Albert-WHL
I think Florida is going to look at adding a defenseman, seeing as they haven’t picked one since 2014. Florida’s drafting of late suggests mobility and competitiveness is a priority for defensemen, and Guhle adds a lot of that. If Schneider gets to the Panthers’ pick, I would guess that is his floor.
16. Columbus Blue Jackets: Connor Zary, C, Kamloops-WHL
Columbus needs to target skill and competitiveness in its drafting, and Zary adds a lot of both elements. He also gives the organization a true projected center in the pros with high-end skill. If Mercer gets to this slot, I think he would be in consideration, as well.
17. Calgary Flames: Dylan Holloway, C, Wisconsin-Big 10
In discussions with scouts, my sense is Holloway is unlikely to go top 15; more toward No. 20 then the top half of the first round. I do think this range is roughly where you could see his name called. He gives Calgary a lot of speed, skill and compete up front, and is a player who could fast track to a good NHL club given how physically advanced he is. Zary and Mercer also could be options for this slot if available.
18. New Jersey Devils: Seth Jarvis, C, Portland-WHL
I think New Jersey would prefer to add a defenseman at this slot, so I think Justin Barron is possible, but it’s hard to see a fit on talent at this slot given what’s available. Jarvis has so much speed, skill and scoring ability that it would be too hard to pass up.
19. Nashville Predators: Mavrik Bourque, C, Shawinigan-QMJHL
In discussions with NHL teams, Bourque seems more likely to go in the 20s than around No. 19, but I think he does a lot of things that Nashville values, especially the elite hockey sense he brings to go with the skill, the shot and the competitiveness. Zary would be a similar option if he got to No. 19.
20. Carolina Hurricanes: Rodion Amirov, LW, Ufa-MHL
Carolina’s recent drafting suggests a high premium on skill and hockey sense, which Amirov has a lot of to go with his great skating ability. I see Bourque and Jarvis both fitting that description as well for options for its first pick.
21. Edmonton Oilers: Ridly Greig, C, Brandon-WHL
Greig’s name kept rising in the final months of the season, and scouts have told me they expect him to be a first-round lock due to how skilled he is and how hard he competes on the ice. I can see the Oilers valuing those attributes a lot, especially down the middle where the organization doesn’t have a lot of young depth. I think if Holloway gets to the Oilers’ pick, that’s his floor too.
22. Ottawa Senators: Hendrix Lapierre, C, Chicoutimi-QMJHL
With Stutzle and Perfetti picked, and so many other great young players in the system, the Senators are in a position where they seemingly have few organizational needs in the system. The best player available according to the industry is Lapierre, who has significant injury question marks. Many scouts question if he will go in the first round, but Ottawa seems to be in the best position to that swing. Alternatively, I could see Lukas Reichel go here if the Senators don’t like Lapierre’s medical history.
23. Dallas Stars: Justin Barron, D, Halifax-QMJHL
Barron’s stock slid a bit this season due to injury and performance, but scouts have made it known to me that they expect him to go Day 1, and could even be a top-20 candidate because he’s an incredible skater and scouts believe he has more skill than his points suggest. Dallas has put a lot of value on elite skaters, so Barron would fit the bill.
24. New York Rangers: Jacob Perreault, RW-OHL
In Perreault, the Rangers would add a player with a ton of skill and an elite shot, giving them elements their farm system lacks up front. He could become a top-six player and a top goal-scorer on an NHL team. Reichel and Brendan Brisson could also be options for them here.
25. Minnesota Wild: Brendan Brisson, C, Chicago-USHL
The Wilds’ 2019 draft picks Matthew Boldy, Vlad Firstov and Adam Beckman are very skilled, intelligent and can score. And Brisson does all those things at a high level. Perreault does too, but Brisson is a center option, which the organization could use more of.
26. Philadelphia Flyers: Lukas Reichel, LW, Berlin-DEL
I do think Reichel could go before this, a lot of decision-makers went to watch him late and my understanding is his stock was on the uptick in the second half because of how well-rounded he is. If Reichel was gone, I could see Philly looking at some of the goal-scorers with size, such as Noel Gunler, Tyson Foerster or Sam Colangelo.
27. San Jose Sharks: Noel Gunler, RW, Lulea-SHL
Gunler is a bit of a divisive player in NHL circles. I don’t think he’s a first-round lock, but I expect him to go in the 25-35 range. He’s a very skilled player who can score and impose himself physically. He rubs scouts the wrong ways at times, but San Jose likes to take swings and Gunler would be a big swing. Jake Neighbours and Marat Khusnutdinov would be safer options if they want more certainty.
28. Colorado Avalanche: Jake Neighbours, LW, Edmonton-WHL
Neighbours started off the season slow at the Hlinka-Gretzky, but he kept coming on as the season progressed, and scouts around the league sing his praises. Even though he’s not the biggest or quickest, he has a lot of skill and IQ. He also can score and competes hard. Colorado values that kind of player.
29. Vegas Golden Knights: Jeremie Poirier, D, Saint John-QMJHL
Poirier is a very divisive player among scouts, with some loving him and some having no time for him. He’s super talented but has a lot of risk in his game. George McPhee is known as a gambler at the draft table who takes shots at upside, and what some say about Poirier reminds me a lot about what people said about Shea Theodore when he was drafted by Anaheim.
30. Washington Capitals: Marat Khusnutdinov, C, SKA-MHL
Washington’s system is trending in the right direction with how good Connor McMichael has looked of late, but it could use a player like Khusnutdinov who brings a lot of speed, skill and energy to every shift and projects as a center versus men. There isn’t a lot of that in its pipeline right now. I could see John-Jason Peterka as an option here, too.
31. St. Louis Blues: Sam Colangelo, RW, Chicago-USHL
In Colangelo, the Blues add a forward with size, great skill and goal-scoring ability to a pipeline that has lost some top forward options, such as Tage Thompson and Dominik Bokk, in trades. Colangelo might not be a very physical player, but he will bring a lot of elements that organizations values. William Wallinder on defense could be an option here, too.
32. Anaheim Ducks: John-Jason Peterka, LW, Munich-DEL
I do think Peterka has a good shot to go in the first round, with the 25-35 range being a likely spot. I see him adding a lot of speed and skill to whichever organization picks him, even if he’s on the smaller side. Wallinder seems like a typical Ducks pick too given his size and mobility on defense.