1 | | - | | Based on what we've seen at the WHC tournament, Kakko could be moving up to the first slot. Either way the Devils will choose Kakko or Hughes and could you go wrong with either? |
2 | | - | | Jack Hughes has been pretty silent in the IIHF tournament. This could drop his #1 spot. NY isn't complaining either way because they're not going to get any heat about picking one or the other. |
3 | | - | | With how good of a roster the Blackhawks have, it's shocking to see them up here. Byram would be the best pick for Chicago because their defense is the area that needs improving the most. Also with Keith and Seabrook nearing the end of their careers, it would be good mentoring for the young guy who would likely replace one of them. |
4 | | | | The Avs shocked a lot of people in this years playoffs, they played with 11 forwards and 7 D in the series against the Sharks. Because of this we know they have a strong D core. They'll keep adding on to the depth of their offense. |
5 | | - | | There's much talk about Podkolzin and his contract with the KHL. On paper, the Kings have a loaded roster but they couldn't find any scoring from their offense. I think adding Podkolzin would help tremendously. Throw him on a line with Ilya and watch what happens. They have another pick at #22, so expect them to pick up a D man then |
6 | | - | | The Wings need a little bit of everything in this draft. I'd expect them to pick up the Swedish defensemen instead of a forward because Broberg plays that Red Wings style of hockey and last years 1st round pick Zadina will most likely play on the Wings roster this next season instead of staying in Grand Rapids |
7 | | - | | Newhook hasn't been talked about that much for this years draft. He put up a massive number of points in the BCHL and hopes to continue that at Boston College. Buffalo needs more offense and Newhook is one of the most underrated draft picks this year. |
8 | | - | | The Oilers need more depth offensively, they rely too much on McDavid and Draisaitl |
9 | | - | | Dach is a big body that would be the replacement for Perry. He's a big guy that could be a stud in the NHL. With a tough season for Rickard Rakell, they need more scoring from guys other than him. The Ducks proved that this year. |
10 | | - | | In past years the Canucks have been looking to improve their defense. With Edler looking like he's heading somewhere else this offseason, Vlasic would be a good player to replace Edler. |
11 | | - | | Someone who is much talked about is Trevor Zegras. There are rumors that Edmonton will pick him up but I don't expect them to pick up Zegras and pass up on Turcotte. Philly needs to add depth to their offensive and Zegras will definitely add to that. |
12 | | - | | I'd expect to see Krebs fall because of how much talent their is in this draft and it's tough to choose which player you would want on your franchise. The Wild need a little more offense but anyone they pick will just add to their depth. |
13 | | - | | Everyone talks about how bad the defense for the Panthers are and if they feel that that's the case for their team, the Panthers will add Cam York to their roster. York put up an amazing year with the stacked u18 USA team this year. With rumors that Bob and the Bread Man are heading to Florida, defense would be the area of concern. |
14 | | - | | The Yotes would have a tough choice here but if Lavoie is still available, expect them to pick him up. |
15 | | - | | The Canadiens need more size to their offense and players that are big and can score. |
16 | | - | | Caufield is marked down as the projected #24 draft pick. In my opinion he is player that can get picked up from #3-#16. Caufield plays the same type of game that the Avs love, fast paced, high scoring games. |
17 | | - | | Vegas is definitely looking to add to their defense. With a stacked offense and with Engelland at age 37, Vegas should be looking for a replacement for him. |
18 | | - | | The Stars need more scoring from depth players. With Jason Spezza leaving Dallas or retiring most likely by the end of this season, they'll be looking for a replacement. |
19 | | | | Boldy had a great year with the u18 USA team and the Sens need some more offense after trading it all away at this years trade deadline. |
20 | | | | The Rangers have an amazing future ahead of them. They have a ton of young guys who will most likely be stars in the future. After drafting either Hughes or Kakko, they'll add a great forward and need to focus on the future of goaltending with Hanks career nearing the end. Hank would be a good mentor for Knight and that would excel him immensely. |
21 | | - | | The defense for the Penguins is the biggest problem and everyone knows that. Picking someone up from the draft won't make their defense any better if they want results right away. Adding Kaliyev would make their offense even better, allowing them to trade a forward for a d man. |
22 | | | | After trading Fantenberg and Muzzin at the trade deadline, there are a lot of spots to fill defensively. Soderstrom won't make an impact right away, but it adds depth. |
23 | | - | | Cajkovic is a point per game guy and they need someone who will put the puck in the net, especially will Eberle, Lee, and Nelson as potential free agents leaving the Isles. |
24 | | - | | The Preds have a loaded roster and adding Nussbaumer would just add to their depth. |
25 | | - | | He's Russian, let him grow as a player with Kuzy and see how well they play on a line with eachother |
26 | | - | | The Flames have a loaded roster as well. Even though their defense is solid, Gio is retiring soon so adding to their defense is something they'll need to replace in the future |
27 | | - | | The Bolts are in a salary problem. They'll most likely want to keep Brayden Point which means they'll most likely not resign Girardi and Coburn. |
28 | | | | Anaheim needs more offense as stated earlier, this adds more |
29 | | - | | The Canes need to add more to their offense, with the salary they have expect a push for Marner, who Toronto most likely won't be able to keep, and another depth guy. |
30 | | | | After trading away some defensemen players, the Sabres hope to add onto their D core |
31 | | - | | Boston has everything when it comes to depth on offense and defense. Murray is the next top pick so they'll take whoever is the top pick at the time |