1. Vancouver -Nico Hischier

 

Canucks take a hard,long look at Petterson but decide to go with Hischier. The young center will be counted on right away to provide offence for the leagues 10^th worst offence. Nico had an excellent WJC almost singlehandedly eliminating team USA.

 

 

 

2. Edmonton- Casey Mittelstadt

 

At this time last year several questions emerged about how quick Mittelstadt would adapt to higher competition. These concerns were emphatically answered with a good season at the university of Minnesota followed by a late season audition in the NHL. The Oilers decide to set themselves up at center for the long term.

 

 

 

3. Montreal- Nolan Patrick

 

Patrick provides the Canadiens with a player that can contribute right off the bat. Although he suffered though some early season slumps and injuries a strong end to the season showed the promise many scouts talked about. With Montreal a strong contender going into next season Patrick’s ability to step into the lineup makes him the logical pick here.

 

 

 

4. Ducks- Elias Petterson

 

Fresh off winning SHL MVP the talented forward goes to a team on the rise. Expect the smooth skating swede to come across to the NHL next year and make an immediate impact.

 

 

 

5. Capitals- Lias Andersson

 

To build a strong team you need that #1 center. Larry goes with Anderson for not only that reason but also to get the NHL Rangers top prospect. After getting a taste of the NHL the youngster should be a full timer next season.

 

 

 

6. Stoners- Miro Hesikainen

 

Blueliner turned heads all season playing significant minutes in the SM-liiga. Will contend for a spot on seattles blueline as early as next season.

 

 

 

7. Rangers- Cale Makar

 

Offensive dynamo had an ok freshman campaign in the NCAA but played well for Canada at the WJC, even garnering an Olympic team invite. Makar will need another year or two to develop his defensive game but already has electric puck skills and skating.

 

 

 

8. Sabres- Cody Glass

 

Portland (WHL) point producer is ready for the next level. When Glass gradutes who better than Sidney Crosby to learn from?

 

 

 

9. Blue Jackets- Filip Chytil

 

Already dominant at the AHL level it won’t take long for Chytil to make the jump up. The question is what type of offence are we going to see from him. Good news is Chytil already possesses a 200 foot game.

 

 

 

10. Ducks- Robert Thomas

 

Thomas had a coming out party during this years WJC starring for Canada. Hamilton (OHL) swung for the fences acquiring Robert and that appears to have paid off with the team now off to the memorial cup. May be a year away from making an impact but he will be worth the wait.

 

 

 

11. Sharks- Juuso Valimaki

 

Some people might think Valimaki is a reach but he has quietly put up solid numbers for a middle of the pack team in Tri Cities (WHL). Miika adds another talented finnish d-man.

 

 

 

12. Leafs- Gabe Vilardi

 

The chance to pair Vilardi with PL Dubois is too much for the leafs to pass up. Garrett is a guy that isn’t afraid to make a bold pick in the 1^st round but goes a but safer here. Skating may be a concern but Vilardi has several other skills that cannot be taught

 

 

 

13. Flames- Micheal Rassmusen

 

Rassmusen had an excellent training camp eventually getting sent back to junior where he tore up the WHL Playoffs. Many scouts had issues with his 5V5 play but that is something that’ll come with good coaching. Kevin usually goes with BPA and its hard to see Rassmusen not getting taken here.

 

 

 

14. Panthers- Martin Necas

 

Panthers are desperate for some offensive help so add the versatile Necas.  Big Czech forward gives GM Bell an option to move Luke Kunin to the wing.

 

 

 

15. Ducks- Owen Tippett

 

Goal scoring forward is good value at this spot. Another player that will be on the Ducks roster in short order.

 

 

 

16. Canucks- Erik Brannstrom

 

This time Rob rounds out his defence with a prospect pundits have compared to a young Erik Karlsson. Still needs to mature a bit more before coming over to NA.

 

 

 

17. Coyotes- Kailer Yamammoto

 

Fearless forward plays strong heavy game and not afraid to go anywhere on the ice. Kailer wasn’t expected to make the NHL team this year but he was so exceptional in training camp and preseason they had no choice.

 

 

 

18. Oilers- Eeli Tolvanen

 

Elite scoring winger would have been chosen sooner but skating is still a concern. Had a good season over in Europe but not the same success in his NHL debut. Still the Oilers can show a little patience and have him develop into a top talent.

 

 

 

19. Ducks- Cal Foote

 

Son of former NHL d-man Adam, Cal has shown the same strong defensive qualities as his father with a superior offensive flair to his game. With all the forward studs Devon adds one on the other side of the ice.

 

 

 

20. Flyers- Morgan Frost

 

            After putting together an impressive season Frost goes to the Flyers.

 

21.Wild- Nick Suzuki

 

Al needs a successor to Joe Thornton and has one in Suzuki. After another year in the O Nick should start his pro career.

 

22.Sens- Timothy Liljegren

 

For years Liljegren was thought of as the potential 1^st overall pick but as the years went on more and more flaws were found in his game. A successful AHL season started to show the promise so many seen in Timothy.

 

23. Sens- Kristian Vesalainen

 

Kirk knows how successful the NHL Jets scouting department has been so he goes with a player he doesn’t have to do research on. Vesalainen exploded in the SM-liiga rewarding the 1^st round selection.

 

24. Flames- Urho Vaakanainen

 

Another strong defender that finland keeps churning out. Already playing the shutdown role for his club team.

 

25.Rangers- Josh Norris

 

Solid 2 way player can play multiple positions excels playing other teams top players. Very good pick this late in the draft.

 

26.Golden Knights- Connor Timmins

 

One of the most improved players from last year to this year. A player that can play in all situations and could potentially anchor a D corps at the next level.

 

 

 

27.Sharks- Aleksi Heponiemi

 

Offensive powerhouse put up unreal numbers on one of the most talented lines in jr hockey.

 

28.Sens- Ryan Poehling

 

            Kirk just takes best forward available and lands a solid center.

 

29.Flames- PO Joseph

 

            BPA as Kevin adds another mobile defenceman to his prospect pool.

 

30.Ducks- Jason Robertson

 

            Just cant keep this guy from putting up points.

 

31.Ducks- Issac Ratcliffe

 

            Devon can afford to be patient and this is another case where this pays off.

 

32.Sens- Shane Bowers

            Kirk takes the safest pick remaining on the board.