2019 NHL Draft: Mock Draft 2.0

Well, I didn’t plan on doing a 2nd one, yet here I am!  I’m literally in the middle of doing a podcast right now, but I have to do a new mock thanks to new pieces of information coming down the pipe.  Not a lot of changes, but a few.

 

The biggest reason I do my own draft rankings is simply to give you my thoughts on the kids who could end up going in my mock so if you missed my top 62 list yesterday, all you have to do is click here.

 

SPOILER ALERT: Here is exactly what is going to happen in tonight’s draft.

 

1. Jack Hughes

Team: USA NTDP  League: USHL

Pos: C  Ht: 5’10  Wt: 168  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 41  G: 23  A: 63  P: 86

DOB: 05/14/01

Comparison: Patrick Kane

SOH Rank: 1st tier, 2nd overall

I can make an argument for Kakko, and I can make an argument for Byram.  But it’ll be Hughes.  He is WELL worthy of the pick, but the deciding factor is that Hughes is going to be a very marketable player and the Devils have a difficult time filling the building.  I do wonder if it was just Kakko at the top if there would be a hot debate right now about what the Devils are going to do between Kakko and Byram.  But that’s not the case.  A highlight reel American born player is going to sell a lot of tickets.

Other options: Kaapo Kakko – he’s not quite the exciting player, but he won’t have to alter his game any and therefore might be the better pro.

Who I’d pick: Jack Hughes – assuming I’m the Devils GM.  And if I’m the Devils GM, I have an owner who has ticket sales to worry about.  Bowen Byram doesn’t fill the seats like Hughes will.

2. Kaapo Kakko

Team: TPS  League: Liiga

Pos: RW  Ht: 6’2  Wt: 190  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 45  G: 22  A: 16  P: 38

DOB: 02/13/01

Comparison: Marian Hossa

SOH Rank: 1st tier, 3rd overall

They’ll take Kakko and be thrilled about it, really no need to go into great detail about it.  They still need a stud number one centre moving forward, but with the Rangers they can always wait for someone to possibly spring available as long as they don’t destroy their cap moving forward.  They’re in a great situation.

Other options: None

Who I’d pick: Bowen Byram – MSG is sold out every night.  Their actual need this high is actually a franchise centre, so maybe Turcotte, but not with the 2nd pick.  They secured four real good D-men in the last 12 months, and they do have a need for Kakko, but I just couldn’t pass up a kid who I see as a legitimate number one D-man.

3. Kirby Dach 

Team: Saskatoon  League: WHL

Pos: C  Ht: 6’4  Wt: 198  Shot: R

2019 Stats – GP: 62  G: 25  A: 48  P: 73

DOB: 01/21/01

Comparison: Ryan Getzlaf

SOH Rank: 3rd tier, 5th overall

Big change to the mock number one!  The word on the street (Sam Cosentino anyway) is that they are going to take Kirby Dach at three.  I don’t like it for them, I don’t get it, I hate what Stan Bowman seems to be building here.  Dach isn’t a shitty skater but think of Leon Draisaitl.  Draisaitl isn’t fast.  Neither is DeBrincat.  Neither is Strome.  And these are the guys the Hawks are going to build around?!  Turcotte makes so much more sense to me from a team-building standpoint, from a marketing standpoint (local kid), and simply I and most have Turcotte ahead of Dach.  I do believe Dach’s ceiling is a little higher, but Turcotte has nearly as high of a ceiling and he’s a lot safer in my mind.  Anyway, this sounds like the pick.

Other options: Alex Turcotte – I just can’t understand why they’re going Dach over Turcotte, and I love Dach.

Who I’d pick: Bowen Byram – I know what I’ve said to this point, but the fact is that I just believe Byram is going to be a Norris level defenceman while I worry Turcotte tops out as an elite 2nd line centre just like the guy I compare him with.

4. Bowen Byram

Team: Vancouver  League: WHL

Pos: LD  Ht: 6’1  Wt: 192  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 67  G: 26  A: 45  P: 71

DOB: 06/13/01

Comparison: Scott Niedermayer

SOH Rank: 1st tier, 1st overall

This pick formerly belonged to the Sens, acquired by the Avs in the Matt Duchene/Kyle Turris trade.  What a gift if Byram gets to four, and what a blueline the Avs would now boast.  Scary good.  I know they need some help up front, but unless MAYBE there would be a choice between Turcotte and Byram, you take the stud D-man here and run.  And no, I wouldn’t then trade Tyson Barrie.  They have a ton of cap space to add this summer, not to mention some very good still developing forwards.

Other options: Alex Turcotte – I believe this becomes much more realistic for a centre to go to the Avs now.  However, word on the street is that they’ll still take Byram.

Who I’d pick: Bowen Byram – I think you all know how I feel about him by this point!

5. Alex Turcotte

Team: USA NTDP  League: USHL

Pos: C  Ht: 5’11  Wt: 186  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 30  G: 23  A: 30  P: 53

DOB: 02/26/01

Comparison: Logan Couture

SOH Rank: 2nd tier, 4th overall

I haven’t heard that this is a lock, but if it is, what a gift for the Kings!  It’s not that Dach was going to be a shitty pick at all.  But Turcotte fits their needs a lot better than Dach does.  They want to build with a ton of speed and need help down the middle, Turcotte is a perfect fit.

Other options: Trevor Zegras – some like him better than Turcotte because of the flash he plays with.

Who I’d pick: Alex Turcotte – just love the pick for the Kings.

6. Vasili Podkolzin

Team: St. Petersburg  League: MHL

Pos: RW  Ht: 6’1  Wt: 190  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 26  G: 8  A: 5  P: 13

DOB: 06/24/01

Comparison: Gabriel Landeskog

SOH Rank: 3rd tier, 8th overall

Sticking with this.  On one hand, the Wings shouldn’t be taking another winger at six.  They’re set on the wings.  But on the other hand, Podkolzin is a different type of winger.  One that is much more difficult to find.  And you have a new GM who has all the job security in the world (so he can afford to wait the two years) and has had more success drafting Russian born players than anyone else over the last decade.  I think this makes a ton of sense.   Let’s not sleep on them trading down though.  Yzerman has done it a lot in the past, and if you look at their NEED, it’s on the blueline and it would be a pretty bad reach to take one at least in the top nine (HINT HINT TO ANYONE WHO IS THINKING OF MAKING SUCH A HORRIFIC DECISION…).

Other options: Trevor Zegras – if we’re talking need, they still need certainty down the middle.  Larkin is great, and I still love Joe Veleno.  But to assume you’re set with those two would be bad management.

Who I’d pick: Peyton Krebs – it doesn’t sound like Krebs is getting much love before 10 and I can’t figure out why.  I fully understand he has the Achilles injury, but if you’re drafting any of these kids past two to play next season you’re likely not a good organization.

7. Philip Broberg 

Team: AIK  League: SWE-Als

Pos: LD  Ht: 6’3  Wt: 203  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 41  G: 2  A: 7  P: 9

DOB: 06/25/01

Comparison: Jay Bouwmeester

SOH Rank: 6th tier, 18th overall

The one thing I’ve come to realize is the last 24 hours is that the NHL teams love Broberg much more than the independent guys, so I’m thinking he’s for sure going top 10.  I’m praying it isn’t to the Oilers so obviously some of this is wishful thinking on my part.  But the more I give this thought, the more I believe the Sabres do it.  They need D-men, and most apparently like him up here.  So I believe it’s viewed as both need and possibly BPA or at least not anything of a reach.  I don’t like it for the Sabres or anyone in the top 10 despite the need.

Other options: Trevor Zegras – hometown boy, not to mention they still need help up front with Nylander looking like a bust and Mittlestadt not having a very encouraging rookie season.

Who I’d pick: Peyton Krebs – not only tops on my board, but it’s an organization that could really use the intangibles Krebs brings to the table.

8. Trevor Zegras 

Team: USA NTDP  League: USHL

Pos: C  Ht: 6’0  Wt: 173  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 27  G: 14  A: 26  P: 40

DOB: 03/20/01

Comparison: Mathew Barzal

SOH Rank: 3rd tier, 7th overall

Last minute alteration here folks.  Who is running this draft for the Oilers?  Keith Gretzky.  What is his track record in the draft (throw out 15 and 16 because it doesn’t sound as though he had any say after Chiarelli left)?  Skill.  He loves skill.  Pastrnak, Yamamoto, Bouchard.  All HIGHLY skilled guys who could dish the puck extremely well.  The Broberg shit scares me, and I had Cozens here, but neither align with Gretzky’s line of thinking.  Zegras does.  I will say though if Broberg falls here…I fear the worst folks…

Other options: Matthew Boldy – you’d think I say Cozens or Krebs, but Boldy is a little more skilled and again lines up with Keith Gretzky’s way of thinking.

Who I’d pick: Peyton Krebs – he is simply everything you want a hockey player to be.  All the talent, all the intangibles, and for some completely FUCKED rationale he is not even on the Oilers radar.

9. Dylan Cozens

Team: Lethbridge  League: WHL

Pos: RW  Ht: 6’3  Wt: 183  Shot: R

2019 Stats – GP: 68  G: 34  A: 50  P: 84

DOB: 02/09/01

Comparison: Chris Kreider

SOH Rank: 3rd tier, 9th overall

I obviously have just flipped the Oilers and Ducks picks last minute here, but if Cozens is still there, he is a Bob Murray type of player.  Think about the guy he just bought out.  You think Murray will be ok with having a smaller group that lacks physicality?  I sure don’t, and taking Cozens would address that very well, not to mention he has the skill to go with that physicality.

Other options: Matthew Boldy – was tough deciding which way they’d go as I would guess Boldy’s size would also be pretty appealing to the Ducks.

Who I’d pick: Peyton Krebs – I believe I made my love for him clear…

10. Matthew Boldy

Team: USA NTDP  League: USHL

Pos: LW  Ht: 6’2  Wt: 196  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 55  G: 30  A: 39  P: 69

DOB: 04/05/01

Comparison: James Van Riemsdyk

SOH Rank: 4th tier, 11th overall

Boldy kind of falls right into the Canucks lap in this scenario.  Do they need another winger?  Probably not.  But do they need some skilled size?  Absolutely.  Boldy in a few years could be a perfect compliment to a top line with Pettersson and Boeser.  Or, imagine him doing the dirty work in front of the net on a PP featuring Pettersson on the half wall, Boeser on his off wing, and Hughes manning the blueline.  He is a terrific fit here.

Other options: Victor Söderström – he’s not a sexy pick at all, but he would be a terrific fit on their blueline.

Who I’d pick: Peyton Krebs – is anyone listening?!?!?!

11. Peyton Krebs

Team: Kootenay  League: WHL

Pos: C  Ht: 5’11.5  Wt: 183  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 64  G: 19  A: 49  P: 68

DOB: 01/26/01

Comparison: Bo Horvat

SOH Rank: 3rd tier, 6th overall

This is a great fit for the Flyers.  I’ve said that Krebs has a little Mike Richards in his game (better skater), and is terrific on the wing if that’s where you want to use him.  Add to this, under Paul Holmgren (who OBVIOUSLY isn’t using Chuck Fletcher as his puppet…………..) the Flyers loved the stockpile centres.  Kevin Hayes gets brought in, Giroux, Patrick, Krebs would fit perfectly there.

Other options: Cole Caufield – the Flyers love flash, and Caufield would be a flashy pick.

Who I’d pick: Peyton Krebs – finally, he goes.  Teams will be sorry.

12. Cole Caufield

Team: USA NTDP  League: USHL

Pos: RW  Ht: 5’7  Wt: 163  Shot: R

2019 Stats – GP: 28  G: 29  A: 12  P: 41

DOB: 01/02/01

Comparison: Mike Cammalleri

SOH Rank: 5th tier, 16th overall

I don’t think this fills much of a need for them, but I have heard a lot that owner Craig Leipold meddles.  This is why I believe they end up with a lot of US players on their team.  Caufield is a Wisconsin kid, but I’m going to guess here that Leipold has found out about him, and won’t let Paul Fenton not pick him should he still be on the board.

Other options: Victor Söderström – this is getting annoying how much I’m suggesting him.  He’d make a lot of sense for the Wild though.

Who I’d pick: Alex Newhook – I think this would be the right move for them.

13. Thomas Harley

Team: Mississauga  League: OHL

Pos: LD  Ht: 6’3  Wt: 183  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 68  G: 11  A: 47  P: 58

DOB: 08/19/01

Comparison: Tom Gilbert

SOH Rank: 7th tier, 24th overall

I’d say a very safe bet is that this is a D-man.  They have no high-end D-men in their system.  They haven’t used a 1st or 2nd round pick on a D since taking Aaron Ekblad.  Initially, I had Harley here.  But then settled with Broberg, and now I’m back to Harley seeing I have Broberg gone by this point.  The cats have loved taking kids out of the OHL, so Harley just makes a lot of sense in this spot even though I’m personally not as high on him.

Other options: Mortiz Seider – it sounds like a LOT of teams are excited over how well Seider interviewed.

Who I’d pick: Victor Söderström – getting a sense that teams aren’t near as high on him as independent guys are.  I guess we’ll see.

14. Philip Tomasino

Team: Niagara  League: OHL

Pos: RW  Ht: 6’0  Wt: 181  Shot: R

2019 Stats – GP: 67  G: 34  A: 38  P: 72

DOB: 07/28/01

Comparison: Jeff Skinner

SOH Rank: 5th tier, 15th overall

They LOOOOOOOVE them some OHL!  Four of their last top picks were out of the OHL.  Maybe a much more eye-popping stat, 14 of their last 29 picks 4th round or higher were used on OHL kids since 2013.  Damn near half, and if you include tier II Ontario kids, it’s 15 of 29.  So a safe bet is suggesting the Coyotes pick someone from the OHL, and the numbers check out with Tomasino, and the game checks out with Tomasino.

Other options: Arthur Kaliyev – after they took Hayton last year, it sure doesn’t appear as though the analytics have much of an influence over their scouting department.  If you’re looking at sheer numbers though, combined with where they love to take their kids, Kaliyev makes a lot of sense.

Who I’d pick: Alex Newhook – I love Tomasino, but I just like Newhook’s game a tad more.

15. Victor Söderström

Team: Brynas  League: SHL

Pos: RD  Ht: 6’0  Wt: 182  Shot: R

2019 Stats – GP: 44  G: 4  A: 3  P: 7

DOB: 02/26/01

Comparison: Matt Niskanen

SOH Rank: 4th tier, 12th overall

FINALLY!!!  He no longer will be an “other option” or “who I’d pick”!  He is just extremely solid across the board, and even though he hasn’t showcased high-end offensive ability, I believe he has a very good offensive upside.  As for the Habs, I know they have some good D in the system, but they don’t have a guy at Soderstrom’s level.  They did a terrific job the last two drafts addressing their issues down the middle.  Nothing wrong with turning your attention to stockpiling the blueline when you can.

Other options: Cam York – a lot of similarities with Söderström, but a left shot.

Who I’d pick: Victor Söderström – would make a lot of sense, but so would York, so would Seider, so would Harley if he’s still around.

16. Spencer Knight

Team: USA NTDP  League: USHL

Pos: G  Ht: 6’3.5  Wt: 193  Glove: L

2019 Stats – GP: 28  G.A.A.: 2.50  Sv%: .906

DOB: 04/19/01

Comparison: Carey Price

SOH Rank: 6th tier, 20th overall

Normally I can’t stand goaltenders going 1st round, but Knight is without a doubt going in the 1st round this year.  Why the Avs?  Well, most in the hockey world believe in being able to blow a 1st round pick if they own more than one.  I think it’s completely fucked logic, but most think this way and picking a goaltender qualifies under that logic.

Other options: Alex Newhook – he’s falling.  Not sure if that’ll happen, but I’m having a tough time slotting him.

Who I’d pick: Spencer Knight – for them, I actually really like this pick.

17. Cam York

Team: USA NTDP  League: USHL

Pos: LD  Ht: 5’11  Wt: 172  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 28  G: 7  A: 26  P: 33

DOB: 01/05/01

Comparison: Mark Streit

SOH Rank: 5th tier, 13th overall

There are several ways the Knights could go, so it likely will just be a simple ask of who the best player is on their board, and I’m guessing that’s York.  They don’t have much in the system, but they’re REALLY thin both in the system and on the big club along the blueline.

Other options: Moritz Seider – I really worry I got him falling a lot further than he’s going to go.  As high as 10th wouldn’t stun me.

Who I’d pick: Alex Newhook – they need D, but they need everything in their system.

18. Moritz Seider

Team: Mannheim  League: DEL

Pos: RD  Ht: 6’4  Wt: 198  Shot: R

2019 Stats – GP: 29  G: 2  A: 4  P: 6

DOB: 04/06/01

Comparison: Brett Pesce

SOH Rank: 6th tier, 17th overall

The need on the big club is scoring depth.  But the Stars need in the organization (a little to my surprise to be honest) is on the blueline.  They have nothing in the system, and Julius Honka appears to be falling out of favour.  If he is, then they have a massive need for a RHD, and a guy like Seider moving forward would be an excellent partner for a kid like Heiskanen, freeing up Klingberg to anchor another pairing.

Other options: Arthur Kaliyev – I haven’t been much of a fan of how they’ve drafted under Jim Nill…picking Kaliyev would be something I wouldn’t be much of a fan of.

Who I’d pick: Mortiz Seider – big fan of this pick if it shakes down this way

19. Ville Heinola

Team: Lukko  League: Liiga

Pos: LD  Ht: 5’11  Wt: 176  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 34  G: 2  A: 12  P: 14

DOB: 03/02/01

Comparison: Andrej Sekera

SOH Rank: 5th tier, 14th overall

I really feel they’re taking a D-man in this spot, and Heinola ends up being the best on the board, or at least close to it.  Let’s not forget something about the Sens: they draft extremely well.  They have a joke of an owner, but they have a terrific amateur scouting staff.

Other options: Vladislav Kolyachonok – not as skilled as Harley, but apparently interviewed much better and might be an even better skater.

Who I’d pick: Alex Newhook – he’d be far too good to pass up for me.

 

20. Alex Newhook 

Team: Victoria  League: BCHL

Pos: C  Ht: 5’10.5  Wt: 192  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 53  G: 38  A: 64  P: 102

DOB: 01/28/01

Comparison: William Karlsson

Pick initially belonged to Winnipeg, moved to New York in the Kevin Hayes deal, and now back to Winnipeg in the Jacob Trouba deal. Newhook falls right into their lap.  He’s not the big kid we all know they love, but he is the high-end centre they seem to be craving right now.  Newhook falling to them here would salvage the Trouba deal for me.

Other options: Raphaël Lavoie – if they view him as a centre, which he has played in Halifax, they might love him cause he fits their bill of size and skill.

Who I’d pick: Alex Newhook – fall stops here.

21. Raphaël Lavoie

Team: Halifax  League: QMJHL

Pos: RW  Ht: 6’4  Wt: 199  Shot: R

2019 Stats – GP: 62  G: 32  A: 41  P: 73

DOB: 09/25/00

Comparison: Alex Chiasson

SOH Rank: 8th tier, 30th overall

The Pens don’t usually have a 1st rounder!  The last one they had was 2014 (Kasperi Kapanen).  The most recent one who is still on the roster?  87.  Olli Maatta was, but of course he just got dealt to Chicago.  Anyway, they seem as though they’re moving towards adding more size.  Another thing with the Pens is I’m guessing they’ll want someone who will be close to stepping in the lineup seeing that the window is closing quickly on Sid and Geno.

Other options: Arthur Kaliyev – the Pens are a team who I believe would love his skill.

Who I’d pick: Vladislav Kolyachonok – I’m about to say his name a ton, but maybe shouldn’t here?  Again, they need players as fast as they can get them and Kolyachonok will take a few years.

22. Ryan Johnson

Team: Sioux Falls  League: USHL

Pos: LD  Ht: 6’0  Wt: 170  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 52  G: 6  A: 18  P: 24

DOB: 07/24/01

Comparison: Jared Spurgeon

SOH Rank: 7th tier, 25th overall

This pick formerly belonged to the Leafs, acquired by the Kings in the Jake Muzzin trade.  Keep something in mind with this pick: the coaching candidates for the Kings were all old buddies of Rob Blake.  This pick would fill a need, but the big reason I like projecting it is Rob Blake played a long time with a man named Craig Johnson.  Craig Johnson has a son named Ryan.  Just remember that come draft day.  But by no means would this be any kind of reach, and fills a need too for this organization.

Other options: Vladislav Kolyachonok – they really need to rebuild their blueline, and he’s an OHL kid.

Who I’d pick: Vladislav Kolyachonok – I just love the wheels and upside.

23. Bobby Brink

Team: Sioux City  League: USHL

Pos: RW  Ht: 5’8  Wt: 165  Shot: R

2019 Stats – GP: 42  G: 35  A: 32  P: 67

DOB: 07/08/01

Comparison: Alex DeBrincat

SOH Rank: 6th tier, 23rd overall

Tough one here because on one hand Brink is the type of kid who I see the Islanders loving.  They’ve stockpiled skill, especially with late first rounders they’ve had.  On the other hand, Lou Lamoriello is now in charge and I have no idea how different their scouting staff looks or if it’s similar, if their philosophy has been altered.  So I won’t lie, I’m guessing here.

Other options: Tobias Bjornfot – most like him better than I do (not that I dislike him, just not at this point in the draft).

Who I’d pick: Vladislav Kolyachonok – I could easily look this up and I’m not…but I believe he’s my highest ranked guy left, and he fits the need.

24. Tobias Bjornfot

Team: Djurgardens  League: SWE-J20

Pos: LD  Ht: 6’0  Wt: 203  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 39  G: 11  A: 11  P: 22

DOB: 04/06/01

Comparison: Esa Lindell

SOH Rank: 10th tier, 44th overall

They don’t really have much in the organization on the blueline on the left side.  If you also look at their blueline moving forward, I see five guys with a hole on the bottom pairing, left side.  Bjornfot feels like someone who fits well for the Preds.

Other options: Alex Vlasic – if they’re thinking about LHD, they have lived off drafting from the USNTDP the last few seasons.

Who I’d pick: Vladislav Kolaychonok – I’ll stop saying him now because I don’t believe he is going with any of the picks between 25-30.

25. Arthur Kaliyev

Team: Hamilton  League: OHL

Pos: LW  Ht: 6’2  Wt: 194  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 67  G: 51  A: 51  P: 102

DOB: 06/26/01

Comparison: Dany Heatley

SOH Rank: 8th tier, 31st overall

Believe it or not, this doesn’t have anything to do with his last name.  This organization is built on skilled size, and that is exactly what Kaliyev brings to the table.  I’m not a fan of his motor, but the Caps have had success with guys who don’t possess the best motors (Brett Connolly for example).

Other options: Pavel Dorofeyev – same idea in terms of skill, and Dorofeyev is Russian born, unlike Kaliyev, and we all know they’ve done better than most taking Russian kids.

Who I’d pick: Samuel Poulin – if they took Poulin, it would be the first kid the Caps have taken out of the Q since 2010.  It would be the first time the Caps used a 1st round pick on a player out of the Q since Reggie Savage in 1988.

26. Nils Hoglander

Team: Rogle  League: SHL

Pos: LW  Ht: 5’9.5  Wt: 185  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 50  G: 7  A: 7  P: 14

DOB: 12/20/00

Comparison: Mats Zuccarello

SOH Rank: 7th tier, 27th overall

Will the playoffs do anything to change the way they build their team?  Honestly, I can’t see it.  Treliving isn’t the type of guy to panic, which is why he is such a good GM.  Aggressive, yes.  But he’s going to stick to what he believes in and he believes in skill.  Hoglander is skilled and works his ass off.  Not big as you can read, and he’s not that fast, but he’s got a ton of skill and a ton of character.

Other options: Brett Leason – Craig Button put Leason to the Flames in their mock.  His brother works for the team.  I’ve also felt in the last few weeks that it feels like a fit too though I’m not exactly sure why.

Who I’d pick: Samuel Poulin – if I’m the Flames, I’m looking to get a little heavier which Poulin would provide without sacrificing speed or skill.

27. Brayden Tracey

Team: Moose Jaw  League: WHL

Pos: LW  Ht: 6’0.5  Wt: 170  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 66  G: 36  A: 45  P: 81

DOB: 05/28/01

Comparison: Jordan Eberle

SOH Rank: 13th tier, 63rd overall

Before I start this one, I have buyers remorse on Tracey.  When doing my rankings, I got too worried about the wheels and compete.  At this point he’s one of the most talented kids and the offensive production obviously shows that.  Don’t know if I’d have had him too high on my list, but definitely should have been top 62 (hence why I listed him as 63rd).  Since I didn’t have him on that list, he’s not the best skater, but he hasn’t filled out yet either and at close to 6’1 he might add a gear as he gains strength.  But the kid is extremely smart and can fill the net, this is a Tampa type of kid.  And Al Murray is still there.  Al Murray loves the WHL.  He loves the CHL in general, but he loves the WHL because it’s in his backyard, Moose Jaw specifically.  Brayden Point was a Moose Jaw Warrior.  Brett Howden was a Moose Jaw Warrior.  Brayden Tracey is an Al Murray type of kid (skilled) and is a Moose Jaw Warrior.  Not sure how this slipped past me in the first mock (also apologies, in the first mock I INITIALLY had the Rangers with the pick, which isn’t the case obviously, very sorry about such a sloppy fuck up).

Other options: Matthew Robertson – their need is on the backend, so if they look to address the need, Thomson makes sense.

Who I’d pick: Ryan Suzuki – if he falls to them, for this team specifically I believe Suzuki would thrive.

28. Ryan Suzuki

Team: Barrie  League: OHL

Pos: C  Ht: 6’1  Wt: 180  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 65  G: 25  A: 50  P: 75

DOB: 05/28/01

Comparison: Craig Janney

SOH Rank: 8th tier, 29th overall

We know they’re going with a forward.  I’m guessing they want a highly skilled forward.  Suzuki checks both those boxes.  He’s a kid who I have a tough time pinning where he goes as he plays such a perimeter game, yet he’s so talented, not sure how teams will be viewing his game.  The skill is there however to be a top six centre in the NHL.

Other options: Connor McMichael – also one of the most talented players left on the board.

Who I’d pick: Samuel Poulin – isn’t it fun how I keep saying I’d pick Poulin?!

29. Lassi Thomson

Team: Kelowna  League: WHL

Pos: RD  Ht: 6’0  Wt: 186  Shot: R

2019 Stats – GP: 63  G: 17  A: 24  P: 41

DOB: 09/24/00

Comparison: Anton Stralman

SOH Rank: 8th tier, 35th overall

Pick initially belonged to San Jose, moved to Buffalo in the Evander Kane deal, then moved to Anaheim in the Brandon Montour deal.  They get Krebs at nine, they will then look to shore up the blueline with 29.  That Ducks blueline isn’t nearly the beast it looked as though it was becoming just two years ago.  Thomson gives them a bonafide RHD prospect that they currently lack.

Other options: Drew Helleson – another righty D-man they might look at.

Who I’d pick: Lassi Thomson – he’s not flashy but I feel he’s solid and a great fit for the Ducks.

30. Samuel Poulin

Team: Sherbrooke  League: QMJHL

Pos: LW  Ht: 6’1  Wt: 212  Shot: L

2019 Stats – GP: 67  G: 29  A: 47  P: 76

DOB: 02/25/01

Comparison: Andrew Ladd

SOH Rank: 6th tier, 21st overall

The Bruins need a little more size.  Keep in mind that when I call for teams to get bigger, I don’t advise they do it at the expense of speed.  There is no law that says you have to be one or the other.  Poulin has solid speed, but as you can see he has the heavy body that the Bruins need a bit more of.

Other options: Jamieson Rees – fits them perfectly.  In your face, completely fearless, speedy, would be anything but surprising to see them pick Rees.

Who I’d pick: Samuel Poulin – I love the fit, and now I can quit saying this, although there is only one pick left…

31. Drew Helleson

Team: USA NTDP  League: USHL

Pos: RD  Ht: 6’3  Wt: 194  Shot: R

2019 Stats – GP: 28  G: 4  A: 7  P: 11

DOB: 03/26/01

Comparison: David Savard

SOH Rank: 10th tier, 43rd overall

Pick initially belonged to St. Louis, moved to Buffalo in the Ryan O’Reilly deal.  They have a big need for RH shot D-men.  I have them taking Broberg at seven, but he doesn’t address the right side where it’s really bare.  Helleson is a new school shut down D-man.  Nothing flashy, but the type of guy who could be the perfect compliment to a kid like Dahlin down the road.

Other options: Matthew Robertson – they once upon a time took the top Oil Kings D prospect in Mark Pysyk, history repeats itself?

Who I’d pick: Vladislav Kolyachonok – I’m a fan, you should have figured this out by now.

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