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Stick this up your pipe and smoke it SI. I hope I fare better here than I did my NFL Draft mocks.
Courtesy of ARodEnvy
1. Edmonton Oilers: LW Taylor Hall, Windsor (OHL)
* * Despite the attempts by several draft critics to lead us to believe otherwise, there's no doubt in my mind that Taylor Hall is taken 1st overall. Hall is incredibly dynamic, a fantastic skater. His creativity on the offensive attack and undeniable passion for the game make him the face of the Oilers' future.
2. Boston Bruins: C Tyler Seguin, Plymouth (OHL)
* * One could argue that Tyler Seguin does a lot more with less and hasn't been surrounded with as much talent as Taylor Hall. An ice maturity that goes well beyond his years, Seguin is on the ice for nearly every single situation while Plymouth. He's made an incredible push to be that #1 overall but in the end, he ends up in a much better situation with the Boston Bruins.
3. Florida Panthers: D Cam Fowler, Windsor (OHL)
* * This is the point in the draft where 1 pick can alter the next 10. I'm 55/45 right now on the Panthers selecting Fowler but I could switch to Gudbranson within a week. To sum up the way the 2009-10 Florida Panthers defence handled the puck....they treated it like a "hot potato". Add the smooth skating, puck moving Fowler to the equation and suddenly goalies won't be as hung out to dry. Still, the Panthers might opt for a more hard-hitting/enforcer type of presence in Gudbranson.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets: D Brandon Gormley, Moncton (OHL)
* * An offensive minded defenceman, Gormley gives the Jackets another option along the blueline. Gormley can best be described as "Sheldon Souray w/o the 100-mph slapshot". Best part about Gromley is he can step in right away w/o having to spend another year in Juniors.
5. New York Islanders: D Erik Gudbranson, Kingston (OHL)
* * Look for Gudbranson to go as high as 3 but no lower than this pick. Gudbranson is a dominant/enforcer-type of blueliner that the Islanders' defence is in need of. Gudbranson steps in right away and makes the Isles' D tougher overnight.
6. Tampa Bay Lightning: C Alexander Burmistrov, Barrie (OHL)
* * A couple months ago and this was a reach for Burmistrov....but now he's being projected even as high as 5th overall. Alex's seamless transition to North American hockey, passing, and playmaking can be responsible for his jump. A make sense pick for the Lightning as he provides another option at center, solidifying a group of improving forwards.
7. Carolina Hurricanes: RW Mikael Granlund, HIFK (Finland)
* * Granlund may be a smaller player but don't buy into any Saku Koivu comparisons. A dominant player given his size, very clever with the puck and has a good shot. Leading his team at only 17-years old, this kid finds a way to make things happen on the ice. Great prospect for the Canes.
8. Atlanta Thrashers: LW Nino Niederretier, Portland (WHL)
* * Coming off a great year with Portland, "El Nino" gives the Thrashers much-need power forward that can score. Good skater for his size and fun to watch on the open ice. Will develop into a dominant offensive presence for the Thrashers.
9. Minnesota Wild: C Jeffrey Skinner, Kitchener (OHL)
* * Skinner scored 70 goals in 84 games and is lethal in front of the net. A former figure skater (seriously), Skinner's skating ability is premier and his hand-eye coordination is well above average.
10. New York Rangers: RW Brett Connolly, Prince George (WHL)
* * The draft's wild card is finally off the board. Dominant player with injury concerns that might scare away many top 10 teams. The Rangers will take the gamble in hopes that Connolly's big-time goal scoring will help a team that struggled offensively in 2009-10.
11. Dallas Stars: D Derek Forbort, US NTDP
* * Headed to the University of North Dakota this fall, Dallas invests into a kid that wisely gave up his last year of high school eligibility to play for the National Team Development Program. A high-quality defence prospect that has good size, strength, and puck-moving ability.
12. Anaheim Ducks: C Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat (WHL)
* * The Ducks are running short on centers, especially if Koivu doesn't come back. Having spent a lot of higher picks on defence lately, I like the Ducks to address the offense by picking this kid from Long Beach. Killer wrist shot, quick, lethal, accurate...will be a star if he can improve his skating.
13. Phoenix Coyotes: RW Vladimir Tarasenko, Novosibirsk (Russia)
* * The Yotes have prospects all over the ice, so they could really go anywhere with this pick. I like Tarasenko here, I think he's a top 15 talent that is as good as anyone around the net. Only 17, a smaller player, but done more than just hold his own against older men in the KHL.
14. St. Louis Blues: G Jack Campbell, US NTDP
* * Goalies are very tough to evaluate and the reason is how important the mental side of the game is. Campbell is a prime mix of physical ability and ice water in the viens. Talented, fundamentally sound, and not easily rattled...Campbell adds a future to the shaky situation between the pipes in St. Louis.
15. Boston Bruins: D Jon Merrill, US NTDP
* * The Bruins already get their future offense at pick 2, time to focus on the future behind the blueline. Lots to like about Merrill, he's a big defenceman that does a lot of things well. Needs to become a better skater and mature his game...nothing a couple years at Michigan won't fix.
16. Ottawa Senators: C Ryan Johansen, Portland (WHL)
* * Ottawa will look to Johansen to bolster their forward depth. Coming off a great year at Portland, a top playmaker, great hands, and long arms. Need to put on about 15 pounds in order to hold up at the NHL level but he'll be on the pro ice within a year.
17. Colorado Avalanche: D Jarred Tinordri, US NTDP
* * Adam Foote has 1 more season left and its time to get his eventual replacement. Tinordi is a tough player with an NHL pedigree and a physical style of play. Very nice blueline bluechipper for the Avs...should be ready within 2 years.
18. Nashville Predators: C Nick Bjugstad, Blaine HS (Minnesota)
* * Bjugstad is another prospect with the NHL in his bloodlines (Scott Bjugstad) and he's got size. Nick lead his team in scoring this past year and he's impressed even more with his maturity. You wouldn't think at 6'5" and 190...but the dude is quick on the ice.
19. Los Angeles Kings: C Brock Nelson, Warroad HS (Minnesota)
* * Expect Nelson to be useful in front of the net by the time Ryan Smyth calls it a career. The potential to be a strong scoring forward, Nelson is big bodied and an elite goal scorer in HS. Warroad HS is also the alma-mater of TJ Oshie.
20. Pittsburgh Penguins: RW Austin Watson, Peterborough (OHL)
* * The Pens need to do wise by their future and look to add complimentary pieces to Sidney Crosby. Watson is a high-character forward that will do whatever he asked to do. As he grows into his bigger body, Watson should become a bruiser to have on the offensive attack.
21. Detroit Red Wings: C Riley Sheahan, Notre Dame (CCHA)
* * Detroit always finds great prospects in the draft and Sheahan's 2-way play fits right into the Wings' style. An disappoint frosh season at ND and an April arrest for public intoxication have cost Sheahan's stock to fall but he's one of College's youngest players and he's got plenty of time to mature.
22. Phoenix Coyotes: D Mark Pysyk, Edmonton (WHL)
* * Smooth skater who can contribute offensively but known for strong play in own zone. Very smart player, great puck mover, and should turn into a grinding pro D-man.
23. Buffalo Sabres: C Tyler Pitlick, Minnesota State (WCHA)
* * Good sized forward that is reportedly leaving collegiate play for the Juniors. Has a willingness to bag bodies but needs more offensive flair. Some time in the WHL would do Pitlick a ton of good for his game.
24. Atlanta Thrashers: G Calvin Pickard, Seattle (WHL)
* * Keri Lehtonen is gone and the Thrashers' goalie depth is questionable. Pickard might be a reach for the 1st round but he'll help in the farm system and hopefully develop into someone who can compete with Ondrej Pavelec for NHL playing time.
25. Vancouver Canucks: D Stephen Johns, US NTDP
* * Scout's love Johns' big, strong, tough, physical style of play...all the elements you want in a shutdown defender. Also a right-handed shot, which adds to his appeal. Canucks are tad thin in defencemen.
26. Washington Capitals: C Evgeny Kuznetsov, Chelyabink Traktor (KHL)
* * Enigmatic talent that will have plenty of time to develop NHL skills, thanks to Capitals' organizational depth. Overmatched playing in the KHL but time spent with professional talent helps.
27. Montreal Canadiens: C Jaden Schwartz, Tri-City (USHL)
* * A smaller-speedy forward that Montreal Canadiens never shy away from. Will attract teams with his playmaking skills but skeptics say he can't take a hit.
28. San Jose Sharks: C John McFarland, Sudbury (OHL)
* * The Sharks have depth all over their system and McFarland is in a good situation here...taking time to grow up in the Juniors and Minors.
29. Anaheim Ducks: D Dylan McIlrath, Moose Jaw (WHL)
* * Tough along the blueline and a great defensive prospect for Anaheim.
30. Chicago Blackhawks: RW Beau Bennett, Penticton (BCHL)
* * Chicago continues to stock up on young talent by way of taking players heading to College. Bennett will vastly improve his game playing under George Gwozecky at the U of Denver.
Courtesy of ARodEnvy
1. Edmonton Oilers: LW Taylor Hall, Windsor (OHL)
* * Despite the attempts by several draft critics to lead us to believe otherwise, there's no doubt in my mind that Taylor Hall is taken 1st overall. Hall is incredibly dynamic, a fantastic skater. His creativity on the offensive attack and undeniable passion for the game make him the face of the Oilers' future.
2. Boston Bruins: C Tyler Seguin, Plymouth (OHL)
* * One could argue that Tyler Seguin does a lot more with less and hasn't been surrounded with as much talent as Taylor Hall. An ice maturity that goes well beyond his years, Seguin is on the ice for nearly every single situation while Plymouth. He's made an incredible push to be that #1 overall but in the end, he ends up in a much better situation with the Boston Bruins.
3. Florida Panthers: D Cam Fowler, Windsor (OHL)
* * This is the point in the draft where 1 pick can alter the next 10. I'm 55/45 right now on the Panthers selecting Fowler but I could switch to Gudbranson within a week. To sum up the way the 2009-10 Florida Panthers defence handled the puck....they treated it like a "hot potato". Add the smooth skating, puck moving Fowler to the equation and suddenly goalies won't be as hung out to dry. Still, the Panthers might opt for a more hard-hitting/enforcer type of presence in Gudbranson.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets: D Brandon Gormley, Moncton (OHL)
* * An offensive minded defenceman, Gormley gives the Jackets another option along the blueline. Gormley can best be described as "Sheldon Souray w/o the 100-mph slapshot". Best part about Gromley is he can step in right away w/o having to spend another year in Juniors.
5. New York Islanders: D Erik Gudbranson, Kingston (OHL)
* * Look for Gudbranson to go as high as 3 but no lower than this pick. Gudbranson is a dominant/enforcer-type of blueliner that the Islanders' defence is in need of. Gudbranson steps in right away and makes the Isles' D tougher overnight.
6. Tampa Bay Lightning: C Alexander Burmistrov, Barrie (OHL)
* * A couple months ago and this was a reach for Burmistrov....but now he's being projected even as high as 5th overall. Alex's seamless transition to North American hockey, passing, and playmaking can be responsible for his jump. A make sense pick for the Lightning as he provides another option at center, solidifying a group of improving forwards.
7. Carolina Hurricanes: RW Mikael Granlund, HIFK (Finland)
* * Granlund may be a smaller player but don't buy into any Saku Koivu comparisons. A dominant player given his size, very clever with the puck and has a good shot. Leading his team at only 17-years old, this kid finds a way to make things happen on the ice. Great prospect for the Canes.
8. Atlanta Thrashers: LW Nino Niederretier, Portland (WHL)
* * Coming off a great year with Portland, "El Nino" gives the Thrashers much-need power forward that can score. Good skater for his size and fun to watch on the open ice. Will develop into a dominant offensive presence for the Thrashers.
9. Minnesota Wild: C Jeffrey Skinner, Kitchener (OHL)
* * Skinner scored 70 goals in 84 games and is lethal in front of the net. A former figure skater (seriously), Skinner's skating ability is premier and his hand-eye coordination is well above average.
10. New York Rangers: RW Brett Connolly, Prince George (WHL)
* * The draft's wild card is finally off the board. Dominant player with injury concerns that might scare away many top 10 teams. The Rangers will take the gamble in hopes that Connolly's big-time goal scoring will help a team that struggled offensively in 2009-10.
11. Dallas Stars: D Derek Forbort, US NTDP
* * Headed to the University of North Dakota this fall, Dallas invests into a kid that wisely gave up his last year of high school eligibility to play for the National Team Development Program. A high-quality defence prospect that has good size, strength, and puck-moving ability.
12. Anaheim Ducks: C Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat (WHL)
* * The Ducks are running short on centers, especially if Koivu doesn't come back. Having spent a lot of higher picks on defence lately, I like the Ducks to address the offense by picking this kid from Long Beach. Killer wrist shot, quick, lethal, accurate...will be a star if he can improve his skating.
13. Phoenix Coyotes: RW Vladimir Tarasenko, Novosibirsk (Russia)
* * The Yotes have prospects all over the ice, so they could really go anywhere with this pick. I like Tarasenko here, I think he's a top 15 talent that is as good as anyone around the net. Only 17, a smaller player, but done more than just hold his own against older men in the KHL.
14. St. Louis Blues: G Jack Campbell, US NTDP
* * Goalies are very tough to evaluate and the reason is how important the mental side of the game is. Campbell is a prime mix of physical ability and ice water in the viens. Talented, fundamentally sound, and not easily rattled...Campbell adds a future to the shaky situation between the pipes in St. Louis.
15. Boston Bruins: D Jon Merrill, US NTDP
* * The Bruins already get their future offense at pick 2, time to focus on the future behind the blueline. Lots to like about Merrill, he's a big defenceman that does a lot of things well. Needs to become a better skater and mature his game...nothing a couple years at Michigan won't fix.
16. Ottawa Senators: C Ryan Johansen, Portland (WHL)
* * Ottawa will look to Johansen to bolster their forward depth. Coming off a great year at Portland, a top playmaker, great hands, and long arms. Need to put on about 15 pounds in order to hold up at the NHL level but he'll be on the pro ice within a year.
17. Colorado Avalanche: D Jarred Tinordri, US NTDP
* * Adam Foote has 1 more season left and its time to get his eventual replacement. Tinordi is a tough player with an NHL pedigree and a physical style of play. Very nice blueline bluechipper for the Avs...should be ready within 2 years.
18. Nashville Predators: C Nick Bjugstad, Blaine HS (Minnesota)
* * Bjugstad is another prospect with the NHL in his bloodlines (Scott Bjugstad) and he's got size. Nick lead his team in scoring this past year and he's impressed even more with his maturity. You wouldn't think at 6'5" and 190...but the dude is quick on the ice.
19. Los Angeles Kings: C Brock Nelson, Warroad HS (Minnesota)
* * Expect Nelson to be useful in front of the net by the time Ryan Smyth calls it a career. The potential to be a strong scoring forward, Nelson is big bodied and an elite goal scorer in HS. Warroad HS is also the alma-mater of TJ Oshie.
20. Pittsburgh Penguins: RW Austin Watson, Peterborough (OHL)
* * The Pens need to do wise by their future and look to add complimentary pieces to Sidney Crosby. Watson is a high-character forward that will do whatever he asked to do. As he grows into his bigger body, Watson should become a bruiser to have on the offensive attack.
21. Detroit Red Wings: C Riley Sheahan, Notre Dame (CCHA)
* * Detroit always finds great prospects in the draft and Sheahan's 2-way play fits right into the Wings' style. An disappoint frosh season at ND and an April arrest for public intoxication have cost Sheahan's stock to fall but he's one of College's youngest players and he's got plenty of time to mature.
22. Phoenix Coyotes: D Mark Pysyk, Edmonton (WHL)
* * Smooth skater who can contribute offensively but known for strong play in own zone. Very smart player, great puck mover, and should turn into a grinding pro D-man.
23. Buffalo Sabres: C Tyler Pitlick, Minnesota State (WCHA)
* * Good sized forward that is reportedly leaving collegiate play for the Juniors. Has a willingness to bag bodies but needs more offensive flair. Some time in the WHL would do Pitlick a ton of good for his game.
24. Atlanta Thrashers: G Calvin Pickard, Seattle (WHL)
* * Keri Lehtonen is gone and the Thrashers' goalie depth is questionable. Pickard might be a reach for the 1st round but he'll help in the farm system and hopefully develop into someone who can compete with Ondrej Pavelec for NHL playing time.
25. Vancouver Canucks: D Stephen Johns, US NTDP
* * Scout's love Johns' big, strong, tough, physical style of play...all the elements you want in a shutdown defender. Also a right-handed shot, which adds to his appeal. Canucks are tad thin in defencemen.
26. Washington Capitals: C Evgeny Kuznetsov, Chelyabink Traktor (KHL)
* * Enigmatic talent that will have plenty of time to develop NHL skills, thanks to Capitals' organizational depth. Overmatched playing in the KHL but time spent with professional talent helps.
27. Montreal Canadiens: C Jaden Schwartz, Tri-City (USHL)
* * A smaller-speedy forward that Montreal Canadiens never shy away from. Will attract teams with his playmaking skills but skeptics say he can't take a hit.
28. San Jose Sharks: C John McFarland, Sudbury (OHL)
* * The Sharks have depth all over their system and McFarland is in a good situation here...taking time to grow up in the Juniors and Minors.
29. Anaheim Ducks: D Dylan McIlrath, Moose Jaw (WHL)
* * Tough along the blueline and a great defensive prospect for Anaheim.
30. Chicago Blackhawks: RW Beau Bennett, Penticton (BCHL)
* * Chicago continues to stock up on young talent by way of taking players heading to College. Bennett will vastly improve his game playing under George Gwozecky at the U of Denver.
