Not so much saying I agree with all these picks. Especially 2 & 3. But I have a feeling it may go this way, as do many.
1 Toronto Maple Leafs- Gavin McKenna-LW- Penn State-NCAA
5’11 170 Dec 20th/07 Whitehorse, Yukon
The Toronto Maple Leafs are all set to grab Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. From what I’ve been seeing, they’ve already straight-up told the kid and his camp during the Combine that he’s their guy at No. 1, which takes a lot of the drama out of draft day in Buffalo. McKenna’s this 18-year-old left-shot winger out of Whitehorse, Yukon, who tore it up with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL before going off as a Penn State freshman — 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in just 35 games and snagging the Big Ten scoring title. He plays with that smooth Ryan Nugent-Hopkins/Mitch Marner vibe: ridiculous vision and playmaking where he can run a power play, thread those perfect passes, and still rip a heavy shot when he wants. Like Marner, he’s deadly with the puck on his stick, loves creating in transition, and finds ways to make plays from the outside or by slipping into quiet areas. You also get some RNH in there with the smart two-way game, the compete when it matters, and just being a sharp hockey mind instead of some pure speed guy. He’s listed around 5’11” to 6’0″ and 170 pounds, so not a giant, but he tested really well at the Combine (top 20 in a bunch of the fitness stuff) and his hockey IQ is basically NHL-ready already. Scouts can’t stop talking about his puck control, how he moves the puck, and how efficient he is turning defense into offense. A lot of the numbers guys even throw Clayton Keller comps at him as a ceiling. For a Leafs team that’s been dying for more depth scoring and creative wingers, this feels like the perfect high-upside fit — a future top-line guy who could push 90-100 points and make life way easier for Auston Matthews (if he ever stays there and isn’t traded to lets say Vegas). Excited to see how he slots in.
2 San Jose Sharks- Chase Reid- D- Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds- OHL
6’2 194 Dec 30th/07 Chesterfield, Michigan
Chase Reid is widely expected to be the crown jewel of the San Jose Sharks’ draft class, filling a critical organizational void as a franchise-caliber, right-handed defenseman. While some fans initially clamoured for the electric offensive upside of Ivar Stenberg, the fan base and draft experts have increasingly aligned on Reid as the ultimate puzzle piece to complete San Jose’s rebuild spine alongside Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Draft insiders at the NHL Scouting Combine heavily indicate that General Manager Mike Grier is leaning toward positional value, especially given how razor-thin the Sharks’ pipeline is on the right side of the blue line. Reid’s combination of elite mobility, high-end puck-moving skills, and mature defensive instinct makes him the exact type of modern, top-pairing anchor the Sharks need to transition from a rebuilding squad into a legitimate Pacific Division contender.
Stylistically, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds standout draws frequent NHL comparisons to Edmonton Oilers powerhouse Evan Bouchard for his exceptional ability to quarterback a power play, mixed with the effortless, fluid skating stride of Noah Hanifin. Experts rave about Reid’s high hockey IQ and composure under pressure, noting his rare ability to dictate the pace of the game from his own zone. For a Sharks team that desperately needs an elite, puck-transitional defender who can eat heavy minutes and feed their young, high-flying forward corps, Reid represents both the safest and most impactful best-case scenario at number two. Reid is also commited to NCAA’s Michigan State for next season.
3 Vancouver Canucks- Caleb Malhotra- C- Brantford Bulldogs OHL
6’2 185 Jun 2nd/08 Toronto, Ontario
Drafting Caleb Malhotra at number three feels like a classic Vancouver Canucks move—one that is bound to spark endless talk radio debates and leave a chunk of the fan base absolutely terrified. On paper, management’s logic is clear: Malhotra is a towering 6’2″ powerhouse who plays a heavy, 200-foot game, drawing heavy NHL stylistic comparisons to Bo Horvat with a meaner, more offensively dynamic edge than his dad, Manny Malhotra. He possesses the elite puck-protection skills and defensive reliability that general managers drool over, and his recent 26-point playoff explosion with Brantford proved his offensive ceiling is much higher than critics think. For a franchise desperate for a future top-line pillar down the middle, passing on the top natural center in the draft is a tough sell for Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin.
But let’s be real: this has all the makings of a historic mistake that Canucks fans could be rueing for the next two decades. Walking away from a generational, game-breaking talent like Ivar Stenberg just to fill a positional need is a massive gamble, especially given the impossible pressure cooker it creates. Dropping an 18-year-old kid into a ruthless Canadian media market is hard enough, but doing it when his own father is standing behind the bench as the head coach feels like an unnecessary recipe for disaster. The moment the team hits a skid, the whispers of nepotism and favoritism will start, putting both father and son in a brutal, unfair fishbowl. If Vancouver pulls the trigger on Malhotra, fans might very well spend the next fifteen years watching Stenberg hoist Stanley Cups elsewhere, wondering how management managed to overthink a slam-dunk pick right in front of them. Remember Olli Juolevi? The guy after him? Yeah this one will hurt worse.
4 Chicago Blackhawks- Ivar Stenberg- RW- Frölunda HC- SHL
6’0 181 Sep 30th/07 Stenungsund, Sweden
If Ivar Stenberg falls past Vancouver, the Chicago Blackhawks will sprint to the podium to snag him at number four, making this the absolute steal of the draft. Pairing a dynamic, highly intelligent Swedish winger with Connor Bedard and Artyom Levshunov is a terrifying thought for the rest of the Central Division. Stylistically, Stenberg plays a game that draws heavy comparisons to Mitch Marner for his elite, high-speed vision and playmaking, mixed with the relentless 200-foot work ethic of a prime Marian Hossa. He is a creative genius on the ice who dictates the pace of play, and putting his elite hockey sense on a line next to Bedard’s historic release would give Chicago a lethal, game-breaking duo for the next fifteen years.
For general manager Kyle Davidson, this selection would represent a massive home run and a masterclass in sticking to the “best player available” philosophy. While other teams ahead of them might overthink their selections based on positional needs, Chicago would reap the rewards by landing a top-two talent at the fourth slot. Blackhawks fans would be absolutely ecstatic, instantly recognizing that Stenberg provides the perfect modern, high-flying edge to accelerate their rebuild straight into Stanley Cup contention. If the draft shakes out this way, Chicago leaves the first round as the ultimate winners, while Vancouver and San Jose are left wondering if they let a future superstar slip right through their fingers.
5 New York Rangers- Alberts Smits- D- Jukurit- Liiga
6’3 209 Dec 2nd/07 Valmeira, Latvia
Leaving a highly touted CHL defenseman like Carson Carels on the board is bound to make a lot of Rangers fans pull their hair out, but grabbing Alberts Smits at number five is a classic New York move. Smits is a towering 6’3″ left-shot blueliner from Latvia who has been turning heads playing a remarkably mature, heavy game against grown men in Europe. Stylistically, scouts rave about his combination of high-end mobility, massive point shot, and aggressive offensive confidence, drawing direct NHL comparisons to Brent Burns mixed with the raw, heavy-minute athletic toolkit of a young Seth Jones. He plays a fearless, physically punishing style from the back end, making him exactly the kind of big-bodied, high-impact defender Chris Drury loves. For a Rangers squad that desperately needs to inject some pro-ready size and transitional dynamic into their blue line, Smits provides a perfect, modern-day package to anchor their top four for a generation.
The reality is that the Rangers’ front office has always prioritized size, strength of character, and physical competitiveness, which is exactly why Smits just took home the NHL’s prestigious E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence. While the analytic crowds will scream that passing on Carels’ junior-league production is a massive blunder, management is betting that Smits’ extensive pro experience in Europe gives him a much higher and more rugged NHL ceiling. He gives New York’s blue line a much-needed identity shift, ensuring they have an elite puck-mover who is also incredibly miserable to play against when the games get tight in the postseason. It’s a massive gamble that will ignite the fan base, but if Smits turns into the premier, top-pairing two-way force he’s projected to be, Broadway will absolutely fall in love with him
6 Calgary Flames- Carson Carels- D- Prince George Cougars-WHL
6’2 198 Jun 23rd/08 Cypress River, Manitoba
If Carson Carels slips to number six, Craig Conroy and the Calgary Flames’ front office will be running to the podium with massive smiles on their faces. Carels is an absolute powerhouse out of the Prince George Cougars who exploded for 73 points this past season, bringing a rugged, “farm-boy strong” physical edge mixed with high-end, smooth-skating defensive mechanics. Stylistically, he draws heavy NHL comparisons to Jake Sanderson or a modern-day Dion Phaneuf for his rare ability to play a physically punishing game while seamlessly driving transition offense from his own end. For a rebuilding Flames franchise, Carels represents the holy grail of draft targets—a projected top-pairing, all-situations left-shot defenseman who projects as the flawless, long-term structural partner to play alongside their high-flying, spoiled rich kid, Zayne Parekh or who ever the Flames trade for Parekh who will eventually demand a trade anyway.
The buzz around Calgary’s fan base is overwhelmingly ecstatic about this potential match, with local draft polls overwhelmingly pointing to North Dakota Commit Carels as the ultimate prize at this slot. While some fans are still begging for help down the middle with a creative center like Viggo Björck, the consensus among mainstream media and team insiders is that Carels’ elite, high-minute utility is simply too monumental to ignore. He perfectly fits the heavy, hard-nosed identity that head coach Ryan Huska is building in Alberta, ensuring the C-Of-Red leaves day one of the draft with a future blue-line anchor locked down for the next decade.
7 Seattle Kraken- Viggo Bjorck- RW-Djurgardens- SHL
5’9 180 Mar 12th/08 Stockholm, Sweden
With the top tier of blueliners completely wiped off the board, the Seattle Kraken are virtually locked into grabbing Viggo Björck at number seven—leaving the Winnipeg Jets sitting at number eight completely holding the bag. If Winnipeg fans were praying the Swedish offensive wizard would slide to them, they can officially say goodbye. The buzz out of the NHL Scouting Combine all but confirmed Seattle’s intentions after Ron Francis and the Kraken brass explicitly took Björck out for a high-profile, formal dinner. Teams don’t waste that kind of face-to-face time at the combine unless a player is at the absolute top of their tier list. The Kraken front office is reportedly enamored with his historic international resume, which includes a dominant gold-medal run at the World Juniors and becoming the youngest Swede to ever suit up at the Men’s World Championships. Seattle desperately lacks a true game-breaking, creative element to ignite their top-six, and management views Björck as the definitive answer to their offensive prayers.
Stylistically, Björck is a certified high-IQ magician who handles the puck like it’s glued to his stick, drawing heavy NHL comparisons to William Nylander for his effortless zone entries and elite ability to manipulate defenders in tight spaces. He dictates the pace of play with incredible spatial awareness, using a low center of gravity to protect the puck before threading impossible cross-seam passes. While the pick will definitely spark some heated debates among fans who are terrified of drafting a 5’9″ forward to play in a grueling, heavy Pacific Division, the Kraken are betting entirely on his elite edge-work and lightning-fast processing speed. General Manager Ron Francis has a proven track record of prioritizing hyper-competitive, highly intelligent players who can think the game at an advanced level, and Björck fits that exact blueprint like a glove. He gives Seattle a premium, top-line offensive engine who can pull fans out of their seats at Climate Pledge Arena and carry their power play.
8 Winnipeg Jets- Daxon Rudolph- D- Prince Albert Raiders- WHL
6’3 205 Mar 6th/08 Lacombe, Alberta
When you look at the Winnipeg Jets’ drafting DNA under Kevin Cheveldayoff, taking Daxon Rudolph at number eight isn’t just a realistic choice—it’s the definitive, textbook Jets pick. The Prince Albert Raiders standout is an incredibly polished, 6’1″ right-shot defenseman who anchors his team with a level of poise that draws direct comparisons to a young Alex Pietrangelo. He is the ultimate all-situations blueliner, combining elite transitional skating and a heavy point shot with a microscopic mistake rate in his own zone. While a lot of local chatter has centered around his bruising WHL peer Keaton Verhoeff, word around the rink is that Jets management is a bit cautious about Verhoeff’s ultimate NHL upside. There is a quiet concern inside the front office that Verhoeff’s massive frame might be masking some modern mobility issues, drawing eerie style parallels to former 2012 fourth-overall pick Griffin Reinhart—a towering, heavy-hitting junior star whose game simply couldn’t adjust to the lightning-fast pace of the modern NHL.
By steering clear of that risk, Winnipeg gets a franchise pillar on the back end who perfectly fits head coach Scott Arniel’s structured, hard-nosed system. Multiple scouts point out that Winnipeg rarely passes on highly competitive, modern WHL defensemen who project as safe, high-floor NHL contributors. While some fans on social media might crave a flashier offensive forward like Tynan Lawrence to ignite the top-six, the consensus in the Jets’ war room is that Stanley Cups are won with an elite, puck-moving defensive spine. Rudolph provides that exact stability, giving the franchise a reliable, elite security blanket on the right side for the next fifteen years. If the board breaks this way, Cheveldayoff won’t hesitate to pull the trigger on the safest, most positionally critical asset available.
9 Florida Panthers- Malte Gustafsson- D- HV71-SHL
6’4 203 Jun 11th/08 Vacklesang, Sweden
If the draft board shakes out this way, the Florida Panthers are going to happily sprint to the podium at number nine to secure Swedish defensive titan Malte Gustafsson. Word out of Buffalo is that Bill Zito and the Panthers’ staff were completely smitten with Gustafsson after meeting with him during Combine week, and he satisfies their long-term organizational need to inject some elite, youthful size onto the back end. Standing a massive 6’4″ and weighing over 200 pounds, Gustafsson already looks like an absolute monster after spending the year holding his own against grown men in Sweden’s top professional league with HV71. Stylistically, scouts rave about his combination of high-end mobility and aggressive, physically punishing net-front presence, drawing frequent NHL comparisons to Mattias Ekholm or a slightly more rugged Kaiden Guhle. He uses his long reach to suffocate zone entries, transitions the puck with incredible poise, and plays with the exact kind of heavy, playoff-hardened identity that the Panthers’ coaching staff drools over.
While a portion of the fan base is still vocal about wanting to add a high-flying scoring winger to fuel the future top-six, team insiders and mainstream mock drafts agree that passing on a game-breaking defenseman of Gustafsson’s caliber would be a massive oversight at pick nine. The reality is that premium 6’4″ blueliners who can actually skate and move the puck don’t grow on trees, and Florida’s front office views him as a luxury asset to anchor their top-four defensive core for the next decade. He gives the Panthers a reliable, heavy-minute structural pillar who models his game directly after Florida’s own Gustav Forsling. It’s a pick that perfectly aligns with Bill Zito’s philosophy of building a team that is incredibly miserable to play against when the games matter most, making Gustafsson a hand-in-glove tactical fit for Sunrise.
10 Nashville Predators- Keaton Verhoeff- D- North Dakota- NCAA
6’4 216 Jun 19th/08 Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
f the board breaks this way, the Nashville Predators are going to be absolutely thrilled to stop the slide of towering defenseman Keaton Verhoeff at number ten. General Manager Barry Trotz has never been shy about his love for heavy, physically imposing hockey teams, and Verhoeff brings a massive 6’4″ frame with a mean, old-school nastiness that NHL executives completely covet. Stylistically, scouts rave about his shutdown defensive instincts and crushing physical edge, drawing frequent NHL comparisons to a young Darnell Nurse or a slightly more mobile Nikita Zadorov. He clears the crease (of kids) with absolute authority, makes life a living hell for opposing forwards on the cycle, and possesses a booming point shot that commands respect at the blue line. For a Predators pipeline that desperately needs an infusion of elite, heavy-minute size to anchor their future top-four, Verhoeff represents the best case scenerio.
However, the selection does come with some fascinating background drama that will definitely give your readers something to chew on. There was a ton of chatter around the rink this past season regarding his high-profile decision to leave the WHL’s Victoria Royals early to jump into the NCAA with the University of North Dakota. A handful of talent evaluators firmly believed he should have stayed in junior hockey for another year, arguing that being the undisputed number-one pillar in Victoria would have forced him to refine his puck-handling and transitional footwork against his own age group. Instead, making the quick jump to the college ranks meant his offensive growth plateaued slightly as he adjusted to the speed of older, stronger NCAA competition. While that developmental detour caused teams like Winnipeg to look elsewhere over modern mobility concerns, Nashville is betting big that his sheer physical dominance and structural upside are simply too massive to pass up. He gives the Preds exactly the kind of playoff-ready muscle they need to anchor their defensive core.
11 St. Louis Blues- Tynan Lawrence- C- Boston University- NCAA
6’1 185 Aug 3rd/08 Fredericton, New Brunswick
The St. Louis Blues will absolutely sprint to the podium if Tynan Lawrence slides into their lap at number eleven. General Manager Doug Armstrong has spent years building his roster around highly intelligent, structured, 200-foot centers, and the Boston University standout fits that exact organizational blueprint. While there has been plenty of local chatter about St. Louis potentially targeting high-upside wingers like the towering Finn Oscar Hemming or OHL scoring machine Nikita Klepov, the reality of the NHL Draft is that you simply do not pass on a potential top-line center to take a winger. Lawrence brings an exceptional all-situations work ethic that draws stylistically high praise, with scouts comparing his relentless motor and advanced 200-foot awareness to a young Bo Horvat or Jonathan Toews. For a Blues team looking to cement a young, foundational spine down the middle for the next decade, Lawrence represents the highest floor and the most positionally critical asset available.
The analytic crowd might look at the gaudy junior numbers of a massive power forward like Ethan Belchetz and wonder if the Blues are leaving elite goal-scoring upside on the table. However, team insiders agree that Armstrong heavily weights pro-ready pace, collegiate maturity, and structural responsibility when picking in the top fifteen. Lawrence already plays a remarkably mature game against older, stronger NCAA competition, proving he can handle heavy matchups without sacrificing his subtle, dual-threat offensive distribution. Grabbing him at eleven gives the Blues a massive win, providing them with a highly competitive, character-first center who can seamlessly transition into their top-six and captain their second power-play unit in the very near future. It is a calculated, no-nonsense pick that will have the Enterprise Center crowd thrilled with the direction of the rebuild.
12 New Jersey Devils- Ethan Belchetz- LW- Windsor Spitfires- OHL
6’5 229 Mar 30th/08 Oakville, Ontario
The New Jersey Devils are practically guaranteed to grab explosive Windsor Spitfires powerhouse Ethan Belchetz at number twelve. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has been incredibly vocal about wanting to inject more functional size, heavy-forechecking ability, and legitimate postseason grit into the organization, making Belchetz the definitive top choice on their remaining board. Stylistically, he is a true unicorn in this class, drawing frequent NHL comparisons to Chris Kreider for his exceptional net-front presence mixed with the raw, heavy-cycling power of a young Tom Wilson. Standing a massive 6’5″ and already pushing 225 pounds, he is a human wrecking ball who possesses a lethal release and the rare skating mobility required to keep up with elite offensive talent. Putting a physical monster of his caliber on a line next to a superstar playmaker like Jack Hughes gives the Devils a terrifying, complementary weapon that will prevent opposing defensemen from hyper-focusing on their smaller skill players.
The selection is bound to have the Prudential Center crowd absolutely ecstatic, as local fan polls have shown a massive appetite for a traditional, mean power winger to balance out their high-flying forward group. Word out of the Scouting Combine indicates that the Devils’ brass had a highly positive, extensive interview with Belchetz, completely falling in love with his athletic maturity and willingness to do the dirty work along the boards. While the analytics crowd might look at his massive junior production and wonder if his size artificially inflated his stats against younger competition, team insiders agree that New Jersey views his physical baseline as a necessity for surviving the grueling Eastern Conference playoff gauntlet. He gives the Devils an immediate identity shift in their top-six, ensuring they walk away from day one with the exact type of modern, bruising winger required to transition from a regular-season juggernaut into a legitimate Stanley Cup champion.
13 New York Islanders- Nikita Klepov- F- Saginaw Spirit- OHL
6’0 181 Jun 27th/08 Moscow, Russia
The New York Islanders are heavily projected to call the name of explosive winger Nikita Klepov at number thirteen, addressing a glaring organizational need for high-end offensive dynamic and natural finishing ability. Lou Lamoriello has spent years rolling out a heavy, veteran-laden roster, but the franchise’s pipeline is noticeably starved for a true game-breaking threat who can manipulate tight spaces. Stylistically, Klepov is an absolute lightning bolt on the flanks, drawing frequent NHL comparisons to Artemi Panarin for his lethal east-west playmaking vision, mixed with the rapid, deceptive release of a prime Nikita Kucherov. He handles the puck like it’s on a string, skates with exceptional lateral agility, and possesses the rare hockey IQ required to instantly elevate the players around him. Putting a highly creative offensive engine of his caliber next to a premier center like Bo Horvat gives the Islanders a terrifying, top-six weapon they haven’t possessed in years.
While a segment of the fan base on Long Island will undoubtedly be holding their breath for a blue-line anchor like right-shot defenseman Ryan Lin, mainstream mock drafts and team insiders agree that passing on Klepov’s elite offensive ceiling would be a massive blunder. The reality is that the Islanders simply cannot afford to play it safe with a low-ceiling, depth piece when their current roster is desperately crying out for a true offensive catalyst to carry their power play. Word out of the scouting combine indicates that New York’s front office was highly impressed by Klepov’s competitive drive and professional maturity during interviews, checking off the high-character boxes that Lamoriello demands. It’s a pick that injects an immediate identity shift into their forward corps, ensuring the Islanders walk away from day one with a certified, high-flying star capable of pulling fans out of their seats at UBS Arena..
14 Columbus Blue Jackets- Oscar Hemming- Boston College- NCAA
6’4 198 Aug 13th/08 Vassa, Finland
The Columbus Blue Jackets are heavily favored to call the name of highly intelligent Finnish forward Oscar Hemming at number fourteen, assuming General Manager Don Waddell decides to hold onto the selection. Word around the rink is that Columbus is actively dangling this asset, dangling a 35% chance of a trade-down package to acquire extra draft capital since the system is already bursting with premium youth. But if they stay put, the front office is zeroing in on a highly mature, positionally versatile attacker who can step in and provide immediate structural balance. Hemming fits that exact management blueprint to a tee, checking off every single high-character box that Waddell’s staff values at this stage of the first round.
Stylistically, Hemming plays a sophisticated, heavy-utilization game that draws direct NHL comparisons to Artturi Lehkonen mixed with the high-end playmaking vision of Lucas Raymond. He handles the puck with exceptional poise, slows the game down through the neutral zone, and is arguably the most complete, defensively responsible forward left on the board. For a Blue Jackets team that already possesses explosive, flashy foundational pillars down the middle like Adam Fantilli and Cayden Lindstrom, Hemming represents the ultimate complementary piece. He is a coaches’ dream who can seamlessly jump into the top-six, win grueling puck battles along the wall, and kill critical penalties. It is a highly calculated, safe selection that ensures Columbus walks away with a pro-ready asset built to win heavy hockey games in the Metropolitan Division.
15 St. Louis Blues- Ryan Lin- D- Vancouver Giants- WHL
5’11 176 Apr 18th/08 Richmond, British Columbia
The St. Louis Blues will happily pivot to the blue line and secure smooth-skating defenseman Ryan Lin with the fifteenth overall pick. General Manager Doug Armstrong has spent a ton of draft capital loading up on high-upside forwards over the last few years, leaving the organization’s defensive pipeline dangerously thin—especially on the right side. Because Columbus passed on the defensive tier to grab Oscar Hemming right before them, Lin falls right into the Blues’ lap as the definitive answer to their blue-line prayers. Stylistically, the Vancouver Giants standout is an elite transitional weapon, drawing frequent NHL comparisons to Noah Dobson with the effortless, fluid skating mechanics of a young Vince Dunn. He skates like the wind, processes the game at an incredibly advanced level under heavy forechecking pressure, and projects perfectly as a top-four, modern-day anchor who can execute clean zone exits and quarterback a secondary power-play unit.
The selection is bound to have the Enterprise Center crowd completely satisfied, as local fan forums and mock draft polls have shown a massive appetite for a mobile, puck-moving defender to balance out the future roster. While a small contingency of fans might still be holding out hope for a gritty power forward, the vast majority realize that surviving the Central Division requires a heavy-minute blue-line spine that can feed their young attacking corps. Word out of the scouting combine indicates that the Blues’ staff had Lin circled as a priority target for weeks, completely falling in love with his lateral agility and microscopic mistake rate in his own zone. He gives St. Louis an immediate injection of elite puck-moving utility on the back end, ensuring they leave day one of the draft with a future top-four pillar locked down.
16 Washington Capitals- Adam Novotny- LW- Peterborough Petes- OHL
6’1 205 Nov 13th/07 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
The Washington Capitals are heavily expected to call the name of dynamic Czech winger Adam Novotny at number sixteen, addressing a crucial organizational need for pure, high-octane offensive skill on the flanks. With Alex Ovechkin’s legendary career winding down, the Capitals’ front office is entirely focused on injecting a new wave of game-breaking finishing talent into their future top six. Stylistically, Novotny is a highly creative, explosive offensive engine who draws frequent NHL comparisons to David Pastrnak for his lethal one-timer from the left circle and his ability to manipulate defenders in isolated situations. Standing 6’1″ and playing a prominent scoring role for the Peterborough Petes in the OHL, he possesses elite lateral agility, a rapid-fire release, and the rare hockey IQ required to turn nothing into a high-danger scoring chance in a split second.
The selection is bound to have the Capital One Arena crowd absolutely thrilled, as local fan polls have shown a desperate appetite for a true, line-driving scoring winger to balance out their prospect pipeline. Word out of the scouting combine indicates that Washington’s brass was completely enamored with Novotny’s elite athletic baseline and competitive drive, checking off the high-ceiling boxes management values in the middle of the first round. While some analytics-driven fans might debate whether he needs to refine his defensive-zone coverage, mainstream mock drafts and team insiders agree that passing on a winger with his raw, game-breaking offensive ceiling would be a massive mistake. He gives the Capitals an immediate transfusion of pure goal-scoring upside, ensuring they leave day one of the draft with a premier offensive catalyst capable of anchoring their top power-play unit.
17 Los Angeles Kings- Alexander Command- C- Orebro- SHL
6’1 187 Jun 16th/08 Danderyd. Sweden
The Los Angeles Kings are heavily expected to target the center position at number seventeen, with all signs pointing toward Sweden’s Alexander Command. Now that Anze Kopitar has officially hung up his skates, the Kings’ pipeline is completely exposed down the middle, leaving management without a true, high-end succession plan for their top six. Stylistically, Command plays a highly mature, 200-foot game that draws frequent NHL comparisons to a young Joel Eriksson Ek or Mikael Backlund for his elite defensive positional awareness and heavy, pro-style puck protection. Standing 6’2″ and executing a dominant season in Sweden’s junior ranks, he isn’t a flashy, coast-to-coast rusher, but he possesses an advanced hockey IQ, excels in the faceoff circle, and understands how to dictate play below the goal line. For a Kings franchise desperate to restore its traditional identity as a heavy, microscopic-mistake team, Command provides a remarkably safe foundation
While some local sections of the fan base are calling for a high-flying, puck-moving defenseman like Xavier Villeneuve to spark the transition game, mainstream insiders note that Rob Blake simply cannot afford to gamble on low-floor projects right now. Word out of the combine indicates that the Kings were incredibly comfortable with Command’s athletic baseline and leadership traits during formal interviews, checking off the exact character attributes required to survive in a grueling Pacific Division. He isn’t projected to step in and become a 90-point offensive superstar, but he brings a highly coveted, modern utility that coaches absolutely love. Securing him gives Los Angeles a dependable, top-nine structural piece who can tilt the ice in his own zone and match up against the opposition’s best weapons.
18 Washington Capitals- Juho Piiparinen- D- Tappara- Liiga
6’3 203 Aug 10th/08 Lahti, Finland
Having already secured a high-flying goal scorer in Adam Novotny at pick sixteen, the Washington Capitals will look to immediately balance out their draft class by taking highly intelligent center Juho Piiparinen at number eighteen. The Capitals’ amateur scouting staff has been incredibly transparent about their urgent need to inject true, play-driving centers into a system that is currently overflowing with wingers. Piiparinen is a master of structural responsibility, drawing frequent NHL comparisons to Anton Lundell or a young Elias Lindholm for his incredibly refined 200-foot awareness and cerebral approach to the game. He isn’t a flashy, coast-to-coast puck rusher who is going to pull fans out of their seats, but he is a dominant force in the faceoff circle, possesses elite vision in transition, and executes a microscopic mistake rate below his own goal line. For a Washington franchise trying to construct a reliable, post-Ovechkin identity, he represents the ultimate high-floor safety net down the middle.
While a few local fans are vocal about wanting to add more blue-line depth with a physical defenseman, team insiders note that Brian MacLellan simply cannot afford to ignore the organization’s center shortage any longer. Word out of Buffalo indicates that Washington’s front office had an incredibly extensive, positive interview with Piiparinen during Combine week, completely falling in love with his professional maturity and leadership traits. The analytics crowd might look at his understated regular-season point totals in Finland’s junior ranks and wonder if the Capitals are leaving pure offensive ceiling on the table. However, management is betting heavily that his elite edge-work and advanced hockey IQ will seamlessly translate into a highly reliable, middle-six matchup center who can play in every single key situation. It’s a smart, calculated selection that gives the Capitals a foundational down-the-middle pillar to shoulder the heavy defensive responsibilities for their young core.
19 Utah Mammoth- Wyatt Cullen- USNTDP- USHL
6’1 181 Sep 8th/08 Moorhead, Minnesota
The newly minted Utah Mammoth find themselves at a fascinating philosophical crossroads with the nineteenth overall pick. General Manager Bill Armstrong has spent years building a notoriously heavy, physically imposing pipeline, leaving their system completely loaded with towering blueliners and hard-nosed centers. With the top tier of standard defensemen completely cleaned out, team insiders say Utah is staring down a massive split: do they grab the lone remaining elite offensive defenseman left on the board, or do they target a high-upside forward to inject some dynamic scoring punch into their wing depth? The lone blueliner commanding serious attention in their war room is QMJHL phenom Xavier Villeneuve, a highly elusive, dynamic puck-mover who draws heavy NHL comparisons to Lane Hutson or Samuel Girard for his elite ability to manipulate the blue line and quarterback a top power-play unit.
However, if Armstrong decides that Villeneuve’s sub-6-foot frame doesn’t align with Utah’s mandate for pure size, all signs point to them calling the name of powerhouse American winger Wyatt Cullen. Cullen is a heavy, highly competitive forward out of the US National Team Development Program who plays a relentless, heavy-cycling game that draws frequent stylistic comparisons to Alex Tuch or a young Chris Kreider. He possesses a lethal, heavy release, dominates the walls, and brings the exact type of pro-ready physical baseline that Utah’s front office historically drools over. While a segment of the fan base is desperate for the flashy, human-highlight-reel utility that Villeneuve provides from the back end, mainstream mock drafts suggest the front office will opt for the safety and physical dominance of Cullen. It’s a calculated, identity-driven pick that ensures Utah walks away from the first round with a bruising top-six scoring threat perfectly built to survive the postseason grind.
20 San Jose Sharks- Maddox Dagenais- Quebec Remparts- QMJHL
6’4 196 Mar 27th/08 Montreal, Quebec
At 20th overall, the Sharks select Maddox Dagenais, a 6’4″, 196-pound left-shot center from the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. The big, powerful Montreal native had a strong sophomore campaign in the league, putting up 30 goals and 62 points in 62 games while showing real growth as the season progressed. Scouts love his NHL-ready frame, explosive linear speed that lets him blow through the neutral zone like he’s shot out of a cannon, and a high-end shot with a quick, accurate release that makes him a constant scoring threat from distance or in tight.
Dagenais plays a heavy, purposeful game—he wins battles along the walls, drives to the net, and brings legitimate physicality without sacrificing hockey sense. While he’s still polishing consistency, shot selection, and elite-level skill, his combination of size, mobility, two-way reliability, and middle-six (with top-six upside) projection makes him a high-floor addition who can complement San Jose’s young skilled core. Many see him as a future power forward who can log big minutes and contribute in all situations.
21 Philadelphia Flyers- Jack Hextall- C- Youngstown- USHL
6’1 185 Mar 23rd/08 Rolling Meadows, Illinois
At 21st overall, the Philadelphia Flyers select Jack Hextall, a 6’1″, 185-pound right-shot center from the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL and a Michigan State commit. The Rolling Meadows, Illinois native had a breakout season, recording 20 goals and 38 assists for 58 points in 59 games while adding six game-winning goals and earning USHL Third All-Star honors. Scouts praise his elite hockey sense, polished two-way game, and ability to impact play in all three zones—he’s a smart, diligent playmaker who protects the puck like a pro, makes crisp decisions under pressure, and brings an endless motor with strong defensive commitment.
Hextall is strong on his skates for his size, excels as a setup guy with good vision, and shows enough finishing ability to keep defenses honest. While he may not project as a superstar offensive producer, his high floor, structure, compete level, and versatility make him a reliable middle-six NHL center with the potential to play in all situations. The Flyers connection (family ties to former GM Ron Hextall) is a nice bonus, but it’s his character, intelligence, and pro-ready habits that align perfectly with Philadelphia’s emphasis on high-motor, dependable prospects to build around their young core. Many view him as a future steady contributor who can develop quickly at the college level before making an impact in the NHL. He is committed to play at Michigan State next season.
22 Pittsburgh Penguins- Ilia Morozov- F- Miami-Ohio- NCAA
6’3 201 Aug 3rd/08 Moscow, Russia
At 22nd overall, the Pittsburgh Penguins select Ilia Morozov, a 6’3″, 201-pound left-shot center from Miami University (NCHC). The Moscow, Russia native had an impressive freshman campaign as one of the youngest players in college hockey, posting 8 goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 36 games while taking on top-six minutes, penalty-kill duties, and all-situations responsibility. Scouts rave about his pro-ready size and frame, relentless motor, and elite defensive detail—he’s a true 200-foot player who angles rushes effectively, wins battles along the walls, disrupts cycles with physicality, and shows strong hockey IQ in transition and his own end.
Morozov skates well for a big man, protects the puck with confidence, and brings a high compete level that earns him trust from coaches early. While his offense isn’t flashy, he shows enough playmaking and finishing ability (including power-play and shorthanded contributions) to project as a versatile middle-six center with special-teams value. The Penguins, known for valuing character, structure, and two-way reliability under their current drafting approach, see a high-floor prospect who can develop quickly and complement their aging core with size and dependability down the middle. Many view him as a future steady NHL regular capable of logging big minutes in a variety of roles.
23 Boston Bruins- Tommy Bleyl- D- Moncton Wildcats- QMJHL
6’0 170 Dec 1st/07 Schenectady, New York
At 23rd overall, the Boston Bruins select Tommy Bleyl, a 6’0″, 170-pound right-shot defenseman from the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL). The Schenectady, New York native exploded onto the scene in his first QMJHL season, recording 13 goals and 68 assists for 81 points in 63 games — leading all league defensemen in scoring and setting a rookie rearguard record for points. He was named both QMJHL Rookie of the Year and Defenseman of the Year after a dominant campaign that saw him quarterback transitions, lead rushes with elite edgework, and run a power play with poise and vision. Scouts highlight his smooth skating, quick feet to escape pressure, and confidence to join the attack while maintaining defensive structure.
Bleyl brings the modern, mobile blue-line profile the Bruins have targeted in recent drafts: high hockey IQ, transitional skill, and the ability to log big minutes in all situations with a projectable top-four upside and power-play potential. JP Hurlbert and Liam Ruck remained strong options on the board at this spot — both dynamic, high-scoring wingers with proven offensive tools in the WHL — but Boston’s preference for adding right-shot puck-moving talent on the back end made Bleyl the clear choice to bolster their prospect pool and address long-term defensive needs. Many scouts view him as one of the bigger risers in the class, a potential steal in the late first round who can develop quickly into an impactful NHL defenseman.
24 Vancouver Canucks- Liam Ruck- F- Medicine Hat Tigers- WHL
6’0 176 Feb 21st/08 Osoyoos, British Columbia
At 24th overall, the Vancouver Canucks select Liam Ruck, a 6’0″, 177-pound right-shot right winger from the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL). The dynamic scorer enjoyed a standout season alongside his twin brother Markus, finishing with elite production (around 45 goals and 104 points in 68 games) while driving play as one of the WHL’s most dangerous offensive threats. Scouts highlight his elite shot variety, quick release, and ability to score from distance or in tight, paired with strong hockey sense, compete level, and a willingness to go to the hard areas. He skates well enough to create separation and projects as a middle-six winger with top-six upside who can contribute on the power play and in scoring situations.
Ruck’s offensive tools and pro-ready habits make him a natural fit for a Canucks team that values skill, character, and players who can complement their young core. JP Hurlbert remained a strong option on the board as another high-producing WHL winger with dynamic finishing ability, but Liam’s combination of production, shot, and twin synergy (with Markus likely available soon after) made him the appealing choice here. Many scouts see Ruck as a safe, high-floor pick in this range with the potential to develop into a reliable NHL scorer. Like said they will get the brother eventually later.
25 Seattle Kraken- J.P. Hurlbert- F- Kamloops Blazers- WHL
6’0 183 Apr 11th/08 Allen, Texas
At 25th overall, the Seattle Kraken select JP Hurlbert, a 6’0″, 183-pound right-shot left winger from the Kamloops Blazers (WHL) and a University of Michigan commit. The Allen, Texas native had a sensational rookie season in the WHL, exploding for 42 goals and 55 assists for 97 points in 68 games. He led all rookies in goals and points, finished fourth overall in WHL scoring, earned WHL Rookie of the Year honors, and was named to the WHL West First All-Star Team after a dominant campaign that included multiple Player of the Month and weekly awards. Hurlbert made an immediate impact, even scoring a hat trick in his WHL debut
Scouts rave about his lethal catch-and-release shot, elite offensive instincts, and ability to find soft spots in coverage to create and finish high-danger chances. He plays with good pace, strong hockey sense, and a compete level that shows up on the forecheck and in battles. While he’s still adding strength and refining his all-around 200-foot game, Hurlbert projects as a middle-six winger with legitimate top-six and power-play upside once he develops at Michigan.
26 New York Rangers- Brooks Ragowski- C- Oshawa Generals- OHL
6’7 236 Jun 24th/08 Brighton, Michigan
At 26th overall, the New York Rangers select Brooks Rogowski, a 6’7″, 235-pound right-shot center from the Oshawa Generals (OHL) and a Michigan State commit. The massive Brighton, Michigan native had a solid sophomore OHL season with 15 goals and 27 assists for 42 points in 46 games. Scouts love his rare combination of enormous size, soft hands, improving mobility, and high compete level — he dominates battles, protects the puck with reach and strength, and projects as a powerful middle-six center (with top-six upside) who can anchor lines, contribute on special teams, and wear down opponents physically.
The Rangers, loaded with skill in their prospect pool, prioritized this high-character, toolsy forward with translatable NHL traits. They would likely pass on Oliver Suvanto (the safe, mature Finnish two-way center with a slightly lower offensive ceiling) and Xavier Villeneuve (the dynamic but undersized offensive defenseman) here, opting instead for Rogowski’s unique size/skill package and greater potential impact over a safer but less dynamic option or additional blue-line depth.
27 Buffalo Sabres- Oliver Suvanto- C- Tappara- Liiga
6’3 209 Sep 3rd/08 Turku, Finland
At 27th overall, the Buffalo Sabres select Oliver Suvanto, a 6’3″, 209-pound left-shot center from Tappara (Liiga). The Turku, Finland native had a strong first full season against men, posting 2 goals and 9 assists for 11 points in 48 games while playing responsible minutes as one of the youngest players in the league. Scouts praise his mature, pro-ready game — excellent size and strength, strong defensive detail, puck protection, face-off ability, and a heavy, physical style that wears opponents down. He’s compared to Anton Lundell for his two-way reliability and 200-foot impact, with good enough skating and hockey sense to handle tougher matchups even at 17.
Suvanto projects as a safe, high-floor middle-six center who can contribute in all situations and develop into a reliable NHL regular quickly. The Sabres, who already boast a deep and skilled forward group, value adding size, character, and defensive structure up the middle. Selecting the big, mature Finnish pivot fits their drafting habits of targeting responsible, translatable prospects who can support their young core and provide long-term stability down the middle. Many scouts see him as excellent value this late in the first round.
28 Montreal Canadiens- Xavier Villeneuve- Blainville-Boisbriand Armada- QMJHL
5’11 163 Sep 29/07 Laval, Quebec
At 28th overall, the Montreal Canadiens select Xavier Villeneuve, a 5’11”, 162-pound left-shot defenseman from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL) and a Boston University commit. The Les Cèdres, Quebec native had another outstanding season on the blue line, putting up 6 goals and 32 assists for 38 points in 37 games before adding 6 goals and 8 assists in 17 playoff games. Scouts compare him to Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson for his explosive skating, elite edgework, puck-moving creativity, and high-end offensive instincts. He manipulates tempo, finds seams with vision and soft hands, and runs a power play with poise and confidence while showing improving defensive awareness.
Villeneuve projects as a dynamic, top-four defenseman with significant power-play upside — the exact type of modern, mobile blueliner the Canadiens have prioritized in recent years to complement their skilled forward group. Montreal’s drafting staff loves high-IQ, transitional players who can push pace, and adding a local, left-shot offensive threat like Villeneuve feels like a natural fit to keep building their prospect pipeline with exciting, play-driving talent. Many scouts view him as excellent value this late in the first round with the tools to develop into a fan favorite in Montreal.
29 St. Louis Blues- Ryan Roobroeck- Niagara Ice Dogs- OHL
6’3 210 Sep 25/07 London, Ontario
At 29th overall, the St. Louis Blues select Ryan Roobroeck, a 6’3″, 210-pound left-shot left winger from the Niagara IceDogs (OHL). The big, powerful Ontario native had a strong final junior season, showing improved offensive production while bringing a physical, heavy game that wears opponents down. Scouts appreciate his size, compete level, net-front presence, and ability to win battles along the walls and in front of the net. He skates well enough for his frame, protects the puck effectively, and projects as a reliable middle-six winger (with potential for more) who can contribute in a checking role or on the power play with his reach and finishing ability. Roobroeck was also the second over all pick in the 2023 OHL draft.
The Blues have a history of valuing high-character, pro-ready forwards with size and two-way reliability to complement their skilled young core. With many top centers and mobile defensemen already off the board in this mock, Roobroeck represents strong value as a safe, translatable player who can develop quickly and add physicality and depth up front. Recent mocks and scout reports often have him as a late first-round talent, making him a logical BPA choice here for St. Louis.
30 Carolina Hurricanes- Markus Ruck- C- Medicine Hat Tigers- WHL
6’0 168 Feb 12st/08 Osoyoos, British Columbia
At 30th overall, the Carolina Hurricanes select Markus Ruck, a 6’0″, 175-pound left-shot center from the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL). The playmaking half of the Ruck twins put up an outstanding season, leading the WHL in assists and finishing near the top of the league in total points with elite vision, hockey sense, and the ability to control tempo and create for linemates. Scouts highlight his high IQ, compete level, pace, and two-way reliability — he’s a smart, detailed player who excels in transition and contributes in all situations without needing to be the flashiest guy on the ice. Ruck projects as a versatile middle-six center (with top-six potential) who can drive play, kill penalties, and fit seamlessly into a structured, up-tempo system.
The Hurricanes have a well-earned reputation for targeting high-character, intelligent, high-motor prospects who project as reliable NHL contributors, and Markus checks every box. With many top centers and dynamic defensemen already off the board in this mock, selecting the smart, productive Ruck feels like classic Carolina value at the end of the first round. Many scouts see him as a safe, translatable pick who can develop quickly and support their competitive window. Which could be traded or they bring in his brother. They will find a way to keep these 2 together eventually.
31 Vegas Golden Knights- Casey Mutryn- USNTDP- USHL
6’3 203 Jul 5th/08 Norwell, Massachusetts
At 31st overall, the Vegas Golden Knights select Casey Mutryn, a 6’3″, 206-pound right-shot right winger from the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP). The Norwell, Massachusetts native had a strong season with the NTDP, putting up impressive numbers while showcasing a powerful, pro-ready frame, strong work ethic, and physical play along the walls and in front of the net. Scouts highlight his hockey sense, ability to battle hard in the dirty areas, and capacity to create chemistry with linemates through smart positioning and compete level. He skates well for his size and projects as a reliable middle-six winger with third-line (or better) upside who can contribute in a checking role or add secondary scoring.
Vegas has a track record of targeting high-character, competitive forwards with size and translatable tools who can develop quickly and fit into their win-now culture. With many top skill players and defensemen already off the board in this mock, Mutryn represents strong value as a safe, high-floor prospect who can bolster forward depth. Many scouts see him as a late first-round steal with the physical tools and intangibles the Golden Knights covet.
32 Ottawa Senators- Ben MacBeath- D- Calgary Hitmen- WHL
6’2 187 Mar 4th/08 Calgary, Alberta
At 32nd overall, the Ottawa Senators select Ben Macbeath, a 6’1″, 185-pound left-shot left winger from the Calgary Hitmen (WHL). The smooth-skating Canadian had a productive final junior season, showing strong playmaking ability, offensive instincts, and the willingness to compete hard in all areas of the ice. Scouts praise his hockey sense, ability to drive play in transition, quick hands in tight spaces, and two-way reliability — he’s a high-motor player who can create for linemates while contributing defensively.
Macbeath projects as a versatile middle-six winger with top-six upside, capable of contributing on special teams and fitting into a fast, skilled lineup. The Senators have emphasized adding high-character, intelligent forwards with speed and skill to complement their young core (including stars like Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk). In a draft where many top centers, big defensemen, and dynamic scorers are already off the board, Macbeath represents excellent value and a natural BPA selection for Ottawa at the top of the second round. Many scouts view him as a safe, translatable prospect who can develop quickly and push for an NHL role within a couple of years.