(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

It's springtime in the NHL again. While the top sixteen teams in the league are battling it out for Lord Stanley's mug, the other fourteen are looking forward, forward to what can be the event that can spell the doom of a franchise, or be the start of a rise to greatness.

Yes, I am speaking of the upcoming NHL draft. With this year's draft class being one of the most talented in recent memory, most scouts must be salivating at the potential players they could acquire for their respective teams. Here is my look at what I believe will be the result of the top ten picks in this year's draft, and a breakdown of each pick.

1. John Tavares - New York Islanders

Make no mistake, the Islanders have to make this pick. This isn't simply a question of talent, it is a question of marketability. John Tavares has the ability to be a selling point in Long Island.

He might be a reason why season ticket holders will renew. Forget what Brian Burke has said about acquiring this pick, because it isn't going to happen.

Garth Snow has to make this pick to save his franchise. With the Isles history of trading away great players for peanuts, don't expect Snow to let this one slip out of his hands.

2. Victor Hedman - Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa is one of the most offensively gifted teams in the league, which is why they will take the consensus number two pick, Victor Hedman. Hedman will anchor the Lightning's defense for the future, and will provide lots of offense when called upon. Although I don't believe that Tampa Bay will trade down, there is a possibility that they could if they know that Jared Cowen was going to be available.

3. Matt Duchene - Colorado Avalanche

With Joe Sakic in the twilight of his career and possibly retiring, the Avalanche will be looking for a replacement, and who better than the highly touted Brampton product. Matt Duchene has even been compared to Sakic, and possesses the number one franchise centre tag that many teams covet. Make no mistake, Matt Duchene will be the property of the Colorado Avalanche this June.

4. Evander Kane - Atlanta Thrashers

Evander Kane will be added to a plethora of highly touted Atlanta prospects including Bogosian, Pavelic, and Esposito. Kane has the potential to become the franchise centre in Atlanta, and could one day provide a dynamic punch with Ilya Kovalchuk (if he re-signs, of course). This pick will be a BPA (best player available) pick. 

5. Brayden Schenn - Toronto Maple Leafs

Although Brian Burke will not be able to land the first overall pick, there is a good chance that he will be able to acquire Los Angeles' number five overall pick. With this pick, the Leafs not only acquire a likely franchise cornerstone, they also complete a move that the fans will love- uniting the Schenn brothers. 

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