Kassam's 2009 NHL Mock Draft

Every year armchair general managers of all 30 NHL teams gather around the television to catch the action of the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. This year the NHL's annual event where we get a glimpse of the future of our game is being held in Montreal.

As an armchair GM, myself, I have opinions on who will get drafted where and when. Below are my selections to who I believe will be selected by particular teams in their particular order.

1.       New York Islanders:  John Tavares-Center-Drafted from: London (OHL)

For the entire year the No. 1 selection has been a tossup between Tavares and Hedman, and some have even brought Matt Duchene into these talks.  Yet when it comes down to the nitty gritty details, both Tavares and Hedman will be great impact players in the league, but the Islanders need to focus on marketing as well.  The fact that the Long Island fans chanted ‘Tavares’ nearing the end of the season implies how many tickets the young phenom will sell, prompting the Islanders to select him.

2.       Tampa Bay Lightning: Victor Hedman-Left Defenseman-Drafted from: MODO (SEL)

Victor Hedman is the most NHL-ready player out of this year’s draft-eligible players.  He is a defenseman who many compare to the likes of Chris Pronger. This guy can skate with the best of them and has a pretty decent shot to boot. When you look at a lowly Tampa team you see all offense and no defense. The addition to Hedman can begin the rebuilding process for the Lightning.

3.       Colorado Avalanche: Matt Duchene-Center-Drafted from: Brampton (OHL)

The most complete forward in the draft will be selected by the Avalanche. There isn’t one particular reason to grab Duchene at this spot other than the fact that he is that good. Holding comparisons to leaders Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic, Duchene has a wicked shot and great speed which he uses to turn it on on both sides of the ice. The once mighty Av's may have to think about rebuilding, and Matt Duchene is a more than adequate centerpiece to work around.

4.       Atlanta Thrashers: Jared Cowen-Left Defenseman-Drafted from: Spokane (WHL)

This selection may come as a surprise to some, but Jared Cowan is what is needed in Atlanta to make a strong defensive prospect pool even stronger.  With the likes of steady offensive defensemen Zach Bogosian and Tobias Enstrom coming into their own, a shutdown guy like Jared Cowen can be useful to the Thrashers future.  Other teams may not take Cowen at such a high position so possibly look for the Thrashers to trade down a few spots.

5.       Los Angeles Kings: Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson-Left Winger-Drafted from: Timra (Swe Jr.)

The Kings have been building their defense through the draft for many years, and it is about time that they took a forward with a top 10 selection.  Paajarvi-Svensson is a talented, slick forward who can make even the best defenders look silly.  Many could see Evander Kane being drafted by the Kings, but with Dustin Brown occupying the role of power forward, the likes of Paajarvi-Svensson being drafted will be more likely.

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