2015 NHL Mock Draft: Post-Lottery, First-Round Projections

The NHL draft lottery is complete and now that the shocking winner—the Edmonton Oilers—have secured the No. 1 overall selection, we can begin to piece together a very deep draft, based on opportunity and need. The top of the draft features two franchise cornerstones, but the quality reaches well past 30 names, ensuring every team with a pick will walk away from Day 1 of the draft with a splendid piece of the future.

The Oilers were the big winners, but the Buffalo Sabres—despite losing the lottery—are clearly in a good spot, based on their slotting as the No. 2 team on the draft board.

This mock draft is based on a combination of best player available and need by specific teams. Here's a first-round mock draft, post-draft lottery, for 2015. 

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Jeff Jackson, Connor McDavid's agent "if he's selected, he'd be honoured to play for the Edmonton Oilers" courtesy @TSN1050Radio

— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) April 20, 2015"

1. Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid, C, Erie Otters (OHL)

The Oilers haven't been successful at much in the past nine years, but winning draft lotteries is a specialty. The prize, this time, is a generational talent in young center Connor McDavid. Much has been written about him, but a great starting point for any fan is his breathtaking resume as an offensive player. He scored 2.55 points per game during the regular season and is at 2.55 in the playoffs. McDavid's elite skill set will get him drafted No. 1 overall, and he'll be the overwhelming Calder Trophy favorite heading into the 2015-16 season. No Oilers player has ever won the Calder Trophy. 

2. Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel, C, Boston University Terriers (NCAA)

Buffalo fans may be disappointed about the lottery draw, but the consolation prize also is a franchise player. Jack Eichel is a big offensive center with a complete range of skills. He is an explosive skater who owns a quick, hard release and can score from outside the slot. Eichel also has physical elements to his game and that skill will become more formidable as he matures.

3. Arizona Coyotes: Dylan Strome, C, Erie Otters (OHL)

Which team should be upset about the lottery results? The Arizona Coyotes. Before the lottery, they were in a position to grab one of the two franchise men in the draft. At No. 3, they can choose between a terrific college defender and a big, skilled center. The Coyotes have a plethora of defenders but have an extreme need for big men with skill up front, so Dylan Strome makes the most sense. He led the OHL in scoring this year and has terrific hands, along with great creativity and patience with the puck.

4. Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitch Marner, RW, London Knights (OHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs will have a tough choice when their turn arrives, but there is still elite-level skill on the draft list. Mitch Marner has size issues—he is 5'11" and 164 pounds—but is a dynamic offensive player with outstanding hands. NHL teams tend to underrate offensive players with size issues in the draft, but Toronto has a chance to acquire an impact offensive player and won't pass on the opportunity.

5. Carolina Hurricanes: Noah Hanifin, D, Boston College Eagles (NCAA)

The Carolina Hurricanes are going through a period of transition and can afford to take the best player available because of their long list of needs. Noah Hanifin is a wonderful skater and a dynamic passer—skills that have extreme value in the modern game. If they pick him, the Hurricanes will have some help on the way for the brilliant Justin Faulk, who often looked like a man alone last season. 

6. New Jersey Devils: Ivan Provorov, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

The New Jersey Devils are going through a period of transition. The team has some nice young defensemen for the rebuild, but none have the offensive flair of Ivan Provorov. The dynamic puck mover can pass tape-to-tape or skate the puck out of trouble with equal aplomb and appears to be closer to being ready for the NHL than any other defenseman in this year's draft.

7. Philadelphia Flyers: Lawson Crouse, LW, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

In what is a clear case of a perfect fit, power forward Lawson Crouse was born to play for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is big, strong and nasty and has potential offensively. Brock Otten of OHL Prospects describes Crouse's skill set:

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Crouse is creating his own scoring chances and is succeeding as the focal point of an offensive attack. As he gains confidence and gets more skilled linemates, his offensive contributions will only increase. Everything else about his game is a coaches dream.

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8. Columbus Blue Jackets: Mathew Barzal, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

The Columbus Blue Jackets could go any number of ways due to the increased depth in their system, but the terrific skills of Mathew Barzal will likely be too difficult to pass by, if he is still available. Cody Nickolet of WHL From Above gives us a very good view of Barzal as a player:

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He is an intriguing combination of hands, skating ability and vision. He reads the play at a very high level, can execute tough plays on the forehand and backhand and also has the ability to burn a defence with speed if gaps aren't kept up to snuff.

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9. San Jose Sharks: Timo Meier, RW, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

The San Jose Sharks are among the league's strongest drafting teams in recent years and despite struggles this season, they have quality in all areas. Timo Meier is a dynamic offensive player who shoots the puck a lot and is most dangerous off the rush. In Meier, the Sharks would be taking a forward who may be close to being ready for the NHL.

10. Colorado Avalanche: Zach Werenski, D, Michigan Wolverines (NCAA) 

The Colorado Avalanche have some serious skills up front and some major gaps along the blue line, so their shopping at the draft and via free agency this summer could focus on defense. Zach Werenski is a substantial offensive player at the NCAA level and is performing well at the very young age of 17. If he is selected inside the top 10 overall, along with Hanifin and Eichel, it would represent a tremendous season for NCAA hockey development.

11. Florida Panthers: Kyle Connor, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

The Florida Panthers are teeming with quality at most positions, so they can afford to draft a player with tremendous upside who may take a season or two longer than most of the top-end talents. And Kyle Connor is a dynamic skater with a range of skills and a lot of promise. As Shawn Reznik of The Hockey Writers tells us, Connor is a very good prospect:

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For a lanky 6’1″ forward, he still manages to generate a great deal of power in his legs and has some of the best agility I’ve seen of any prospect this year. Kyle is known for catching defensemen flat-footed and maneuvering through them like a knife through butter. His stick skills match his high octane speed, making Connor a deadly offensive player. He easily can pull defenders out of position before dishing to one of his open teammates for an odd-man rush. Considered, more of a playmaker, Connor is equally adept at goal scoring by using his slick hands in tight.

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12. Dallas Stars: Mikko Rantanen, RW, TPS (SM-Liiga)

The Dallas Stars love wingers with size and skill, and Mikko Rantanen delivers in both areas. He also is playing in a very good pro league and having success, implying he could be closer to NHL-ready than some others at the top of the draft. Dallas has no hesitation in fast tracking young prospects who prove they are ready, and we might see Rantanen in the AHL this fall—if the Stars draft him.

13. Los Angeles Kings: Pavel Zacha, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

NHL teams cannot resist big centers and for good reason. A big, strong pivot with some skill is a very effective player at both ends of the ice. Pavel Zacha didn't deliver the kind of offense hoped for this season, but he's unlikely to fall too far down the list. The Los Angeles Kings put a very high value on big men with skill, and Zacha meets the requirements.

14. Boston Bruins: Brock Boeser, RW, Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL)

The Boston Bruins love wingers with size, and Boeser is a fascinating prospect. Picking him this high might be a reach, but he fits Boston's player type, like a glove. Curtis Joe of Elite Prospects describes Boeser:

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A dynamic offensive winger and natural goal scorer. Has great instincts and is able to quickly get into position for premium scoring chances; possesses an accurate release on his shot which he can get off in the blink of an eye. He always knows where his linemates are, and is a great passer; that being said, his individual puck possession play is incredible and sets him apart as an offensive player.

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15. Calgary Flames: Nick Merkley, C, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

The Calgary Flames spent a long time missing on first-round draft picks but have been scoring in a big way recently. Nick Merkley is a skilled center with a two-way ability that should make him a complete NHL player if he continues to develop. Nickolet of WHL From Above has this to say:

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A high end skater with a powerful driving stride, he shows the ability to beat defenders wide while also displaying the sense to push defenders back with speed, then to slow down to create space for himself. A smart player who can absolutely thread the needle and pick apart an opposing team with his vision.

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16. Edmonton Oilers (from the Pittsburgh Penguins via the David Perron deal): Oliver Kylington, D, Farjestad (SHL)

The Oilers will have drafted a franchise center at the top of the draft, so it makes sense to address an area of need with their second pick in the round. Oliver Kylington has very good speed, can pass the puck and has a plus shot. It's always a bit of a mystery in terms of how much offense will come from defensemen when they turn pro, but Kylington's defense is strong enough to warrant a mid-first pick on him.

17. Winnipeg Jets: Jake DeBrusk, LW, Swift Current Broncos (WHL)

The Winnipeg Jets have been splendid at the draft table since the Atlanta Thrashers moved north, and Jake DeBrusk represents great value at this point in the draft. His increase in goals season over the season—from 15 to 42—suggests he can be a legitimate top-six forward if he continues to progress. The fact that he scored 22 goals in his final 32 games may indicate he blossomed at exactly the right time.

18. Ottawa Senators: Evgeny Svechnikov, RW, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)

The Ottawa Senators usually draft in this range every year and have procured outstanding talent doing it. Evgeny Svechnikov has a lot of good things in his resume, including high-end skill, soft hands and a quick release. He's exactly the kind of player the Senators have had success with over the years.

19. Detroit Red Wings: Anthony Beauvillier, C, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)

The Detroit Red Wings have drafted higher in recent years, including two picks inside the top 20 in the last two drafts. Anthony Beauvillier is a brilliant offensive player—he scored 94 points in 67 games this season—who will no doubt develop a more complete game if the Red Wings draft him.

20. Minnesota Wild: Colin White, C, U.S. National U18 (USDP)

The Minnesota Wild have spent a lot of their draft picks on U.S. Development Program prospects, and it may continue with Colin White. He possesses a range of skills and is performing well at the U18 World Hockey Championships in Switzerland. The Wild may have to be patient but should get a complete two-way center when White graduates to the NHL.

21. Buffalo Sabres (from the New York Islanders via the Thomas Vanek trade): Jeremy Roy, D, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)

The Sabres will have plucked a franchise center at No. 2 overall and can invest in another position at No. 21. Jeremy Roy is a rugged two-way defender with surprising offense and a good reputation defensively. Buffalo can afford to be patient with him, as the organization has the best depth in hockey from a prospect's point of view.

22. Washington Capitals: Mitchell Vande Sompel, D, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

The Capitals always seem to have a few defensemen who can activate from the back end, and Mitchell Vande Sompel fits the bill. He's an undersized player at 5'10" and 181 pounds, but as Otten from OHL Prospects explains, his defensive coverage is impressive:

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Everyone knows how good his offensive game is, and how well he transitions up ice. But at his size, scouts are going to be even more concerned with whether he's going to be able to be a minutes eater at the next level. I think he's shown enough maturity, intelligence, and gumption to suggest he could be a Dan Boyle type of player at the NHL level.

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23. Vancouver Canucks: Thomas Chabot, D, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

The Vancouver Canucks haven't drafted a defenseman in the first round since 2005, but Thomas Chabot's range of skills may be impossible to ignore. He's clearly an effective defender, has projectable size and enough speed to flourish at the position.

24. Arizona Coyotes (from the Chicago Blackhawks via the Antoine Vermette trade): Daniel Sprong, RW, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)

The Coyotes will have selected an exceptional prospect at No. 3 overall—I've chosen Strome, but they could draft Hanifin or Marner—and would be delighted to acquire the extremely talented Daniel Sprong at No. 24. He is one of the best natural scorers in the draft and enjoyed a strong playoff performance.

25. Toronto Maple Leafs (from the Nashville Predators via the Cody Franson—Mike Santorelli trade): Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Farjestad (SHL)

The Leafs' selection of Marner at No. 4 overall may imply a defensive selection at No. 25, but Toronto could use more size at the pivot position. Joel Eriksson Ek delivers skill and size along with good speed, projecting him as a possible top-line center, if he continues to develop. He is playing very well for Sweden at the World U18 Hockey Championships, too.

26. Philadelphia Flyers (from Tampa Bay Lightning via Braydon Coburn trade): Nicolas Roy, C, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)

Philadelphia's early pick at No. 7 overall went to Crouse in this mock draft, and the Flyers pick another big forward in Nicolas Roy at No. 26. Roy is a rugged center with playmaking skill and should fit right into the Flyers' style. He also is having some success at the World U18 Hockey Championships.

27. Winnipeg Jets (from the Buffalo Sabres via the St. Louis Blues in two different deals listed here): Jansen Harkins, C, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

The Jets received a quality scoring option in DeBrusk at No. 17 in this mock draft, and they once again reach into the WHL for two-way center Jansen Harkins. He's a hardworking center who can play any role and provides surprisingly effective offense for his team.

28. Anaheim Ducks: Vince Dunn, D, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

The Anaheim Ducks get terrific value for a late first-round selection in Vince Dunn. He displays a range of skills despite being undersized at 6 feet and 185 pounds and looks to have extreme offensive potential. Dunn's playoff performance for the Niagara IceDogs turned a lot of heads, and he may emerge quickly a la Cam Fowler in Anaheim.

29. Montreal Canadiens: Travis Konecny, C, Ottawa 67's (OHL)

The Montreal Canadiens would be thrilled to get such a quality player this late in the first round, but this is a very deep draft. Travis Konecny is not a big forward but plays with intensity and grit, and he is very determined in all areas of the games.

30. Tampa Bay Lightning (from the New York Rangers via the Martin St. Louis trade): Andrew Mangiapane, Barrie Colts (OHL)

An unusual pick in that Andrew Mangiapane was eligible last year but was not selected, there is ample evidence that he can deliver on this selection. A brilliant offensive player, he doubled his point total—from 51 to 104—season over season. The Lightning are full value for the pick, and it also is a nice coincidence to see a brilliant undersized player (5'10", 161 lbs) get drafted via a transaction involving Martin St. Louis.