2015 NHL Mock Draft: Post-Combine Edition
With the draft combine complete, the 2015 NHL entry draft is officially on the doorstep. All 30 clubs will hit the draft floor in Florida on June 26.
It goes without saying that Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel will don the first two sweaters in this year’s draft. It’s not as straightforward beyond the two phenoms, though. The draft class includes a handful of other rare talents such as Boston College blueliner Noah Hanifin, Erie Otters center Dylan Strome and London Knights winger Mitchell Marner.
Without further ado, read on for a mock draft of the first-round selections.
1. Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid, C, Erie Otters
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As the most hyped prospect since Sidney Crosby, the Oilers will inevitably invest the draft’s first overall selection on Connor McDavid. He is a generational talent who should run away with the NHL’s Rookie of the Year award next season.
The Newmarket, Ontario, native dominated his last season of junior hockey with the OHL’s Otters this year. He not only racked up 44 goals and 120 points in 47 regular-season games, but he also netted 21 goals and 49 points in 20 playoff matches. It’s a testament to how he ultimately outgrew the CHL before he even turned 19 years old.
It isn’t as straightforward as simply saying it’s McDavid’s vision and skating that separates him from the rest of the draft’s elite talents. Like Wayne Gretzky, he’s a rare breed who has everything going for him on the ice.
Here's what McKeen’s Hockey scout Brendan Ross had to say about McDavid:
"McDavid has an innate ability to read his opponents and exploit their smallest of errors. Besides being average-sized, he excels in every other possible area of the game. He’s surprisingly strong and is downright fearless in his attacks, never holding back against larger defenders. His calm, cool and collective demeanor radiates confidence throughout the lineup and the ease at how he accomplishes everything on the ice is astonishing. Skating is considered lethal not because of blazing speed but rather a well-balanced stride and strong edge work, used to cut in and out of traffic.
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2. Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel, C, Boston University
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Jack Eichel is as good of a consolation prize as the Sabres could get in any draft class. Some scouts believe he would have went ahead of Aaron Ekblad in 2014 and Nathan MacKinnon the year before. This high praise shows that he’s a first overall talent who will only go second in the draft because he’s up against McWonder.
The 6’2”, 194-pound center will go down as one of the best college freshman in NCAA history. His 1.77 points-per-game ratio (26 goals and 71 points in 40 contests) topped the college rookie seasons of Toronto Maple Leafs sniper Phil Kessel (1.31) and Minnesota Wild star Zach Parise (1.56).
TSN director of scouting Craig Button writes:
"Jack possesses excellent skating ability and is able to execute at a very high rate of speed. He attacks and because he can beat defenders with speed, quickness, or lateral mobility, they are on their heels trying to defend him. He can adjust on the move and he recognizes where he can take advantage. With an excellent shot and power in his game, he is a nightmarish proposition for opponents to try and deter. Takes on the challenges in a game and excels.
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3. Arizona Coyotes: Dylan Strome, C, Erie Otters
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With a 6’3”, 187-pound frame, impeccable vision and soft hands, Strome is simply too rare of a prospect for the Coyotes to pass over. He has the makings of a future first-line center that compares to San Jose Sharks veteran Joe Thornton.
With the help of McDavid, his Otters teammate, the Mississauga, Ontario, native led the OHL in scoring this year with 45 goals and 129 points in 68 games. He’s the first draft-eligible player to win the accolade since Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin tied each (106 points each) for the award in 2010.
Craig Button writes:
"A smart, good skating, center who can not only make plays but can finish them also. Reads the play so very well and he gets himself into positions where he can take advantage and be a threat. He's multi-dimensional in that he can play two-ways, can play a skill game, can play a 'heavy' game but regardless of the situations he plays a game where he contributes in some way, some fashion.
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4. Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitchell Marner, W, London Knights
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Leafs assistant general manager Kyle Dubas has made it clear that Toronto is going after skill on the draft floor.
“Here’s the way I look at it,” he said, according to TSN.com's Elliotte Friedman (h/t AP Hockey). “Right now, we aren’t good enough to be picky about smaller players. We need as many elite players as we can. If we get into playoffs and are too small, or overwhelmed, it’s easier to trade small for size than draft for size and trade for skill.”
That said, with Strome off the board, Marner is Toronto’s best bet as the most talented prospect available. While playing a smart, puck-possession style, he finished second in the OHL scoring race with 44 goals and 126 points in 63 contests. He also plays with a chip on his shoulder despite his smaller 5’11”, 163-pound stature.
Ross, the McKeen's Hockey scout, breaks down Marner's strengths:
"Marner’s trajectory over the past three seasons has been outstanding as he physically matured and developed into the London Knights’ top skater. His ability to impact that game every time he takes the ice is invaluable and he’s added a great defensive presence to an already dominating offensive game.
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5. Carolina Hurricanes: Noah Hanifin, D, Boston College
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Selecting Hanifin, whom NHL Central Scouting Service pegged third among North American skaters, fifth overall should be a no-brainer for the Hurricanes, as he’s regarded as the top defenseman in one of the best draft classes in the last decade. He possesses an enticing blend of a smooth skating ability, strong hockey knowledge and consistency in his game.
The biggest question surrounding Hanifin is where he will play next season. He seems to have what it takes to make the jump to The Show next year, but it would be a safer move for him to play another year of college or in the AHL.
"Yes and no," Hanifin told Mike Brophy of NHL.com on whether he's ready for the NHL next year. "There are definitely parts of my game that I can work on to be an impact player in the NHL. One of my goals is to work hard this summer so I can potentially be ready for next season. If I were to play next season I would need to learn a lot."
6. New Jersey Devils: Lawson Crouse, W, Kingston Frontenacs
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Crouse didn’t put up near as many points (29 goals and 51 points in 56 games) as Strome and Marner, but he’s considered to be in the same conversation. The reason being is that he has the makings of the next star power forward with a 6’4”, 212-pound frame, relentless forecheck, good hands and an elite shot.
That said, the London, Ontario, native, who is ranked fifth among North American skaters by Central Scouting, would be tough to pass up in the No. 6-9 range. He has the tools to develop into the next Wayne Simmonds.
7. Philadelphia Flyers: Mikko Rantanen, W, TPS
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Ranked as the top European skater by Central Scouting, Rantanen is considered the top prospect in the draft who played overseas this year. He would be a great pickup for the Flyers, or any team for that matter, with pure goal scorers not exactly growing on trees.
Rantanen has an appealing combination of size (6’4”, 209 pounds), soft hands, elite hockey sense and a smooth stride. In addition, he’s been known to come up big in important games, such as the past World Junior Championship when he netted four goals in five games.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets: Ivan Provorov, D, Brandon Wheat Kings
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Next to former Everett Silvertip Ryan Murray, Provorov would give the Blue Jackets a solid defensive duo. He’s not only well beyond his years on the ice but also off of it. Moving from Russia to the United Sates when he was 14 years old to better his hockey career forced him to grow up at a young age.
Provorov made a seamlessly smooth transition to the WHL from the USHL this year. While using his agility, accurate release and creative passing, he led all WHL rookies in points with 15 goals and 61 points in 60 games.
9. San Jose Sharks: Mathew Barzal, C, Seattle Thunderbirds
9 of 30The Sharks need some young blood up front with Thornton and Patrick Marleau getting near the end of their careers. Barzal, along with Logan Couture, would give the organization a solid one-two punch down the middle to replace its aging veterans.
The 6’1”, 181-pound Barzal has the kind of vision that makes him stand out in the draft class. He sees the ice extremely well and is able to slow down the pace of the game with his superb poise. In addition, he’s an extremely talented playmaker, which is evident based on his stats sheet—12 goals and 57 points in 44 contests.
10. Colorado Avalanche: Zachary Werenski, D, University of Michigan
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With a roster full of talented young forwards—Nate Mackinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly—the Avalanche’s No. 1 priority is clearly on the back end. Weresnki would give them a blue-chip prospect who projects as a future top-pairing defenseman.
The 6’2”, 192-pound Weresnki, whom International Scouting Services ranked 11th overall, is a smooth-skating defender who thinks the game really well. He looked anything but a freshman in his rookie season at the University of Michigan, scoring nine goals and 25 points in 35 games.
11. Florida Panthers: Pavel Zacha, C, Sarnia Sting
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Panthers GM Dale Tallon has had success with big power forwards. Top 2010 pick Nick Bjugstad (6’6”, 218 pounds) broke out this past year and top 2013 pick Aleksander Barkov (6’3”, 209 pounds) looks poised to do the same. The 6’3”, 214-pound Zacha could be his third success story.
Following being selected first overall in the 2014 CHL import draft, the Czech Republic native made a smooth transition to the OHL in his rookie season this year. He used his speed, skill and physicality to become one of the league’s prominent power forwards, scoring 16 goals and 34 points in 37 games.
12. Dallas Stars: Timo Meier, W, Halifax Mooseheads
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It will be tough for the Dallas Stars to pass over the Quebec Major Junior League’s top 2015 draft prospect when they go up the podium in Florida. Moreover, like Brett Ritchie and Valeri Nichushkin, Meier fits the trend of the Stars’ top forward prospects, as he has size (6’1”, 209 pounds) and plays with an edge.
The Swiss-born winger exploded into a superstar in his second season with the Mooseheads. He followed up his 34-point rookie season by racking up 44 markers and 90 points in 61 games. His stats are a testament to his elite offensive abilities, including his accurate shot and top-notch vision.
13. Los Angeles Kings: Thomas Chabot, D, Saint John Sea Dogs
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The Kings aren’t afraid to select blueliners in the first round. They’ve picked three (Thomas Hickey in 2007, Drew Doughty in 2008 and Derek Forbort in 2010) in their last six top-30 draft picks. It makes even more sense for them to select a defenseman such as Chabot this year, as the future of prominent veteran Slava Voynov is up in the air.
Chabot, who is ranked 16th among North American skaters by Central Scouting, is a smart two-way defender who has the potential to blossom into a player similar to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Christian Ehrhoff. His mobility and hockey sense give him the skill set needed to be an impact player at both ends of the ice.
14. Boston Bruins: Kyle Connor, C, Youngstown Phantoms
14 of 30Ranked 13th overall by ISS, the University of Michigan commit is expected to have his name called in the No. 11-17 range at the draft. It would make a lot of sense for the Bruins to snag him at No. 14, as he would quite likely be the top forward prospect available with Meier and Zacha off the board.
Connor won the USHL Player of the Year award this season after dominating the league with the Phantoms. While putting up 34 goals and 80 points in 56 contests, he played a smart two-way game that entailed tape-to-tape passes and excellent composure with the puck on his stick. He isn’t overly physical but cuts down angles well and is responsible in his own end.
15. Calgary Flames: Brock Boeser, W, Waterloo Blackhawks
15 of 30The North Dakota commit shone on the USHL's Blackhawks this year, racking up 35 goals and 68 points in 57 games. According to his EliteProspects.com profile, his play elicited some comparisons to Chicago Blackhawks veteran Patrick Sharp because of his top-notch goal-scoring abilities. Moreover, it put him in the conversation of prospects who could don a jersey somewhere in between Nos. 14-25.
Here's what Ross has to say about Boeser:
"Boeser is an opportunistic shooter who doesn’t need much time to unleash a shot with pin-point accuracy. He owns natural goal scoring instincts and finds the soft spots on the ice with ease. He has proved to be very dangerous off the rush as he attacks wide with good top-end speed before snapping pucks home on the cut to the net. While not a true playmaker, Boeser displays noteworthy passing skills. He isn’t a high-energy attacker and isn’t always engage.
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16. Edmonton Oilers (via Pittsburgh): Paul Bittner, W, Portland Winterhawks
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Drafting Bittner goes hand in hand with selecting McDavid, as the Oilers need a bouncer for their new generational talent. In addition, Edmonton GM Peter Chiarelli built a bigger team when he was in Boston with the likes of Milan Lucic and Zdeno Chara, so it would make sense for him to bulk up the Oilers with a prospect such as the 6’4”, 194-pound Bittner.
The 18-year-old winger plays a physical, but not mean, style of play while creating space for his linemates because of his imposing stature. On top of that, having notched 34 goals and 71 points in 66 contests this past year, he can also put the puck in the back of the net.
17. Winnipeg Jets: Nick Merkley, W, Kelowna Rockets
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With many recent WHL picks such as Rockets defender Josh Morrissey (first round, 2013) and Portland Winterhawks stars Nicolas Petan (second round, 2013) and Chase De Leo (fourth round, 2014), there’s undeniable evidence that suggests the Jets love drafting kids out of their own backyard.
This fact, combined with Merkley’s impressive Memorial Cup showing, should make it an easy decision for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff to select the Calgary, Alberta, native.
Merkley creates scoring chances like there’s no tomorrow, and he has a high hockey IQ. He is on the small side (5’10”, 185 pounds) but plays much bigger than his frame. It was evident when he went toe-to-toe with Oshawa Generals power forward Michael McCarron, who stands 6’6”, 225 pounds, at the Memorial Cup.
18. Ottawa Senators: Jansen Harkins, C, Prince George Cougars
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Similar to former Edmonton Oil Kings forward Curtis Lazar, Harkins would bring character and skill to Ottawa’s offense. He’s a chip off the old block, as he has been mentored by his father, former pro hockey player Todd Harkins, who also happens to be Prince George’s general manager.
“Harkins is a highly competitive pivot who is always moving his feet, wreaking havoc for opposing defenders,” wrote ESPN Insider Corey Pronman in his top-30 draft ranking. “Harkins projects as a No. 2 or 3 energy centerman at the next level, carving out a role as a two-way all-situations forward.”
19. Detroit Red Wings: Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Farjestad
19 of 30From Tomas Holmstrom to Henrik Zetterberg, the Red Wings have had their success with Swedish talents. Eriksson Ek could be the next one. He is expected to don a sweater in the No. 16-24 range and plays a 200-foot game that should appeal to the Detroit hockey brass.
The 6’2”, 185-pound center, who possesses great vision and a powerful stride, split time between Farjestad’s junior and men’s teams this past season. He dominated at the junior level, scoring 21 markers and 32 points in 25 games but struggled in the men’s league, as he only potted six points in 34 contests.
20. Minnesota Wild: Travis Konecny, C, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
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Similar to Robby Fabbri last year, it Seems Konecny, who is ranked 12th overall by ISS, could slide a bit on draft day because of his small 5’10”, 172-pound stature. But in saying that, it will be tough for the teams in the No. 17-22 range to pass him over because of his high-end skill set.
Konecny, who is the cousin of Vancouver Canucks prospect Bo Horvat, has the ability to fly past opponents while handling the puck as though it's a on a string. Moreover, he has a quality shot and plays bigger than his stature because of his determination and willingness to compete.
21. Buffalo Sabres (via NYI): Jeremy Roy, D, Sherbrooke Phoenix
21 of 30Having selected Eichel with the second selection, the Sabres would have more than one reason to snag Roy with the 21st overall pick. He’s not only one of the top defenseman in the draft but is also one of the more enticing prospects pegged to don a sweater in the No. 17-25 range.
The Longueuil, Quebec, native, who is ranked 23rd overall by ISS, is one of the smartest prospects in the entire draft. He has the knowledge to read a play a second before it happens and plays with authority on the ice. On top of that, he possesses impressive intangibles such as character and maturity.
22. Washington Capitals: Jakub Zboril, D, Saint John Sea Dogs
22 of 30With Mike Green possibly on his way out the door this offseason, it would make sense for the Capitals to land a blue-chip rearguard such as Zboril at the draft. Moreover, they are due to select a blueliner in the first round, as they haven’t drafted one since 2007 when they chose Karl Alzner.
The Czech Republic native, who netted 13 goals and 33 points in 44 games this season, has a deadly combination of size (6’2”, 185 pounds), smarts, speed and skill. In addition, he plays with an edge, as he’s not afraid to lay the body and get into it with opponents.
23. Vancouver Canucks: Yevgeni Svechnikov, W, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
23 of 30The Canucks have a tendency to look for offensive help in the first round. They’ve invested their last 10 top-30 draft choices on forwards since selecting the late Luc Bourdon 10th overall in 2005. In saying that, Svechnikov would be one of their best options with the 23rd overall pick.
The 6’3”, 205-pound Svechnikov is an incredibly offensive skilled winger who possesses soft hands and a lethal shot. His elite skill made his transition from Russia to the QMJHL as smooth as can be, as he racked up 32 goals and 78 points in 55 contests.
24. Toronto Maple Leafs (via Nashville): Brandon Carlo, D, Tri-City Americans
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Following the selection of Marner with the fourth pick, it makes sense for the Leafs to look for some defensive help with their second selection. Carlo would be their best blue-line option with prospects such as Zboril, Roy and Chabot off the board.
The Colorado Springs, Colorado, native is a typical shutdown defenseman. He uses his big 6’4”, 195-pound frame to his advantage by playing a physical style that entails dominating tight areas and dishing out bone-crushing hits. His lack of foot speed does limit his offensive abilities, though.
25. Winnipeg Jets (via St. Louis): Ilya Samsonov, G, Magnitogorsk 2
25 of 30With Ondrej Pavelec and Michael Hutchinson struggling with inconsistencies, stopping the puck has held the Jets back since returning to Winnipeg in 2013. Samsonov has the skill to change that if he fulfills his potential. According to Central Scouting, he’s touted as the top international netminder in the draft because of the enticing blend of his size (6’3”, 201 pounds), good instincts and ability to find a way to get in front of the puck.
"He has good size and covers the net well," Central Scouting’s Goran Stubb told Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com. "He plays at the top of the crease and effectively squares to the shooter. He shows good instincts and is well balanced. He can make acrobatic saves and is considered to be the best Russian goalie prospect in many years."
26. Montreal Canadiens: Jake DeBrusk, W, Swift Current Broncos
26 of 30The Canadiens should be quite familiar with DeBrusk, as one of their top prospects, defenseman Brett Lernout, spent this past season playing alongside him in Swift Current. Moreover, the Edmonton, Alberta, native’s offensive skills could fill the goal-scoring void that Montreal currently has in its roster.
DeBrusk broke out in his second year with the Broncos this season, scoring 42 goals and 81 points in 72 matches. He doesn’t beat players up physically like his father, former NHLer Louie DeBrusk, but he does play with a physical edge. He works hard in the dirty areas and isn’t afraid to throw his weight around.
27. Anaheim Ducks: Daniel Sprong, wing, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
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The Ducks went with size at the 2014 draft by selecting OHL power forward Nick Ritchie. It makes sense for them to go after skill this year, and Sprong, who was born in the Netherlands, could be on of their best options.
Sprong, whom ISS ranked 26th overall, has the ability to dominate in the offensive zone. He’s a dynamic skater, has electric puck skills and is a creative passer. His skill is evident based on his stats, as he posted 39 goals and 88 points in 68 games this past season.
28. Tampa Bay Lightning (via NYR): Anthony Beauvillier, W, Shawinigan Cataractes
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The Lightning have had success with smaller forwards. Look no further than Tyler Johnson for proof of that. Therefore, they shouldn’t be as leery as other organizations when it comes to selecting Beauvillier, a 5’10”, 185-pound center.
The Sorel-Tracy, Quebec native, who is ranked 33rd by Central Scouting, tore up the QMJHL in his sophomore season. While notching 42 goals and 94 points in 67 contests, he showed off his impressive speed, hockey sense and puck-handling abilities.
29. Philadelphia Flyers (via Tampa Bay): Colin White, C, U.S. NTDP
29 of 30At No. 29, White is a great option for the Flyers. He is one of the best two-way forwards in the draft, and Philadelphia can justify taking forwards with both of their first-round picks because they selected rearguards with their top selections (Travis Sanheim in 2014, Samuel Morin in 2013) in the past two drafts.
The 6’1”, 183-pound center is poised to join Boston College next year following an excellent season with the U.S. national team development program. He netted 23 goals and 54 points in 54 games while serving as one of his team’s top forwards in his own zone.
30. Arizona Coyotes (via Chicago): Oliver Kylington, D, Farjestad
30 of 30Kylington is arguably the biggest wild card in this year’s draft. He entered the year regarded as a potential top-10 draft choice but has fallen greatly throughout the season. A true testament to this is how Central Scouting dropped him six spots in its final European skater ranking.
That said, the Coyotes can afford to take a flier on the Stockholm, Sweden, native because they have two top-30 selections and have a full cupboard of high-end prospects such as Max Domi and Anthony Duclair. Moreover, his smooth skating ability, top-notch puck skills and elite shot give him a higher ceiling than many of the other prospects available in the No. 25-30 range.
Unless otherwise noted, quotes were obtained first hand by the writer.
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