2013 NHL Draft Grades: Worst Picks of First Round

The 2013 NHL draft had its fair share of surprises on Sunday. For some fans, these surprises were cringe-worthy.

For the most part, the first round of Sunday's draft was well-played when it came time for teams to make their selections. Of course, there were those who appeared to reach for prospects, or curiously left considerable talent on the board.

So, without further ado, I give you the worst picks of the first round.

11. Philadelphia Flyers: Samuel Morin, D, Rimouski (QMJHL)

It's not like Samuel Morin is a bad prospect. He was a first-rounder in my book, given his skating ability and aggressive temperament on the ice. 

But I don't see how a team with a need on the blue line passes up Nikita Zadorov or Ryan Pulock. Both were high-end talents that were passed up for Morin, which is odd, to say the least. Pulock is a big, strong player who excels on the power play. Zadorov's skating ability, toughness and shot are hard to ignore.

Grabbing Morin at No. 11 overall was a reach. It won't necessarily kill Philadelphia, but the play of Pulock and Zadorov in the coming years will be hard for Flyers fans to watch in retrospect.

Chris Peters of CBSSports.com gave the Flyers a "D" for the pick, noting that Morin is "very raw."

Grade: C-

14. Winnipeg Jets: Josh Morrissey, D, Prince Albert (WHL)

Three picks later, the Winnipeg Jets surprised just about everyone, drafting Josh Morrissey out of Prince Albert. 

Morrissey's size is a concern, and he also will need time to develop. He should at least be able to create some space for Jacob Trouba, but, again, Zadorov and Pulock were on the board, two much better prospects in my opinion.

When you are selecting at No. 14 overall, in a draft not short on high-impact talent, drafting Josh Morrissey is a bit puzzling.

Grade: C-

26. Anaheim Ducks: Shea Theodore, D, Seattle (WHL)

The Ducks picked later in the first round, so I didn't knock them as much as the Flyers or Jets, but Shea Theodore was a second-round prospect in my book. 

Theodore does have two-way ability, which makes the pick easier to take, but there are some concerns about his execution under pressure, and that's not a reputation you want on the blue line. He also will need to develop a bit more before being thrust out onto the ice in the NHL.

The Ducks took a second-round talent in the first round, and for that I have to give them a mediocre grade. It's all about maximizing the return you can get with your first-round pick.

Chris Peters of CBSSports.com knocked Theodore for not being as well-rounded as some other prospects left on the board. He also had concerns about Theodore's defensive ability.

Grade: C