Tag Archives: @NHLDraftTalk

Brennen York, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Oilers First Round

Well, the 30th pick has been made and the first round has come to a conclusion. The Oilers made noise on the draft floor moving picks 16 (Barzal) and pick 33 to the New York Islanders in exchange for Griffin Reinhart. Many have criticized this move, but it will prove to be a valuable addition to the Oilers roster. Not only does Reinhart bring a strong defensive presence, he also brings the experience factor the Oilers lack. Yes, I know he’s 21, so “experience” isn’t exactly a trait that would pop into your head immediately, but if you take a glimpse at his track record you will be more than impressed.

Aside from that trade, the Oilers clearly won the day as they walked away with the greatest prospect to come along in the past 30 years. McDavid means a new era for the Oilers. His unprecedented speed and puck skills will take the NHL, as well as the Oilers, on to a new level. If the Oilers walk away with zero picks throughout the remainder of the draft and still acquire an A+ rating given the caliber of player they left with.

Granted, selecting Mathew Barzal at 16, and one of Bittner, Roy, or Harkins at 33 would have been a memorable haul, but the Oilers chose to address a position which they were shallow on. Reinhart creates depth on the blueline, and for the first time in years, the Oilers can potentially say no to adding another left handed defenceman.

All in all, it was a solid day for the Oil, but it doesn’t end there. Tomorrow is when we’ll see picks and players on the move, possibly Nikita Nikitin on his way out, as well as the chance a goalie is added to the fold. It will be an exciting day, and for once Oiler fans have faith in management.

Armchair GM, Brennen York, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Final Thoughts Before The Draft

– Philadelphia has a long history of taking the BPA route, but they’re stacked with left handed defenceman. Provorov looks like a real blue chip prospect, who will likely be better than Sanheim, Morin, Hagg, and Ghost, but would they be better off going with a forward at this point? Tough to say. I’m picking Provorov there, but wouldn’t be shocked at all if a forward is taken at 7.

– The San Jose Sharks haven’t selected a Canadian born player in the first round since 2007 when they grabbed Logan Couture with the 9th overall pick. Could we see history repeat itself with the Sharks grabbing a similar player in Mathew Barzal with that selection? It’s possible given the strength of their current blue line. Of course, fans would love a defenceman such as Hanifin, Provorov or Werenski, but they do have a very strong blue line at the moment. They could go a lot of routes. Don’t be shocked to hear Kyle Connor’s name called.

– Columbus should be very active. They have three second round picks as well as the eighth overall. Could definitely see them moving assets for the third overall in order to grab Noah Hanifin.

– The draft order may be vastly different come 7 o’clock. There’s a ton of trade speculation involving the Coyotes, Leafs, Hurricanes, Flyers, Jackets, and Sharks.

– I have absolutely zero idea where Jeremy Bracco ends up. He’s the biggest wildcard in this draft, but given the recent success of players like Johnny Gaudreau and Tyler Johnson, it’s possible you see a team take him early.

– The top two selections are not changing. The draft really begins once Arizona is on the clock. With that pick they could go many ways, but in my opinion, they won’t be making that pick. I do believe Columbus will be in that spot, and I think Noah Hanifin will be the third player off the board. Going back to Arizona? The eighth overall pick, Kerby Rychel, and a second round selection.

– I’ve mentioned a Reinhart for Hanifin deal in the past, and I would still love to see it come to fruition.

– Denis Guryanov is an interesting player to keep an eye on. He’s a big, speedy winger who can shoot. I want to see a team take him in the top 10, but he didn’t really jump onto the scene until the U-18’s. If he falls into the 18-24 range, that’s somewhat justified I just believe his skill level is top 15.

– There are a lot of players who, in my opinion, have great value later on in the draft. Those players include: Jacob Larsson, Jack Roslovic, Julius Nattinen, Filip Ahl, Christian Fischer, Christian Jaros, Kevin Stenlund, Will Borgen, Rodrigo Abols, Ales Stezka, Samuel Dove-McFalls, David Cotton, Jesper Lindgren, Jesse Gabrielle, John Marino, Thomas Schemitsch, Lukas Vejdemo, Christopher Mastomaki, Austin Cho, Adam Parsells, John McDermott. If your team drafts any of these guys, they’re doing something right.

– The Devils have a lot of ways in which they could go. One of which being Ivan Provorov. Yes, I know they need forwards, but Provorov is going to be a very good NHL defenceman. In the scenario which they draft Provorov, I believe Philadelphia takes Mikko Rantanen.

– If a Phil Kessel deal were to go through, Philly is the team I believe best suited as a partner. The Flyers can offload some major salary in players like Macdonald, Grossman, Luke Schenn, and possibly Vinny Lecavalier. Perhaps Philly also moves some salary to Arizona give their cap situation.

– It will be interesting to see where Matej Tomek ends up. The NAHL has proven to spike goalie numbers, specifically save percentage, and it shows in Tomek’s stat line. All that said, he will still be attending North Dakota next season. Could he be the next great goalie to come from the NCAA ranks? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

– We know Winnipeg wants that 3rd overall pick, so what else would they have to add to their initial offer of 17 + 21 + prospect? Maybe they throw in Petan and Kostalek? Probably need to add another piece but we do know the Jets will be going hard after Noah Hanifin.

– Ryan O’Reilly looks to be on the move for sure. The payment would be a first rounder plus a good prospect or roster player. Possible suitors include Florida, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa, all of which own picks in the 11-18 range. He’d be a good pick up for any team, but you have to consider O’Reilly’s contract history in terms of requested salary. Negotiations seem to be a slippery slope, so it’ll be interesting to see where he ends up.

– If the Arizona Coyotes do happen to move out the third overall pick for eight plus, they’ll have a chance to add a lot of good players to the mix. Say they get Rychel, 8 and 34 in a deal, they have a lot of picks they could move around to pick up another first rounder. It’s a lot of moving pieces, but the Coyotes will be one of the most interesting teams to watch.

– The Ottawa Senators have a lot of ways they could go with their selection. If they go with a defender, Chabot, Zboril, and Kylington are all likely available, but it may be tough to pass on a player like White or Guryanov.

– Buffalo may have overpaid for Lehner, but Tim Murray loves the guy. A top 25 pick is a lot to give up considering the talent that will be on the board, but we may see it pan out in the next few years.

– Top ten has some wildcards. Watch out for Zacha, Rantanen, Provorov, and Barzal who could all go in reverse order or any way you can think of. They all bring a unique style so personal preference will play a massive role.

– Will be interesting to see what Chicago does with Sharp and Bickell. They want a big haul for Sharp, but not sure a team is willing to pay a premium for a guy of his age. Could see them landing prospects, but not a first round pick.

– This is the first year in a while where I’ve seen such differing opinions on rankings, and who should or shouldn’t be a first rounder. Players like Roslovic, Sprong, Carlo, Boeser, etc have been ranked all over the board amongst different services and scouts.

– We may see a draft with more trading than any draft in history. Given the cap situation of a few teams, there’s pressure to unload players who no longer make a difference (Bickell, Grossman, etc)

– I do believe St. Louis makes a late push to get into the first round. Steen, Oshie, Berglund are all trade chips, would likely go to a team with two first rounders.

– After that trade with the Flames, Boston may be looking to jump into the top 3, maybe top 5 to grab Noah Hanifin. If they do land him, the deal makes more sense.

– Players I would shy away from include: Graham Knott, Ryan Gropp, Jordan Greenway, Ryan Pilon, and Stephen Desrocher.

Brennen York, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Top 100 Rankings

Draft Day is finally here, and if you’re following along at home, take a look at these rankings to see how your team did.

1. Connor McDavid – C – Erie Otters (OHL) – 6’1 / 189 lbs

2. Jack Eichel – C – Boston University (NCAA) – 6’2 / 194 lbs

3. Noah Hanifin – LD – Boston College (NCAA) – 6’2 / 205 lbs

4. Mitchell Marner – C/RW – London Knights (OHL) – 5’11 / 165 lbs

5. Ivan Provorov – LD – Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) – 6’0 / 200 lbs

6. Dylan Strome – C – Erie Otters (OHL) – 6’3 185 lbs

7. Mikko Rantanen – C/LW – TPS (Liiga) – 6’4 / 209 lbs

8. Zach Werenski – LD – University of Michigan (NCAA) – 6’2 / 214 lbs

9. Mathew Barzal – C – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) – 6’0 / 180 lbs

10. Pavel Zacha – C/LW – Sarnia Sting (OHL) – 6’3 / 214 lbs

11. Lawson Crouse – LW – Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) – 6’3 / 211 lbs

12. Timo Meier – RW – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) – 6’1 / 209 lbs

13. Kyle Connor – C – Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) – 6’1 / 182 lbs

14. Travis Konecny – C – Ottawa 67’s (OHL) – 5’10 / 176 lbs

15. Denis Guryanov – LW – Ladia Togliatti (MHL) – 6’2 / 192 lbs

16. Colin White – C/RW – U.S National U18 Team (USDP) – 6’0 / 182 lbs

17. Evgeni Svechnikov – C/RW – Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) 6’3 / 205 lbs

18. Nick Merkley – C/RW – Kelowna Rockets (WHL) – 5’10 / 178 lbs

19. Jakub Zboril – LD – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) – 6’2 / 185 lbs

20. Jansen Harkins – C – Prince George Cougars (WHL) – 6’1 / 181 lbs

21. Joel Eriksson Ek – C – Farjestad (SHL) – 6’1 / 185 lbs

22. Jacob Larsson – LD – Frolunda (SHL) – 6’2 / 180 lbs

23. Jeremy Roy – RD – Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL) – 6’0 / 183 lbs

24. Ilya Samsonov – G – Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL) – 6’3 / 201 lbs

25. Thomas Chabot – LD – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) – 6’2 / 179 lbs

26. Jack Roslovic – C/RW – US National U-18 Team (USDP) – 6’1 / 183 lbs

27. Paul Bittner – LW – Portland Winterhawks (WHL) – 6’4 / 194 lbs

28. Jeremy Bracco – RW – U.S National U18 Team (USDP) – 5’9 / 172 lbs

29. Noah Juulsen – RD – Everett Silvertips (WHL) – 6’1 / 176 lbs

30. Oliver Kylington – LD – Farjestad (SHL) – 6’0 / 174 lbs

31. Jake Debrusk – C/LW – Swift Current Broncos (WHL) – 6’0 / 176 lbs

32. Brock Boeser – RW – Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL) – 6’1 / 183

33. Daniel Sprong – RW – Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) – 6’0 / 192 lbs

34. Gabriel Carlsson – LD – Linkoping J20 (SuperElit) – 6’4 / 183 lbs

35. Brandon Carlo – RD – Tri City Americans (WHL) – 6’5 / 185 lbs

36. Mackenzie Blackwood – G – Barrie Colts – 6’4 / 216 lbs

37. Anthony Beauvillier – C – Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) – 5’10 / 176 lbs

38. Jonas Siegenthaler – LD – ZSC Lions (NLA) – 6’3 / 220 lbs

39. Christian Fischer – C/RW – U.S National U-18 Team (USDP) – 6’1 / 212 lbs

40. Vince Dunn – LD – Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL) – 6’0 / 187 lbs

41. Nicolas Meloche – RD – Baie Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) – 6’3 / 205 lbs

42. Filip Chlapik – C – Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) – 6’1 / 196 lbs

43. Julius Nattinen – C – JYP (Liiga) – 6’2 / 194 lbs

44. Daniel Vladar – G – HC Kladno (Czezch U20) – 6’5 / 185 lbs

45. Zach Senyshyn – RW – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) – 6’1 / 194 lbs

46. Tom Novak – C – Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL) – 6’0 / 181 lbs

47. Nicolas Roy – C – Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) – 6’4 / 198 lbs

48. Mitchell Stephens – C – Saginaw Spirit (OHL) – 6’0 / 187 lbs

49. Travis Dermott – LD – Erie Otters (OHL) – 5’11 / 196 lbs

50. Dennis Yan – LW – Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) – 6’1 / 187 lbs

51. Yakov Trenin – LW – Gatineau Olympiques – 6’2 / 194 lbs

52. Filip Ahl – LW – HV71 J20 (SuperElit) – 6’4 / 214 lbs

53. Rasmus Andersson – RD – Barrie Colts (OHL) – 6’0 / 210 lbs

54. Robin Kovacs – LW/RW – AIK (Allsvenskan) – 6’0 / 172 lbs

55. Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson – C – Omaha Lancers (USHL) – 6’1 / 190 lbs

56. Parker Wotherspoon – LD – Tri City Americans (WHL) – 6’0 / 172 lbs

57. Nikita Korostelev – RW – Sarnia Sting (OHL) – 6’1 / 196 lbs

58. Mitchell Vande Sompel – LD – Oshawa Generals (OHL) – 5’10 / 183 lbs

59. Matthew Spencer – RD – Peterborough Petes (OHL) – 6’2 / 203 lbs

60. Erik Cernak – RD – HC Kosice (Slovakia) – 6’3 / 203 lbs

61. Alexander Dergachyov – C – SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL) – 6’4 / 201 lbs

62. Adam Musil – C – Red Deer Rebels (WHL) – 6’3 / 205 lbs

63. Ryan Gropp – LW – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) – 6’2 / 190 lbs

64. Jordan Greenway – LW – U.S National U-18 Team (USDP) – 6’5 / 223 lbs

65. Christian Jaros – RD – Luela J20 (SuperElit) – 6’3 / 205 lbs

66. Blake Speers – RW – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) – 5’11 / 185 lbs

67. Matej Tomek – G – Topeka RoadRunners (NAHL) – 6’3 / 181 lbs

68. Austin Wagner – C/LW – Regina Pats (WHL) – 6’1 / 181 lbs

69. Graham Knott – LW – Niagara Ice Dogs – 6’3 / 192 lbs

70. Gabriel Gagne – C/RW – Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) – 6’5 / 187 lbs

71. Callum Booth – Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) – 6’3 / 198 lbs

72. David Cotton – C – Cushing Academy (USHS) – 6’2 / 201 lbs

73. Kevin Stenlund – C – HV71 J20 (SuperElit) – 6’3 / 205 lbs

74. Roope Hintz – C/LW – Ilves (Liiga) – 6’2 / 185 lbs

75. Guillaume Briesbois – LD – Acadie Bathurst Titan (QMJHL) – 6’2 / 176 lbs

76. Samuel Montembeault – G – Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL) – 6’3 / 174 lbs

77. Fredrik Forsberg – C/RW – Leksand J20 (SuperElit) – 6’0 / 174 lbs

78. Ryan Pilon – LD – Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) – 6’2 / 207 lbs

79. Dennis Gilbert – LD – Chicago Steel (USHL) – 6’2 / 201 lbs

80. Michael Spacek – C – HC Dynamo Pardubice (Czech) – 5’11 / 187 lbs

81. Jeremy Lauzon – RD – Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) – 6’2 / 194 lbs

82. Vladislav Gavrikov – Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL) – 6’2 / 194 lbs

83. Brendan Guhle – LD – Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) – 6’2 / 185 lbs

84. Sebastian Aho – LW – Karpat (Liiga) – 5’11 / 176 lbs

85. Will Borgen – RD – Omaha Lancers (USHL) – 6’2 / 179 lbs

86. Brendan Warren – LW – U.S. National U-18 Team (USDP) – 6’0 / 192 lbs

87. Erik Foley – LW – Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) – 5’11 / 185

88. Rodrigo Abols – C – HK Riga (MHL) – 6’3 / 179 lbs

89. Dmytro Timashov – LW – Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) – 5’10 / 187 lbs

90. Jens Looke – LW/RW – Brynas (SHL) – 6’0 / 185 lbs

91. Conor Garland – RW – Moncton Wildcats – 5’8 / 129 lbs

92. Ales Stezka – G – Bill Tygri Liberec U20 (Czech U20) – 6’3 / 179 lbs

93. AJ Greer – LW – Boston University (NCAA) – 6’2 / 205 lbs

94. Anthony Cirelli – C – Oshawa Generals – 6’0 / 165 lbs

95. Denis Malgin – C – ZSC (NLA) – 5’9 / 176 lbs

96. Ethan Bear – RD – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) – 5’11 / 201 lbs

97. Adam Marsh – LW – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) – 6’0 / 161 lbs

98. Andrew Mangiapane – C/LW – Barrie Colts (OHL) – 5’10 / 161 lbs

99. Brad Morrison – C – Prince George Cougars (WHL) – 5’11 / 161 lbs

100. Caleb Jones – LD – U.S National U-18 Team (USDP) – 6’0 / 194 lbs

Brennen York, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

First Round Mock Draft

With less than 24 hours, here’s a look at what I think may happen on draft day!

1. Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid – C – Erie Otters (OHL)
GP: 47 G: 44 A: 76 PTS: 120

Not much to be said. He changes absolutely everything. Will make an impact next season, and for years to come.

2. Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel – C – Boston University (NCAA)
GP: 40 G: 26 A: 45 PTS: 71

Will be a huge piece for the Sabres moving forward. The rebuild is looking good with ayers like Ristolainen, Kane, and Reinhart already in place.

3. Arizona Coyotes: Dylan Strome – C – Erie Otters (OHL)
GP: 68 G: 45 A: 84 PTS: 129

Strome deepens the already strong group of young forwards in Arizona. Next to Domi and Duclair, Strome could be a 90 point guy in the NHL.

4. Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitchell Marner – C/RW – London Knights (OHL)
GP: 63 G: 44 A: 82 PTS: 126

Marner is electrifying, and Leaf fans could use a little excitement. He’s undersized, so jumping to the next level may take time, but he has all the tools to be dominant in the NHL.

5. Carolina Hurricanes: Noah Hanifin – LD – Boston College (NCAA)
GP: 37 G: 5 A: 18 PTS: 23

Hanifin solidifies the defence core in Carolina. He’s a stud, and I believe when we look back at this draft he’s the guy everyone says should have gone second or third. Watching him next to Faulk will be thrilling.

6. New Jersey Devils: Pavel Zacha – C/LW – Sarnia Sting (OHL)
GP: 37 G: 16 A: 18 PTS: 34

Zacha brings both the offence and grittiness to be a New Jersey Devil. Scouts have been somewhat split on Pavel, but he will be a difference maker in the Devils retool. Could see him being a consistent 60 point player.

7. Philadelphia Flyers: Ivan Provorov – LD – Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
GP: 60 G: 15 A: 46 PTS: 61

The Flyers would be ecstatic to grab their future number one defenceman at seven. Though stacked with left handed defenders on the depth chart, Provorov brings that “elite” aspect you look for in the draft.

8. Columbus Blue Jackets: Zach Werenski – LD – University of Michigan (NCAA)
GP: 35 G: 9 A: 16 PTS: 25

The Jackets are loaded up front with players like Wennberg, Johanssen, and Dano, so Werenski is a natural fit. He will be able to fill the role that Ryan Murray seemingly can not.

9. San Jose Sharks: Mikko Rantanen – C/W – TPS (Liiga)
GP: 56 G: 9 A: 19 PTS: 28

Mikko Rantanen is a stud. He brings both size and offensive ability, something every team salivates over. He’s not overly creative, but his hands and shot make him a constant threat in the offensive zone.

10. Colorado Avalanche: Timo Meier – RW – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
GP: 61 G: 44 A: 46 PTS: 90

It’s Timo Time in Denver. With Nate Mackinnon set to break out, he could use a player on his right side to bang a few home. He’s fiery player who doesn’t quit on pucks. Could be a 30-35 goal player in the NHL.

11. Florida Panthers: Lawson Crouse – LW – Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
GP:56 G: 29 A: 22 PTS: 51

With a strong group of young forwards like Barkov, Huburdeau, and Bjugstad, the Panthers could use a player like Lawson Crouse. There’s mixed feelings on Crouse, but I’m optimistic he will succeed.

12: Dallas Stars: Mathew Barzal – C – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
GP: 44 G: 12 A: 45 PTS: 57

Dallas may be shocked the Barzal is there at 12, but they will surely not turn him down. There’s not a ton of center prospects with a high ceiling, but Barzal could be the second line center in Dallas for a very long time.

13. Los Angeles Kings: Kyle Connor – C – Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
GP: 56 G: 34 A: 46 PTS: 80

Connor is an interesting case. He has the size and stat line to suggest he could be a top 10 pick, but he does have a few areas he needs to work on. If everything pans out, the Kings land themselves a good top 6 playmaker.

14. Boston Bruins: Nick Merkley – C/RW – Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
GP: 72 G: 20 A: 70 PTS: 90

The Bruins are shallow in the prospect department. They are still a competitive squad, however they are in dire need of future B’s. Merkley brings that never quit attitude that will allow him to be a successful NHL’er.

15. Calgary Flames: Jeremy Roy – RD – Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)
GP: 46 G: 5 A: 38 PTS: 43

The Flames have built a nice group of young forwards up front, but the back end is still lacking. Roy will be a very good defender for the Flames as he possesses both the raw instincts and puck moving ability to be a difference maker on any given night.

16. Edmonton Oilers: Joel Eriksson Ek – C/LW – Farjestad (SHL)
GP: 34 G: 4 A: 2 PTS: 6

Soured by the fact that Roy is off the board, the Oilers go with a player who’s not far off from being an NHL’er. Eriksson Ek’s stock has risen a lot over the past 4 months, and I think if you’re willing to call Chabot the Sanheim of this year, then Eriksson Ek is the Vrana of 2015.

17. Winnipeg Jets: Travis Konecny – C – Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
GP: 60 G: 29 A: 39 PTS: 68

Not a surprise to see the Jets walk away with another stellar prospect as Konecny falls right into their hands at 17. He’s ranked higher than 17, but both size and inconsistency has been a problem for him. If he pans out, he could be the next Tyler Johnson.

18: Ottawa Senators: Jakub Zboril – LD – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) – GP: 44 G: 13 A: 20 PTS: 33

Zboril is a mean two way defender who will be a great fit next to Erik Karlsson. He has the offensive ability to put up good numbers and he can be trusted in a shut down role. If there’s one word to be used when describing Zboril it would be “intriguing”.

19. Detroit Red Wings: Jansen Harkins – C – Prince George Cougars (WHL)
GP: 70 G: 20 A: 59 PTS: 79

Harkins is a favourite of mine and soon to be a favourite of all Wings fans. He brings a good combination of skill and two way ability that allows him to play in all situations. At the NHL level, he’s a good second line center. The name Nick Bonino pops into my head when I watch him.

20. Minnesota Wild: Evgeni Svechnikov – C/RW – Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)
GP: 55 G: 32 A: 46 PTS: 78

Svechnikov is a great pick at 20. He’s a fun player to watch, however some nights he doesn’t necessarily show up. He’s got a great set of hands, and the skating ability to make him a threat around the opposing teams net. That’s a lot of value twenty picks deep.

21. Buffalo Sabres: Denis Guryanov – LW – Ladia Togliatti (MHL)
GP: 23 G: 15 A: 10 PTS: 25

Guryanov is one of the most interesting player in the entire draft. He has size, skill, and speed, and I do believe a few GM’s have mentioned all three of those things as important factors. I want to see him go in the top 10, but that’s unlikely as he arrived onto the scene so late. Buffalo gets a steal at 21.

22. Washington Capitals: Colin White – C/RW – U.S U-18 Team (USDP)
GP: 47 G: 17 A: 28 PTS: 45

It will be interesting to see how White develops over the next few years, but I believe it will be in a good direction. He’s a player you can rely upon to play smart in all three zones and in key situations. Washington needs a guy with versatility and White brings that.

23. Vancouver Canucks: Paul Bittner – LW – Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
GP: 66 G: 34 A: 37 PTS: 71

Bittner will be a key piece of the Canucks moving forward. He needs some work when it comes to putting all his tools together, but when he does you better look out.

24. Toronto Maple Leafs: Jacob Larsson – LD – Frolunda (SHL) – GP: 20 G: 1 A: 2 PTS: 3

I’m very high on Jacob Larsson, and it appears the Leafs are as well. He’s a strong defender who gives his opponent little room. Though he didn’t have great offensive numbers in the SHL, he has a good offensive side to his game.

25. Winnipeg Jets: Thomas Chabot – LD – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
GP: 66 G: 12 A: 29 PTS: 41

Another great addition for the Jets… Chabot is a good offensive/two way defender who has learned how to be strong in the defensive zone. He may not be a guy you have on the ice in the last minute of a game, but he’ll surely be a guy you can rely on when you’re down a goal.

26. Montreal Canadiens: Jake Debrusk – C/LW – Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
GP: 72 G: 42 A: 39 PTS: 81

If you peg Debrusk as a soft playmaker, you have it all wrong. He’s a strong offensive forward who plays with a little bite in his game. Never afraid to throw a hit or mix things up with an opponent, Debrusk will be a fan favourite in Montreal.

27. Anaheim Ducks: Jeremy Bracco – RW – U.S U-18 Team (USDP)
GP: 58 G: 27 A: 54 PTS: 81

Though the Ducks love their 6’3, 200 pound players, they can afford to swing for a home run this year given their success in recent drafts. Bracco is, well, great. Everything he does is great. His skating, his hands, his shot, it’s all very, very good. The only question mark is his size.

28. Tampa Bay Lightning: Oliver Kylington – LD – Farjestad (SHL)
GP: 18 G: 2 A: 3 PTS: 5

The Bolts are stacked up front, and Oliver Kylington may be the gem of this draft. He fell a ton this year, but going to Tampa Bay may I still some confidence into this offensive defenceman, and it would be scary to think of a future where Kylington and DeAngelo are running the power play.

29. Philadelphia Flyers: Jack Roslovic – C/RW – U.S National U-18 Team (USDP) GP: 65 G: 27 A: 52 PTS: 79

I love Jack Roslovic and the game he brings on a consistent basis. At 6’1, Jack has a good frame for an NHL team to work with. He has so many underrated tools, like his passing ability and offensive IQ. I can not wait to see what he becomes.

30. Arizona Coyotes: Ilya Samsonov – G – Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL) GP: 18 GAA: 2.66 SV%: .918

The Yotes will have to apologize to the Sabres after this one, as once again, a great player has been ripped from their grasps. Samsonov is a great goalie, and unlike Visentin, I’d put money on it that Ilya pans out and becomes a great NHL goalie.

Brennen York, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

1 – Edmonton Oilers

A single day remains before the fate of the Oilers changes forever. It’s been an incredible off season thus far, and Oil Country is buzzing. After the complete dismantling of the MacT regime, Peter Chiarelli has fans talking non stop about what may come from the draft. There’s not a lot of words to describe what Connor McDavid will mean to the Oilers but one thing is certain, he will change the Oilers franchise forever. Though the McDavid pick will be one that is fairly easy, Chiarelli & Co. will have some tough calls when it comes to trades, the 16th pick, and the 33rd pick. 

When it comes to trades, no one is too sure what is going to come down. The Oil need a goalie and I do believe they address that in the next two days, however after hearing that the New York Rangers turned down two second round picks for Cam Talbot, I’d be a like nervous about going after him. Lehner is an option, but he has some question marks around him. Martin Jones name has also been thrown around, but the asking price will be the 33rd pick. 

In the end, Chia will have to ask himself whether or not to worth it when he could throw money at Devan Dubnyk or Antti Niemi. The 16th pick has fans excited, as the last time the Oilers had two first rounders they walked away with RNH and Oscar Klefbom. There’s been trade rumours around this pick for a while as the possibility of making a major deal for a big name defenceman became real after the lottery win. I do believe waiting until the Oilers are finally on the clock before making this pick because the value on that pick will never be higher given the fact that a player like Jeremy Roy or Timo Meier may have slipped. 

If they plan on using the pick, there’s going to be a lot of options on the board. Players like Roy, Meier, maybe even Kyle Connor could slip, but in the likely situation that they’ve all been selected, players like Guryanov, White, and Svechnikov would all be hard to pass on. The talk around using that pick on Ilya Samsonov is blasphemous given the going rate of goalies both on the open market and via trade. He’s a good goalie, but you don’t draft a goalie in the top 20 unless he’s the second coming of Christ. The 33rd pick, however, would be perfectly suited for a goaltender named Samsonov, or even Blackwood. The depth in net is scary, and adding a piece like Samsonov could prove to be a huge pick up. I’m still on the Emil Garipov train when it comes to a solution in net for Edmonton. He’s been putting up stellar numbers overseas, but convincing him to come over for anything less than 4 million may be a challenge. 

It will be the greatest draft in Oilers history, and I personally can’t wait to see what Pete Chiarelli has up his sleeves.

Draft Day Gameplan

– It starts and ends with Connor McDavid.

– Find a goalie. Whether you trade a 5th for rights, or trade for Talbot, don’t leave without a netminder.

– Hit it big with the 16th pick. There will be some good players left, go BPA.

– Find a defenceman. The Oil are shallow on the blue line, so finding a guy capable of playing top pairing minutes is vital.

Oilers Big Board

1. Connor McDavid
2. Jack Eichel
3. Dylan Strome
4. Noah Hanifin
5. Mitchell Marner
6. Ivan Provorov
7. Mikko Rantanen
8. Pavel Zacha
9. Lawson Crouse
10. Denis Guryanov

Who do they take?

Tough call. Could take Connor McDavid OR they could take Connor McDavid. At 16, I like Jeremy Roy.

Darkhorse?

At 16, maybe Debrusk. I doubt it. Will be a player ranked in that range. Noah Juulsen would be interesting.