NHL Mock Draft Part 3

#21 Philadelphia Flyers - Robin Lehner 6-3 220 POS: G Team: Frolunda (Swe)

For over a decade this team has been unable to find a star goaltender to play for them and in order for this team to contend for the Stanley Cup, this team needs a top tier goaltender to take them to that next level.

So that’s why this pick makes sense. Lehner is another product of the Frolunda goaltending factory which has turned out goaltending prospects on an annual basis. He easily has the potential to be like a Lundqvist type of goaltender where he uses his size and positioning to take up a lot of the net.

Not to mention he has a quick glove hand that can steal goals from even the best shooters.

#22 Vancouver Canucks - Stefan Elliot 6-1 180 POS: D Team: Saskatoon (WHL)

With Mattias Ohlund most likely leaving in free agency, there will be a need for a possible successor to be in the Vancouver system and Stefan Elliot has all the potential to be that replacement.

He has great hockey sense and has the ability to always be in the right position to make a play. Not to mention he has amazing hockey intelligence, being able to see the play before it happens. With another year or two of development, he has the potential to be the anchor of this already strong defense.

#23 New Jersey Devils - Tim Erixon 6-2 190 POS: D Team: Skelleftea (Swe)

The New Jersey Devils have always been a defensive minded team so that’s why this pick seems so right. Although he has some offensive upside, Tim Erixon is for the most part a defensive defenseman that has the potential to be a great shutdown defender in the NHL.

He is very safe with the puck and always makes the right play, something that the New Jersey Devils always preach to their players.

#24 Washington Capitals - Zach Budish 6-3 229 POS: RW Team: Team South West (MHSEL)

For the past two seasons, the Capitals have gone heavy on defense, so that’s why they will most likely take a forward in this year’s draft. Plus with the amount of pure talent already on the team, it would make sense to draft a much more gritty player to complement the skill they have.

Zach Budish is a very big, gritty forward that is not scared to get into the face of the opposition. His foot speed could use some work, but his good hands and ability to get in front of the net will be a welcome addition to the team.

#25 Boston Bruins – David Runblad 6-2 189 POS: D Team: Skelleftea

Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb: "He has a very good shot. He is a right-handed shot and he is used on the power play, even in the (Elite) League despite being a young player. He is a very smart player. He could be a little more physical in his game, but that is something that he is learning."

#26 New York Islanders – Jordan Caron 6-2 202 POS: RW Team: Rimouski (QMJHL)

NHL Central Scouting's Chris Bordeleau: "Jordan is a very steady, dependable player. He works hard. He's not a flashy player, but he plays his position well and also gets his fair share of points."

#27 Carolina Hurricanes - Calvin de Haan 6-0 170 POS: D Team: Oshawa (OHL)

Although they did make it to the Eastern Conference Finals, they did not do it with a skillful defense. That’s where Calvin de Haan comes in. He has a very good shot and even better passing ability, not to mention he is very fast making him a big asset on the power play.

The only knock on this guy is his defensive positioning. He can get away with it in the OHL because of his speed, but will have to work on it in order to make the NHL.

#28 Chicago Blackhawks - Drew Shore 6-3 190 POS: C Team: USA-18 (USDP)

There is nothing really special about the forward. He has above average abilities in almost every aspect. What makes him such a good prospect is his willingness to do the dirty work and the drive he has to win.

He will do everything it takes in order to succeed and that is something that all coaches look for in a player. Plus he is great on the penalty kill and even better in the faceoff circle.

#29 Detroit Red Wings - Kyle Palmieri 5-10 191 POS: RW/C Team: USA-18 (USDP)

Once considered a top 15 prospect in the draft, is stock dropped because of a less-than-stellar combine.

But regardless, Palmieri is a blue chip prospect that the Red Wings will not pass up. He is a great stick handler that when put into any situation, will never be a liability.

Give him a couple years to develop in the system, and he will be a potential second line center.

#30 Pittsburgh Penguins – Carl Klingber 6-3 205 POS: LW Team: Frolunda Jr. (SWE)

The new Stanley Cup champs are a team that has a good balance of skill and grit. But one thing that is still missing is a winger to play next to Sidney Crosby. Klingberg has an amazing shot and has offensive instincts past his age. Plus not to mention that he is a very strong skater and is not easily hit off the puck.

The one thing that is keeping him from being a top prospect in the draft is his lack of defensive responsibility. He sometimes forgets to play his position at both ends of the ice.

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