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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NHL Mock Draft Part 2

#11 Nashville Predators – Nazem Kadri 6-0 167 POS: C Team: London (OHL)

Kadri has gotten better every year of his OHL career. He is an offensive threat scoring 78 points in only 56 games this season with the London Knights. He is tall and lanky and uses his size effectively when handling the puck. Nashville is pretty stocked in terms of young players and Kadri is the best player available here so he just makes sense.

#12 Minnesota Wild – Zach Kassian 6-3 210 POS: RW Team: Peterborough (OHL)

Kassian has been called the toughest guy in the OHL and also the entire draft. He is big and knows how to use his size to its utmost potential. Don’t get confused and think he is all size however as he also has a scoring touch proven by his 24 goals this year with the Petes. He excels when playing along the boards fighting for loose pucks and should bring some much needed toughness to the Wild.

#13 Buffalo Sabers – Scott Glennie 6-1 177 POS: RW Team: Brandon (WHL)

Many scouts thought that Glennie only appeared to be a quality player because he played with Brayden Schenn. Glennie proved the critics wrong however and excelled this year while not playing with Schenn. He is a power forward type player and it is said that he has the same offensive ability as Toews. The Sabers are weak all over and will gladly take Glennie at 13.

#14 Florida Panthers – John Moore 6-2 189 POS: D Team: Chicago (USHL)

The Panthers are going to need someone to replace Jay Bouwmeester once he leaves and Moore is the best defenseman available. He is a world class skater who can handle the puck and has an excellent shot. He has been likened to Paul Coffey in terms of his skating ability.

#15 Anaheim Ducks – Jordan Schroeder 5-8 175 POS: C Team: Minnesota (WCHA)

What he lacks in size he more than makes up for in effort. Schroeder is a hard nosed and dynamic player who brings 100% to the rink every night. He has received the ultimate compliment heading into the draft as he has been compared to Steve Yzerman. The Ducks are already filled with young talent but lack a real leader as neither Perry nor Getzlaf look as though they can lead a team. I’m not saying Schroeder will have an immediate impact but believe me when I say he will one day wear a ‘C’ in the NHL.

#16 Columbus Blue Jackets – Louis Leblanc 6-0 178 POS: C Team: Omaha (USHL)

NHL Central Scouting's Jack Barzee: "The most impressive things about Louis LeBlanc are his hands and his evasiveness with the puck; that separates him from other players on the ice right away. He needs to fill out a little bit yet, but he has the frame to be a big center. The other part of LeBlanc's game that I noticed was his vision; his ability to see and dissect a play and to make the right play. He's also very competitive and he gets involved in the play."

#17 St. Louis Blues – Jacob Josefson 6-0 187 POS: C Team: Djurgarden (Swe)

Josefson is a highly skilled center. He plays a strong two-way game and is well rounded. He has good hockey sense and his skating ability and technical skills are very good. Nice creativity with the puck, a skilled playmaker and decent goal scorer. Makes smart decisions and plays a mature game. Gets involved in the rough stuff and has willingness to play the body.

#18 Montreal Canadiens – Simon Despres 6-4 205 POS: D Team: St John (QMJHL)

NHL Central Scouting's Chris Bordeleau: "I think for a potential pro player, he's got the size and mobility. I've seen him many games, and he never seems to make a bad play. He's never going to get 100 points, but definitely, when you want a guy to play defense, he's your guy. He does it all, he'll block shots and he moves the puck at the right time."

#19 NY Rangers – Chris Kreider 6-2 201 POS: D Team: Andover (USHS)

Chris Kreider a dominating player, who dangles in tight spaces at high speed, cuts hard to the net, and is arguably one of the top skaters in this draft at any position.

He is so strong on the puck that if the opposition doesn't stop him in that neutral zone, they are gonna have bigger problems when Chris gets the the pistons at top churn. One stride to top speed. His downside is being from a New England Prep school, Phillips Andover, the competition is far less a measuring stick than players in Junior A.

#20 Calgary Flames – Carter Ashton 6-3 205 POS: RW Team: Lethbridge (WHL)

Carter Ashton competes hard every shift, every game. He has good size at 6-3 205lbs. Has really found the net this season, scoring 30 goals (WHL) with 3 games remaining).Good sized winger doesn't shy away from net or corners. Versatile and able to play all the forward positions. A definite top-6 forward. Great character. Son of Brent(I played 15 years in NHL) Ashton.

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NHL Mock Draft Part 1

So the NHL draft is this Friday at 7pm EST. I will be doing a running diary throughout the first round and in order to get ready for the event I have decided to do a mock draft where I will make my predictions for each pick.

Now I won't see hit here and try and give you some BS about how I know everything about these guys because in all honesty I don't watch a lot of amateur hockey but I have done my research and consulted with my NHL and OHL Insider Stevie P and of course Bryan "the Hermit" Cruse. Both guys follow hockey closely and have intimate knowledge of the players projected to go in the 1st round.

Here are picks 1-10

#1 New York Islanders - John Tavares 6-0 198 POS: C Team: London (OHL)

Tavres is pretty much the consensus number 1 pick. He has been breaking records since he was 16 and is being hyped as the nest Sidney Crosby. He has the ability to put up massive numbers, showcased by his 3 consecutive seasons in the OHL with at least 104 points. He has crazy marketability and is the kind of player the Islanders could rebuild their franchise around. He is by far the best offensive player in the draft and one of the most NHL ready.

#2 Tampa Bay Lightning - Victor Hedman 6-5 212 POS: D Team: Mode (Swe)

I guess it is fair to say that lightning strikes twice as two years in a row now the Tampa Bay Lightning will be getting a legitimate #1 overall pick. Hedman is a great defenseman who will be a franchise player in TBay and will help the team immediately. Tampa needs defense and Hedman will help them sure up that weakness. His immense size makes him a defensive presence but it is his speed and skating that truly make him a threat. A combination like this hasn''t been since in a long time.

#3 Colorado Avalanche - Matt Duchene 5-11 190 POS: C Team: Brampton (OHL)

In Duchene Colorado gets a possible replacement for Joe Sakic who is on his way out. Duchene is the definition of a complete player and there are even some scouts who believe he may go #1. He has the ability dominate a game and his play making ability is tops in the draft bar none. Adding to this impressive resume is Duchene's ability to kill penalties. He is going to be a great NHL player and is a steal at #3.

#4 Altanta Thrashers - Evander Kane 6-1 176 POS: C Team: Vancouver (WHL)

Kane is a true power forward who knows how to put the puck in the net. He made team Canada this year for the WJC at 18 years old and was impressive. What is even more impressive are his 48 goals in the WHL which is no easy feat. He has a big frame and isn't afraid to use it and is a great two way player. Atlanta will need to get a center man to compliment Ilya Kovalchuk and try and convince him to stay with the team rather than demanding to be traded.

#5 LA Kings - Brayden Schenn 6-0 198 POS: C Team: Brandon (WHL)

This is where the draft will get interesting. The Kings are loaded with young talent and are actively shopping this pick around the league. The two most interested teams seem to be Ottawa and Toronto. If Toronto moves up it will be to unite Brayden with his brother Luke. If Ottawa moves up Dany Heatley will most likely be involved in the deal as he has asked for a trade.

Whoever gets the pick Schenn is likely the choice and is a solid one at that. He gives it 100% every night and has already been declared the next Mike Richards. In the words of Bryan Cruse he is a "massive beauty." He has great hands which he uses to not only score 30+ goals but also to rack up the assists.

#6 Phoenix Coyotes - Dmitiri Kulikov 6-1 183 POS: D Team: Drummondville (QMJHL)

Kulikov is the best defenseman in the draft not named Hedman. He can do it all and is a very solid player at both ends of the ice. Phoenix will take a defenseman here and out of Kulikov, Cowen, and Larson scouts believe Kulikov is the most NHL ready. He is a smart player knowing when to join the rush and when to hang back and he has a decent shot as well.

#7 Toronto Maple Leafs - Jared Cowen 6-5 220 POS: D Team: Spokane (WHL)

Lots of questions about Cowen coming into the draft as he is coming off of major knee surgery. If not for the surgery he would be a top 3 pick making him a possible steal at 7. He is a very offensive minded defenseman and faces criticism for not using his size as much as he should but he is still a solid player. He will make a great defense pairing with Luke Schenn provided the Leafs don't move up and take Brayden Schenn.

#8 Dallas Stars - Oliver Ekman-Larsson 6-2 176 POS: D Team: Leksand (Swe)

The Stars are desperately in need of some new blood on defense with the loss of Phillipe Boucher and the aging of Sergi Zubov. Larsson would be a welcomed addition as he is a big hitter and a great skater. His shot is comparable to that of pro level players and TSN has his playing style to be in the likeness of Scott Neidermayer. He has been criticized for taking too long to get his shot off but other than that he is solid.

#9 Ottawa Senators - Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson 6-1 201 POS: LW Team: Timra (Swe)

MPS could be the possible replacement of Dany Heatley if he gets his wish and gets traded. He has speed and size for days and will have instant chemistry with fellow countryman, and last years 1st round pick by the Senators, Erik Karlsson. Top 10 wingers are rare now a days and Ottawa would be foolish to pass up such a great talent.

#10 Edmonton Oilers - Ryan Ellis 5-9 173 POS: D Team Windsor (OHL)

Ellis is a bit of a wild card and could go anywhere from 10th to 24th. Edmonton could use a defenseman to quarterback the powerplay as Lubomir Visnovsky is not really working out. Ellis is young but has great talent and is a serious offensive threat on the powerplay. His best skill however is his ability to keep the puck in the zone. During the WJC he made several plays that made my jaw drop including an unreal stop of a shot with his foot in the air.

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Look for part 2 tomorrow where I cover picks 11-20. Thanks again to Stevie P and Bryan "the Hermit" Cruse for their input and help. Also remember that the running diary will start around 6:45 EST on Friday just 15 minutes before the draft.

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