The Nerd’s Board: NHL Draft Sleepers

Image Credit: Ryan Molag/Langley Events Centre

The NHL Draft is just two days away, and the excitement has been building up for a long time.

The top of the class has been followed by the scouting community well before this season, and the hockey world will soon know where these elite talents will soon go. Leading the group is the best talent the NHL has seen since Connor McDavid in Connor Bedard, Up close is one of the most dominant college hockey players in recent memory in Adam Fantilli, and the best Russian prospect since the likes of Ovechkin and Malkin in Matvei Michkov. Other players throughout the class like Leo Carlsson, Will Smith, and David Reinbacher all have legitimate top-of-the-lineup upside.

What about the less heralded prospects, however? With as deep a class as the one being drafted from, the difference between a successful class and a dud could be in the middle of the order. Taking the swing on the correct prospects could mean getting multiple quality contributors to an NHL lineup in the future, which is always nice to have. Whether teams are looking for projectable traits, how players can fit certain schemes, or just overall value, this class will undoubtedly see many talents go later than they should.

Who are the prospects that can turn into absolute steals? Let’s find out.

David Edstrom, C, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden-Jr)

One of the biggest risers in the class, Edstrom has earned legitimate first-round consideration from many scouts.

While there have been questions about his skill in the offensive zone, Edstrom has done plenty to prove that’s not necessarily a concern. He featured heavily on Sweden’s top power play unit at the World Juniors, produced at a point-per-game clip in Sweden’s under-20 league, and didn’t look out of place when facing off against grown men in the SHL. Combine that with a six-foot-three frame and having the type of high-motor game that NHL coaches love, and there’s a lot more to work with than meets the eye.

A middle-six two-way center with the potential for more is a tantalizing prospect for any team to acquire. If Edstrom doesn’t hear his name called at the end of the first round, he’ll be a steal in the second.

Dmitri Simashev, D, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia-Jr)

Ok, what’s the big idea here? In yesterday’s mock draft, Simashev was a lottery pick, so why does he count as a sleeper? The answer is surprisingly simple: the Russian factor may cause a slide for arguably the best defenseman in the class.

Arguably the smoothest-skating defenseman in the class, Simashev’s a six-foot-four left-shot defenseman who competes in all zones and possesses tremendous hockey IQ. While much of his work was done in Russia’s youth leagues, Simashev was able to get 18 KHL games this season. The stats may not jump off the page, but the fact that Simashev was able to not only gain significant ice time in a league notorious for keeping young players on the bench, but hold his own in the second-best league in the world is a testament to his development. While Simashev’s contract with Yaroslavl will keep him in Russia until 2025, but there is a strong chance he will be NHL-ready by the time he signs his first contract in North America.

The most likely prognosis for Simashev is that he will be selected in the top 20, likely in the lottery range. If he falls, however, a contender might be getting a home run opportunity.

Tanner Molendyk, D, Saskatoon (WHL)

Outside of the top tier of defensemen, the next group consists of blueliners with projectable traits and NHL upside. Molendyk would fit the bill as one such option.

While Molendyk’s scouting reports might indicate a second-round pick, there is a legitimate case to be made for taking him in the first. Similar to Simashev, Molendyk has some of the best skating amongst defensemen in this year’s class, and his compete level is always high. If he was a couple of inches taller, Molendyk would be an established first-round option by now. While size can be somewhat important when it comes to determining traits such as play strength, there’s enough in the toolbox for Molendyk to overcome it.

A second-round steal waiting to happen, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see a contender draft Molendyk and give him the necessary development time to prosper. I had Vegas taking him at the tail end of the first round in yesterday’s mock; would that be a reasonable fit?

Juraj Pekarcik, F, HK Nitra (Slovakia)

With Juraj Slafkovsky and Simon Nemec going one and two in last year’s draft and Dalibor Dvorsky looking like a locked-in top-ten selection this year, this is an exciting period for Slovakian hockey. Outside of those top talents, however, is a potential diamond in the rough in Pekarcik.

With Pekarcik being born only four days before the cutoff date for eligibility in this year’s draft, he’ll be one of the youngest players in the class. Also working in Pekarcik’s favor is his six-foot-two frame, strong skating ability, and defensive awareness. While the offense didn’t necessarily come in the Slovakian leagues, Pekarcik was the best player on Slovakia not named Dvorsky in this year’s World Juniors, where he showcased great offensive skills to go along with the strong play in his own end. How his offense develops from here will determine if Pekarcik is a potential middle-six forward, but his defense and skating should be enough to secure an NHL spot, making him a lower-risk proposition than some other options.

Pekarcik’s rankings have seen him go anywhere between the second and third rounds. If he slips towards the latter range, a team may have a steal on their hands.

Easton Cowan, F, London (OHL)

Just like the Russian factor, size has always played a role in determining rankings, even if it given a little too much significance at times. Teams who are scared to draft smaller players have resulted in talent coming off the board later than they should have; this year, Cowan stands out as Exhibit A of that theory.

The main knock on Cowan that I’ve seen is his five-foot-ten frame, which makes his NHL projection a little bit harder to nail down. That’s a shame, as Cowan was a consistent bright spot for the London Knights as a two-way catalyst and playmaker. Nowhere was that more evident than in the OHL playoffs, where Cowan and fellow underrated prospect Denver Barkey played pivotal roles in taking London to the championship. Boasting possibly the best compete level in the class, Cowan will endear himself to scouts and coaching staffs early.

If Cowan was about three or four inches taller, we’re discussing him as a prospect who goes no later than the early second round. However, he may slip down into the third, where a team could get someone who can positively contribute in a few years.

Carter Sotheran, D, Portland (WHL)

While the prototypical NHL defenseman is a two-way player that can hold their own in both ends of the ice, landing a shutdown defenseman who can complement any other blueliner on a roster is a nice addition. If a team is looking for such a player, Sotheran is one such prospect that should drum up interest.

Another younger player in the class, Sotheran is one of the rare prospects who knows how to use his frame effectively, boxing out forwards and winning board battles with relative ease. While his offensive game wasn’t showcased as much, he showed flashes of puck skill in transition to suggest that there is something to work with at that end. Should that develop, Sotheran can emerge as more than just a bottom-pair shutdown defenseman; that said, such a projection is still worthy of being drafted at a decent spot.

Expect Sotheran to be a comfortable third-round selection with the hopes that he can develop offensively and show legitimate skill. If he does, some general manager is going to look smart.

Hoyt Stanley, D, Victoria (BCHL)

In leagues like the BCHL, it’s difficult to get much attention from scouts due to the leagues not being considered a major junior league. Prospects here have to rely on their toolboxes, and Stanley has one of the best.

A Cornell commit, Stanley possesses the type of traits that NHL coaches usually covet in their defense. While Stanley could afford to be more physical at times, a six-foot-two frame should give him some time to do that. What teams will know immediately is his ability in the offensive zone, where he serves as a creative threat from the blueline. He can accurately predict where the defensive pressure is coming from and play the puck towards a soft spot, or rip one-timers from the point with a good amount of power. The NCAA has boasted plenty of talent coming from these smaller leagues, with the likes of Adam Fantilli, Matthew Wood, and top 2024 prospect Macklin Celebrini all taking the same route. Scouts will hope for further development in Stanley’s game at the collegiate level, which should decide where his ceiling is.

If your team is still looking for a defenseman in the middle rounds and you’re hoping for a dart throw, Stanley is as nice an option as any.

Felix Unger Sorum, F, Leksands (Sweden-Jr)

As mentioned with Stanley, lower leagues tend to require either great tools or production to warrant attention from scouts. In that case, the Norwegian-born, Sweden-representing Unger Sorum could be of interest in the middle rounds.

Possibly the youngest player in the class (he was born one day before the cutoff point for this year’s draft), FUS has spent the last few years working his way through the Swedish hockey ranks. While his first stint in the SHL was short and not overly notable, he’s performed well in every other league, as well as form a dominant line with Otto Stenberg and David Edstrom at the World Juniors. FUS has emerged as a legitimate playmaker throughout the season, and he even showed some defensive chops in his limited time in the SHL. The fact he was able to do this at just 17 years old is astounding in and of itself, and NHL scouts will be looking for FUS to continue developing further.

With time on his side and an impressive resume to build off of, FUS stands out as a player worth targeting in the third round. I don’t know if I’d call him a sleeper top-six option, but he can certainly shine with an organization that preaches patience.

Luke Mittelstadt, D, Minnesota (NCAA)

The pandemic certainly caused havoc in the hockey world, including several prospects missing out on needed development time. Mittelstadt was one such prospect, but the double-overager is hoping that the third time’s the charm for his draft hopes.

After a COVID-ravaged draft season and a mediocre performance last year, Mittelstadt finally put it all together for the Gophers on their way to the championship game this year with 21 points in 38 games. His skating, hockey sense, and playmaking from the back end all looked like they had improved, which is a promising sign of development. Representing the United States at the World Juniors is a nice touch, as well.

There is debate on who the best overage prospect in the draft is. Mittelstadt’s season has certainly thrown his name into contention, and he will be a name to watch in the fourth or fifth round.

Matt Copponi, C, Merrimack (NCAA)

Much of the talk around college prospects centers around Michigan Wolverines Fantilli and Gavin Brindley, which is understandable. While names like Mittelstadt worked hard on a big-time program like Minnesota, Copponi was improving his game in the northeast.

After a rough freshman year at Merrimack, Copponi was one of their best players in his sophomore season. With 29 points in 38 games, he improved dramatically and showcased what he brings to the table as a player. While Copponi certainly has some skill, what really drew the attention of scouts was his ability to be physical in key situations and emerge as a leader. Perhaps that doesn’t equate to being a star, but there is a future where Copponi becomes a vital part of an NHL bottom-six. On last year’s list, I suggested Connor Kurth as a player who would be scooped up as a college free agent if he wasn’t drafted; Kurth ended up getting his name called, and I can imagine Copponi on a similar trajectory.

Copponi may be waiting until the back end of the draft to hear his name, but a low-risk, medium-reward proposition like him is never a bad bet. The fifth or sixth round would be a good place to draft him.

Paul Fischer, D, U.S. NTDP

With names like Will Smith, Ryan Leonard, and Oliver Moore leading the charge, the NTDP is looking at a strong crop for themselves. Of course, those names aren’t the only ones in the mix and, while Carey Terrance and Ryan Fine both warrant mentions, Fischer has been the one making the rounds as a sleeper hit.

As a top-four defenseman for the NTDP, Fischer was defensively responsible and never seemed to be out of position. He’s fast enough to keep the play in front of him and has the hockey sense needed to make the smart play. While his offensive capabilities are a bit behind, those can be built up with time. If he can add some muscle to his frame, however, he can add some power to an underrated wrist shot that could turn him into a threat. Even if he’s an average offensive option, Fischer should earn his keep as a defensive specialist that can impact the game in a number of ways.

A lot of rankings put Fischer around the third round, which teams may consider a little too rich for a somewhat raw prospect. The fourth round seems more reasonable to me, but a team that need defensive help can certainly take a swing.

Eric Pohlkamp, D, Cedar Rapids (USHL)

It’s good seeing players that struggle in their draft years rise up to the occasion, following a positive development curve that teams are looking for. Pohlkamp has emerged from a forgotten option to one of the best overage prospects in this year’s group.

A Bemidji State commit, Pohlkamp’s production exploded this past season en route to being named the best defenseman in the USHL. While he’s serviceable on the back end, Pohlkamp became a threat with the puck on his stick. Whether he’s starting the transition game with a breakout pass or being aggressive with a slapshot from the point, Pohlkamp impressed scouts with much-improved awareness in possession. That kind of development is what scouts want to see, and the idea of drafting him to monitor his collegiate career is an appealing idea.

It’s hard to imagine Pohlkamp being skipped over again after the tremendous season he had. The fifth round would be a worthwhile time to invest.

Brandon Svoboda, C, Youngstown (USHL)

Playing on a championship team can be a double-edged sword; a prospect can get more exposure, but they may not get the playing time they need to shine. On a Youngstown team that included William Whitelaw and Andrew Strathmann, it was the less-heralded Svoboda that earned fans in the scouting community.

On the surface, Svoboda is exactly what NHL teams are looking for. Six-foot-three frame, quality skating to justify keeping him at the center position, good spurts of offensive ability, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Like most prospects playing in leagues like the USHL, Svoboda will be going the college route with Boston University. The hope would be that he can gain some much-needed consistency in his game with that route, and it would start by running through the USHL like his toolbox suggests he can.

Svoboda is the classic late-round sleeper that can tilt a draft class in a team’s favor. Expect someone to take the shot in the fifth or sixth round.

Cole Knuble, C, Fargo (USHL)

Typically, prospects who struggle with their skating can find it difficult to progress in their development; however, players like Mark Stone have proven you can get away with even average skating if you have the tools to compensate. Comparing Knuble to the Cup-winning captain might be questionable, but it gives teams some idea of what they’re looking at here.

Son of longtime NHLer Mike Knuble, Cole’s game is fashioned rather similarly to his father. The skating is obviously a problem, but Knuble proved to be a menace to opposing players in his draft season and this season. His two-way game allows him to be active on the forecheck while also possessing the offensive instincts needed to make the best possible play. His willingness to get in front of the net and be a nuisance is also an added bonus, despite not having the typical size of a net-front player. He has committed to Notre Dame, where he’ll hopefully be able to iron out his skating mechanics and polish what appears to be a well-rounded game.

Knuble was a slight surprise to be passed on last year. It would be a bigger surprise if teams make the same mistake twice, even if it has to wait until the later rounds.

Zaccharya Wisdom, F, Cedar Rapids (USHL)

While the USHL may not be as prevalent a scouting haven as the CHL or European systems, this list has shown that talent can still be found there. Wisdom is another prospect that proves such a point.

Brother of Philadelphia Flyers prospect Zayde Wisdom, Zaccharya has done what he can to ensure he does not get passed over like he was last season. A dominant offensive force for Cedar Rapids, Wisdom showcased the skills that NHL teams are commonly looking for in late-round picks. He possesses a nice combination of size and skating ability, plays strong on the forecheck, and is not afraid to get physical and battle along the boards. A Colorado College commit, Wisdom will hope to refine his game in order to better anticipate plays as they develop instead of relying on instincts alone. That said, there is the potential to carve out a spot as a bottom-six NHL forward.

Once again, Wisdom will have to wait for a little while to hear his name get called in the draft. However, similar to Knuble, it’s hard to envision teams passing on Wisdom after the improvement he’s shown.

Tanner Adams, F, Tri-City (USHL)

Adams is a relatively interesting case for this draft. A player who dropped on the NHL’s own rankings, Adams’s season doesn’t really reflect as somebody who struggled at all.

One of Tri-City’s most consistent players this season, Adams showcased some interesting versatility. Despite playing at the wing to start the year, Adams was trusted enough to switch over center and stay, something that will surely capture the attention of scouts. Adams was also deployed in every situation, playing on both the power play and penalty kill units. There isn’t much flash to his game, and he will hope to improve his skating mechanics at Providence, but Adams is the type of player NHL scouts would be comfortable taking late.

While I’m admittedly less certain about Adams’s chances of getting drafted than the other prospects listed so far, that’s based more on the lack of anything flashy than having a lacking skillset. He’s someone that would be a fine late-round choice.

Larry Keenan, D, Culver Academy (US-High School)

High school prospects are risks in large part due to how raw they are, and prospects like Keenan may have their skillsets look better against less stiff competition. That said, when a prospect like Keenan makes the Combine despite being outside the typical range of invitees, there’s going to be some significant intrigue.

While Keenan likely hasn’t been truly tested defensively yet, there’s a lot to like about his overall game. His six-foot-three frame and mobility are what NHL teams look for in their defensemen nowadays, and he can be a true quarterback in the offensive zone with his wicked point shot and offensive instincts. Even more interesting is that Keenan will be playing collegiately for the University of Massachusetts. Take a look at this list of former UMass defenseman: Cale Makar, Brandon Montour, Justin Braun, Mario Ferraro. Those are defensemen who have all carved out spots in an NHL top-four, and Keenan could very well join that group with proper development.

Keenan embodies the term “raw potential,” and teams will likely be drafting him a round or two early just to be sure no one else gets the jump on him. Expect him to be off the board before the fifth round starts.

Scott Ratzlaff/Thomas Milic, G, Seattle (WHL)

It’s hard to believe that two goaltenders from the same team, let alone the same tandem from the team that won the CHL Memorial Cup, would both be on this list. However, such is the case with Ratzlaff and Milic.

While Ratzlaff served as the understudy to the more experienced Milic, he was still able to put together a remarkable season. His six-foot-one frame may not be ideal, but Ratzlaff makes up for it with his athleticism and technical savvy. Ratzlaff is usually in the right position to make saves, but he has the skating ability to get back on the rare occasions he falls out of position. He never puts himself into a bad spot and always seems calm under pressure, which is something NHL scouts will take notice of.

After two seasons of being passed over, it would be outright shocking if Milic is passed for a third time. He won the WHL’s top goaltender award, was the MVP of the WHL’s playoffs, and looked outright dominant for Canada at the World Juniors. His athleticism and competitiveness are almost unmatched, and there’s reason to believe he’s the most pro-ready goaltender in the class. The only problem is Milic is only six feet tall, which is under what the NHL considers ideal for goaltenders. That said, Dustin Wolf has had a nearly similar path to the pros, and he has dominated the AHL to the point that the Calgary Flames might be forced to move a goaltender to make room for him. Milic can do the exact same on another team’s roster, and he has the tools to do it.

While Milic has the slightly better statistical record, Ratzlaff is considered to be the overall better prospect. The third or fourth round would be an ideal time to nab either one, with the confidence that they can reach “future starter” status sooner rather than later.

Damian Clara, G, Farjestad (Sweden-Jr)

Looking for Ratzlaff and Milic’s athletic package, but want prototypical NHL goaltender size? Clara might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Standing at six-foot-six, Italian international Clara moved from Austria to try his hand at the Swedish system. The move’s gone alright for him so far, and he will be called up the second tier of Swedish hockey in the Allsvenskan this upcoming season. While the lack of exposure against top competition makes Clara more of a project, he’s more than just a run-of-the-mill big goaltender. He has the athleticism to move around much more fluidly than a typical man of his stature, which should come in handy as he navigates through the Swedish ranks.

Clara is a pure upside bid at this stage of his development, but that should not deter teams from taking a late-round swing at him. The fifth round seems like the safe bet for his draft spot.

NHL Mock Draft 2023: Final Edition

The 2023 NHL Draft is days away, and we’ll soon know where the top talents are ultimately heading for their professional careers.

I did a mock draft months ago as the season was just beginning, and the two will look somewhat different from that time. My views on prospects have changed dramatically, for better and for worse. Prospects have had the NHL Combine, the World Junior Championships, and their own seasons to showcase their talents to the NHL scouts. Trades are coming in fast and furious, and some major pieces will likely be moving on draft night as well.

One thing hasn’t changed, however; this draft class is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent memory. Connor Bedard has been hyped as the next big thing for years now, and the Chicago Blackhawks will (theoretically) benefit from his talent. Adam Fantilli and Matvei Michkov are also players who would have been battling for the top overall spot if Bedard wasn’t in the mix this year. Some players have risen through the ranks as the season has gone on, and they could be rewarded with first-round selections for their efforts.

So who is your team drafting in the first round? Let’s find out.

1. Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL): No need for any long-winded analysis here. Bedard is the next generational talent to hit the NHL, and the Blackhawks will make him the focal point of their current rebuild.

2. Anaheim Ducks: Adam Fantilli, C, Michigan (NCAA): While Leo Carlsson has picked up some traction for this spot, it’s hard to see the Ducks not taking Fantilli here. The Hobey Baker Award winner, Fantilli dominated the college ranks and did a great job justifying the Jack Eichel comparisons he’s gained throughout the year. Fantilli combining with Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry, and Mason McTavish gives the Ducks a forward group to be feared.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets: Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (SHL): With the hiring of Mike Babcock as head coach and adding Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson to bolster the defense, it’s clear Columbus sees themselves as more competitive than last season alluded. Carlsson is definitely the most pro-ready prospect outside of Bedard and Fantilli at this stage, and his work against grown men in Sweden’s top league and the World Championships suggest he can be the top-line center Columbus has needed for a long time.

4. San Jose Sharks: Will Smith, C, U.S. NTDP: Insert the Fresh Prince references and slap jokes here. All kidding aside, while San Jose would consider taking Michkov here, I’m not certain if Mike Grier has the time or patience to take the risk. Smith showcased his skills at the World Juniors with a tournament-leading 20 points, and the Boston College commit will likely only need a season until the Sharks bring him along and inject some much-needed youth into their roster.

5. Washington Capitals (from Montreal): Matvei Michkov, F, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL): Trade time! Rumors have begun to circulate regarding the Capitals looking to trade up further into the top 10, suggesting Washington is hoping to land an elite prospect to get themselves prepared for a post-Ovechkin world. With Montreal willing to keep adding to their farm system and taking an extra pick or two for their troubles, Washington goes from one elite Russian to another in Michkov. His KHL contract means Michkov won’t make it to the US until 2026 at the earliest, but the league’s premier organization for drafting and developing Russians should have no problem with that.

6. Arizona Coyotes: David Reinbacher, D, EC Kloten (Swiss): While Arizona will take a look at the forwards remaining, a prospect like Reinbacher is exactly what they need right now. Trading away Jakob Chychrun and Shayne Gostisbehere at this year’s trade deadline left the Coyotes without a true top defenseman on their roster. Reinbacher, who already has experience competing against grown men in Switzerland’s top league and World Championships, has the potential to be that player as early as next season.

7. Philadelphia Flyers: Ryan Leonard, F, U.S. NTDP: With Travis Konecny possibly being moved this offseason as Danny Briere begins the rebuilding process, the Flyers will look towards the best player available with this pick. The fit between Leonard and the Flyers is perfect, as Leonard’s blend of offensive production, high compete level, and ability to come through in the clutch will endear himself to the organization and fans almost immediately. It’s not a bad thing he’s going to Boston College to play with Philadelphia’s first-round choice last year in Cutter Gauthier, either.

8. Montreal Canadiens (from Washington): Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan): With Washington trading up to get Michkov, Montreal decides to draft their third Slovakian player in the past two seasons (Juraj Slafkovsky and Filip Mesar were selected last season). Dvorsky, who applies his trade in Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan, has earned praise for his combination of skill and strength against grown men. Nick Suzuki and Dvorsky should be a nice 1-2 punch up the middle for years.

9. Detroit Red Wings: Samuel Honzek, F, Vancouver (WHL): While this pick could be flipped to Ottawa in exchange for hometown product Alex DeBrincat, I think Detroit would prefer to use their other-first rounder and a couple of extra pieces to get the deal done. Honzek would be somewhat of a reach here, but Steve Yzerman’s commitment to adding size and personally scouting Honzek suggest that there’s heavy interest. Honzek is arguably the best combination of size and athleticism in this class, and his production in the WHL only bolstered his chances of going this high; if he has the ability to play center, Yzerman could look like a genius with this selection.

10. St. Louis Blues: Tom Willander, D, Rogle Jr. (Sweden-Jr): While the Blues currently have three first-round picks, a suspected trade with Philadelphia involving Kevin Hayes leads me to think one pick will be going to the Flyers. Adding a center makes the choice for this pick a little bit easier, and St. Louis uses it to pick one of this class’s biggest risers in Willander. Willander instantly becomes St. Louis’s top defensive prospect with Scott Perunovich looking at a full-time NHL role, possessing plenty of skill at both ends of the ice while having enough size to make his NHL projection easier.

11. Vancouver Canucks: Nate Danielson, C, Brandon (WHL): Shining on what was a mediocre Brandon squad, Danielson showcased his ability to play in all situations; when Connor Bedard says that Danielson was the toughest player he’s skated against, that’s quite the ringing endorsement. With comparisons to Elias Lindholm and Joel Eriksson Ek, Danielson’s two-way style would complement Elias Pettersson perfectly in Vancouver, making this a near-perfect fit.

12. Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa): Zach Benson, F, Winnipeg (WHL): While the Winnipeg Ice are moving to Washington state, they’ve quietly been churning out quality prospects over the past few years (Matt Savoie, Conor Geekie, Carson Lambos, Peyton Krebs). Benson looks like the latest to join this group, and he’s certainly earned that right. While his size may give teams pause, his speed, compete level, and developing two-way game should let him feature on an NHL team’s top-six group in a year or two. For a team like Arizona that needs help everywhere, they won’t turn down that high of a ceiling.

13. Buffalo Sabres: Dmitri Simashev, D, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia-Jr): While adding a Tage Thompson clone in Matthew Wood would be appropriate, the Sabres are actually deep enough on the wing that they don’t need to make such a move. Instead, the Sabres take a flier on Simashev, who has quickly turned into one of my personal favorite players in the class. A six-foot-four defenseman, Simashev has all the tools to make him a prototypical modern NHL blueliner. Like Michkov, Simashev has a KHL contract that will keep in Russia for a couple of years, but Buffalo won’t mind the extra time to build their roster and add him when he’s developed.

14. Pittsburgh Penguins: Matthew Wood, F, Connecticut (NCAA): Having one of the league’s worst prospect pools, new GM Kyle Dubas will have the challenge of making the Penguins competitive both in the present and future. A talented offensive forward like Wood would be a great start, giving the Penguins a potential top-six power forward in their system. His skating needs some work, but that issue can be corrected and is likely more a sign of rawness than anything.

15. Nashville Predators: Oliver Moore, C, U.S. NTDP: With the recent trade of Ryan Johansen to Colorado and Barry Trotz directing his scouts to take some swings on high-end talent, Moore fits what the Predators are looking for near-perfectly. Drawing comparisons to Dylan Larkin, Moore is arguably the fastest and smoothest-skating player this class has to offer. He’ll give the Predators a play driver in the middle-six with the potential to move up in the lineup.

16. Calgary Flames: Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw (WHL): With the news that Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund will likely not be extending their stay in Calgary, Craig Conroy will be tasked with replenishing the center depth quickly. Yager may have fallen a bit due to an uneven draft year, but his shot, skating, and improving two-way game will still get him looked at. It may be a risk, but it’s one the Flames will have to take.

17. Ottawa Senators (from New York Islanders via Vancouver and Detroit): Gabriel Perreault, F, U.S. NTDP: With Ottawa trading DeBrincat and acquiring this pick as part of the package, they will need to find some way to get back some level of offensive production. Perreault stands out as the best player available at this point of the draft, being one of the leaders of the NTDP and having not only the smarts to know where to put himself or the puck in the right areas of the ice, but the skills needed to pull those moves off successfully.

18. Winnipeg Jets: Colby Barlow, F, Owen Sound (OHL): The league’s leading blowup candidate, the Jets will almost certainly be looking to get some high-end talent wherever they can to eventually fill some spots. While Barlow has a few things in his scouting profile that are concerning, he does have some aspects to his game that can make him a nice complementary piece in the middle six. His shot and strength are good things to build off of, at least.

19. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay): Quentin Musty, F, Sudbury (OHL): With the Blackhawks drafting Bedard, they can afford to gamble a bit with their second first-round choice. Musty hasn’t been the most consistent forward in this class, but his size is a nice complement to the smaller players they’ve drafted lately. He and Bedard will be a great combination on Chicago’s power play in the near future.

20. Seattle Kraken: Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D, Skelleftea Jr. (Sweden-Jr): The Kraken already boast two top-flight forward prospects in Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, so they can afford to boost their defensive ranks a bit. ASP needs some work in his own zone, but there’s no denying his offensive prowess from the back end. The Kraken net their potential future power play quarterback.

21. Minnesota Wild: Eduard Sale, F, Kometa Brno (Czech): While the Wild could be in the market for a center and trade this pick in exchange for someone like Elias Lindholm, some more high-end talent to add to a fantastic prospect pool is never a bad idea. Sale’s blend of size and offensive ability could see him go much higher than this, and the Wild will also need to consider the fact that they’ll have to replace Mats Zuccarello soon. It’s certainly worth a serious look.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Los Angeles via Columbus): Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa (OHL): With Hayes potentially out of the picture, the Flyers will need to find someone who can take his spot in the future. Ritchie stands out as someone who will also be a favorite of Flyers fans, showcasing his toughness by starring for Canada in the World Juniors despite a serious shoulder injury. He and Cutter Gauthier should be a fun center duo.

23. New York Rangers: Otto Stenberg, C, Frolunda-Jr. (Sweden-Jr): While the Rangers have the NHL talent needed to make a deep run, they’ve had some bad luck with forwards lately. With Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck either at or approaching 30, they’ll need to keep that in mind going forward. Stenberg gives the Rangers a versatile forward who brings offensive prowess, hockey IQ, and leadership capabilities to the farm system.

24. Nashville Predators (from Edmonton): Daniil But, F, Lokomotiv Yarosavl Jr. (Russia-Jr): The Predators haven’t been afraid to take swings on Russians before, and But’s tantalizing potential will prove that statement true once again. Someone who can be a nice finisher to complement Oliver Moore’s playmaking ability, But’s massive size and skating ability should make him difficult to shake off the puck. Mark him down as Nashville’s power forward of the future.

25. Philadelphia Flyers (from Toronto via St. Louis): Oliver Bonk, D, London (OHL): With this pick being what comes back in the Kevin Hayes trade and two quality forwards already in tow, the Flyers can use this selection to bolster a defense in need of help. The son of former NHL (and Las Vegas Thunder) forward Radek Bonk, it’s no surprise that Oliver has some fantastic hockey IQ. A modern two-way defenseman, Bonk should find his spot in Philadelphia quickly.

26. San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey): Michael Hrabal, G, Omaha (USHL): While the Sharks can look a number of directions with this pick, they need to focus on their poor goaltending situation at some point. With a few goaltender-starved teams between them and their next pick, San Jose decides to take the plunge on Hrabal. A UMass commit, Hrabal’s six-foot-seven frame and insane athleticism make him the class’s most intriguing prospect netminder.

27. Colorado Avalanche: David Edstrom, C, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden-Jr): Colorado needs a long-term option to center the second line, and Edstrom fits the need rather well. A smart two-way center, Edstrom’s breakout at the World Juniors has pushed him from a mid-round pick to a legitimate first-round candidate.

28. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston via Washington): Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Avangard Omsk (KHL): The Rasmus Sandin trade left Toronto a little light on skill at the back end, which may need to be rectified sooner rather than later. While Gulyayev’s size is a bit of a concern, he’s one of the best offensive defensemen the class has to offer. A couple of years of development are necessary, but it’s a timeline the Leafs should be willing and able to provide.

29. St. Louis Blues (from Dallas via New York Rangers): Gavin Brindley, F, Michigan (NCAA): Getting Kevin Hayes would give the Blues the center depth needed to make this pick based off of their organizational needs than anything else. Brindley may not have the same impressive physical profile that the Blues have in most of their top forward prospects, but he has the same compete level and smarts that St. Louis is looking for. If he falls this far, it’s hard to imagine the Blues not jumping at the chance to get him.

30. Carolina Hurricanes: Andrew Cristall, F, Kelowna (WHL): The Hurricanes have had no trouble going after prospects with serious upside, and Cristall fits that bill perfectly. While Cristall showed serious flashes of offensive potential, there have been moments where teams have exploited his weaknesses. This is a long-term project for sure, but the Hurricanes will be willing to take that risk.

31. Montreal Canadiens (from Florida): Ethan Gauthier, F, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): While Montreal has gone away from the French-Canadian bias towards their prospects, Gauthier’s skillset is a perfect complement to what the Canadiens have now. While his size may prevent him from being a true power forward, Gauthier has a nice combination of speed and strength to match his nose for the net. A solid middle-six forward is a good value with a selection at the end of the first, even if there’s no guarantee Montreal will have this pick on draft night.

32. Vegas Golden Knights: Tanner Molendyk, D, Saskatoon (WHL): With Adin Hill looking like he’ll stay in Vegas, the champs can afford to go best player available here. To that end, the Knights go back to the WHL well and select Molendyk. While his size may not be in line with what Vegas has currently, Molendyk has plenty of NHL-projectable traits to build around. He’ll be a nice option to bolster a left side that could see departures soon.