MOCK!! YEAH!! DRAFT!! YEAH!! 2013 Edition

As we await the rest of the Awards and Game Two to start, we must be reminded that we're just two weeks from the annual NHL Draft. While it's only one day this year, many say it's the DEEPEST DRAFT EVER!!! They also say that about every other year, but that's besides the point. Because of the organizational depth, what's on the board, what's on the rankings, and some comments made by prospects about wanting to only play in the NHL, it could cause some havoc after the top three picks.

Now, I will make a note of this-- these picks are how I think some things will play out if the draft board is to remain the same. With the Blue Jackets and Flames carrying THREE first round picks, you can bet they will barter a deal here and there in order to get rid of them and get some roster players to fill out their team. Also, with picks 29 and 30 still undetermined because of the Stanley Cup still going on, I'll put out what the team will do rather than the positioning.

1. Colorado: Seth Jones
2. Florida: Nathan MacKinnon
3. Tampa Bay: Jonathan Drouin
4. Nashville: Elias Lindholm
5. Carolina: Aleksander Barkov
6. Calgary: Darnell Nurse
7. Edmonton: Sean Monahan
8. Buffalo: Valeri Nichushkin
9. New Jersey: Curtis Lazar
10. Dallas: Alexander Wennberg
11. Philadelphia: Ryan Pulock
12. Phoenix: Adam Erne
13. Winnipeg: Max Domi
14. Columbus: Robert Hagg
15. NY Islanders: Andre Burakowsky
16. Buffalo (From Minnesota): Nikita Zadorov
17. Ottawa: Bo Horvat
18. Detroit: Mirco Mueller
19. Columbus (From NY Rangers): Josh Morrissey
20. San Jose: Hunter Shinkaruk
21. Toronto: Samuel Morin
22. Calgary (From St. Louis): Anthony Mantha
23. Washington: Kerby Rychel
24. Vancouver: Rasmus Ristolainen
25. Montreal: Ian McCoshen
26. Anaheim: Jacob De La Rose
27. Columbus (From Los Angeles): Michael McCarron
28. Calgary (From Pittsburgh): Ryan Hartman
--. Boston: Frederik Gauthier
--. Chicago: Zachary Fucale

So there's that. All purely speculative and shows I could have as good a chance as any to pick them all right. The crazy thing is that with most teams, you won't be able to figure out their mindset from some picks (Mark Jankowski at 21st over anyone??), but I think this year could be very straight forward with many team playing by the book at least in the first round.

Making a Mockery Draft

The past few years I've been doing the NHL Mock Drafts and really turning out to be a craptastic prognosticator. But, it's all in good fun, so why not try it out yet again. Maybe this year, I'll actually have some success, but even still-- I can't get into the minds of the NHL general managers; which makes it all the more challenging, but all the more fun to look ahead, as well.

While I won't explain in the main post why I picked who I picked where, I'll do what I can't explain if you question it. I will make this assumption though-- Taylor Hall will be the first overall pick because he has been consistently talked about and consistently good during his time in Windsor. Tyler Seguin kind of shot up the charts, but the Oilers need goal-scoring in a hurry and Hall will provide that more over Seguin.

DRAFT ORDER

1. EDM-- Taylor Hall, Windsor (OHL)
2. BOS (via TOR)-- Tyler Seguin, Plymouth (OHL)
3. FLA-- Brett Connolly, Prince George (WHL)
4. CBJ-- Cam Fowler, Windsor (OHL)
5. NYI-- Erik Gudbranson, Kingston (OHL)
6. TB-- Nino Niederreiter , Portland (WHL)
7. CRL-- Brandon Gormley, Moncton (QMJHL)
8. ATL-- Alex Burmistrov, Barrie (OHL)
9. MIN-- Nick Bjugstad, US High
10. NYR-- Derek Forbort, US Development Program
11. DAL-- Ryan Johansen, Portland (WHL)
12. ANA-- Mikael Granlund, Finland
13. PHX (via CGY)-- Jack Campbell, US Development Program
14. STL-- Austin Watson, Peterborough (OHL)
15. BOS-- Mark Pysyk, Edmonton (WHL)
16. OTT-- Vladimir Tarasenko, Russia
17. COL-- Quinton Howden, Moose Jaw (WHL)
18. NSH-- Evgeny Kuznetsov, Russia
19. LA-- Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat (WHL)
20. PGH-- Riley Sheahan, Notre Dame (NCAA)
21. DET-- Jarred Tinordi, US Development Program
22. PHX-- John McFarland, Sudbury (OHL)
23. BUF-- Tyler Pitlick, Minnesota State (NCAA)
24. ATL (via NJ)-- Alex Petrovic, Red Deer (WHL)
25. VAN-- Jeffrey Skinner, Kitchener (OHL)
26. WSH-- Brock Nelson, US High
27. MTL-- Jaden Schwartz, Tri-City (USHL)
28. SJ-- Calvin Pickard, Seattle (WHL)
29. ANA (via PHI)-- Dylan McIlrath, Moose Jaw (WHL)
30. CHI-- Charlie Coyle, South Shore (EJHL)

Odds are I won't do any well; mostly because I either went too on the line with some picks and too far out of reach on others. It's always a mind game, which I stink at more often than not. I'll be there in person, so if you hear about a guy yelling at each pick like a lunatic-- odds are it'll be me.

Final Mock Draft For 2009

Now that we're done with the Playoffs, we have three things to look forward to. First, the farce that is the NHL Awards show in Vegas, no less. Third, the Free Agent Frenzy that'll happen on July 1st, but we'll talk about the second part now-- the NHL Entry Draft. We'll have all kinds of mocks, but this right here is my final Mock Draft leading up to the June 26th Draft.

Now, clarification when scoring-- and I don't mean at home. I'm pretty much drafting for position, not so much team. Sure, I'll put why the player would be an asset to the team, but if he lands in that same slot to a different team-- I'll claim victory. I'll also claim victory if a team moves up and picks the player I had them with.

Example: If say the Winnipeg Jets were slated at 20th and I had them picking John McHockeystrom (patent pending), but the Jets trade up to 11th and still pick McHockeystrom-- big in.

Basically-- it's almost fool proof for me to get them wrong-- but I still will. I won't give any reasoning, but if you want a reason, leave it in the comments and I'll see what I can do to explain it. With out any further adieu....

1. NEW YORK ISLANDERS: John Tavares, C, London Knights (OHL)

2. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Victor Hedman, D, MoDo (Sweden)

3. COLORADO AVALANCHE: Matt Duchene, C, Brampton Battalion (OHL)

4. ATLANTA THRASHERS: Jared Cowen, D, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

5. LOS ANGELES KINGS: Brayden Schenn, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

6. PHOENIX COYOTES: Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, LW, Timra (Sweden)

7. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: Nazem Kadri, C, London Knights (OHL)

8. DALLAS STARS: Evander Kane, C, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

9. OTTAWA SENATORS: Olivier Ekman-Larsson, D, Leksand (Sweden)

10. EDMONTON OILERS: Jordan Schroeder, RW, Minnesota (NCAA)

11. NASHVILLE PREDATORS: David Rundblad, D, Skelleftra (Sweden)

12. MINNESOTA WILD: Simon Depres, D, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

13. BUFFALO SABRES: Dmitri Kulikov, D, Drummondville Voltiguers (QMJHL)

14. FLORIDA PANTHERS: Ryan Ellis, D, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

15. ANAHEIM DUCKS: Zack Kassian, RW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

16. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: Scott Glennie, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

17. ST. LOUIS BLUES: John Moore, D, Chicago Steel (USHL)

18. MONTREAL CANADIENS: Peter Holland, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)

19. NEW YORK RANGERS: Jacob Josefson, C, Djurgarden (Sweden)

20. CALGARY FLAMES: Carter Ashton, LW, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)

21. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS: Chris Kreider, LW, Andover Academy (USHS)

22. VANCOUVER CANUCKS: Jeremy Morin, C, US NTDP

23. NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Drew Shore, C, US NTDP

24. WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Kyle Palmeiri, C, US NTDP

25. BOSTON BRUINS: Calvin de Haan, D, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

26. NEW YORK ISLANDERS (FROM SAN JOSE): Landon Ferraro, RW, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

27. CAROLINA HURRICANES: Nick Leddy, D, Eden Prairie (USHS)

28. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS: Olivier Roy, G, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)

29. DETROIT RED WINGS: Stefan Elliott, D, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

30. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS: Tim Erixon, D, Skellefta (Sweden)

Draft Lottery Mock Draft

The NHL Draft Lottery was held last night with the New York Islanders finally winning at something important and grabbed the first spot overall for the Draft this June in Montreal. What they will do with it seems to be somewhat obvious, but also somewhat up in the air if someone can sweeten the pot to the point they move the thing.

In any case, I'm going to look into my crystal ball to see if I can predict the outcome for the lottery picks. And by crystal ball I mean bottle of water......because I took some acid and I think this could only do good things for my prediction abilities.

1. NEW YORK ISLANDERS: John Tavares (London, OHL): Really, a no-brainer for the Isles since they have a decent amount of defensemen in their system and need some sureshot scorer in their line-up now.

2. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Victor Hedman (MoDo, Sweden): The Bolts haven't had much luck with getting anything going on the blue line and with their wide array of forwards already signed, this could be the start forming something to help out their goaltending.

3. COLORADO AVALANCHE: Matt Duchene (Brampton, OHL): Duchene could be a spoiler and pop in the top-two, but the Avs will jump on him if he doesn't. He is a speedster and has the nose for the net.

4. ATLANTA THRASHERS: Evander Kane (Vancouver, WHL): A spunky forward who can be a scorer and ruffle a few feathers in order to get his team the advantage.

5. LOS ANGELES KINGS: Brayden Schenn (Brandon, WHL): Schenn has the skill set and passing ability to be the set-up man for the likes of Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown and boost the scoring power for the young Kings.

6. PHOENIX COYOTES: Magnus Paajavi-Svensson (Timra, Sweden): There's plenty of hype with the speed and hands of MPS, but the only doubt is if he can consistently score game-in and game-out.

7. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: Jared Cowen (Spokane, WHL): If GM Brian Burke can't move up to one of the top two picks, he'll load up on another big defenseman in Cowen. While Cowen was injured, he can actually be a force and team up with Luke Schenn to be a solid duo on the blue line-- which will appease Princess Curl.

8. DALLAS STARS: Nazem Kadri (London, OHL): Kadri's stock was helped out by Tavares' acquisition, but his own skill set put him high in the chart before the thought of Tavares coming to London.

9. OTTAWA SENATORS: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (Leksands, Sweden): What's with the Swedes and the hypens?? Anyway, OEL will be another Swedish notch on the defensive prospects that the Sens are stockpiling away. With a +44 this season, his defensive responsibility will be a refresher after this season for Ottawa.

10. EDMONTON OILERS: Zack Kassian (Peterborough, OHL): Kassian is going to be a power forward and may be something that the Oilers will need to support the smaller skill players the Oilers have in their system right now.

11. NASHVILLE PREDATORS: Jordan Schroeder (Minnesota, NCAA): A small forward who can pick his spots from anywhere will give a shot in the arm to the Preds offense when their older vets, like Jason Arnott and Steve Sullivan, start to fade out.

12. MINNESOTA WILD: Ryan Ellis (Windsor, OHL): Ellis is a solid passing defenseman and could be an asset because his defensive prowess is just as good as his offensive awareness.

13. BUFFALO SABRES: Dmitri Kulikov (Drummondville, QMJHL): Kulikov will be a play-making defenseman for any team, which would suit the Sabres well if they start to go to a more offensive style of play.

14. FLORIDA PANTHERS: John Moore (Chicago, USHL): Moore is said to be the most solid skater in this entire draft, but his defensive reliability could be questioned, even though his offensive sense is on the high side of the chart.

So that's that for now, and these could change with the tides and the trades that could come from all of this. We'll have to see where this is going to go and I'll have a full sheet as soon as the season is over--huzzah.

Looking Towards June

Since the trade deadline is over with, the next big acquisition day is the NHL Entry Draft, which will be held June 26th and 27th in beautiful Montreal. And while it's the norm to rank the teams as winners and losers after the deadline, I also find it to be hack. Plus, in the words of Ron Bennington, I've got my own radio show, so you can hear the opinions there.

With most of these moves, you can tell some of these teams are already looking forward to June and their place in the standings are showing that they're going to be in the big hunt for the top five picks in the Draft. So, if the season were to end today...the deadline would have been worthless and we would all feel ripped-off for it ending early. In any event, here's a look at who would be at the top of the Draft chart and who I think will be taken in the top five.

1. NY ISLANDERS: John Tavares, London Knights: While it's not what Tavares probably wanted, he will automatically become the face of the franchise and the guy who will lead this team back to its days of mediocrity. Plus, with youngsters like Kyle Okposo, Jesse Joensuu, and Blake Comeau already in the mix, it'll be the youth movement on Long Island, which may or may not bring them a new arena and new fans. Though, I wouldn't be surprised if Tavares could step in and contribute immediately, but there's also that outside thought he do something to stall his start with the team and maybe create a ruckus to get onto a better team.

2. ATLANTA THRASHERS: Victor Hedman, MoDo: Sure, the defense in Atlanta hasn't been strong since William Tecusmseh Sherman has been in power, Hedman's choice could change all of that. Not only is he NHL size and skill ready, he could very well be what turns this franchise around for the better. They already have offense in Atlanta and with the right help on defense, the goaltending could come around perfectly. Plus, with Garnet Exelby, Zach Bogosian, and Boris Valabik in the rebuilding part of the defense-- Hedman would be the fourth man to complete this perfect storm of defense.

3. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Jordan Schroeder, University of Minnesota: As a Freshman, Schroeder has been amazing for the Gophers, tied for the team and WCHA lead in points with teammate Ryan Stoa. With his ability to stay in the NCAA, it could allow him to grow as a player and allow the Bolts to get their act together to accomodate Schroeder to play alongside Steve Stamkos. With is great hands and solid passing ability, Schroeder should be the set-up man for the future in Tampa.

4. OTTAWA SENATORS: Evander Kane, Vancouver Giants: Kane is what the Senators are looking for in a player. A solid center with scoring abilities who is coming into his own. While he may need more seasoning with the Giants, what better team to get it done with than one of the best in the junior hockey. Once Kane is ready, he could be the secondary scoring punch they look for or he could very well be a part of the primary scoring in the Sens system.

5. COLORADO AVALANCHE: Jared Cowen, Spokane Chiefs: While his season is done with a knee injury, the Avalanche will look towards Cowen as their future on the blue line. With the size and strength, as well as hockey IQ; Cowen is going to be a stallwart on the blue line for some time in Colorado, or any other team he could go to. With Kevin Shattenkirk waiting in the wings as well, it could be a dominant one-two punch that the Avalanche hasn't seen in a while.

So, that's the top-five as I see it right now, mock wise. One thing is true though, we won't see a goaltender go until maybe the late-second, early third rounds. It goes along with the ebbs and flow of the hockey world where now the skaters and scorers are the top dogs in the prospect pile, while goaltenders are floundering and waiting for another upswing of talent.

Wazz's First Round Mock Draft Board

If you haven't known me for a while, I'm all about prospects and the Draft. Going to each draft, sans 2005, since 2002; it's just a great event. The season is over, the future is now-- and beers flow like wine. But, it's time to go ahead and reveal my full first round mock draft. Check it out, let me know, and go from there.

1. Tampa Bay Lightning: Steve Stamkos, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

2. Los Angeles Kings: Drew Doughty, D Peterborough Petes (OHL)

3. Atlanta Thrashers: Luke Schenn, D, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

4. St. Louis Blues: Kyle Beach, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

5. New York Islanders: Zach Bogosian, D, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

6. Columbus Blue Jackets: Tyler Myers, D, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

7. Toronto Maple Leafs: Alex Pietrangelo, D, Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL)

8. Phoenix Coyotes: Nikita Filatov, LW, CSKA-2 (Russia)

9. Nashville Predators (From Florida): Mattias Tedenby, LW, HV 71 (Sweden)

10. Vancouver Canucks: Colin Wilson, C, Boston University (NCAA)

11. Chicago Blackhawks: Kirill Petrov, RW, Kazan (Russia)

12. Anaheim Ducks (From Edmonton): Colten Teubert, D, Regina Pats (WHL)

13. Buffalo Sabres: Cody Hodgson, C, Brampton Battalion (OHL)

14. Carolina Hurricanes: Zach Boychuk, C, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)

15. Nashville Predators: Josh Bailey, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

16. Boston Bruins: Michael Del Zotto, D, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

17. Calgary Flames: Jordan Eberle, C, Regina Pats (WHL)

18. Ottawa Senators: Colby Robak, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

19. Columbus Blue Jackets (From Colorado): Luca Sbisa, D, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)

20. New York Rangers: Mikhail Stefanovich, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

21. New Jersey Devils: John Carlson, D, Indiana Ice (USHL)

22. Edmonton Oilers (From Anaheim): Yann Sauve, D, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

23. Washington Capitals: Anton Gustafsson, C, Frolunda (Sweden)

24. Minnesota Wild: A.J. Jenks, C, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)

25. Montreal Canadiens: Daultan Leveille, C, St. Catharines Falcons (Golden Horseshoe Junior B)

26. Buffalo Sabres (From San Jose): Jacob Markstrom, G, Brynas (Sweden)

27. Philadelphia Flyers: Joe Colborne, Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)

28. Los Angeles Kings (From Dallas): Greg Nemisz, C, Windsor Spitfires

29. Atlanta Thrashers (From Pittsburgh): Tyler Cuma, D, Ottawa 67s (OHL)

30. Detroit Red Wings: Chet Pickard, G, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

I'll have more analysis over at Going Five Hole in a short bit, with a write-up about why I think these guys are going where they are going.

Mock (Rough) Draft-- Lotto Edition

The ping-pong balls have been bounced, the order is selected; now let the speculation begin. Last night, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the NHL Draft Lottery making them the #1 pick for the NHL Draft in Ottawa this June. Since we know the top 14 order, let me go ahead and start the mock-drafting with the lotto picks

1. Tampa Bay Lightning select Steve Stamkos, Sarnia Sting (OHL)-- Stamkos can be a franchise player and has plenty of the tools to break into the NHL after his first camp. He has the right size and could learn a lot from another #1 pick, Vinny Lecavalier, on how to deal with the pressure.

2. Los Angeles Kings select Drew Doughty, Guelph Storm (OHL)-- Doughty is built like a brickhouse at 5'11 and 213 pounds. With Jack Johnson already back there, Doughty is another cog that could be used to solidify the Kings defense for years to come.

3. Atlanta Thrashers select Luke Schenn, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)-- Scheen is a solid defenseman who will help ease the pain of the Thrashers trading away Braydon Coburn. His right hand shot will also help out the left-handed heavy blue line in Blueland.

4. St. Louis Blues select Kyle Beach, Everett Silvertips (WHL)-- Beach has made his mark on the WHL, which will help entice the Blues on picking him up. Beach is very much like a current Blue, Keith Tkachuk, in that he can score, muck it up on the boards, and drop the gloves when needed.

5. New York Islanders select Zach Bogosian, Peterborough Petes (OHL)-- While the future in net and up-front seem to be in check, Bogosian can bring a young puck-moving defenseman to help out with the duties that could arise for the Isles down the road.

That's the way I'm seeing the lotto picks. As we get into lulls of the playoffs, I'll get a little more in-depth, complex-- full of sleepers and disappointments and the full draft board through the first round by the Cup finals....stay tuned.