2016 NHL Draft

Mock Draft: Post-Lottery

(Picks 1-14)

Draft order looks set, but will it stay that way?
Steve Kournianos  |  04/30/2016 |  New York  |  

NEW YORK (The Draft Analyst) — With their season no longer in doubt and another playoff-less spring on the horizon, the Toronto Maple Leafs in March looked far from a team looking to permanently occupy the NHL’s basement for the right to draft first overall.

And while some may have silently wished against the consistent 60-minute efforts they saw the youthful Leafs produce as the season’s end neared, the hard-luck losing was generally viewed with optimism by a suffering fanbase accustomed to failure and disappointment.

On Saturday night, they finally had something to cheer about.

For the first time in team history, the Maples Leafs won the NHL’s draft lottery and will have the privilege of selecting the first player in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, which will be held in Buffalo beginning on June 24th.

The Maple Leafs came into the draft lottery with the best opportunity to get the No. 1 pick, having a 20 percent chance over the other 13 teams that failed to qualify for the postseason. The process, which was televised nationally across Canada and the United States, produced a bit of intrigue as the Edmonton Oilers — winners of four of the last six draft lotteries — were bumped by the Winnipeg Jets from the second pick down to fourth, while the Columbus Blue Jackets dropped the Vancouver Canucks from third to fifth.
Center Auston Matthews, a American from Arizona who starred in Switzerland this past season, is the consensus top pick and fills an obvious need in Toronto, but Leafs GM Brendan Shanahan would not reveal his intentions:

“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves and put the cart before the horse,” Shanahan said after the drawing. “We knew we were going to get a good player, one through four, Having the ability to pick first, we’re going to pick the player we think is the best. I think we’ll discuss it more once we have an idea who that player is. There’s no real need to discuss it now, but our scouts are real pleased with the results.”

This is the first time the Leafs will have the top pick in the draft since 1985, when the draft order was determined by the final standings rather than a weighted lottery system. That year, they drafted rugged winger Wendel Clark after it was revealed that top-rated prospect Craig Simpson did not want to play for Toronto. Clark became a popular player and went on to score 260 goals for the Leafs before retiring in 2000.

1. C Auston Matthews (ZSC Lions, SUI): The Hockey Gods rewarded Toronto’s tortured fanbase with the opportunity to bask in the glee from receiving the club’s first top pick in 31 years. That pick should be Matthews, a dynamic, franchise-changing pivot who nearly won the Swiss League’s MVP award as an 18-year-old rookie. A dominant player whether he’s shooting it or dishing it out, he’s ready for the rigors of the NHL, and his humility and upbringing will prevent the GTA pressure cooker from getting to him.

2. LW Patrik Laine (Tappara, Liiga): Laine is not only the best pure goal scorer in his draft class, but is the most lethal draft-eligble sniper since that guy named Alex Ovechkin back in 2004. A big-bodied winger with a deadly shot, Laine was a catalyst behind Finland’s WJC gold medal and was recently named the Finnish League’s playoff MVP for his exceptional postseason. He gives Winnipeg its first brand-name star since fellow Finn Teemu Selanne, but Laine’s impact on the city will be similar to what Dale Hawerchuk did for it and the fanbase in the 1980s.

3. RW Jesse Puljujarvi (Karpat, Liiga): The Jackets are always tough to play against regardless of record, but Puljujarvi’s enthusiasm and high-end skill adds a dimension the team has missed since trading Rick Nash. He produced a record-setting performance en route to a gold medal for Finland at the world junior chamopionship, and followed it up with an excellent postseason and another gold for his country at last week’s under-18 tournament. Big and strong, yet flashy and graceful, Puljujarvi is ready to contribute immediately.

4. LHD Jakob Chychrun (Sarnia Sting, OHL): There’s simply no reason for the Oilers to do anything else but answer the nagging question about their defense with the draft’s best defenseman. No draft-eligible blueliner embodies what a top-pairing workhorse should be than Chychrun, who has the size, shot, speed and smarts to offset the problems plaguing Edmonton’s backline for almost a decade. He played close to 30 minutes a night for a tight-run Sarnia squad and has exceptional recovery time between shifts.

5.  C/LW Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, QMJHL): The Canucks may have missed out on the draft’s big names, but this bruising power forward may very well make the others a footnote in hockey history. Dubois is a fierce competitor with the build of a linebacker and the hands of a magician. He’s a nightmare to match up against, and his mature build (6’2/205) is a result of a tremendous off-ice work ethic. He may not be as fast as former Canuck pivot Ryan Kesler, but he’s just as good at forcing poor and unfortunate opponents into catastrophic mistakes. A real leader with star potential.

6. LW Matt Tkachuk (London Knights, OHL): The sting from a disappointing season in Calgary gets soothed with the arrival of the draft’s best playmaking big man, who’s not a bad goal scorer either. In the case of Matt Tkachuk — son of former NHL all star Keith Tkachuk — the apple did not fall far from the tree. Matt is a menacing, low-maintence power wing whose zone entries (among many other things) are a thing of beauty. Patient, smart and freakishly strong, the St. Louis native will make money with the young group of studs being assembled in Cowtown.

7. LHD Olli Juolevi (London Knights, OHL): Arizona opted to ignore the need for a high-end defenseman last draft by taking center Dylan Strome over Noah Hanifin, but they won’t do the same in 2o16. They could go for a blueliner with more offensive upside like Mikhail Sergachev or Jake Bean, but Juolevi is the kind of calming presence their collection of skill forwards will need to let them attack without the worry of the stern side of the ship sinking after every rush. He was outstanding as a 17 year old for Finland at the WJC’s, and he’s anchored an inexperienced back end for London. Keep an eye on him as the Knights will likely challenge for a Memorial Cup.

8. RW/LW Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads, OHL): The Sabres could use some help on their blue line, but seeing Jack Eichel robbed of assist after assist from wingers devoid of finishing has to bother general manager Tim Murray. Enter Alex Nylander, a silky-smooth sniper with the draft’s second-best finishing abilities behind Patrik Laine. Named the OHL Rookie of the Year in 2016, he scored big goals for Sweden at the summer Ivan Hlinka tournament, and followed that up with top-line production at both the WJC and the U18 worlds. Nylander is patient with the puck, but he’s decisive and makes the right choices. And if you recognize the surname, you’d be pleased to know he’s just as good at passing the puck as brother William and father Michael.

9. LHD Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor Spitfires, OHL): A thick-bodied top defender with a howitzer for a shot and outstanding instincts in the offensive zone, Sergachev led all OHL rearguards with 17 goals and finished third in scoring with 57 points in 67 games. His transition from Russia to the North American style was seamless, and he was the Spits’ top option for both the power play and on the penalty kill. He can be physical, but what makes him special is how quickly he transitions from defense to offense. His game is reminiscent of fellow Russian Ivan Provorov in terms of poise and the ability to make momentum-shifting plays in all three zones.

10. C Michael McLeod (Mississauge Steelheads, OHL): Mississauga was loaded with draft-eligible talent this year, but the one guy who drove the proverbial engine was this lightning-quick playmaker who gelled with Alex Nylander to form one of the OHL’s lethal duos. McLeod has size and a soft set of hands, but he’s also superb at the dot, winning close to 60 percent of his draws and used in all critical-faceoff situations. The Av’s could also use some scoring help on the wing, but the gritty McLeod adds the kind of size-speed-skill dimension this entire draft is lacking.

11. C Clayton Keller (U.S. NTDP): A razor-sharp finesse pivot with off-the-charts vision and a predator’s mindset, Keller’s now part of a short but elite list of talented NTDP’ers who crushed the competition before moving on to face tougher challenges. Not that it will matter to Keller, who this season centered the top line and was Team USA’s top player at every international event he participated in. He’s a fiery competitor who refuses to take a shift off and his nonstop motor allows him to perform at a high level regardless of how long his shifts are.

12. C Logan Brown (Windsor Spitfires, OHL): There are a lot of things to like about the 6’6 center from North Carolina: he’s got sick playmaking abilities and a deadly shot (when he uses it), as well as NHL bloodlines (his father Jeff was a defenseman for the the Nordiques and Blues, among others). Nobody questions his God-given talents, and the Sens could sure use some size up the middle. They could go for a pure goal scorer like Luke Kunin, Kieffer Bellows or Julien Gauthier, but Brown offers up the most upside with the shortest path to the NHL.

13. RW Luke Kunin (Wisconsin, Big-10): An arsenal of playmakers within their system will require some serious finishers, and who better than the Badgers’ top goal scorer, who led his team in goals as a freshman after dazzling at the 2015 U18’s and the All-American Top Prospects Game. Kunin is a three-zone thoroughbred with a blistering shot and excellent skating ability who battled through diabetes to produce one of the nation’s finest freshman campaigns. This kid can score goals, and will do so in bunches.

14. LW Max Jones (London Knights, OHL): It’s tough to tell whether the Bruins’ management views the last season as a failure or a success when you consider the summer roster changes. Nevertheless, the Bruins weren’t that tough to play against in 2016, and Max Jones certainly addresses that need. Somewhat buried behind London’s bevy of forward talent, Jones is a freight train on skates with overlooked smarts and a deadly shot. We’ve seen him posterize the best the OHL has to offer, and did so while playing mostly on a third line. He toes that line between rugged and downright dirty, but he can kill penalties and carry a team on his back if the situation warrants it.

*Boston owns San Jose’s 2016 1st round pick from the Martin Jones trade.

*Toronto owns Pittsburgh’s 2016 first round pick from a condition in the Phil Kessel trade.

*Carolina owns Los Angeles’s’ 2016 1st round pick from the Andrej Sekera trade.

*Arizona owns the New York Rangers’ 2016 1st round pick from the Keith Yandle trade.

*Winnipeg owns Chicago’s 2016 1st round pick from the Andrew Ladd trade.

*Calgary would own Dallas’s 2016 1st round pick if Stars’ defenseman Kris Russell plays in half of their games and they reach the Conference Finals (Condition not yet met).

2016 NHL Draft

LHD Jake Bean

Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

Steve Kournianos  |  05/04/2016 |  New York  |  

The Draft Analyst Ranking:

Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6’1 170 lbs
Born: June 9th, 1998, Calgary, AB
Obtained: Signed as a free agent by the Calgary Hitmen in 2014.
Notes: 2015-16: Led all CHL defensemen with 24 goals — a Calgary Hitmen single-season record — and finished sixth among WHL blueliners in scoring with 64 points…Broke his foot during Team Canada’s camp for the 2016 IIHF under-18 world championship…Played for Team Orr at the 2016 CHL Top Prospects Game…Picked up an assist in two games for Team WHL at the 2015 CHL-Russia Super Series…Had an assist in four games for Team Canada as they won the gold medal at the 2015 U18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup…2014-15: Broke the Hitmen season record for points by a rookie defenseman with 39 points in 51 games…Finished third in scoring among WHL first-year blueliners… Missed a month with a broken wrist suffered in a 2-1 win over Kelowna on 2/28/15…Led Team Canada-Black defensemen in scoring with a goal and three assists in five games at the 2014 World U17 Hockey Challenge.

A nimble puck mover who grasps the intricacies of offensive-zone play, Bean is arguably the draft’s biggest scoring threat from the back end. He loves to dictate the tempo once the puck is on his stick, and when he does, Bean’s able to showcase elite stickhandling skills and pro-level instincts with cerebral shot selection. Simply put, he’s the kind of threat who keeps opposing coaches hard at work during the day, and restlessly sleepless at night. He loves to utilize his teammates — possibly better than any draft-eligible rearguard, and war-gaming this facet can be problematic since he knows all to well how to sneak between the circles and use his hard, accurate shot. Bean is as agile as a cat with good up-ice quickness and solid balance for a kid who looks smaller than his listed 170 pounds. He’s not a roadrunner, but his edge work is exceptional — similar to the great NHL finesse defenders of the past. Bean will effortlessly glide and weave into openings as he covers ground, but he’s just as active and graceful within the confines of the offensive zone, especially on the power play. He’s got great vision and will whip a tape-to-tape pass through traffic either cross-ice or diagonally.

The downside? To be blunt, he’s a liability in his own end. Bean tries to make up for deficiencies in physicality with smart positioning, but he’s far too inconsistent in that regard. He’s prone to lose his man during board battles or in slot coverage, and he will dangerously put the puck where it has no business going. Lastly, the way he defends odd-man-rushes is suspect, but the most fixable of his defensive-zone warts. Still, he’s too good to overlook in the later stages of the first round, and you have to love the fact that this kid managed to get that kind of reputation without the benefit of being drafted into the WHL.

2016 NHL Draft

RW Vitalii Abramov

Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

Steve Kournianos  |  05/06/2016 |  New York  |  

The Draft Analyst Ranking:

Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 5’9, 175 lbs
Born: May 8th, 1998 Chelyabinsk, Russia
Obtained: Selected by the Gatineau Olympiques in the first round (13th overall) in the 2015 CHL Import Draft, June 30th, 2015.
Notes: 2015-16: Named QMJHL Rookie of the Year after leading all first-year players in goals (38), assists (55), points (93) and plus-minus (+36)…His 93 points tied for fifth in overall scoring, and was the second-most by a QMJHL rookie in the last 10 years…Led all rookies with seven goals and 13 points in 10 playoff games… Played for Team Cherry at the 2016 CHL Top Prospects Game…Invited to play for Team Russia at the IIHF Under-18 world championship but did not participate…2014-15: Split the season between Traktor Chelyabink’s U17 team and their MHL squad…Helped Russia win the gold medal at the 2014 World U17 Challenge with three goals and six assists in six games.

Everything Vitalii Abramov does is electrifying. The diminutive Russian wing is not a one-trick pony – he can beat you with speed, deception, passing and/or a deadly accurate shot. Each asset is a cog in a wheel, relying on other skills to combine for an explosive on-ice tour-de-force. The style of play in the Quebec League (among others) is conducive to undersized finesse forwards, and Abramov is one of its best at exploiting it.

You can argue that no draft eligible combines escapability and instincts as well as Abramov, who knows how to evade defenses and slip into a scoring area all on the same play. He has an innate feel for plays as they develop, and what we love about him is the way he shows no mercy – Abramov is a quick-strike playmaker with acute decisiveness. More slippery and shifty than blurring and blistering, Abramov is a very good skater with exceptional balance and lower-body strength. He’s an elite stickhandler who can dipsy-doodle the puck through tire spikes without it breaking into a million pieces. This kid may look small and can cherrypick with the best of them, but his enthusiasm, skill and athleticism make him one heck of a workload to defend against.

2016 NHL Draft

RHD Adam Fox

U.S. U18 (NTDP)

Steve Kournianos  |  05/07/2016 |  New York  |  

The Draft Analyst Ranking:

Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
Height/Weight: 5’10 179 lbs
Born: February 17th, 1998, Jericho, NY
Obtained: Joined National Team Development Program on April 8th, 2014…Committed to Harvard University (ECAC) on April 11th, 2013.
Notes: 2015-16: Led NTDP defensemen in goals (9), assists (50), points (59) and finished third in team scoring…His 0.97 points-per-game average and 59 points set an NTDP single-season record for blueliners…Named Top Defenseman at the 2016 IIHF under-18 World Championship after he led all rearguards in scoring with a goal and eight assists for nine points in seven games…Did not register a point in four games at the U18 Five Nations Tournament in Rauma, Finland in February…Led defensemen in scoring with seven points (all assists) in four games at the U18 Five Nations Tournament in Monthey, Switzerland in November…Played for Team Roenick at the 2015 All-American Top Prospects Game…2014-15: Placed second among Team USA defenseman with 23 assists and 27 points in 54 games…Did not record a point in four games at 2014 U17 Five Nations Tournament in Russia…Had two assists in six games as Team USA finished second at the 2014 World U17 Hockey Challenge…Had three assists in four games for Team USA at the 2014 U17 Four Nations Tournament in Ann Arbor, MI…Selected by the Kitchener Rangers in the eighth round (142nd overall) in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection…Selected by the Des Moines Buccaneers in the 21st round (303rd overall) in the 2013 USHL Draft.

A terrific playmaker from the back end with first-class vision and elite puck distributing abilities, Fox was Team USA’s most consistent defender. He is yet another Nassau County native to grace the NTDP’s blue line, using flair, creativity and astonishing puck control to wow onlookers and dizzy opponents all at the same time. He was beyond deserving of his nomination as top defenseman at the U18 worlds, which shows how far this kid has come since the start of the season when he was considered (and assessed) as merely a power play specialist. Nothing could be further from the truth, as Fox usurped fellow NTDP rearguard Chad Krys as Team USA’s best overall defenseman and most reliable at generating offense.

Fox is a good skater who looks far more graceful in confined spaces than he does in open ice. His lateral movement and edge work are excellent — his twirls and pirouettes are strikingly similar to the way Ottawa star defender Erik Karlsson controlled his puck movement while playing for Team Sweden in his pre-draft years. Fox has an accurate shot that does not require velocity to beat a goalie clean in any of the corners, and he can juke and fake his way into prime scoring areas with relative ease. He is far from physical, and falling below the six-foot mark could work against him as his development path takes him through the bigger, thicker forwards. That being said, he ran the gauntlet of NCAA competition with significant success, as even the most mature NCAA opponents could not find an answer to his puck wizardry. 

2016 NHL Draft

LHD Libor Hajek

Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Steve Kournianos  |  05/10/2016 |  New York  |  

The Draft Analyst Ranking:

Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6’2, 196 lbs
Born: February 4th, 1998 Smrcek, Czech Republic
Obtained: Selected by the Saskatoon Blades in the first round (2nd overall) in the 2015 CHL Import Draft, June 30th, 2015.
Notes: 2015-16: Finished sixth in scoring among WHL rookie defensemen with 26 points in 69 games…Tied for team lead in defense scoring with Nolan Reid…Represented the Czech Republic at the 2016 IIHF under-18 world championship, picking up two assists in five games…Played for Team Orr at the 2016 CHL Top Prospects Game…Named Saskatoon’s Player of the Month for November…Registered a career-best three points (a goal and two assists) in a 4-3 overtime win at Kootenay on October 23rd…Picked up an assist in for games for the Czech Republic at the 2015 U18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup…2014-15: Split the season between Brno’s U21 team and their Extraliga squad…Recorded an assist in five games at the 2014 U18 Ivan Hlinka…Scored a goal in five games at the 2015 U18 world championship.

Libor Hajek’s game is simple – find the puck, get the puck, move the puck. Sounds pretty easy, doesn’t it? Well, there aren’t many defenders anywhere, let alone teenage draft-eligibles, who can be counted on to do all three with consistency. Hajek had the misfortune of playing smack in the middle of a Saskatoon rebuild where the ice was routinely tilted towards his own end. To call his nightly efforts valiant would be an understatement – he was a man on an island for long stretches, to include the Czech Republic’s nightmarish performance at the recent U18 world championship.

Hajek converts speed into power in either direction, using athleticism and sound judgment to attack openings or create them himself. He has a decent first step for a big guy, yet only requires a few strides to reach top speed. If you see open ice ahead of you, better make it quick, as Hajek will chase you down and smother the puck with relative ease. His positioning and slot coverage are excellent, and rarely is he guilty of wandering or puck gazing. You can make the argument that Hajek is the draft’s best defender from his own goal line to center ice. Offensively, he’s a good passer with a decent shot, and uses his wheels to make creative plays. He plays a smart and poised two-way game, and should be groomed for the top pairing.

2016 NHL Draft

Mock Draft: Picks 1-30 (May)

Matthews holds slight edge over Laine for top spot
Steve Kournianos  |  05/13/2016 |  New York  |  

Round 1  / Round 2 

1. C Auston Matthews (ZSC Lions, SUI): The hockey gods rewarded Toronto’s tortured fanbase with the opportunity to bask in the glee from receiving the club’s first top pick in 31 years. That pick should be Matthews, a dynamic, franchise-changing pivot who nearly won the Swiss League’s MVP award as an 18-year-old. A dominant player whether he’s shooting it or dishing it out, he’s ready for the rigors of the NHL, and his upbringing will prevent the GTA pressure cooker from bugging him.

2. LW Patrik Laine (Tappara, Liiga): Laine is not only the best pure goal scorer in his draft class, but is the most lethal draft-eligble sniper since that guy named Alex Ovechkin back in 2004. A big-bodied winger with a deadly shot, Laine was a catalyst behind Finland’s WJC gold medal and was recently named the Liiga playoff MVP. He gives Winnipeg its first brand-name star since Teemu Selanne, but Laine’s impact on the city will be similar to what Dale Hawerchuk did for the fanbase in the 1980s.

3. RW Jesse Puljujarvi (Karpat, Liiga): The Jackets are always tough to play against regardless of record, but Puljujarvi’s enthusiasm and high-end skill adds a dimension they’ve missed since trading Rick Nash. He had a record-setting performance en route to gold for Finland at the WJC, and followed it up with both an excellent postseason and another gold for his country at last month’s U18 tournament. Big, strong, yet flashy and graceful, Puljujarvi is ready to contribute  immediately.

4. LHD Jakob Chychrun (Sarnia Sting, OHL): There’s simply no reason for the Oilers to do anything else but answer the nagging question about their defense with the draft’s best defenseman. No draft-eligible blueliner embodies what a top-pairing workhorse should be than Chychrun, who has the size, shot, speed and smarts to offset the problems plaguing Edmonton’s backline. He played close to 30 minutes a night for a tightly-run Sarnia squad and has exceptional recovery time between shifts.

5.  C/LW Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton, QMJHL): The Canucks may have missed out on the draft’s big names, but this bruising power forward may very well make the others a footnote in hockey history. Dubois is a fierce competitor with a linebacker’s build (6’2/210) and the hands of a magician. He’s a nightmare to match up against, and his freakish size is a result of a tremendous off-ice work ethic. Dubois’ good at forcing opponents into catastrophic mistakes. A real leader with star potential.

6. LW Matt Tkachuk (London Knights, OHL): The sting from a disappointing season in Calgary gets soothed with the arrival of the draft’s best playmaking big man, who’s not a bad goal scorer either. In Matt Tkachuk — son of Keith Tkachuk — the apple did not fall far from the tree. He is a menacing, low-maintence power wing whose zone entries are a thing of beauty. Patient, smart and freakishly strong, he should make money with the young group of studs being assembled in Cowtown.

7. LHD Olli Juolevi (London Knights, OHL): Arizona opted to ignore the need for a high-end defenseman last draft by taking center Dylan Strome over Noah Hanifin, but they won’t do the same in 2o16. They could go for a blueliner with more offensive upside like Mikhail Sergachev or Jake Bean, but Juolevi is a calming presence their collection of skill forwards will need without the worry of the ship’s stern side sinking after every rush. He was outstanding for Finland at the WJC’s, and he’s anchored an inexperienced back end for London which will challenge for a Memorial Cup.

8. RW/LW Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads, OHL): The Sabres could use some help on their blue line, but seeing Jack Eichel robbed of assist after assist from wingers devoid of finishing has to bother GM Tim Murray. Enter Alex Nylander, a silky-smooth sniper with world-class finishing skills. The OHL Rookie of the Year in 2016, he scored big goals for Sweden at Hlinka, and followed that up with top-line production at both the WJC and the U18’s. Nylander is patient with the puck, but he’s decisive and makes the right choices.

9. LHD Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor Spitfires, OHL): A thick-bodied defender with a howitzer for a shot and outstanding offensive instincts, Sergachev led OHL rearguards with 17 goals and finished third in scoring with 57 points. His transition from Russia to the North American style was seamless, and he was the Spits’ top option for both the power play and penalty kill. He can be physical, but what makes him special is how quickly he transitions from defense to offense, and make momentum-shifting plays in all three zones.

10. C Michael McLeod (Mississauge Steelheads, OHL): Mississauga was loaded with draft-eligible talent this year, but the one guy who drove the proverbial engine was this lightning-quick playmaker who gelled with Alex Nylander to form one of the OHL’s lethal duos. McLeod has size and a soft set of hands, but he won close to 60% of his draws and is used in critical situations. The Av’s could use winger help, but the gritty McLeod adds a dimension this draft is lacking.

11. C Clayton Keller (U.S. NTDP): A razor-sharp finesse pivot with off-the-charts vision and a predator’s mindset, Keller’s now part of a short but elite list of talented NTDP’ers who crushed the competition before moving on to face tougher challenges. Not that it will matter to Keller, who this season centered the top line and was Team USA’s top player at every international event he participated in. He’s a fiery competitor who refuses to take a shift off and his nonstop motor allows him to perform at a high level regardless of how long his shifts are.

12. C Logan Brown (Windsor Spitfires, OHL): There are a lot of things to like about the 6’6 center from North Carolina: he’s got sick playmaking abilities and a deadly shot (when he uses it), as well as NHL bloodlines (his father Jeff was a defenseman for the the Nordiques and Blues, among others). Nobody questions his God-given talents, and the Sens could sure use some size up the middle. They could go for a pure goal scorer like Luke Kunin, Kieffer Bellows or Julien Gauthier, but Brown offers up the most upside with the shortest path to the NHL.

13. RW Luke Kunin (Wisconsin, Big-10): An arsenal of playmakers within their system will  require some serious finishers, and who better than the Badgers’ top goal scorer, who led his team in goals as a freshman after dazzling at the 2015 U18’s and the All-American Top Prospects Game. Kunin is a three-zone thoroughbred with a blistering shot and excellent skating ability who battled through diabetes to produce one of the nation’s finest freshman campaigns. This kid can score goals, and will do so in bunches.

14. LW Max Jones (London Knights, OHL): It’s tough to tell whether the Bruins’ management viewed 2016 as a failure or a success. Nevertheless, the B’s weren’t that tough to play against, and Max Jones certainly addresses that need. Somewhat buried behind London’s bevy of talent, Jones is a freight train on skates with overlooked smarts and a deadly shot. He’s posterized the best the OHL has to offer, and did so while playing limited minutes. He toes that line between rugged and downright dirty, but he can kill penalties and carry a team on his back if the situation warrants it.

15. C Tyson Jost (Penticton Vees, BCHL): Tremendous puck distributor with finishing abilities who shattered Canada’s scoring mark at the U18’s. Jost was one of the WHL’s top picks in 2013 but spurned the CHL for North Dakota, where he’ll suit up for the defending NCAA champs this fall. The Wild seem set at center, but Jost could be the one who leads them to greener pastures. He can play wing or up the middle, and is used in every situation imaginable. This kind of versatility from a polished youngster is rare, and an argument can be made that if Minnesota wants him, it may have to trade up to nab him.

16. C German Rubtsov (Russia U18, MHL): Detroit’s playoff train kept on rolling for a 26th straight season, but it’s failed to reach the third round every year since 2009. Rubtsov may be raw, but he’s the kind of player who may very well bridge the gap between Pavel Datsyuk and the dynamic the Wings are losing. Strong as an ox and slick as a sidewinder, Rubtsov was banned from the U18’s for a team-wide doping scandal but remains the draft’s top two-way center.

17. LW Kieffer Bellows (U.S. NTDP): Being mean and ridiculously skilled at the same time can have its perks, as Bellows can be one intimidating presence to defend against. He’s one of a handful of NTDP’ers to score 50 goals (Phil Kessel, Patrick Kane and Auston Matthews), and comes from good stock — father Brian scored close to 500 goals over 17 NHL seasons. His heavy-hitting style and quick-strike mentality will serve him well as he transitions to the NCAA for Boston University.

18. RW Julien Gauthier (Val-d’Or Foreurs, QMJHL): The Flyers could use some help on the wing, and this beastly two-way sniper with an array of ways to fill the net could end up being a steal this late. He was the only draft-eligible to make Canada’s WJC team, and made the most of his limited minutes. His Christy Mathewson-esque stat-line for Val-d’Or (41g, 16a) may emit the skill set of a one-dimensional winger, but Gauthier can sure dish the puck with precision when he wants to. He finished sixth in the QMJHL with 41 goals  — 30 scored at even strength or shorthanded, and tied for third in the league with eight “first goals”.

19. RHD Charlie McAvoy (Boston University, Hockey East): A year ago, the upstart Islanders seemingly were set on the blue line. Trading Griffin Reinhart and the uncertainty with Travis Hamonic may put a dent in their ability to defend, and who better to address it than McAvoy, a Long Island native who was one of the NCAA’s top freshman blueliners. He can skate and lay you out with a hit, and if opponents give his some room, yank you out of your seat.

*20.(NYR) RHD Dante Fabbro (Penticton Vees, BCHL): Drafting two defensemen within 13 picks of the first round may not sound ideal, but Arizona’s talent pool is overflowing with forwards. Fabbro is a righty blueliner who was named the BCHL’s top defenseman before putting on quite a show at the U18’s in April. He is mobile and versatile with the ability log big minutes, running both the power play and the penalty kill in the process. Fabbro will join likely first rounders Kieffer Bellows, Charlie McAvoy and Clayton Keller, and 2016 draft prospect Chad Krys at Boston University in the fall, but it’ll be interesting to see how coach David Quinn divvies up ice time and responsibilities.

*21.(LAK) C/LW Pascal Laberge (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL): There’s a chance Ron Francis goes off the board here, but Laberge is too disciplined and mature a player to pass up. He’s versatile and heady, blessed with a laser of a shot and a deft touch. Laberge isn’t a mountain of a man at this stage (6’1, 175), but you have to figure he’ll bulk up and become an even bigger nuisance to play against. His instincts are solid and he can be counted on for late-game situations, but he’ll probably stay on the wing.

*22. (CHI) LHD Jake Bean (Calgary Hitmen, WHL): The Jets likely miss the chance to draft one of the right-handed defensemen their prospect pool could use, but Bean’s offenseive prowess and ability to run a power play makes this an easy choice. He’s got a lot to work on defensively, but the Jets should be willing to gamble that he eventually does so. He owns a heck of a shot and sees the ice like a seasoned veteran, and the way he handled, at times led Calgary’s youthful group says a lot about this late bloomer’s make up.

23. RW Vitalii Abramov (Gatineau Olympiques, QMJHL): The Panthers already have a gem prospect on the left flank in Lawson Crouse, so why not augment his brawn with this draft’s version of the Tazmanian Devil? Abramov is a superior stickhandler with electrifying moves and edge work he clearly spends countless hours perfecting. He’s listed at 5’9, but his puck control and skating ability allow him to target and attack bigger opponents with extreme confidence. And not every move up ice involves a dangle or spin-o-rama — he will take direct routes with speed straight to the cage.

24. LW Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters, OHL): This diminutive winger is far too explosive to ignore late in the first round, and he’s made a strong case for being a best-player-available type even sooner. DeBrincat crushed the OHL for the second straight year to a tune of 51 goals — 38 at even strength or shorthanded — and 101 points. But there’s far more to his game than just offense — he’s a tireless worker who competes every shift and will battle for (and win) positioning against any player, regardless of size. Not only does he possess the softest hands of any draft-eligible peer, but he plays a disciplined game to boot.

**25. G Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips, WHL): The Stars like to take big swings with their top picks, but the writing is on the wall after their postseason– if you’re going to run an up-tempo offense, you need a low-maintenance goalie to preserve leads. Hart, who won the WHL’s Goaltender of the Year award, is still a few years away, but he’s technically superior to any netminder in this class. He’s a classic butterfly goalie with good net awareness but even better tracking ability, and his size (6’1) shouldn’t be a problem at higher levels.

26. C Rasmus Asplund (Farjestad BK, SHL): Dependable two-way center with very good speed and a willingness to get dirty. He’s a bit of a pest and uses his quickness to hound defenders on the forecheck. A workhorse with a good wrist shot, Asplund has two full SHL seasons under his belt, so he’ll be in the NHL sooner than the majority of his draft peers. He can also contribute in the dot — he won over 65% of his combined draws for Team Sweden and 50% against older SHL competition.

*27 (SJS). C Sam Steel (Regina Pats, WHL): Steel is a power play specialist who played a big role in Regina’s playoff push, scoring points in 10 of 12 games. He finished the season on a tear to help his draft stock, but he convinced us well before that he was a first-round talent. Fast and elusive with a very good shot and quick release, Steel is a pivot to be used in any situation, and he’s a constant threat from anywhere on the ice.

28. C/W Brett Howden (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL): A crafty yet undervalued two-way center with excellent vision, Howden’s point totals would be way higher had he not taken a back seat to Moose Jaw star vets like Brayden Point and Dryden Hunt. He can also play wing, kill penalties, and has absolutely no problem running a power play. Howden isn’t as fast as brother Quinton (25th overall in 2010), but he makes up for it with smart positioning, a soft touch and strong all-aroung hockey sense.

*29 (PIT). C/LW Tyler Benson (Vancouver Giants, WHL): A cyst removal followed by a groin injury limited this fierce competitor to less than half a season. But when Benson played, he certainly lived up to his pre-draft standing as one of Western Canada’s top prospects. The trips to sick call bumped him down from a likely lottery selection, but all reports indicate he’s ready for June’s draft combine, where his elasticity and leg drive will be looked at with extreme interest. A mature lad with leadership qualities, Benson is an excellent finisher and an all-around offensive force who like to play physical.

30. LHD Libor Hajek (Saskatoon Blades, WHL): Underappreciated blueline stalwart who (all things considered) did a stellar job helping a rebuilding Saskatoon club from getting steamrolled every night. Big, quick and consistently sound with his positioning, Hajek is an excellent option for a top-pairing support role. He doesn’t have the best shot in the world, but more times than not he’ll can make plays out of nothing.

*Boston owns San Jose’s 2016 1st round pick from the Martin Jones trade.

*Toronto owns Pittsburgh’s 2016 first round pick from a condition in the Phil Kessel trade.

*Carolina owns Los Angeles’s’ 2016 1st round pick from the Andrej Sekera trade.

*Arizona owns the New York Rangers’ 2016 1st round pick from the Keith Yandle trade.

*Winnipeg owns Chicago’s 2016 1st round pick from the Andrew Ladd trade.

**Calgary would own Dallas’s 2016 1st round pick if Stars’ defenseman Kris Russell plays in half of their games and they reach the Conference Finals (Condition not met — Dallas’s 2016 2nd round pick transfers to Calgary).

2016 NHL Draft

Mock Draft: Picks 31-60 (May)

Plenty of gems in a 2nd round mine of prospects
Steve Kournianos  |  05/14/2016 |  New York  |  

Round 1  / Round 2 

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2016 NHL Draft

Mock Draft: Picks 61-90

Talented pool of Europeans dominate Round Three
Steve Kournianos  |  05/17/2016 |  New York  |  

Round 1  / Round 2 / Round 3

61. G Stephen Dhillon (Niagara Ice Dogs, OHL): There are a handful of reasons we are extremely high on this native Buffalonian, who bit the bullet for Niagara and assumed an understudy role to Carolina first rounder Alex Nedeljkovic. This kid has a ton of potential, and he’s one of the draft’s youngest eligible goalies — he is only a few days from being eligible for next year. Dhillon plays an aggressive butterfly, and the kinks we noticed the the Hlinka (form, net awareness) were quickly addressed, albeit in limited opportunities. His size-quickness combination is rare, and with draft picks for days, the Leafs can afford to take a chance on him early..

62. RW Joey Anderson (U.S. NTDP): Team USA’s “other” top-line forward who earned and held his role as a goal mouth-area maven, depositing rebound after rebound into the back of the cage while playing with heralded prospects Clayton Keller and Kieffer Bellows. Anderson sure knows how to pick his spots, which is important for a forward on a line with two shoot-happy linemates. He likely won’t develop into the kind of guy you can lean on above anyone else, but he’s fast and reliable enough to develop as a top-six power play specialist. The 5’11 Anderson will play for the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the fall.

63. RHD Jacob Cederholm (HV 71, SHL): The Canucks have had luck with steady, mobile defenders (Tanev, Hamhuis…) and Cederholm would be a nice addition to their burgeoning prospect pool. He’s got size and decent mobility thanks to a long stride, and he’ll even take the puck coast to coast on occasion. Cederholm’s most valuable asset is one-on-one play, specifically from the dots inward, but he also uses his noggin to make smart, subtle plays like timely pinches and gap-filling in the offensive zone. He won’t top out as a 40-point blueliner, but his skill and leadership traits will undoubtedly benefit Vancouver in the long run.

64. LHD Chad Krys (U.S. NTDP): Once considered a possible top-10 pick for 2016, Krys’s season with the NTDP was more plain than reassuring. He still maintained a top-four position and was a key cog in all situations, and you can’t blame him for teammate Adam Fox’s record-breaking campaign. We like the fact that he didn’t look out of place against older competition at the WJC’s, and there were periods when he played like the leader many expect him to become. The Boston University commit is mobile and an excellent stretch passer, and the Jackets can view this pick as a potential fill-in for 2015 defector Mike Reilly.

65.  C Otto Makinen (Tappara U20, Liiga Jrs): Finland is having one heck of a season on the international stage, where a puck-distributing pivot like Makinen made a name for himself. His play took off as early as the Hlinka, and you can argue he was his nation’s top draft-eligible forward immediately following Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujärvi for quite some time. He’s a decent skater, but what Makinen can do best is stickhandle and make precision plays off zone entries. And don’t sleep on his finishing abilities – he has butter-soft hands and a quick release.

*66. (WPG) C Henrik Borgstrom (HIFK U20, Liiga Jrs): Tall yet lanky skilled pivot who dominated Finland’s junior circuit in his second year of draft eligibility. Borgstrom is crossing the pond to suit up for the Denver Pioneers, so the college schedule will provide him plenty of time to fill into his 6’3 frame. He’s a dual-purpose threat from the middle, where he has a penchant for shooting first and asking questions later. But Borgstrom can also be a quick-pass threat on the power play and stickhandle his way through dicey situations in order to open up lanes. You always have to be leary about overagers, but the Canes can afford to take a flier and add him to their growing pool of Finnish-trained propects.

67. C/RW Tobias Eder (Bad Tolz, Oberliga Jrs): A sniper who can play any forward position, Eder is the best of a rather thin, almost non-existent pool of worthy German draft eligibles. He’s had a handful of strong tournaments, albeit against the IIHF’s second tier of competition, and bounced back from a late-season high ankle sprain with a strong showing at the Division IA U18’s. Nevertheless, he can scoot and shoot, using his 6’0 frame and reach to protect the puck as he bullies his way to the net. The Yotes hit a home run in acquiring German speedster Tobias Reider from the Oilers, who should be considered another serious candidate to grab him, albeit a few spots earlier.

68. RW Dmitri Sokolov (Sudbury Wolves, OHL): If you judge a player solely on production, then Sokolov’s rookie season was nothing short of outstanding – he led OHL rookies with 30 goals, including 15 over his last 23 games. But digging deeper into the power winger’s season reveals disconcerting traits, to include accusations of laziness and poor off-ice work ethic. A shoulder injury may have had something to do with that, but the fact that he played the entire season should help his case. Remember, he’s just a kid, and one who left Russia to play in North America no less. His size/shot combo is lethal, and he has a soft set of hands to bury the roughest of goal-mouth feeds.

69. C Brandon Gignac (Shawinigan Cataractes, QMJHL): A real hustler with quick hands and very good instincts, Gignac exhibits the kind of all-out effort a downtrodden fan base can only hope becomes infectious. He’s one of the draft’s fastest skaters, but he proved this season that he can blow past oppoenents with his head up to either find the open man, or take the puck strong to the net. And he’s not just flash and dash – he won close to 60 percent of his draws and can be used in any situation.

70. LW Jack Kopacka (Sault Ste Marie, OHL): A rebuilding year in Sault Ste Marie turned out to be a good thing for its young forwards, as the strong yet elusive Kopacka got a chance with top-six minutes to finish tied for fourth on the squad with 20 goals while firing off 179 shots. He’s a classic power forward in terms of size (6’2, 190) but he’s very quick and owns a pretty good shot. Like all big men, however, he can pull a lengthy vanishing act, and he doesn’t always battle through adversity in the form of clogged skating lanes and slogging matches.

*71. (NJD) LHD Dennis Cholowski (Chilliwack Chiefs, BCHL): Steady two-way defender whose name started to ring bells following December’s World Junior “A” Challenge. He’s got good size to work with, and he makes smart plays, specifically picking the right time to either join the rush or sneak into the left circle for a quality scoring chance. Cholowski is bound for the University of Minnesota-Duluth, so the Leafs can be patient with a defender with top-4 upside. He’s far from physical, however, and it seems the way he processes the game is the biggest, possibly only reason why he’s skyrocketed up the rankings.

*72. (OTT) LHD Jacob Moverare (HV71, SHL): The Swedes are known for producing sound, multi-purpose rearguards who know how to move the puck out of harm’s way. And although it’s been almost a decade since the Tre Kronor produced a defenseman with all-star acumen, you can add Moverare to the high-upside list of 2016 draft eligibles. He has good size, but his mobility and passing are what will get him to the next level. Making questionable decisions is par for the course for offensive-minded defenders, so the Devils should expect a bumpy development path.

73. LHD Victor Mete (London Knights, OHL): Easily one of the toughest draft-eligible prospects to gauge because he does so many things at a high level, yet is an undersized defenseman on a loaded, powerhouse of a team. His biggest asset is speed — he is lightning-quick and doesn’t have to tinker with his quickness in order to blow the doors off an opponent. This kid has made very sound checkers looked novice in their approach, and can cap off an end-to-end rush with a smart play towards the net, or a cut back in order to open up the ice around him. Mete relies on push-and-shove tactics to deny bigger forwards the opportunity to take the puck inside, but he needs to get stronger if he wants to be counted on at higher levels.

*74. (BOS) C Mikhail Maltsev (Russia U18, MHL): One of the draft’s few two-way centers with size who tips more towards the grinder side than that of a pivot with pure skill. Maltsev did a fine job as Team Russia’s second-line center behind German Rubtsov, using his size/reach advantage to really give opponents the business. He can play an in-your-face style and uses good speed to get in on the forecheck without over-committing or leaving his linemates out to dry. At 6’3, 200 pounds, it’s scary to think that he can get bigger, hopefully without costing him in the mobility department. On the power play, he likes to acquiesce to his gifted puck distributors and take a spot near or directly behind the net. Maltsev is very good on faceoffs, which is probably the reason he’s playing with the man advantage to begin with.

*75. (MIN) RW Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting, OHL): A prodigious playmaker with breakaway speed, Kyrou bounced between Sarnia’s top two lines and has the potential to be an impact forward. He’s battled through inconsistent play and is prone to turning the puck over at inopportune times, but he’s too tantalizing a prospect to pass over in a draft thin in pure skill. Kyrou’s what we’d call a “Spotlight Ranger”, beefing up his stock with solid all-around play at high-profile events like the U18 Hlinka and the CHL Top Prospects Game. You can say almost any skill forward in this year’s draft leaked defensive prowess from start to finish, but in Kyrou’s case, it’s a serious concern.

*76. (DET) LW Alan Lyszczarczyk (Sudbury Wolves, OHL): A super-skilled winger with speed who can also fill in at center, Lyszczarczyk had a fine season in Sudbury, finishing sixth in rookie scoring with 50 points in 67 games. At 6’1, 180, he’s got the kind of size the Devils can work with, as he’s already a very good playmaker and owns an excellent shot that he doesn’t use as often as he should. Born in Poland and raised in the Garden State, Lyszczarczyk tore up the Czech junior circuit, then performed as one of Poland’s top players at the Division IA U18’s.

77. RW Yegor Korshkov (Lokomotiv, KHL): Double-overage two-way winger who had an accomplished campaign for both Lokomotiv in the KHL and Russia’s National Team. You can’t dent the hockey sense and creativity he oozes, but you’d only hope that a 20-year-old who winger stands 6’4 would impose his will against younger international competition. He was a depth forward for Loko, but the handful of games we watched revealed a competitive player with shiftiness and a tremendous work ethic in board battles. Korshkov is a good skater who can shift gears to catch opponents off guard.

78. LHD Markus Niemelainen (Saginaw Spirits, QMJHL): The Flyers have little to no need for another defenseman in their already overflowing talent pool, but some may view the Finnish Niemelainen as an uppercut pick other staffs may have slept on. To be frank, he’s a project, using God-given talent to his advantage far more than taking steps to improve his shortcomings with decision making. The Niemelainen we saw in September was the same one from the recent U18’s — big, mobile blueliner with a decent shot who is a beast from the dots down but makes a handful of bad choices per outing. At his absolute best, he’s a less physical version of a pre-injuries Marc Staal, so getting Niemelainen in the late third round could end up becoming a steal.

*79. (NYI) LHD Sean Day (Mississauga Steelheads, OHL): If the third round was renamed the Island of Draft Hype Castoffs, then Day would undoubtedly rule the land. Blessed with pro-level speed and size, Day couldn’t piece them together into one explosive package. Rather, his three-zone (or any zone) consistency was up and down, and it took a solid showing at the Top Prospects Game and the subsequent second half to save his draft stock from bottoming out. In our view, he’s worth the pick and worth the worry, because if things work out, he could be one of the best to come out of the 2016 draft.

80. C Igor Shvyryov (Stalnye Lisy, MHL): A brief stint with Russia’s U18 team for the Hlinka was followed by an outstanding MHL campaign by this sublime offensive talent, who’s deserving of more love than he’s received. Shvyryov (pictured above) is an exceptional stickhandler and passer, and can do both while moving at a high rate of speed. He’s a pure finesse pivot who will lend immediate assistance to any power play, where he likes to position himself along the half wall in order to dissect passing lanes with pinpoint precision.

*81.(LAK) RW Brandon Hagel (Red Deer Rebels, WHL): A late-August, 1998 birthdate whose fast start made some people wonder how in the world he was overlooked in WHL Bantam Drafts. Hagel (6’0 / 170 lbs) is one of the Rebels’ many offensive weapons who can fill in on the flank on any of their first three lines. He’s an accurate shooter with a quick release and will fight to get to the tough areas around the net. We view him as a pass-first forward with a ton of hustle and sandpaper who can top out as an excellent penalty-killing option.

82. LW Eetu Tuulola (HPK U20, Liiga Jrs): Tuulola is the Finnish power forward who is not seeing his name plastered all over the place by hockey scribes in his native land and abroad. But not being a top-three pick shouldn’t detract from how good a goal-scoring prospect this kid currently is. Tuulola has a heavy shot and a quick release, and getting involved in the dirty areas is something he seems to enjoy. He is a very good open-ice hitter, and we wouldnt be the least bit surprised if he snuck into the second round, which says a ton about the depth Finland provided for this draft.

*83. (FLA) Luke Green (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL): One of the steadier defensemen available for any round who quietly had a strong season for an Ice Dogs’ squad with a deep blue line. Green came to Saint John with high regard — he was the first overall pick in the 2014 QMJHL Draft — but he stagnated after a strong rookie season a year ago. Compounding things was a nasty hit from Cape Breton’s Pierre-Luc Dubois in March which may have been the catalyst behind his average postseason. Still, Green is a very good skater with terrific instincts and is one of the draft’s better shot selectors from the back end; if Green is taking a shot, it’s going to be hard and accurate.

*84. (ANA) LHD J.D. Greenway (U.S. U18, NTDP): We have to hand it to Greenway — he certainly knows how to pick his spots. The tall defender with above-average mobility and strong instincts made a nifty play to set up a goal in front of the NHL scouting community at the All-American Top Prospects Game, then closed out his season with a memorable, Forsberg-esque tuck-in tally in April’s U18 world championship. These displays of offensive prowess, however, were few and very far between, but that shouldn’t take away from his ability to poke, pin and hold with the best of his class. Greenway, whose older brother J.D. was a 2015 second round pick of the Wild, recently committed to Wisconsin after rumors indicated he was OHL-bound to Flint.

*85. (DAL) RW Vladimir Kuznetsov (Acadie-Bathurst Titan, QMJHL): A fearless, crash-and-bang sniper who is super quick on his feet and can unload a heavy shot, Kuznetsov was the top overall pick in last year’s CHL Import Draft. The thick Russian winger didn’t disappoint either — he finished fourth in QMJHL rookie scoring. He was one of only two draft-eligible CHL players to suit up for Russia’s U18 squad at the world championship, and his tournament was a microcosm of the regular season in that there were times he looked lost on the ice, if you were keen enough to even notice him. The Sabres’ stockpiling finishers will pay off in spades.

*86. (WSH) LW Artur Kayumov (Russia U18, MHL): We’d be lying if we said we weren’t disappointed Kayumov (among other Russians) was banned from participating at the U18’s when he and his entire squad tested positive for the substance meldonium. Life certainly goes on, but the incident likely hurts his draft stock. Quick and decisive, Kayumov is usually the one orchestrating the attack for the Russians, especially on the power play. He’s dandy on the zone entry, and his balance is strong for a kid listed under six feet tall. There were periods where he was the best player for Team Russia, and we see him as a high pick in the upcoming CHL Import Draft.

*87 (SJS). C/W Dillon Dube (Kelowna Rockets, WHL): It wasn’t too long ago when Dube was a projected first round pick thanks to his non-stop motor and ability to create scoring chances off an intense forecheck. But the second half of his season was a bit of a battle as he blew so many gimme chances that you have to wonder if someone hexed him. The good news is that his struggles have nothing to do with work ethic or effort — this kid busts it every shift and bring a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and respect of the game to any organization he’ll join. Plus, he finished the season as a point-per-game player with 66 points in 65 games, and was one of the WHL’s best draft eligibles in even-strength scoring.

88. LHD Marcus Ersson (Brynas IF, SHL): There are a handful of big two-way defensemen who had a strong J20 Superelit season, but Ersson is a kid who doesn’t get the coverage notable prospects like David Bernhardt and overager Filip Berglund have received. He’s a wonderful talent with a hunter’s mindset who loves to either create a rush up ice, or join it and gun straight for the net. His positioning in the defensive zone needs a little work, as he has a tendency to float away from his area of responsibility. His side of the ice wasn’t attacked as often as you’d think, and there’s a strong possibility he gets more than bottom-pairing minutes for Brynas next season.

*89 (PIT). C/LW Tanner Kaspick (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL): Bruising two-way power forward who was a depth player for both Team Canada at the Hlinka and with Brandon’s loaded title squad. Kaspick is the kind of versatile, hard-nosed prospect the stats don’t do justice, as he’d be far more productive had his role been expanded. You can’t fault his coaching staff in Brandon though; the Wheat Kings are a perennial powerhouse. Still, he took to his support role with aplomb, and his production from the regular season (0.59) wasn’t that far off from his playoff output (0.48). He missed a chunk of the season due to an undisclosed upper-body injury but looked fine since.

*90. (STL) RW Jesper Bratt (AIK, Allsvenskan): A pesky waterbug with an arsenal of moves and a sick wrist shot who teamed with 2015 draft pick Robin Kovacs to form one of the Allsvenskan’s top young lines. His footwork and play with the puck in traffic are excellent, and he’s proven to beat defenders to the outside with regularity. He isn’t very big or physical, and he’s just over a month away from being eligible for next year’s draft. Bratt was one of Sweden’s better forwards at the U18 worlds, and could be a real steal this late in the third round, if he even lasts that long.

*Carolina owns Winnipeg’s 2016 3rd round pick from the Jiri Tlusty trade.

*Vancouver re-acquired its 2016 3rd round pick via Pittsburgh from the Brandon Sutter trade. The Penguins previously acquired the pick from Buffalo as compensation for the Sabres’ hiring of former Pittsburgh head coach Dan Bylsma. Buffalo previously acquired this pick from the Islanders in the Michal Neuvirth/Chad Johnson trade. The Islanders previously acquired this pick from Vancouver in 2014 when they traded Andrey Pedan to the Canucks for Alexandre Mallet and this pick.

*New Jersey owns Ottawa’s 2016 3rd round pick from a 2015 Draft Day trade in which the Devils swapped a 2015 2nd round pick (36th overall – RW Gabriel Gagner) for Ottawa’s 2015 2nd round pick (42nd overall – G Mackenzie Blackwood) and this pick.

*New Jersey owns Minnesota’s 2016 3rd round pick via Florida from the Jaromir Jagr trade. The Panthers previously acquired this pick from the Wild in the Sean Bergenheim trade.

*New Jersey owns Detroit’s 2016 3rd round pick from a condition in the Marek Zidlicky trade. The pick became a 3rd rounder when the Red Wings were eliminated in the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

*Toronto owns New Jerseys 2016 3rd round pick via Pittsburgh from the Phil Kessel trade. The Penguins perviously acquired this pick from New Jersey as compensation for the Devils hiring John Hynes as head coach.

*Dallas owns San Jose’s 2016 3rd round pick from the Jason Demers/Brenden Dillon trade.

*Buffalo owns St. Louis’s 2016 3rd round pick from unmet conditions in the Ryan Miller trade.

*Philadelphia owns Los Angeles’s 2016 3rd round pick from the Vincent Lecavalier trade.

*Anaheim owns Florida’s 2016 3rd round pick via New Jersey from the Kyle Palmieri trade. The Devils previously acquired this pick from Florida as a condition of the Jaromir Jagr trade. New Jersey has the option of giving Anaheim the lower of either Florida’s original 3rd rounder (this pick), or the 3rd rounder the Panthers acquired from Minnesota in the Sean Bergenheim trade). As of the printing of this edition, this pick was less favorable to New Jersey than the Minnesota pick, so it goes to Anaheim.

*Buffalo owns Dallas’s 2016 3rd round pick via San Jose from a condition in the Jonas Enroth trade. The condition was the Sabres would receive a 2nd round pick in 2015 if Enroth won four playoff games for Dallas, which never qualified for the postseason.

*Ottawa owns the New York Islanders’ 3rd round pick from the Shane Prince trade.

*Edmonton owns Pittsburgh’s 2016 3rd round pick via the Justin Schultz trade.

*St. Louis owns Washington’s 2016 3rd round pick from the T.J. Oshie trade.

Note: Detroit has the option to choose any one of Toronto’s 3rd round picks from 2016, 2017 or 2018. This condition is from the Maple Leafs’ hiring of former Red Wings’ coach Mike Babcock.

Note: New Jersey has the option to choose any of of Toronto’s 3rd round picks from 2016, 2017 or 2018. This condition is from the Maple Leafs’ hiring of former Devils’s GM Lou Lamoriello.

2016 NHL Draft

Mock Draft: Picks 91-120

Deeper rounds replete with two-way defensemen
Steve Kournianos  |  05/22/2016 |  New York  |  

Round 1  / Round 2 / Round 3 / Round 4

2016 NHL Draft

Mock Draft: Picks 152-181

Specialists and enablers come easy in Round Six
Steve Kournianos  |  06/03/2016 |  New York  |  

Round 1  / Round 2 / Round 3 / Round 4 / Round 5 / Round 6 / Round 7