Depending on how the team finishes the year, early mock drafts have the Leafs taking American Auston Mathews of Arizona. The youngster just missed being available in last year’s selection process and would have been a top-3 pick, but with another year of experience with the USA under-18 squad, he should cement himself as the top offensive talent available next summer.
Calgary was hoping to build on last year’s success, but the Flames have struggled on both ends of the ice. Draft Site has management looking to add some scoring, especially on the wing and that has Matthew Tkachuk, who plays for London of the Ontario Hockey League, as a good option.
Both of these youngsters are skilled at handling the puck and scoring goals, but they also have leadership abilities well beyond their age and that should help them get into the league and perform well early on, something both teams could use if they want to contend for the playoffs in the near future.
While scoring goals is glamorous, stopping the opposition is just as important. Youngster Jacob Chychrun is on top of the latest player rankings as a defender and at 6’2″ and nearly 200 pounds, he already has the size to make an impact in the league.
Columbus is the team most believe Chychrun will begin his NHL career with, but don’t be surprised to see Edmonton make a push for the young man as the Oilers have searched for help on the back line for the last decade.
At this early stage of the hockey season, no goalies have first round rankings, but Carter Hart has emerged as the top prospect between the pipes. Hart is projected as a second round pick with teams like Boston and Philadelphia the most likely to draft the young net minder.