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2016 NHL Mock Draft: Updated first round projections

Depending on salary cap issues, front offices all across the league have options this summer. A few franchises will have the money to chase big name free agents, but for a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs, past discretions means management will need to find help through the upcoming hockey draft to find the help they need.

The good news for the Leafs — it’s looking like they will have the first overall selection in June and there’s little doubt on the top player available. Auston Matthews has sat on top of the player rankings for the last six months, despite a couple nagging injuries over the past year.

Matthews plays excellent hockey on both ends of the ice, but his ability to control the puck and make those around him better on the offensive end, could make him something special. Toronto has struggled putting the puck in the net this season and help must be found for this franchise to finally turn the corner and become a regular contender in the Eastern Conference.

The Maple Leafs also have a selection in the later part of round one and the latest mocks have center Keiffer Bellows and winger Max Jones as the top candidates. Both of these youngsters could make an immediate impact, but with the club looking for more size on the ice, Jones seems a better fit with the new structure the team now has in place.

Calgary expected another run at the playoffs this season, but the Flames digressed this past season and now will look rebuild in quick fashion. Don’t be surprised to see the front office make a run at a couple veterans and with a likely pick in the top-5, this squad could make a turnaround and put this season in the rear view mirror.

My NHL Draft has management looking at young defender Olli Juolevi with their top selection. The youngster has shot up the latest player rankings with his performance over the last three months and could be the type of player that makes a quick jump and helps the Flames next season.

This year’s class of youngsters is very talented, especially on the wings. This group will be the future of hockey and based on the experts predictions, several of these young men could begin making an impact on the league next season, giving fans a new breed of stars and hockey the next generation of talent to take this game to a new level on and off the ice.

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