While teams like Edmonton and Montreal are playing better than expected, franchises like Toronto and Arizona have struggled with just one victory thus far. That doesn’t necessarily mean that a hot streak can’t turn things around and with plenty of hockey left in the year, playoffs are still a goal for every team.
The Coyotes are now projected to have the first selection in next summer’s draft and the latest mocks have management taking Nolan Patrick, the top ranked player in next year’s class of talent. The young center has all the skills needed to become an elite player at the highest level and would be a great addition to a struggling franchise that needs a boost, both on and off the ice.
Buffalo is another squad that is off to a slow start as the rebuilding process taking place with the team will take time. The Sabres’ biggest need is on the back line and the latest from My NHL Draft.com has the front office looking at young defender Timothy Liljegren, a top-10 talent with terrific skills on both ends of the ice.
The Maple Leafs have showcased plenty of youngsters already this season with last year’s first overall pick Auston Matthews in the spotlight. But the Leafs’ are also in rebuilding mode and while it might not excite the fans, what they do now will have a big impact on the team for the next decade.
One of the goals for the club is adding more size on the ice and with next year’s projections, winger Owen Tippett will do just that. At 6’2″ and just over 200 pounds, this young man is an excellent option and the type of player this organization is looking for as they look to become regular contenders for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
