Here's my interpretation of how the first round will play out. Enjoy!
1. Edmonton: Taylor Hall – Too much hype surrounding the kid for him not to be selected 1st overall. Although Edmonton could get away with drafting Seguin, Hall has to be the pick here I think.
2. Boston: Tyler Seguin – The logical choice in the number 2 spot. Boston has strength down the middle, but Krecji could be moved and Bergeron is a UFA after next season.
3. Florida: Erik Gudbrandson – A rock in which they can build around. Gudbrandson brings a different dynamic to a rebuilding Florida team.
4. Columbus: Brandon Gormley – can play in any situation and will provide good offensive contribution that Columbus needs on the D.
5. NYI: Cam Fowler – Will make a great addition to a building Islander group. The best available offensive-defender to a team that needs a blue-chip defender.
6. Tampa Bay: Nino Niederreiter– Yzerman adds some size in this U-20 power-forward sensation. Add's a serious power-forward to a team that requires quality wingers.
7. Carolina: Ryan Johansson – Best player available at this point. Adds more size up the middle, and while they’d like to add a defender they can’t pass up on Johansson.
8. Atlanta Thrashers: Jack Campbell – A surprise pick, but with Bogosian and Kane, a potential franchise goalie is needed going forward.
9. Minnesota Wild: Jeffrey Skinner – A pure offensive talent that hasn't been around since Gaborik.
10. New York Rangers: Brett Connolly – Rangers think they can afford to gamble on this talent who may be a steal at this point.
11. Dallas Stars: Derek Forbort - After selecting Glennie last season, Dallas looks to add a blue-chip defensive talent at 11th overall.
12. Anaheim Ducks: Austin Watson – A big forward who will be an NHL player someday. A safe pick and fits the style the Ducks play.
13. Phoenix Coyotes: Alex Burmistrov – Can’t pass up this top-end talent like Burmistrov. Russian factor is there, but not a concern for the developing Phoenix team. Plays a strong two-way game similar to Pavel Datsyuk.
14. St. Louis Blues: Mikeal Grandlund – Another top talent, although not big he’s worth the gamble to a team that is loaded with young talent.
15. Boston Bruins: Mark Pysyk – After selecting a forward with their 2nd overall pick, the Bruins take a safe selection in two-way defender Mark Pysyk.
16. Ottawa Senators: Nick Bjugstad – Adding Bjugstad gives Ottawa some needed size down the middle, and a potential for top-two center who can make a dangerous 1-2 with Spezza (if they don’t trade him).
17. Colorado Avalanche: Dylan McIlrath – One of the most intimidating presences in the draft, McIlrath with join a growing group of talent with the Avalanche.
18. Nashville Predators: Emerson Etem – A highly skilled, fast player who will be a welcomed addition to a Nashville team that lacks pure skill in their forward group.
19. Los Angeles Kings: Beau Bennett – Maybe a political choice, but there is no doubting that Bennett has top-end skill and could be a great choice as a future top-six winger.
20. Pittsburgh Penguins: Vladimir Tarasenko – Considered a draft wild-card the Penguins gamble on him and could win big. Top-ten skill.
21. Detroit Red Wings: Jared Tinordi – A big, character defender with leadership qualities. Adds a different, but welcomed element to the Detroit defensive core.
22. Phoenix Coyotes: Riley Sheehan – Big two-way center who may not develop into a top-six talent, but a safe selection to be an NHL player who fits the Phoenix style of game.
23. Buffalo Sabres: Tyler Pitlick - Look to add size to their center depth. Pitlick is a natural selection for a Sabres group looking to add size to their system.
24. Atlanta Thrashers: Quinton Howden – Sizable winger, who looks to be a safe selection late in the first. Can play in all situations.
25. Vancouver Canucks: Jonathan Merril – Best available defender at this point in the draft with top-four potential.
26. Washington Capitals: John McFarland – Washington gambles on this enigma in hopes that he'll pay off.
27. Montreal Canadiens: Brock Nelson - Montreal adds another NCAA bound forward with size. Nelson has second line potential, and plays on the edge.
28. San Jose Sharks: – Charlie Coyle – Adds a power forward to the San Jose system, fits the style of game the Sharks like to play.
29. Anaheim Ducks – Jayden Schwartz – Willing to gamble on a player who absolutely dominated the USHL although a bit small the skill is undeniable.
30. Chicago Blackhawks – Calvin Pickard – Need for goalie prospects, Pickard is the obvious choice at 30th for the cup winners.
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Thoughts on the first round:
- Don't think either of the first selections will be moved. Edmonton needs a Hall player, Boston needs a prime forward so either Seguin or Hall will do.
- There could be movement between 3-8 as it seems pretty wide open after that.
- I think teams with more than one first round selection may move the second picks to acquire roster players - Atlanta, Boston and Anaheim specifically. Phoenix may hold onto both because their team is fairly solid as is.
- There always seems to be shuffling towards the end of the first round, so expect that to happen also.
