Move up to 6 or 8 if Luke Hughes is available

[CanucksJay]

Craig Button has Detroit picking Wallstedt at 6. If this is what draft day looks like, package Mikey D and our 1st and a 3rd and move up to grab Hughes. If Hughes is available at 8 but Wallstedt is gone, we know LA needs a goalie and offer our 1st and Mikey for moving up. 

The long game here is that the Hughes brothers' contract will always be staggered and so they'll always both be on our team which will make it easier to pry Jack out of Jersey. Fills positional need along with long term future strategy of landing jack

[King Heffy]

Just pick at 9.  We will get a really good player.

[JustABandwagoner]

Mikey isn't even that great. Prob a future backup or low end starter. I might be wrong who knows 

[AriGold]

The Atlhetic staff did a mock draft tonight, this is how it ended up.

 

1. Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power, LHD, Michigan-Big Ten

Power is the safe, logical pick. He also might be a tough sell in Buffalo. The Sabres haven’t been able to score for a decade. With a thin pipeline, they desperately need more talented forwards. But Buffalo sure has the makings of a defensive powerhouse after adding Power. The 6-foot-6, 213-pounder would join a stockpile of young blueliners that features Rasmus Dahlin, the No. 1 pick in 2018; Mattias Samuelsson, the No. 32 pick in 2018; and Ryan Johnson, the No. 31 pick in 2019. Once they mature, that quartet could be a top-four group that is the envy of the league. It will just take a while for that to happen, so Buffalo fans will need the one thing that’s run out during 10 years of playoff misses: patience. By most accounts, Power will be worth the wait. His skating and two-way game make him a solid No. 1 pick. -John Vogl

2. Seattle Kraken: Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan-Big Ten

The Kraken could go in a number of directions. But the pick — for now — could be Beniers. Kraken general manager Ron Francis has a history of choosing defensemen when it comes to the lottery, going back to his days with the Carolina Hurricanes. But selecting Beniers offers the Kraken a two-way forward who stands out because of his work ethic and his commitment. Someone like Dylan Guenther might be the more potent offensive option. But Francis oversaw teams that made two-way play a priority, and it is possible Beniers could be their choice with the understanding that anything is plausible between now and when the time comes to make the first pick in franchise history. -Ryan S. Clark

3. Anaheim Ducks: Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton-WHL

Well, this could be very interesting for the head honchos in Anaheim. As the only team to fall in the lottery, the Ducks will likely miss out on adding Power to the blue line, and they could also miss the opportunity to plug in Beniers, the fellow University of Michigan standout with a strong two-way game and a persistent motor who would have fit comfortably behind Trevor Zegras on the Ducks’ future center depth chart. They’ve long insisted that their draft motto is best player available, but maybe this is a year where falling a spot isn’t so tragic. Guenther didn’t get as many draft showings as others at the top, but 24 points in 12 WHL games with the Edmonton Oil Kings is mighty impressive. He has good size and is equally adept at making plays for teammates or beating goalies from some distance. The Ducks like their forwards to be well-rounded, and Guenther’s work away from the puck will appeal to them. But they’ve needed offense for years. With Power most assuredly gone by their selection, it makes sense to continue beefing up the skill level up front. -Eric Stephens

4. New Jersey Devils: Luke Hughes, LHD, U.S. NTDP-USHL

By sticking at No. 4, the Devils are guaranteed to land one of the top four defensemen in this class. That is an obvious area of need. Does that mean the best player on their board will be a defenseman when it’s their turn? In this scenario, they’d still have three of the big four left to choose from. The youngest of the three Hughes brothers is an obvious connection given that older brother Jack is one of two franchise players in the organization. This isn’t strictly a nepotism pick, though. Luke is bigger than Jack (and Quinn), skates incredibly well and could absolutely blossom into the top-pairing defenseman the Devils desperately need in the coming years. -Corey Masisak

5. Columbus Blue Jackets: Simon Edvinsson, LHD, Frolunda-SHL

The Blue Jackets could absolutely use some firepower up front, especially at center. So with Beniers off the board to Seattle, Mason McTavish was a very strong consideration in this spot. But we went with Edvinsson for two reasons beyond the simple fact that he has enormous potential. The Blue Jackets are likely to trade Seth Jones this summer — he has told them that he plans to test free agency rather than sign an extension — leaving a gigantic hole on the Columbus blue line. Youngster Andrew Peeke is expected to be an NHL regular next season, but beyond Peeke the Blue Jackets’ pipeline of defensemen is virtually void of high-end talent. Edvinsson is 6-4, 203 pounds. When he fills out, he’ll have the size of a prototypical top-pairing defender, drawing comparisons to another sizeable Swede: Victor Hedman. It’s unclear when Edvinsson will be ready to make an NHL splash. But he has offensive upside, is a tremendous skater and has power-play capability. -Aaron Portzline

6. Detroit Red Wings: William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden-SHL

The Red Wings need a bit of everything, and at this spot on the board, they have options to choose from at every position. Eklund checks a lot of boxes as a strong skater with good hockey sense who can make plays. Production-wise, he outscored 2020 top-10 picks Lucas Raymond (Detroit’s fourth-overall pick) and Alexander Holtz this year in the SHL. And while Eklund is on the smaller side at 5-foot-10, he’s regarded as a good competitor, which has been an important trait for the Red Wings under Steve Yzerman. Eklund has played wing in the SHL, but he also has some experience playing center, and it’s worth it for Detroit to at least try him there to see if he’s able to play down the middle as a pro. The Red Wings’ Swedish pipeline lives on. -Max Bultman

7. San Jose Sharks: Brandt Clarke, RHD, Barrie-OHL

Considering their lack of true elite-level prospects, the Sharks probably shouldn’t be targeting specific positions; rather, they should just take the best player available. Still, a defenseman is probably preferable to a forward after they used all nine of their picks on either centers or wingers in 2020. Clarke is similar to Ryan Merkley in that he’s a right-shot defenseman, but he’s bigger than the 2018 first-round pick who had an underwhelming first professional season with the AHL Barracuda. While there was a temptation here to take one of the two goalies who could end up going in the first round, I just don’t think the Sharks would go that direction based on their history. -Kevin Kurz

8. Los Angeles Kings: Kent Johnson, C, Michigan-Big Ten

The Kings will need a highly skilled winger to play alongside center Quinton Byfield, and Johnson could be the perfect complement to last year’s No. 2 draft pick. It could take a couple of years for Byfield to get fully established in the NHL, and Johnson will also will require time to develop. In fact, one NHL scout pointed that out to me recently, saying: “He’s probably on the lower end of being physically ready and developed. However, you can’t help but notice the level of skill and creativity that goes with him.” Another potential option for the Kings, who are awash in draft picks, would be to trade the selection as a piece of a much larger trade to bring in present-day, high-end NHL talent. -Lisa Dillman

9. Vancouver Canucks: Mason McTavish, C, Peterborough-OHL

Canucks general manager Jim Benning is a best player available absolutist. And he thinks this draft class has a relatively solidified nine-player tier, that becomes a bit more disparate and unpredictable from there. “There’s nine guys we really like,” Benning told The Athletic on Wednesday night following the results of the draft lottery, “and we know now we’re going to get one of those nine guys.” So the Canucks are in a bit of a read-and-react spot in the draft order, and that’s what we’ve done here. With the way the board our colleagues mocked broke down, McTavish is the guy remaining from that well-defined nine-player tier. Perhaps Vancouver would, in its heart of hearts, prefer one of the big four defensemen, but McTavish is no consolation prize. Gritty, intelligent, possessing a lethal shot and with scouts across the industry raving about his character; he’s the sort of player the Canucks might’ve taken a long, hard look at even higher in the draft order. -Thomas Drance

10. Ottawa Senators: Chaz Lucius, C, U.S. NTDP-USHL

The Senators need to add some skill up front and Lucius should fit the bill. Described as a natural goal scorer, he scored 13 goals in just 12 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program this past season. I know there are some question marks around his skating ability, but he’s got a knack for scoring and his shooting accuracy is something scouts rave about. He’s committed to the University of Minnesota next season and could be a nice piece of the offensive puzzle in Ottawa when this team is ready to contend down the road. -Ian Mendes

11. Chicago Blackhawks: Matthew Coronato, RW, Chicago-USHL

This might be a little high from where most draft experts expect Coronato to go, but the Blackhawks have proven that matters little to them. They’re going to draft whomever they project to be the best player regardless of what others think. The Blackhawks know Coronato quite well. Probably no NHL team saw him and the Chicago Steel as much in person as the Blackhawks did this season. Coronato’s numbers speak for themselves, as he scored 56 goals in 59 USHL games. What was especially impressive about that production was he scored in so many different ways. There’s not just one way to contain him, and that should help the probability of him becoming a future top-six NHL winger. A league source thought his ceiling could be comparable to Brad Marchand due to Coronato’s similar size and blend of offense, motor and feistiness. Coronato’s high-pace style is a lot like the way the Blackhawks have expressed they’d like to play. He’ll probably need a year or two at Harvard before joining the Blackhawks. -Scott Powers

12. Calgary Flames: Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls-USHL

This pick could have gone a few ways for me. Fedor Svechkov is a solid two-way center. While Brennan Othmann is a skilled scorer who brings a pest-y side to the game. Corson Ceulemans was also available on defense. But, one of the Flames’ biggest issues this year was consistent goal scoring, which isn’t a new issue in Calgary. Adding skill up front will likely be a priority at the draft and Sillinger fits that bill. He was among the top players in the USHL this year, scoring 24 goals and 46 points in 31 games. Sillinger is a physical, skilled center with the ability to score from mid-to-long range with a great wrist shot. He would be a great piece to add to the Flames’ forward depth, and specifically at the center position. -Hailey Salvian

[CanucksJay]

1 minute ago, AriGold said:

The Atlhetic staff did a mock draft tonight, this is how it ended up.

 

1. Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power, LHD, Michigan-Big Ten

Power is the safe, logical pick. He also might be a tough sell in Buffalo. The Sabres haven’t been able to score for a decade. With a thin pipeline, they desperately need more talented forwards. But Buffalo sure has the makings of a defensive powerhouse after adding Power. The 6-foot-6, 213-pounder would join a stockpile of young blueliners that features Rasmus Dahlin, the No. 1 pick in 2018; Mattias Samuelsson, the No. 32 pick in 2018; and Ryan Johnson, the No. 31 pick in 2019. Once they mature, that quartet could be a top-four group that is the envy of the league. It will just take a while for that to happen, so Buffalo fans will need the one thing that’s run out during 10 years of playoff misses: patience. By most accounts, Power will be worth the wait. His skating and two-way game make him a solid No. 1 pick. -John Vogl

2. Seattle Kraken: Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan-Big Ten

The Kraken could go in a number of directions. But the pick — for now — could be Beniers. Kraken general manager Ron Francis has a history of choosing defensemen when it comes to the lottery, going back to his days with the Carolina Hurricanes. But selecting Beniers offers the Kraken a two-way forward who stands out because of his work ethic and his commitment. Someone like Dylan Guenther might be the more potent offensive option. But Francis oversaw teams that made two-way play a priority, and it is possible Beniers could be their choice with the understanding that anything is plausible between now and when the time comes to make the first pick in franchise history. -Ryan S. Clark

3. Anaheim Ducks: Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton-WHL

Well, this could be very interesting for the head honchos in Anaheim. As the only team to fall in the lottery, the Ducks will likely miss out on adding Power to the blue line, and they could also miss the opportunity to plug in Beniers, the fellow University of Michigan standout with a strong two-way game and a persistent motor who would have fit comfortably behind Trevor Zegras on the Ducks’ future center depth chart. They’ve long insisted that their draft motto is best player available, but maybe this is a year where falling a spot isn’t so tragic. Guenther didn’t get as many draft showings as others at the top, but 24 points in 12 WHL games with the Edmonton Oil Kings is mighty impressive. He has good size and is equally adept at making plays for teammates or beating goalies from some distance. The Ducks like their forwards to be well-rounded, and Guenther’s work away from the puck will appeal to them. But they’ve needed offense for years. With Power most assuredly gone by their selection, it makes sense to continue beefing up the skill level up front. -Eric Stephens

4. New Jersey Devils: Luke Hughes, LHD, U.S. NTDP-USHL

By sticking at No. 4, the Devils are guaranteed to land one of the top four defensemen in this class. That is an obvious area of need. Does that mean the best player on their board will be a defenseman when it’s their turn? In this scenario, they’d still have three of the big four left to choose from. The youngest of the three Hughes brothers is an obvious connection given that older brother Jack is one of two franchise players in the organization. This isn’t strictly a nepotism pick, though. Luke is bigger than Jack (and Quinn), skates incredibly well and could absolutely blossom into the top-pairing defenseman the Devils desperately need in the coming years. -Corey Masisak

5. Columbus Blue Jackets: Simon Edvinsson, LHD, Frolunda-SHL

The Blue Jackets could absolutely use some firepower up front, especially at center. So with Beniers off the board to Seattle, Mason McTavish was a very strong consideration in this spot. But we went with Edvinsson for two reasons beyond the simple fact that he has enormous potential. The Blue Jackets are likely to trade Seth Jones this summer — he has told them that he plans to test free agency rather than sign an extension — leaving a gigantic hole on the Columbus blue line. Youngster Andrew Peeke is expected to be an NHL regular next season, but beyond Peeke the Blue Jackets’ pipeline of defensemen is virtually void of high-end talent. Edvinsson is 6-4, 203 pounds. When he fills out, he’ll have the size of a prototypical top-pairing defender, drawing comparisons to another sizeable Swede: Victor Hedman. It’s unclear when Edvinsson will be ready to make an NHL splash. But he has offensive upside, is a tremendous skater and has power-play capability. -Aaron Portzline

6. Detroit Red Wings: William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden-SHL

The Red Wings need a bit of everything, and at this spot on the board, they have options to choose from at every position. Eklund checks a lot of boxes as a strong skater with good hockey sense who can make plays. Production-wise, he outscored 2020 top-10 picks Lucas Raymond (Detroit’s fourth-overall pick) and Alexander Holtz this year in the SHL. And while Eklund is on the smaller side at 5-foot-10, he’s regarded as a good competitor, which has been an important trait for the Red Wings under Steve Yzerman. Eklund has played wing in the SHL, but he also has some experience playing center, and it’s worth it for Detroit to at least try him there to see if he’s able to play down the middle as a pro. The Red Wings’ Swedish pipeline lives on. -Max Bultman

7. San Jose Sharks: Brandt Clarke, RHD, Barrie-OHL

Considering their lack of true elite-level prospects, the Sharks probably shouldn’t be targeting specific positions; rather, they should just take the best player available. Still, a defenseman is probably preferable to a forward after they used all nine of their picks on either centers or wingers in 2020. Clarke is similar to Ryan Merkley in that he’s a right-shot defenseman, but he’s bigger than the 2018 first-round pick who had an underwhelming first professional season with the AHL Barracuda. While there was a temptation here to take one of the two goalies who could end up going in the first round, I just don’t think the Sharks would go that direction based on their history. -Kevin Kurz

8. Los Angeles Kings: Kent Johnson, C, Michigan-Big Ten

The Kings will need a highly skilled winger to play alongside center Quinton Byfield, and Johnson could be the perfect complement to last year’s No. 2 draft pick. It could take a couple of years for Byfield to get fully established in the NHL, and Johnson will also will require time to develop. In fact, one NHL scout pointed that out to me recently, saying: “He’s probably on the lower end of being physically ready and developed. However, you can’t help but notice the level of skill and creativity that goes with him.” Another potential option for the Kings, who are awash in draft picks, would be to trade the selection as a piece of a much larger trade to bring in present-day, high-end NHL talent. -Lisa Dillman

9. Vancouver Canucks: Mason McTavish, C, Peterborough-OHL

Canucks general manager Jim Benning is a best player available absolutist. And he thinks this draft class has a relatively solidified nine-player tier, that becomes a bit more disparate and unpredictable from there. “There’s nine guys we really like,” Benning told The Athletic on Wednesday night following the results of the draft lottery, “and we know now we’re going to get one of those nine guys.” So the Canucks are in a bit of a read-and-react spot in the draft order, and that’s what we’ve done here. With the way the board our colleagues mocked broke down, McTavish is the guy remaining from that well-defined nine-player tier. Perhaps Vancouver would, in its heart of hearts, prefer one of the big four defensemen, but McTavish is no consolation prize. Gritty, intelligent, possessing a lethal shot and with scouts across the industry raving about his character; he’s the sort of player the Canucks might’ve taken a long, hard look at even higher in the draft order. -Thomas Drance

10. Ottawa Senators: Chaz Lucius, C, U.S. NTDP-USHL

The Senators need to add some skill up front and Lucius should fit the bill. Described as a natural goal scorer, he scored 13 goals in just 12 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program this past season. I know there are some question marks around his skating ability, but he’s got a knack for scoring and his shooting accuracy is something scouts rave about. He’s committed to the University of Minnesota next season and could be a nice piece of the offensive puzzle in Ottawa when this team is ready to contend down the road. -Ian Mendes

11. Chicago Blackhawks: Matthew Coronato, RW, Chicago-USHL

This might be a little high from where most draft experts expect Coronato to go, but the Blackhawks have proven that matters little to them. They’re going to draft whomever they project to be the best player regardless of what others think. The Blackhawks know Coronato quite well. Probably no NHL team saw him and the Chicago Steel as much in person as the Blackhawks did this season. Coronato’s numbers speak for themselves, as he scored 56 goals in 59 USHL games. What was especially impressive about that production was he scored in so many different ways. There’s not just one way to contain him, and that should help the probability of him becoming a future top-six NHL winger. A league source thought his ceiling could be comparable to Brad Marchand due to Coronato’s similar size and blend of offense, motor and feistiness. Coronato’s high-pace style is a lot like the way the Blackhawks have expressed they’d like to play. He’ll probably need a year or two at Harvard before joining the Blackhawks. -Scott Powers

12. Calgary Flames: Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls-USHL

This pick could have gone a few ways for me. Fedor Svechkov is a solid two-way center. While Brennan Othmann is a skilled scorer who brings a pest-y side to the game. Corson Ceulemans was also available on defense. But, one of the Flames’ biggest issues this year was consistent goal scoring, which isn’t a new issue in Calgary. Adding skill up front will likely be a priority at the draft and Sillinger fits that bill. He was among the top players in the USHL this year, scoring 24 goals and 46 points in 31 games. Sillinger is a physical, skilled center with the ability to score from mid-to-long range with a great wrist shot. He would be a great piece to add to the Flames’ forward depth, and specifically at the center position. -Hailey Salvian

Oh man, I'm a fan of good skaters. The new NHL is all speed and edge work. 

I dunno how I feel about McTavish. 

 

[CanucksJay]

2 minutes ago, AriGold said:

The Atlhetic staff did a mock draft tonight, this is how it ended up.

 

1. Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power, LHD, Michigan-Big Ten

Power is the safe, logical pick. He also might be a tough sell in Buffalo. The Sabres haven’t been able to score for a decade. With a thin pipeline, they desperately need more talented forwards. But Buffalo sure has the makings of a defensive powerhouse after adding Power. The 6-foot-6, 213-pounder would join a stockpile of young blueliners that features Rasmus Dahlin, the No. 1 pick in 2018; Mattias Samuelsson, the No. 32 pick in 2018; and Ryan Johnson, the No. 31 pick in 2019. Once they mature, that quartet could be a top-four group that is the envy of the league. It will just take a while for that to happen, so Buffalo fans will need the one thing that’s run out during 10 years of playoff misses: patience. By most accounts, Power will be worth the wait. His skating and two-way game make him a solid No. 1 pick. -John Vogl

2. Seattle Kraken: Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan-Big Ten

The Kraken could go in a number of directions. But the pick — for now — could be Beniers. Kraken general manager Ron Francis has a history of choosing defensemen when it comes to the lottery, going back to his days with the Carolina Hurricanes. But selecting Beniers offers the Kraken a two-way forward who stands out because of his work ethic and his commitment. Someone like Dylan Guenther might be the more potent offensive option. But Francis oversaw teams that made two-way play a priority, and it is possible Beniers could be their choice with the understanding that anything is plausible between now and when the time comes to make the first pick in franchise history. -Ryan S. Clark

3. Anaheim Ducks: Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton-WHL

Well, this could be very interesting for the head honchos in Anaheim. As the only team to fall in the lottery, the Ducks will likely miss out on adding Power to the blue line, and they could also miss the opportunity to plug in Beniers, the fellow University of Michigan standout with a strong two-way game and a persistent motor who would have fit comfortably behind Trevor Zegras on the Ducks’ future center depth chart. They’ve long insisted that their draft motto is best player available, but maybe this is a year where falling a spot isn’t so tragic. Guenther didn’t get as many draft showings as others at the top, but 24 points in 12 WHL games with the Edmonton Oil Kings is mighty impressive. He has good size and is equally adept at making plays for teammates or beating goalies from some distance. The Ducks like their forwards to be well-rounded, and Guenther’s work away from the puck will appeal to them. But they’ve needed offense for years. With Power most assuredly gone by their selection, it makes sense to continue beefing up the skill level up front. -Eric Stephens

4. New Jersey Devils: Luke Hughes, LHD, U.S. NTDP-USHL

By sticking at No. 4, the Devils are guaranteed to land one of the top four defensemen in this class. That is an obvious area of need. Does that mean the best player on their board will be a defenseman when it’s their turn? In this scenario, they’d still have three of the big four left to choose from. The youngest of the three Hughes brothers is an obvious connection given that older brother Jack is one of two franchise players in the organization. This isn’t strictly a nepotism pick, though. Luke is bigger than Jack (and Quinn), skates incredibly well and could absolutely blossom into the top-pairing defenseman the Devils desperately need in the coming years. -Corey Masisak

5. Columbus Blue Jackets: Simon Edvinsson, LHD, Frolunda-SHL

The Blue Jackets could absolutely use some firepower up front, especially at center. So with Beniers off the board to Seattle, Mason McTavish was a very strong consideration in this spot. But we went with Edvinsson for two reasons beyond the simple fact that he has enormous potential. The Blue Jackets are likely to trade Seth Jones this summer — he has told them that he plans to test free agency rather than sign an extension — leaving a gigantic hole on the Columbus blue line. Youngster Andrew Peeke is expected to be an NHL regular next season, but beyond Peeke the Blue Jackets’ pipeline of defensemen is virtually void of high-end talent. Edvinsson is 6-4, 203 pounds. When he fills out, he’ll have the size of a prototypical top-pairing defender, drawing comparisons to another sizeable Swede: Victor Hedman. It’s unclear when Edvinsson will be ready to make an NHL splash. But he has offensive upside, is a tremendous skater and has power-play capability. -Aaron Portzline

6. Detroit Red Wings: William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden-SHL

The Red Wings need a bit of everything, and at this spot on the board, they have options to choose from at every position. Eklund checks a lot of boxes as a strong skater with good hockey sense who can make plays. Production-wise, he outscored 2020 top-10 picks Lucas Raymond (Detroit’s fourth-overall pick) and Alexander Holtz this year in the SHL. And while Eklund is on the smaller side at 5-foot-10, he’s regarded as a good competitor, which has been an important trait for the Red Wings under Steve Yzerman. Eklund has played wing in the SHL, but he also has some experience playing center, and it’s worth it for Detroit to at least try him there to see if he’s able to play down the middle as a pro. The Red Wings’ Swedish pipeline lives on. -Max Bultman

7. San Jose Sharks: Brandt Clarke, RHD, Barrie-OHL

Considering their lack of true elite-level prospects, the Sharks probably shouldn’t be targeting specific positions; rather, they should just take the best player available. Still, a defenseman is probably preferable to a forward after they used all nine of their picks on either centers or wingers in 2020. Clarke is similar to Ryan Merkley in that he’s a right-shot defenseman, but he’s bigger than the 2018 first-round pick who had an underwhelming first professional season with the AHL Barracuda. While there was a temptation here to take one of the two goalies who could end up going in the first round, I just don’t think the Sharks would go that direction based on their history. -Kevin Kurz

8. Los Angeles Kings: Kent Johnson, C, Michigan-Big Ten

The Kings will need a highly skilled winger to play alongside center Quinton Byfield, and Johnson could be the perfect complement to last year’s No. 2 draft pick. It could take a couple of years for Byfield to get fully established in the NHL, and Johnson will also will require time to develop. In fact, one NHL scout pointed that out to me recently, saying: “He’s probably on the lower end of being physically ready and developed. However, you can’t help but notice the level of skill and creativity that goes with him.” Another potential option for the Kings, who are awash in draft picks, would be to trade the selection as a piece of a much larger trade to bring in present-day, high-end NHL talent. -Lisa Dillman

9. Vancouver Canucks: Mason McTavish, C, Peterborough-OHL

Canucks general manager Jim Benning is a best player available absolutist. And he thinks this draft class has a relatively solidified nine-player tier, that becomes a bit more disparate and unpredictable from there. “There’s nine guys we really like,” Benning told The Athletic on Wednesday night following the results of the draft lottery, “and we know now we’re going to get one of those nine guys.” So the Canucks are in a bit of a read-and-react spot in the draft order, and that’s what we’ve done here. With the way the board our colleagues mocked broke down, McTavish is the guy remaining from that well-defined nine-player tier. Perhaps Vancouver would, in its heart of hearts, prefer one of the big four defensemen, but McTavish is no consolation prize. Gritty, intelligent, possessing a lethal shot and with scouts across the industry raving about his character; he’s the sort of player the Canucks might’ve taken a long, hard look at even higher in the draft order. -Thomas Drance

10. Ottawa Senators: Chaz Lucius, C, U.S. NTDP-USHL

The Senators need to add some skill up front and Lucius should fit the bill. Described as a natural goal scorer, he scored 13 goals in just 12 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program this past season. I know there are some question marks around his skating ability, but he’s got a knack for scoring and his shooting accuracy is something scouts rave about. He’s committed to the University of Minnesota next season and could be a nice piece of the offensive puzzle in Ottawa when this team is ready to contend down the road. -Ian Mendes

11. Chicago Blackhawks: Matthew Coronato, RW, Chicago-USHL

This might be a little high from where most draft experts expect Coronato to go, but the Blackhawks have proven that matters little to them. They’re going to draft whomever they project to be the best player regardless of what others think. The Blackhawks know Coronato quite well. Probably no NHL team saw him and the Chicago Steel as much in person as the Blackhawks did this season. Coronato’s numbers speak for themselves, as he scored 56 goals in 59 USHL games. What was especially impressive about that production was he scored in so many different ways. There’s not just one way to contain him, and that should help the probability of him becoming a future top-six NHL winger. A league source thought his ceiling could be comparable to Brad Marchand due to Coronato’s similar size and blend of offense, motor and feistiness. Coronato’s high-pace style is a lot like the way the Blackhawks have expressed they’d like to play. He’ll probably need a year or two at Harvard before joining the Blackhawks. -Scott Powers

12. Calgary Flames: Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls-USHL

This pick could have gone a few ways for me. Fedor Svechkov is a solid two-way center. While Brennan Othmann is a skilled scorer who brings a pest-y side to the game. Corson Ceulemans was also available on defense. But, one of the Flames’ biggest issues this year was consistent goal scoring, which isn’t a new issue in Calgary. Adding skill up front will likely be a priority at the draft and Sillinger fits that bill. He was among the top players in the USHL this year, scoring 24 goals and 46 points in 31 games. Sillinger is a physical, skilled center with the ability to score from mid-to-long range with a great wrist shot. He would be a great piece to add to the Flames’ forward depth, and specifically at the center position. -Hailey Salvian

Oh man, I'm a fan of good skaters. The new NHL is all speed and edge work. 

I dunno how I feel about McTavish. 

 

[CanucksJay]

20 minutes ago, King Heffy said:

Just pick at 9.  We will get a really good player.

LOL. Or that too. 

Our trade it for a player... 

Who knows... I shouldn't be the own giving JB any advice or suggestions

[JustABandwagoner]

4 minutes ago, AriGold said:

one of the top four defensemen in this class.

Now we lose the top 4 D of this draft because we chose moral victories . And no, we aint picking Corson Celeusman at 9... too much of a reach 

[King Heffy]

15 minutes ago, CanucksJay said:

LOL. Or that too. 

Our trade it for a player... 

Who knows... I shouldn't be the own giving JB any advice or suggestions

Let's not trade our 1st in back to back years.  Remember that age gap Benning was talking about when he first got here?  That's how that happens.

[Elias Pettersson]

I'm totally fine with McTavish at 9.  I also think there are 9 players that stand out and a drop off at 10.  McTavish is right there.  He could go as high as 6.  If he's there at 9 Benning will run to the podium and select him.  

 

There is nothing wrong with his skating that can't be fixed.  He's got a great wrist shot and like Miller he could be able to play multiple positons.  I like him as a 3C to give us 3 balanced scoring lines, but he could easily move into a 3LW spot if we pick up a 3C somewhere else.

 

I think he could fill out to 215 pounds so he could potentially turn into a power forward type and play with Petey and Brock on LW.

Edited June 3, 2021 by Elias Pettersson

[Junkyard Dog]

Lysell/McTavish/Johnson are probably in our range.  
 

I would just sit tight. Someone could go off the board. 

[Junkyard Dog]

Only team that needs a G is the Sharks. It they also need everything. DET/LA have goalies not sure why button has DET with wallstedt when they have a 22 year old G that was a Hobey Baker finalist and NCAA goalie of the year in Petruzzelli. 

[Silky mitts]

He won’t make it past four

[ilduce39]

1 hour ago, King Heffy said:

Let's not trade our 1st in back to back years.  Remember that age gap Benning was talking about when he first got here?  That's how that happens.

This is my gut instinct as well.  As much as it would be nice to make a splash this offseason, it’s the next one that’s prime for us to make some moves. May as well enjoy the bright spot a crappy season affords us.
 

For moves, I like the idea of trying to capitalize on the expansion draft or some mid-level moves to solidify a 3rd line or another rugged mid-bottom pair RD. There’s actually a few pieces out there to kick the tires on assuming the price is right.
 

I wouldn’t move the 9OA for anything less than a package for a very good RHD and unless Kekaleinen is motivated, I’m happy to take whoever falls to us.

[Bertuzzipunch]

We should just throw a team of left handed defenseman out there next year. Trade all our forwards for them. Dont need demko throw a LHD in net.

[Smashian Kassian]

I honestly don't know enough about McTavish to say whether I'm happy with that pick or not, but if Jim & co. feels like there are 9 great prospects & we are in range to get one, then I am confident in them.

 

The last time I remember this kind of talk (we feel there are X number of good prospects available...) we drafted Podkolzin. So I think we'll be adding another fine player to our group if we end up picking.

[Ghostsof1915]

Button has Vancouver picking up Kent Johnston. North Van kid. Centre, point a game at University of Michigan. My only concern is even though he's 6'1", he's only 165 lbs. 

Would Aatu Raty be a too off the board pick? 

 

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/467384/aatu-raty

 

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/521697/kent-johnson

 

 

 

[morrissex95]

45 minutes ago, Ghostsof1915 said:

Button has Vancouver picking up Kent Johnston. North Van kid. Centre, point a game at University of Michigan. My only concern is even though he's 6'1", he's only 165 lbs. 

Would Aatu Raty be a too off the board pick? 

 

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/467384/aatu-raty

 

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/521697/kent-johnson

 

 

 

I agree that Raty might be a good off-the-board pick. Before this season, he was the projected first overall pick this year. There's a lot of talent there and his floor is as a 3C, but he could project higher depending on who develops him which is equally important as drafting. It doesn't look like Benning will trade down, which could be an awesome with either Columbus or Minnesota who both have two late firsts. I mean, if we traded #9 to either one of those teams and got their two later picks it might be a beneficial move. We get two lesser prospects: a defenseman and a forward instead of just one player. That's not what Benning will do but I can see how he'd be ok with doing that. Sure, he's going to go with quality over quantity here but a move like that would make sense and that's all I'm saying. 

 

Next year, we've got a few players that we could move at the deadline in Holtby and Motte, but we've also got a tremendous lack of depth and with Benning at helm for seven years something has got to give. Benning has had some bad luck with the draft lottery, if he did we would've landed Jack Hughes in 2019, Ehlers, Nylander or Fiala in 2014 and Tkachuk in 2016. One of those five forwards would've made a huge difference this year. I'm confident if we bring in two more core players and a good supporting cast we can be on top like we were ten years ago. 

 

That's my $0.02 for today 

[iinatcc]

I wonder of New Jersey gets Luke. Would it make Quinn request a trade to New Jersey ? 

[BPA]

2 hours ago, iinatcc said:

I wonder of New Jersey gets Luke. Would it make Quinn request a trade to New Jersey ? 

Lol.  Maybe?

 

Trading QH should net a high return.  And maybe help fix the D.

 

QH for Smith, Severson, and Holtz.