Top ten NHL draft picks

Draft day is this Friday, and whilst I’m not sure this is the strongest draft class in terms of depth there are some great prospects out there, this is my take on the top 10 picks.

No. 1 – Edmonton Oilers – Nail Yakupov – Right Wing – Sarnia Sting (OHL)

Edmonton are picking first for the third straight year, and whilst adding a stellar defensive talent like Ryan Murray to previous number 1’s Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be tempting I don’t think they can pass on another potential offensive superstar in Yakupov. He has broken Steven Stamkos’ scoring records at Sarnia as well as a strong showing at the World Juniors for Russia, expect him to play in the NHL next season making that Oilers forward core even scarier.

Player Comparison: Ilya Kovalchuk

No. 2 – Columbus Blue Jackets – Ryan Murray – Defence – Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Whilst they were denied the top pick by virtue of the draft lottery, Columbus’ pain will be eased by picking up the premier defenseman available. All the signs point to Murray being a top 2 blueliner for a number of years, such is his puck moving ability and mature defensive play. He was part of Canada’s squad for the World Championships two months ago, and despite being the only non-NHL player in that group he did not look out of place.

Player Comparison: Drew Doughty

No. 3 – Montreal Canadiens – Mikhail Grigorenko – Center – Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

Grigorenko is another highly talented Russian plying his junior trade in Canada, one that should be a good fit in Montreal who in my view are short on offense and could do with another centerman. He’s a big guy at 6”3 but possesses the skill set and the hands to play a flashy game as both a scorer and a playmaker as evidenced by his 85 points in 59 games for Quebec.

Player Comparison: Jason Spezza

No. 4 – New York Islanders – Morgan Rielly – Defence – Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

There’s still some very good forwards out there but I think the Islanders will look to add some youth in to their ageing defensive core. Rielly was high on the radar early in the year but missed 5 months of the season through injury, he was worth a point a game in the 18 he played in the regular season and provided the fitness worries are behind him is the second best d-man in the class.

Player Comparison: Erik Karlsson

No. 5 – Toronto Maple Leafs – Alex Galchenyuk – Center – Sarnia Sting (OHL)

Speaking of players who missed a large amount of the season, Alex Galchenyuk only managed 2 regular season games and 6 playoff games for Sarnia, but had he been available he would probably be higher up this order. That’s because the year before this he tallied 83 points in 68 games alongside Yakupov, showcasing his playmaking abilities in the process. Also impressive was his performance at the scouting combine, which seems to have convinced scouts about his ability and health.

Player Comparison: Marian Hossa

No. 6 – Anaheim Ducks – Filip Forsberg – Center – Leksand (Leksand, Sweden)

Forsberg is the top ranked European-based skater and the Ducks are justifiably excited to pick up the Swede with the sixth selection. He’s another one that impressed at the World Championships where holes in your two-way game will be found out so he’s strong at both ends of the ice. Some may be put off by the fact he’s already committed to playing in his home country next year but Anaheim should be willing to be patient.

Player Comparison: Corey Perry

No. 7 – Minnesota Wild – Radek Faksa – Center – Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

I would say the top prospects are all off the board at this stage but Faska could prove a nice understudy to Mikku Koivu in St Paul. In his first year in Kitchener he has adapted well and was worth over a point a game through the season, he is no doubt set for an improvement next year as he continues to learn the game that side of the Atlantic.

Player Comparison: Eric Staal

No. 8 – Carolina Hurricanes – Tuevo Terelainen – Left Wing – (Jokerit, Finland)

Carolina look to add to their Finnish contingent with a winger in the mould of Jussi Jokinen after his strong development this year. He needs to bulk up a bit over the next year or so before he is ready for the rough and tumble of North American hockey but his speed and shot are a potent combination which should excite ‘Canes fans.

Player Comparison: Jussi Jokinen

No. 9 – Winnipeg Jets – Brendan Gaunce – Center – Belleville Bulls (OHL)

The Jets have needs up front and Gaunce would add to the physicality of their offense. Built big at 215 pounds he uses his size to good effect in behind the net to create opportunities, it was effective too as he racked up 68 points in 62 games for Belleville. Couple that with responsibility in his own zone and Winnipeg have a solid pick.

Player Comparison: David Backes

No. 10 – Tampa Bay Lightning – Cody Ceci – Defence – Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Storming up from his midterm scouting rank of 16 to a final rank of 6 was Ceci, an offensive defenseman who tore it up in the second half of the season. He’s a genuine goalscoring threat from the point with 17 tallies in his 64 games and 60 total points and would add to the Lightning’s already pretty useful powerplay.

Player Comparison: Keith Yandle