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2014 NHL Draft Thread

...As always, a special thanks to McKeen’s Hockey Director of Amateur Scouting, David Burstyn as he prepared the mock draft. David has been involved with McKeen’s Hockey for well into a decade and an OHL scout for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and briefly worked with the scouting crew as a part time scout for the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets.

Don't forget to get McKeen's 2014 Draft Guide which will detail the top 128 players in this year's Draft as well as a look forward to the 2015 and 2016 drafts. It's a great buy.

1. Florida - Aaron Ekblad (D)

Debate will loom on whether GM Tallon will trade the pick however the selection of Ekblad solidifies an improving backend and gives them a top four defenseman for many years to come. His third year in Barrie saw him improve to 23 goals and 53 points.

2. Buffalo - Sam Bennett (C)

The Sabres are drawn to his jam and offensive fortitude, although they would like him to be bigger, Bennett's work ethic and tenacity may be the best in the entire draft class. Bennett exploded this season with a 36 goal and 91 point effort after picking up only 18 goals and 40 points in his rookie season with Kingston of the OHL.

3. Edmonton - Sam Reinhart (C)

The Oilers would love to see Ekblad fall to them however Reinhart is an outstanding consolation prize. A point producing machine with an uncanny feel for the game, Reinhart's rapid development to the pro ranks should make other forwards expendable for the Oilers to fill holes.

4. Calgary - Leon Draisaitl (LW)

Draisaitl helped Prince Albert to consecutive playoff appearances, Flames hope he can help them return to the post-season for the first time since 2008-09 as he gives them a player who could already step into their top six. He had 38 goals and 105 points in 64 games for the Raiders.

5. New York Islanders - Michael Dal Colle (LW)

The Islanders need help on the left side and Dal Colle is the perfect fit blending deft skill with size. He needs to mature physically but has a high offensive ceiling and would work well within the Islanders system play. Dal Colle had 39 goals and 95 points for a good Oshawa team in 2013-14.

6. Vancouver - Jake Virtanen (LW)

The Canucks go with the local boy as he brings size and scoring on the wings. Virtanen plays an up-tempo game and is one of the better skaters in the draft. He had 71 points and 100 penalty minutes for the Calgary Hitmen this season.

7. Carolina - Haydn Fleury (D)

With plenty of good options on the board, the Canes pluck Fleury whose game translates very well at the NHL level as a serviceable two-way defenseman who can pile up points, anchor a PP while providing a steady defensive game. Fleury had eight goals and 46 points for Red Deer in 2013-14.

8. Toronto - William Nylander (C)

The Maple Leafs final month nose dive in the standings is rewarded on draft day as Nylander instantly gives them a legitimate number one center whose playmaking and skill set may be the best in the draft. Nylander managed to play 22 games, scoring once and adding six assists, at the age of 17 for Modo of the Swedish Elite League.
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Remainder of mock....
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nhl/47330/218/mock-draft-20
 
To this day, has Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ever been able to do a single pull-up? I have my doubts.

Don't really care.
 
Thats embarrassing.

Hopefully its all a ploy to lower his stock and get picked up by the Leafs at 8.


:deal:
 
Leafin' said:
How good is this William Nylander? I've read mixed reviews.
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Tough to say. He's a very skilled player, but some of these Swedish forwards with good stats recently haven't really panned out in the NHL. He absolutely killed the U18s though, and put up the best season ever for a 17 year old in Swedens 2nd division, and almost a 40 point pace in the SHL. He's the most productive 17 year old to come out of Sweden since Backstrom. Thats not saying a lot though.
 
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Nevermind. Check out the guns on this kid.

w640xh480_494845713.jpg


That kid needs to stop walking past the gym.
 
Assuming they stay put at 8, and all of Bennett, Ekblad, Draisaitil, Reinhart, Dal Colle are gone my top 4 choices are:

1. William Nylander
2. Nikolaj Ehlers
3. Robbie Fabbri
4. Julius Honka
 
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