NHL Draft Analysis: Predictions and Perspectives for the First Round
The first
round of the
draft of the NHL will take place on Friday night in Los Angeles. Unlike other years, the staff of the teams will not be centralized, which adds an element of mystery to the selections. Despite this new dynamic, the presence of the players promises interesting photos.
Besides Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa, this year’s class is full of intrigue. There is no clear consensus after the first two picks, and we are likely to see movement in the draft, even in the first round. Given this volatility, teams could look to move up or down in the order, depending on the players available.
In this analysis, we will assume that the selections remain with their original teams, but possible trades will be mentioned. Teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets, Utah Mammoth, Boston Bruins, and Vancouver Canucks could consider moving their first-round picks to get immediate help. This analysis focuses on the probability of selection for each player, rather than who is the best.
Following is the final projection of the first 32 selections:
- 1. New York Islanders
- Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)
Schaefer’s selection seems logical. He is considered one of the best players available and could become a fundamental defenseman for the team, capable of influencing both ends of the court. The Islanders need to strengthen their defense, and Schaefer could take on an important role from his first year.
- 2. San Jose Sharks
- Michael Misa, F, Saginaw (OHL)
Although the Sharks may have other needs, overlooking Misa would be a mistake. His offensive ability, combined with his two-way game, makes him a valuable addition to the team. Misa could be part of a young and promising attack, along with players like Celebrini and Will Smith.
- 3. Chicago Blackhawks
- Anton Frondell, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
The Blackhawks’ situation is interesting. They could move this pick, but if they don’t, Frondell seems like a likely option. He could be a good fit with Connor Bedard, providing value on both sides of the ice.
- 4. Utah Mammoth
- Brady Martin, F, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Utah could trade this pick. If they keep it, Martin is a likely option, as the team looks to add strength to its attack. Martin has made a good impression and could be a key player on the team.
- 5. Nashville Predators
- Porter Martone, F, Brampton (OHL)
The Predators have been closely following Martone. His vision and puck skills are remarkable, and he could become a high-performing player. The team could look to develop his physical game to turn him into a dominant force.
- 6. Philadelphia Flyers
- James Hagens, F, Boston College (NCAA)
The Flyers need centers, and Hagens could be a great addition. His speed and skill with the puck could complement players like Michkov.
- 7. Boston Bruins
- Caleb Desnoyers, F, Moncton (QMJHL)
Desnoyers, a center with good defensive play, could fit well with the Bruins. His ability to produce in key moments makes him a valuable player.
- 8. Seattle Kraken
- Jake O’Brien, F, Brantford (OHL)
The Kraken could choose O’Brien, a player with great playmaking ability. It could allow the team to move Catton to the wing.
- 9. Buffalo Sabres
- Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)
The Sabres need right-handed defense prospects. Mrtka, with his reach and defensive ability, could be a good option for the team.
- 10. Anaheim Ducks
- Roger McQueen, F, Brandon (WHL)
The Ducks could trade this pick. If they don’t, McQueen, with his size and potential, could be a good choice.
- 11. Pittsburgh Penguins
- Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)
The Penguins could try to move up in the draft. If not, Smith could be a good addition to their defense, bringing size and offensive potential.
- 12. Pittsburgh Penguins (from New York Rangers)
- Viktor Eklund, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
The Penguins could get Eklund, with a playing style that suits the NHL well and the potential to produce many points.
- 13. Detroit Red Wings
- Carter Bear, F, Everett (WHL)
The Red Wings could select Bear, with his instinct and playmaking ability. He could become a key player on offense.
- 14. Columbus Blue Jackets
- Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)
The Blue Jackets could trade this pick. If not, Aitcheson could be an option, providing value on both sides of the ice.
- 15. Vancouver Canucks
- Braeden Cootes, F, Seattle (WHL)
The Canucks are looking for a center. Cootes could be a good option, with his two-way play ability and his instinct.
- 16. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames)
- Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)
The Canadiens could choose Reid, a defenseman with great skating ability and decision-making.
- 17. Montreal Canadiens
- Justin Carbonneau, F, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
Carbonneau could be a good addition, with potential to become a power forward.
- 18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey Devils)
- Cole Reschny, F, Victoria (WHL)
The Flames need depth at center. Reschny could be a good option, with his playmaking ability.
- 19. St. Louis Blues
- Jack Nesbitt, F, Windsor (OHL)
The Blues could use centers. Nesbitt, with his size and strength, could be a good option.
- 20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota Wild)
- Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)
The Blue Jackets could select Hensler, a defenseman with good mobility and transition.
- 21. Ottawa Senators
- Lynden Lakovic, F, Moose Jaw (WHL)
Lakovic could be a good option for the Senators. His size and physical potential are remarkable.
- 22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado Avalanche)
- Daniil Prokhorov, F, St. Petersburg (MHL)
The Flyers could take a gamble on Prokhorov, a player with raw offensive skills.
- 23. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)
The Predators could select Boumedienne, with great offensive potential.
- 24. Los Angeles Kings
- Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)
The Kings could select Fiddler, a defenseman with good skating and transition skills.
- 25. Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Vaclav Nestrasil, F, Muskegon (USHL)
The Blackhawks could select Nestrasil, with potential as a power forward.
- 26. Nashville Predators (from Vegas Golden Knights, via SJ)
- Malcolm Spence, F, Erie (OHL)
Spence could be a good addition for the Predators, with his speed and two-way play.
- 27. Washington Capitals
- Benjamin Kindel, F, Calgary (WHL)
The Capitals could select Kindel, with potential as a center.
- 28. Winnipeg Jets
- Henry Brzustewicz, D, London (OHL)
The Jets could select Brzustewicz, with offensive potential.
- 29. Carolina Hurricanes
- Ryker Lee, F, Madison (USHL)
The Hurricanes could select Lee, with great skill and potential.
- 30. San Jose Sharks (from Dallas Stars)
- Cullen Potter, F, Arizona State (NCAA)
The Sharks could select Potter, with his speed and potential.
- 31. Philadelphia Flyers (from Florida Panthers)
- …
