Post by Garrett - St. Louis on May 14, 2019 18:56:00 GMT
1. St Louis Blues - Jack Hughes, C
The blues add a potential franchise altering talent at #1. Hughes has elite skating and vision, which in tandem with a great shot and extraordinary hands makes him a lethal threat every time he is on the ice. Hughes recently became the all time points leader in US NTDP history, and also broke Alex Ovechkin's all time point total at the U18's
NHL Comparison: Patrick Kane
2. Montreal Canadiens - Kaapo Kakko, RW
Speaking of franchise altering talents, the Canadiens add this game breaker at #2, who is currently putting on a show at the World Championships with 5 goals in 3 games to lead the tournament. Kakko already possesses pro size, along with elite puck handling skills, and a great shot. He is also a creative playmaker who could play Center in the NHL.
NHL Comparisons: Mikko Rantanen
3. St Louis Blues - Spencer Knight, G
The blues make Knight the highest drafted goalie in DHL history at #3. With no clear cut prospect after the top 2, St. Louis adds what some scouts believe could be the greatest USA goalie prospect ever. Knight has everything you look for in a franchise goalie, and in a league that covets high end goalies, he could end up being a huge corner stone of this franchise for a long time. With 4 picks in the top 9, the Blues can take the risk of drafting a goalie this high.
NHL Comparisons: Carey Price
4. Montreal Canadiens - Dylan Cozens, C
The Canadiens use their 2nd pick on this elite Center from the WHL. Cozens has the size, speed, and skill to potentially become a 1st line Center in the NHL. A versatile forward, who can play wing or center, can be a point producer, and a strong two way player. There are many options for Montreal here, but Cozens has the elite ceiling and high floor that you look for in a top 5 pick.
NHL Comparison: Jeff Carter
5. Montreal Canadiens - Alex Turcotte, C
With their third pick in the top 5, Montreal adds this elite 2 way center to their depth chart. Turcotte may not have the highest fantasy ceiling in the draft, but his floor seems to be a high as anyones. He should end up being a very good 2 way NHL Center with the potential to put up points.
NHL Comparison: Ryan O'Reilly
6. Las Vegas Golden Knights - Cole Caufield, RW
Vegas fell in draft following the draft lotto, but land quite the consolation prize at #6. Caufield is probably the best pure goal scorer in the draft. If he were 5" taller, he would most likely be a top 3 pick in the NHL draft. Still, don't let his size fool you, as Caufield can shoot and score from anywhere on the ice. With players like Debrincat paving the way, Caufield may soon be lighting the lamp in the Sin City.
NHL Comparison: Alex Debrincat
7. Colorado Avalanche - Trevor Zegras, C
Colorado had a disappointing year, but their roster is still loaded with superstars, and Zegras could be the next in line. His skating and puckhandeling are elite, and he also plays a solid 2 way game. Often overshadowed on a team with Jack Hughes, Zegras will look to become a top 6 center for Colorado.
NHL Comparison: Evgeny Kuznetsov
8. St Louis Blues - Kirby Dach, C
At #8 the Blues add another elite talent in Kirby Dach. At 6-foot-4, he's a big, physical forward who boasts size and great offensive prowess. His game goes unparalleled, as he plays his own style, utilizing his hands, speed and hockey IQ to generate scoring chances. Has the potential to be a 2nd line anchor in the DHL, and could make the jump to the NHL sooner than others
NHL Comparison: Ryan Getzlaf
9. St Louis Blues - Vasily Podkolzin, RW
With their 4th pick, St. Louis takes a shot at this extremely high-reward high-risk prospect. Projected by most to go #3 overall just a few months ago, Podkolzin has seen his stock fall recently. He has not put up the point totals you'd expect from a player as talented as he is. There is all the "Russian factor", as he is signed in the KHL for at least 2 more years, with some hearing he might stay longer. The ultimate Boom or Bust pick, Podkolzin plays with the skill and edge that could make him a fantasy beast, and the question marks to become a fantasy bust.
NHL Comparison: Gabriel Landeskog
10. Buffalo Sabres - Bowen Byram, D
Buffalo selects the #1 defenseman in the draft, and adds a potential top pairing dman. If it wasn't for the extremely deep crop of forwards in the top 10, Byram might go higher. He excels at all areas of the game, and is not a liability in his own end like many other offensive defensemen.
NHL Comparison: Drew Doughty
11. Winnipeg Jets - Peyton Krebs, C
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12. Las Vegas Golden Knights - Matthew Boldy, RW
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13. Winnipeg Jets - Alexander Newhook, C
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14. Las Vegas Golden Knights - Raphael Lavoie, C
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15. Minnesota Wild - Arthur Kaliyev, RW
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16. Winnipeg Jets - Ryan Suzuki, C
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