Predicting the Top 10 Picks in the 2020 NHL Draft
1.Detroit Red Wings
Alexis Lafreniere (Rimouski, QMJHL)
Was there ever any doubt? Okay, maybe for those couple of days after Lafreniere seemed to suffer a gruesome injury at the world juniors, but that has since been deemed "not serious." A player expected to be a franchise cornerstone who has been compared to Sidney Crosby, Lafreniere is the clear choice for the Red Wings, and would give the team's fan-base legitimate hope for the future.
2. Los Angeles Kings
Quinton Byfield (Sudbury, OHL)
I debated between Byfield and other prospects like Tim Stutzle and Cole Perfetti, but ultimately settled on Byfield, due to his size. At 6'4 and 215 pounds, Byfield could make his way into the NHL immediately, and stand up well to the size and physicality of the Western conference. With Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter over 30 years old, Byfield would be able to learn from one of the best two-way centres of this generation, and give the team a new face of the franchise once Kopitar hangs up the skates.
3. New Jersey Devils
Jamie Drysdale (Erie, OHL)
I debated between Drysdale and Askarov being picked by the Devils, but seeing the current defensive core on the Devils, I have to choose Drysdale. The team has a serious lack of skill at the RD position on the current roster as well as the prospect pool. Drafting Drysdale would give New Jersey an excellent right-handed defender who can provide offence and handle himself well on defence. Fixing the defensive core would likely boost Mackenzie Blackwood's numbers, solving the goaltending situation.
4. Ottawa Senators
Tim Stutzle (Manheim, DEL)
Stutzle's draft stock skyrocketed after the world juniors this year, and many teams took notice that his skill is worthy of a top-5 pick. His speed creativity, and play-making ability make him an incredibly desirable prospect, and would give the Senators a player that could become a true #1 centre.
5. Anaheim Ducks
Cole Perfetti (Saginaw, OHL)
I would argue that a defence-man would suit Anaheim's needs of the future better than a forward, but a lack of available players would likely lead to the Ducks drafting the best player available, which would be Perfetti. The young centre is having an excellent season in Saginaw, already topping his point total from last year (in 20 fewer games), and could become an excellent top-6 forward for the Ducks.
6. Ottawa Senators (Pick acquired from the San Jose Sharks)
Yaroslav Askarov (St. Petersburg, VHL)
Maybe the Karlsson trade wasn't so bad after all. Ottawa has the chance to solve both of their team's major issues in one day by drafting Stutzle and Askarov. While Joey Daccord has looked pretty good in Belleville, fans and analysts alike are uncertain is he can become the Senators' goalie of the future. Askarov has been compared to countryman Andrei Vasilevskiy, who captured the Vezina trophy just last year. With Askarov and Stutzle, the Senators would fill out their #1 centre position, starting goalie of the future, and already have an excellent top-4 defensive core with Chabot, Brannstrom, Bernard-Docker and Thomson.
7. New York Rangers
Lucas Raymond (Frolunda, SHL)
Raymond's draft stock dropped slightly after players like Stutzle had an excellent showing at the world juniors, but is still an excellent winger. He is competent in the defensive zone, has an excellent shot and can skate around with incredible speed. His disorganised play might worry some teams, but this will likely be remedied as he matures with some time in the NHL.
8. Montreal Canadiens
Hendrix Lapierre (Chicoutimi, QMJHL)
Many fans were shocked (and excited) that Montreal did not draft the top French-Canadian player in the 2019 draft, Raphael Lavoie (who ended up being drafted 38th overall by the Oilers). This time around, I believe the Canadiens will draft the Francophone. His production this season is far from outstanding, although he has missed part of the season with mono, but many believe the 17-year old has more to bring than what has been shown thus far. The question Montreal will have is whether or not Lapierre can take a spot away from the Canadiens' current centre core, or if he can adjust to playing on the wing.
9. Buffalo Sabres
Alexander Holtz (Djurgardens, SweHL)
It's no secret that the Sabres are looking to add some depth on the wings. After acquiring Colin Miller and Henri Jokiharju via trades, and drafting Dylan Cozens, the main issue with the Sabres will be their secondary scoring. Should they keep this pick, and not trade it for a scoring winger, Holtz seems to be the best option. Many consider him to be capable of coming into the NHL as early as next year, and his ability to score goals and make plays would make him very desirable for the Sabres.
10. Nashville Predators
Rodion Amirov (UFA, MHL)
With their top-2 centres locked up long-term, and a very solid top-4 defensive core, the Predators need to start thinking about their wingers and possibly a new starting goalie. Considering the next goalie prospect likely won't be picked until the second round, Amirov seems like the obvious choice. His stats in the MHL are pretty admirable, scoring 13 points in 12 games. His promotion to the KHL is a testament to the maturity of his game, even though his offensive production hasn't carried over (2 assists in 21 games). However, the largest issue is with his size and strength. 167 pounds at 6 feet tall is very small. This can be remedied in time, but it still a sign that Amirov may not be NHL-ready for another year or two.
.jpg)
Post a Comment