NHLTR Mock Draft: Top-5 Picks Listed, McKenna Heads to Maple Leafs
The NHL Draft is set for June 26th in Buffalo and the combine is already started, with teams interviewing prospects, and even taking them out for dinner. The Vancouver Canucks made headways by taking Gavin McKenna out for dinner on Monday night, which surprised many as it's expected McKenna will go first off the board to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
As far as how the rest of the top-5 plays out, here's our latest mock draft, with the draft just a couple weeks out:
1. Gavin McKenna, Toronto Maple Leafs
McKenna won't replace Mitch Marner right away but it may not take long for McKenna to get on Marner's level with his creativity and offensive prowess. McKenna's built for the bright lights, he loves the pressure of the spot light, and playing in Toronto is absolutely the perfect landing spot for him. Maple Leafs could be back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs as soon as next season.
2. Chase Reid, San Jose Sharks
Reid has some Cale Makar to his game and the Sharks could use every ounce. San Jose only has two defencemen signed to NHL contracts for next season, so there's potential Reid could step right in. Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis states:
Reid’s name has been mentioned by a few scouts as a legitimate No. 1 pick thanks to his outstanding puck skills and competitive nature. You can argue that the OHL isn’t as strong as it once was because the older competition jumped to the NCAA early. But with all the translatable skills – primarily, decision-making under pressure, outstanding mobility and high-end vision – he is definitely the closest to becoming a No. 1 defenseman out of anyone. If the Sharks don’t see themselves in the Landon DuPont hunt next year (they shouldn’t), this is their chance to address their blueline.
3. Caleb Malhotra, Vancouver Canucks
It's rare to see a father and son duo in the NHL but that's what could take place in Vancouver. Manny Malhotra was recently named head coach and was even asked about the potential of drafting his son during his interview process. Caleb is headed to Boston University next season, but could very well be playing for his dad in two years. Malhotra has been named the best center available in this draft.
4. , Ivar Stenberg, Chicago Blackhawks
If Stenberg drops on the Blackhawks lap, that's a huge win for the franchise. The Swedish winger is a wrecking ball with his work ethic, his attention to detail in all three zones, and he proved once again at the World Championships, he has elite offensive talent. The Blackhawks have many holes within their roster and Stenberg would be a great complement to Connor Bedard's left wing.
5. Carson Carels, New York Rangers
Carels is known for his strength on and off the puck and many scouts feel he could leap frog Reid and be the first defenceman off the board. Ellis scribes:
Carels was not only one of the best young defenders in the WHL, but he was one of the best defenders in the entire CHL, period. He’s built like a tank and is an absolute powerhouse with the puck. Carels’ defensive awareness, two-way skill, strong physique, and high-end hockey sense make him truly special. I think we’re talking about a No. 2-3 defenseman in the NHL, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the first or second blueliner taken this year.
How do you think the top-5 plays out, let us know in the comments.
Photo credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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