2013 IIHF World Junior Championship - Prospect Watch

Aleksander "Sasha" Barkov Jr

No need to tell about Aleksander Barkov Jr. After a 1g 2a performance against the USA, Barkov later said on interview that he wasn’t satisfied with his playing and that he should play better in the tournament. That says a lot about the kid’s willingness to perform and win. The Finns are early favorites to win it this year. With a great performance at this year’s WJC, he should cement his stock as a lottery prospect.

NHL Mock Draft 2013 – Pre-WJC edition

Montreal Canadiens picks Seth Jones with the 3^rd overall pick

1. C Nathan MacKinnon (5'11" - 179 lbs) Halifax Mooseheads - QMJHL
Outside of Baertschi, this franchise is aging and needs a new face once Iginla will be gone. MacKinnon will attract crowds and will be the cornerstone of this franchise. He is a combination of explosiveness and quick release; reminds a lot of a Marian Gaborik.
2. LW/C Jonathan Drouin (5'11" - 185 lbs) Halifax Mooseheads - QMJHL

With President John Davidson on board, Howson and company will have their elite forward in Jonathan Drouin. Hands of a magician combined with a tireless work ethic, Drouin is part of the rebuilding with Rick Nash departure. Resembles Claude Giroux and Patrick Kane a lot.

3. D  Seth Jones (6'4" - 205 lbs) Portland Winterhawks - WHL

Jones is the missing key of the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge’s franchise. The son of former NBA player Popeye Jones brings the defensive pool of the Habs to a whole new level and will be a deadly combo with PK Subban in the future. Trevor Timmins will finally have a joy drafting a premier product of the USNDTP. Unlike the comparison to Chris Pronger, Jones could become a player similar to Alex Pietrangelo or a meaner version of Dougie Hamilton.

4. C Aleksander “Sasha” Barkov Jr (6'2" - 205 lbs) Tappara - SM-liiga

At this spot, many will consider Barkov as the steal of the draft, and with reason. Since Teemue Selanne and Saku Koivu, nobody has seen a 17 years old dominating this much in the SM-liiga till Barkov. Tavares-Barkov will be a very strong 1-2 punch centers.
5. C Sean Monahan (6'2" - 170 lbs) Ottawa 67's - OHL

Some considered the best 2-way forward in the draft, Monahan is exactly what Brian Burke will want in building his franchise. Monahan will be well complemented one day in the NHL with Kessel and JVR.