Hockey Lobby NHL 2015 Mock Draft - Early Bird Edition

1.

Buffalo Sabres - C Connor McDavid Erie Otters(OHL)

Skinny: OHL phenom isn’t what the Sabres need; He’s what the Sabres dreamt of having in a franchise centerman since Gilbert Perreault. Fluid skating, powerful acceleration, hands soft like butter, on-ice awareness and cerebral decision making, McDavid is the “Once-in-a-10 years” prospect since Sidney Crosby.

Player Comparable: Pavel Datsyuk

2.

Calgary Flames - C Jack Eichel USNTDP Juniors(USHL)

Skinny: Eichel is 1b and the Flames hit the jackpot with this pick. A player of Eichel’s size, speed and skills is something the Flames lack of since Joe Nieuwendyk. Gifted with exceptional vision, powerful strides, drive to the net mentality and a big frame, Eichel is a rare talent and is the best forward product of the USNTDP since Patrick Kane (7 years ago).
Player Comparable: Ryan Getzlaf

3.

Edmonton Oilers - C Kyle Connor Youngstown Phantoms(USHL)

Skinny: Connor was a high scoring machine last season in the USHL, finishing 2^nd in league scoring with 74 pts in 56 games while playing for the Youngstown Phantoms. He can play both ends of the ice and doesn’t shy away from contact. Has the ability of always finding the right spot on the ice and having a knack for the back of the net.

Player Comparable: Corey Perry

4.

Florida Panthers - C Mathew Barzal Seattle Thunderbirds(WHL)

Skinny: Barzal's skillset makes him a dangerous threat on the ice with or without the puck. His hockey IQ is amongst the top of his draft class and plays the game at a high pace. His best ability is knowing when to drive for the net or to feed his teammates. A true playmaker that elevates everyone around him on another level.

Player Comparable: Matt Duchene

5.

Carolina Hurricanes - D Noah Hanifin USNTDP Juniors(USHL)

Skinny: Left off the USA Jr Summer Camp, Hanifin's talent is not to be ignored. Skates like the wind, can rush the play and play the body as well. Rarely do we get to see such poise in a young defenceman. Even though he has verbal commitment with the Eagles of the Boston College, recent rumours indicate that QMJHL fans could see him next fall wearing a Quebec Remparts jersey.

Player Comparable: Seth Jones

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6.Nashville Predators - LW Pavel Zacha Sarnia Sting(OHL)

7.Arizona Coyotes - D Oliver Kylington Färjestad(SHL)

8*.Buffalo Sabres - C Travis Konecny Ottawa 67's(OHL)

9.New Jersey Devils - RW/C Colin White USNTDP Juniors(USHL) 
10.Ottawa Senators - D Jeremy Roy Sherbrooke Phoenix(QMHJL)

11.Winnipeg Jets - C Mitchell Marner London Knights(OHL)

12.Vancouver Canucks - C Mikko Rantanen TPS (Liiga)

13.Washington Capitals - D Zachary Werenski USNTDP Juniors(USHL) 

14.Toronto Maple Leafs - C Dylan Strome Erie Otters(OHL)

15.Philadelphia Flyers - RW Daniel Sprong Charlottetown Islanders(QMHJL)
16.Dallas Stars - LW Yevgeni Svechnikov Cape Breton Screaming Eagles(QMJHL)
17.Detroit Red Wings - LW Paul Bittner Portland Winterhawks(WHL)
18.Columbus Blue Jackets - C Nicolas Roy Chicoutimi Saguenéens(QMJHL)

19.Montreal Canadiens - LW Jordan Greenway USNTDP Juniors(USHL)
20.San Jose Sharks - LW Ryan Gropp Seattle Thunderbirds(WHL)
21.Tampa Bay Lightning - D Rasmus Andersson Malmö(Allsvenskan)
22. Pittsburgh Penguins - C Aleksi Saarela Ässät(Liiga)

23. Minnesota Wild - D Ryan Pilon Brandon Wheat Kings(WHL)
24. Colorado Avalanche - LW Lawson Crouse Kingston Frontenacs(OHL)
25. Boston Bruins - C A.J. Greer Boston University(NCAA)
26*. Buffalo Sabres - C Jeremy Bracco USNTDP Juniors(USHL)
27. Anaheim Ducks - C Nick Merkley Kelowna Rockets(WHL)

28. Chicago Blackhawks - C Nathan Noel Saint John Sea Dogs(QMJHL)

29*. Tampa Bay Lightning - C Gustaf Franzen Kitchener Rangers(OHL)

30. Los Angeles Kings - D Matthew Spencer Peterborough Petes(OHL)

1st Round Traded Draft Picks

8 - Buffalo receives the NY Islanders 2015 1st and 2nd round pick and Matt Moulson for Thomas Vanek.

26 - Buffalo receives St. Louis's 2015 1st round pick, Jaroslav Halak, Chris Stewart and William Carrier for Ryan Miller and Steve Ott

29 - Tampa Bay receives the NY Rangers a 2015 1st and 7th round pick, 2014 1st round pick and Ryan Callahan for Martin St. Louis and a 2015 2nd round pick.