1. Edmonton
Oilers – C Connor
McDavid,
Erie Otters (OHL)
Generational talent for a team in need of a
spark, both on and off the ice. McDavid’s arrival in Edmonton could be as
impactful as back when Mario Lemieux came to Pittsburgh. Expect McDavid to
thrive under new coach McLellan, as well as making his future teammates Hall
and Eberle even better.
Comparable: Mix between
Sidney Crosby and Pavel Bure.
2. Buffalo
Sabres – C Jack
Eichel,
Boston University (NCAA)
If GM Tim Murray had mixed feelings after losing
on McDavid and Babcock, his staff should probably remind him that they’re
getting the 2nd best prospect since Crosby here. Eichel has the
potential to become the best American NHLer of this generation.
Comparable: Pavel Datsyuk
3. Arizona
Coyotes – C Dylan
Strome,
Erie Otters (OHL)
While everybody would think Hanifin is the
Coyotes pick, they’re in for a surprise. Arizona won’t pass on a perfect
playmaking center to center Max Domi and Anthony Duclair. Even more, when they
know the Toronto Maple Leafs are picking next.
Comparable: Ryan
Johansen
4. Toronto
Maple Leafs – C/RW Mitchell
Marner,
London Knights (OHL)
We can’t always get everything we want, but
having won the Mike Babcock lottery is going to be the start of a true rebuilding
of this franchise. Even though defense is a need for the Leafs, they can’t pass
up on a potential franchise winger that actually comes from their backyard.
Players with Marner’s talent don’t come very often.
Comparable: Claude Giroux
5. Carolina
Hurricanes – C Kyle
Connor,
Youngstown Phantoms
(USHL)
The Hurricanes had the 4th lowest
number of goals scored in the league last year and lots of question marks
surrounding the future of their captain Eric Staal and injury prone Jeff
Skinner. Kyle Connor has dominated the USHL for the past 2 years and that shows
how much of a talent he is. Might be a reach, but it will pay off in the long
run.
Comparable: Jeff Carter
