Thursday, June 12, 2014

NHL Mock Draft: Picks 19-24

19. Tampa Bay Lightning: Roland McKeown, D, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

The Lightning could use some more depth on the blue line, and they have their pick from Travis Sanheim, Jack Dougherty, and McKeown.  I see McKeown as the safest of the three available and think the Lightning will go with him here.

20. San Jose Sharks: Jared McCann, C, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

The Sharks' core isn't getting any younger, and while Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture are reaching their prime, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are getting further away from it, and now, there are trade rumors surrounding Thornton.  McCann plays a solid two-way game and would be Thornton's replacement if he were to be traded.

21. St. Louis Blues: Jakub Vrana, RW, Linkoping (Sweden)

The Blues need a game breaker, and given the Blues' issues down the stretch, that is an understatement.  Vrana needs time to play with the men in Sweden (he played mostly in the junior league there), but the scoring potential is there, and he puts in the work necessary to succeed.

22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Alex Tuch, RW, US NTDP (USHL)

The Penguins' search for a winger continues, and who better to help there than a guy that can provide the muscle for either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.  Tuch is a big guy, and once his offense catches up, he could be a steal at this spot.

23. Colorado Avalanche: Travis Sanheim, D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

The Avs have a solid defensive unit, but they could use a top player at that position.  Sanheim rose up the ranks this season, and his potential combined with size give the Avs a potential top pairing guy for the future.

24. Anaheim Ducks: Jack Dougherty, D, US NTDP (USHL)

You can never have too much depth in today's NHL, and the Ducks use their second pick to bolster their defensive pipeline.  Dougherty is primarily an offensive threat that needs work in his own end, but the Ducks will allow him to develop those skills, as they're fairly well stocked on the blue line.

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