Restocking Needs

With the NHL Draft less than three weeks away, it's time for teams to figure out how to replenish their systems with the best possible players. This week, I will take the time to look at what each team needs to do and how they can best address those needs with the picks they do have. The needs section will be divided into three, which means ten teams get a look each day this week, and the list will go according to order in which they are supposed to draft.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Number of picks: 12
Picks in first round: 1st and 29th/30th overall (from PIT)

The Maple Leafs are almost certain to draft Auston Matthews with the first overall pick. That will fill a major need down the middle, as Nazem Kadri is the only center that will be on the roster next season that scares anyone on the opposing team. With the pick they got from the Phil Kessel trade, they can address the back end, be it on the blue line or in the blue paint. While the blue line options are plenty, it only seems that the Leafs would have to go with Carter Hart if they decide on a goalie. Either way, the Leafs can take their time in developing the other first round pick.

Winnipeg Jets

Number of picks: 7
Picks in first round: 2nd and 22nd overall

The Jets will take one of the highly regarded Finns, whether it is Patrik Laine or Jesse Puljujarvi. Whoever they get will add size and offensive flair. With the 22nd overall pick, picking up a center or a defender would be a sound strategy for the Jets, as they don't have the depth down the middle that they would like nor do they have a sure thing on the blue line. Given the Jets' prospect pool, they don't necessarily have to rush either pick.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Number of picks: 5
Picks in first round: 3rd overall

The Blue Jackets are most likely taking whoever the Jets don't pick between Laine or Puljujarvi. Adding size and scoring up front is paramount for a team that now needs it badly. However, they do need to be accurate with the rest of their picks, as they only pick four other times in the draft, and none in the middle rounds. Forwards that can handle the puck are a need, with a goaltender being a possible need late in the draft, given Sergei Bobrovsky's annual injury issues.

Edmonton Oilers

Number of picks: 9
Picks in first round: 4th overall

The Oilers have a lot of picks to make, and possibly more if they decide to move any of their prized forwards not named Connor McDavid. As for the first round pick, picking a defenseman would be a wise move, as they are still lacking. Olli Juolevi is regarded as the safest and best pick of the bunch, but don't be surprised if the Oilers decide on size, whether it is Jakob Chychrun on defense or Pierre Luc-Dubois up front. An important thing for the Oilers to do is develop whoever they pick,as that's been a problem the last few years.

Vancouver Canucks

Number of picks: 6
Picks in first round: 5th overall

The Canucks just lost their second and fourth round picks, but gained a fifth rounder in the recent Erik Gudbranson deal. Having picked up a blue liner that can step in right away, the Canucks can focus on size and offensive ability up front. Dubois or Matthew Tkachuk would go a long way in answering that question. However, given their only other higher round pick is in the third round, they would need to hit on that, as the last four picks are sure to be developmental projects. Scoring could be addressed again, but so could goaltending depth.

Calgary Flames

Number of picks: 8 or 9
Picks in the first round: 6th overall

Getting a winger that can score is a must for Calgary, as is a goalie that can stop the puck. Since the latter is a major reach this early in the draft, the Flames could pick either Tkachuk or Dubois if either or both fall to them. It would not be surprising if they simply take the best player available at the sixth overall spot. As for goalie, Zach Sawchenko in the middle rounds makes sense.

Arizona Coyotes

Number of picks: 7
Picks in the first round: 7th and 20th overall

The Keith Yandle deal is the gift that keeps on giving for the Coyotes, as they have another first round pick from the Rangers. The Coyotes will most likely look to defenseman with the first of their two first round picks, which means Mikhail Sergachev, Olli Juolevi, and Jakob Chychrun will be looked at by the Coyotes. With the other first round pick, it is possible that they could either continue to build up the blue line or pick up scoring. Looking to goal late in the draft would be wise.

Buffalo Sabres

Number of picks: 10 or 11
Picks in the first round: 8th overall

The Sabres' climb to respectability enters another year, and it is possible they could take the best player available with the first rounder they have. It is also an ideal spot to take a player with a high ceiling but not as proven competition wise such as Tyson Jost. Continuing to address depth everywhere, particularly in goal, will be the Sabres' goal this off-season.

Montreal Canadiens

Number of picks: 7
Picks in the first round: 9th overall

Offense suddenly became a problem when Carey Price went out because he covered so many of the holes that plagued Montreal the previous two seasons. Scoring, any scoring would be welcome, particularly if they can step in within a year or two. Getting their big bodied players to stick with the NHL club wouldn't hurt, either, but they could always draft another one just in case.

Colorado Avalanche

Number of picks: 6
Picks in the first round: 10th overall

Defensemen, defensemen, defensemen. The Avalanche need it badly, as they continue to get torched there, and no amount of offensive talent up front is going to mask that fact. They cannot afford to whiff like they did with Duncan Siemens in 2011, but they also cannot continue to ignore the need. If they decide to go up front again, getting a winger with size would be a place to go.