NHL Mock Draft: Picks 16-20

Entering the second half of the first round, just about anything can happen, and I will most likely be revising after the full first round picks are made in this mock.

16. Edmonton Oilers (from Pittsburgh): Thomas Chabot, D, Saint John Sea Dogs

Conventional wisdom says that the Oilers must take a defenseman.  Oilers fans would probably riot if they didn't at this point in the draft.  Chabot, like his Saint John teammate Jakub Zboril, is a solid two-way player at this point in the development.  The difference is that Chabot has a higher ceiling for offense from the blue line.

17. Winnipeg Jets: Mathew Barzal, C, Winnipeg Jets

There's no denying that Barzal is talented enough to be taken in the top half of the draft.  However, it is possible that he falls in the draft.  The Jets don't have major needs to be taken care of and they have another pick in the first round to play with, so taking the best available player at this point, it's a no-brainer here.

18. Ottawa Senators: Travis Konecny, C, Ottawa 67's

Center depth is something of a concern in Ottawa, and with a player that plays in the same city like Konecny, the temptation is certainly there.  Injuries are a concern, but he's a willing player that will not give up on a play and is a likely heart and soul player that any team would love to have.

19. Detroit Red Wings: Brandon Carlo, D, Tri-City Americans

The Red Wings were sorely lacking in defensive depth before the season, which explains why they traded for Marek Zidlicky at the trade deadline.  Carlo is a player that the Wings can take time with, but the expected finished product is a tall player that opposing offenses would have trouble getting around that is also a right-handed shot.

20. Minnesota Wild: Evgeny Svechnikov, RW, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles

A big player that can score, Svechnikov can provide the Wild with much needed offense that for whatever reason, is lacking.