26. Montreal Canadiens: Nicolas Roy, C, Chicoutimi Sagueneens
The Canadiens' quest to get bigger up front brings them to a player within their own province in Roy. Despite the glaring need for offense, something that got exposed once Max Pacioretty was neutered due to injury, Roy provides solid two-way play and could fill out a 6'4" frame in time.
27. Anaheim Ducks: Jansen Harkins, C, Prince George Cougars
With few immediate needs, the Ducks will take this opportunity to stockpile an already strong prospects system, and while they could also take Paul Bittner here, the Ryan Kesler contract situation could bear watching, and the Ducks will at least cover their bases here in case he's gone after next season. Harkins or Joel Eriksson Ek could go here, but I give the nod to Harkins, as he has more offensive upside.
28. Tampa Bay Lightning (from New York Rangers): Paul Bittner, LW, Portland Winterhawks
The Lightning could afford to get a little bigger up front, and Bittner adds that in spades. It doesn't hurt that he can also be a strong offensive threat that the Lightning can afford to bring along slowly as he develops his game more.
29. Philadelphia Flyers (from Tampa Bay): Ilya Samsonov, G, Magnitigorosk
If a goaltender were to be taken in the first round this year, this would be the most likely spot. Seeing as the Flyers have to wait until the end of the second round, which by then, a run of goaltenders could happen early in the round, it is possible the Flyers could gamble on the best goalie available in the draft in Samsonov.
30. Arizona Coyotes (from Chicago): Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Farjestad
The Coyotes lack a true number one center, and if they opt for Dylan Strome with their earlier pick as opposed to Noah Hanifin, that need is spoken for. In this version, the Coyotes pick Eriksson Ek, who can play both ways, though offensively, he is a work in progress.
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