Number of picks: 4
First pick: 51st overall
Like the Rangers, the Kings have traded away picks in their quest for the Stanley Cup every year. However, the Kings have had some success, as they've claimed two Stanley Cups since 2012. With many of their best players in the prime of their careers, the Kings can afford to push their top prospects slowly. That doesn't mean the Kings should skip the draft, as there are still holes to fill, namely secondary scoring, one that can replace possible salary cap casualty Milan Lucic, and eventually a long-term replacement for Jonathan Quick when he starts moving past his prime.
Chicago Blackhawks
Number of picks: 7
First pick: 83rd overall
This draft will be a major test of just how well the Blackhawks hit on the late round picks, as they don't pick for the first time until round three. However, they have six other picks after that, so there's a chance they can replenish their system that will be in need of players in the next year or so. Given their annual salary cap issues, players will have to emerge sooner than wanted, so extra bodies are needed just about everywhere.
Florida Panthers
Number of picks: 5
Picks in the first round: 23rd overall
The Panthers are set as far as prospects are concerned, even with their best young players already on the NHL squad. However, identifying a replacement for Roberto Luongo is paramount, and while Samuel Montembault, a 2015 pick, may be the answer, drafting another goalie would be wise. Also, finding a shutdown defender to replace Erik Gudbranson would be a good idea, though it did net a potential secondary scoring option in Jared McCann.
Anaheim Ducks
Number of picks: 5 or 6
Picks in the first round: 24th overall
Despite a number of prospects that will eventually find their way to Anaheim, the Ducks suffered another early exit, and the uncertainty of what the next head coach will bring muddies the picture somewhat. What is clear is that secondary scoring to go along with what they have is needed, especially since Corey Perry pulled a disappearing act in the playoffs. Jakob Silfverberg is one answer, but the Ducks would love more answers, and if one of them is Perry re-emerging, that would be great. Also, finding a true number one defender would be great for a Ducks team that relies on all six to pull their weight.
Dallas Stars
Number of picks: 5 or 6
Picks in the first round: 25th overall
With a few key players possibly being on the way out, the Stars would need to plug in players from the pipeline. That means they would need to replenish with those that can play on the blue line, especially. A still suspect blue line needs answers, as does a forward unit that needs good two-way play on the bottom lines. Neither Kari Lehtonen nor Antti Niemi proved to be the true answer in goal, and there isn't anything resembling a future starting goalie in the system, so finding a goalie to develop is paramount.
Washington Capitals
Number of picks: 6
Picks in the first round: 26th overall
With no immediate needs, the Capitals can afford to take the best available player with their first pick. With nothing else to do until round four, the Caps will have time to figure out what parts needs restocking, which signs point to the blue line and possibly scoring. Anything the Caps pick this year will likely need two or three years to develop, which shouldn't be too hard, since the NHL roster is set for that time.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Number of picks: 9
Picks in the first round: 27th overall
Everything centers around what Steven Stamkos will do. The UFA-to-be lost a little leverage when the Lightning made the Conference Finals despite him not being there for much of it, and given the Lightning's salary cap issues potentially looming, it may result in Stamkos walking. As for draft options, another defender would be nice, as would someone that can step in and contribute right away offensively. Filling the leadership void will be harder if Stamkos walks.
St. Louis Blues
Number of picks: 7
Picks in the first round: 28th overall
The Blues have potentially some major holes to fill on their immediate roster with David Backes and Troy Brouwer likely leaving. A true number one defender would also be nice, particularly since Kevin Shattenkirk has been a perpetual name being floated around in trade rumors. The Blues don't hurt for offense, but getting a center would help, since that's where Backes would be leaving a void.
San Jose Sharks
Number of picks: 5
First pick: 111th overall
The first round pick that was traded for Martin Jones last off-season appears to be well-spent, as the Sharks made the Stanley Cup Finals this year. However, their pipeline continues to bear watching, as there aren't a great amount of high-end prospects. That doesn't mean the Sharks are necessarily mortgaging their future, as they now have an ability to see their prospects in their own backyard, and their best players, save for Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, are still in their prime years.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Number of picks: 5
First pick: 55th overall
Their first round pick sacrifice for Phil Kessel, as well as giving up a few prospects, is bearing fruit as the Penguins made the Stanley Cup Finals. Despite not having much in the way of top end prospects, the Penguins get the most out of the players that are forced to step in when needed. However, at some point, it may be time to find top end prospects to go along with Daniel Sprong, particularly since Beau Bennett hasn't panned out while others such as Joe Morrow and Simon Despres were traded in deals that didn't pan out.
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