NHL mock Draft: Picks 9-15

Continuing on to the NHL mock Draft, and picks 9-15, I'll try to get in the selections with the World Cup going on.

9. New York Rangers-Brady Tkachuk, C/RW, Boston University (Hockey East)

The Rangers have three picks in the first round, and they can afford to wait until later to pick a defenseman. They can also trade up if they need to. Should they think Tkachuk could come off the board earlier and they want him, a trade up is possible. Then again, a defenseman heavy draft could very lead to Tkachuk falling if the Rangers decide to stay put. Tkachuk is almost like his dad and older brother. In other words, a power forward that can make life miserable for the opposing players.

10. Edmonton Oilers-Rasmus Sandin, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

The Oilers are in a precarious spot with the salary cap, and there is word that they may be moving the pick along with a hefty contract. Should they stay, Sandin provides the most offensive upside of the defenders remaining. He also happens to be fairly proficient in his own end, something that was evident when paired with fellow Draft-eligible defenseman Adam Boqvist.

11. New York Islanders-Joe Veleno, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)

A playmaker who has immense talent, Veleno showed most of what he can do after a mid-season trade to Drummondville. Already a champion with Saint John in 2017, his talent level can be even higher, and with John Tavares likely a goner, he can step in as a top center once he makes the NHL.

12. New York Islanders (from Calgary)-Ty Smith, D, Spokane (WHL)

The Islanders were terrible in their own end last year, and Smith is the best defensive defenseman available in the Draft after Dahlin. He may not provide much offense, but the Islanders aren't exactly hurting in that category.

13. Dallas Stars-Isac Lundestrom, C, Lulea (Sweden)

The Stars may wish to address their center depth soon, as Martin Hanzal is better suited for third line duty and Jason Spezza is seeing a pretty steep decline in skill. Lundestrom may not be flashy, but he does a lot of things well and his skill set reminds some of current Nashville center Calle Jarnkrok, who can play a complete 200-foot game.

14. Philadelphia Flyers (from St. Louis)-Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Assat (Finland)

The Flyers may need to force feed a few of their current prospects into the NHL roster soon, which of course means that it's a good idea to stock up on prospects with a high ceiling. Kotkaniemi may be seen as a late bloomer, but he has great potential offensively and is continuing to work on being better in the areas he needs to improve upon (i.e. skating).

15. Florida Panthers-Bode Wilde, D, US NTDP

Hockey sense is a question mark for Wilde, but everything else checks out. Florida needs defensemen badly, and Wilde has potential if he can improve his hockey sense.