Expansion Draft Post-mortem

 

The expansion draft happened Wednesday, and now, we know who will be taking the ice for the Seattle Kraken. Little happened of note, as teams were reluctant to trade in order to get contracts off their books. As far as who will be on the team, here's some of the notables:

• Mark Giordano from the Calgary Flames is near the end of his career, but is still a solid defenseman and is likely the first captain in franchise history. 
• His defense partners include Jamie Oleksiak and Adam Larsson, both solid in their own end, with Oleksiak being the better shot blocker and Larsson the more responsible in his own end.
• Up front, Jordan Eberle is the Kraken's top scorer, though he is also decent playing defense.
• The forward core is pretty much full of solid two way players, headlined by Brandon Tanev, Jared McCann, and Mason Appleton.
• Goaltending is still largely unproven, but young enough to reach full potential. Chris Driedger goes in as the starter, but Vitek Vanecek and Joey D'Accord will get looks, too.
• Vince Dunn, Mason Appleton, and Carson Soucy stand to benefit the most, as all three will have expanded roles. Calle Jarnkrok and Joonas Donskoi are players to watch up front, as they too, will have bigger roles as the veterans to lead the younger players.

The basis of the Kraken squad is a team of players that will make the opposition have to play the full 60 while they still have cap room, meaning they may go for a bigger name or two. We find out starting Wednesday whether they can attract a Gabriel Landeskog or not.

Seattle Kraken Expansion Draft predictions

 The team that the Seattle Kraken will be putting on the ice will be known after Wednesday, and the protected lists for every team other than Vegas was released Sunday, and some notable names are on the exposed list. Armed with that knowledge, I take a crack at who I think the Kraken will take, complete with some level of explanation. If you're interested in trying your hand at predicting the team, I used CapFriendly for assistance, and I'll post the screenshots of the picks I made. 

I said I would explain the picks, so I will go down the line, in accordance with the list.

• Nashville is wanting either Ryan Johansen or Matt Duchene to be picked, and I can see them throw in another player plus either a draft pick or lower end prospect to make this happen. I think it will be Johansen, since he has a shorter term than Duchene, albeit by a year.
• Yes, I know Carey Price is available, but I get the feeling Montreal will want the Kraken to take Jonathan Drouin. The Canadiens have a lot of picks in the draft, so I can see them use a couple of them as a lure for that, plus give Drouin a fresh start.
• Tampa Bay needs to get under the cap, and Tyler Johnson is buried on the depth chart. Tampa could add another player to convince the Kraken to take him, if not either Alex Killorn or Yanni Gourde.
• There's not a great amount of players available for the Avs to lose, though the depth means they're still losing a quality player. Joonas Donskoi is that player, unfortunately, and the Kraken are getting a middle six winger.
• Pittsburgh needs to shed salary, and Jason Zucker is certainly an option. I went with Brandon Tanev because he can provide more than just goals. It comes down to term versus cap hit, as Zucker has the higher cap hit while Tanev has the longer term remaining. 
• Ottawa has little to pick from, as Evgeni Dadonov, Chris Tierney, and Matt Murray are the biggest name options. Since there are better goalie options available, Murray is unlikely to be picked, so it's either Dadonov or Tierney. Tierney has the lower cap number, shorter term, and is younger, but is unlikely to remain a Senator in the long run, so I went with him as the pick from Ottawa. 
• Toronto is another team that could use some cap relief. The problem is that their biggest contracts either had to be protected or are free agents. That leaves Alex Kerfoot or Jared McCann, and I went with McCann, as he is the better player for the Kraken middle six and they can at least, retain his rights after next season, as he's still an RFA.
• Los Angeles is not a cap ceiling team at the moment, as they are embarking on a youth movement. However, their dream scenario is more of a pipe dream, as Jonathan Quick was left exposed. Beyond him, the only players that make sense to be selected are Olli Maatta and Austin Wagner, and Wagner is picked here because he's younger and can set the pace as needed.
• Arizona is another team with slim pickings for Seattle, as half of last year's roster was either traded (Adin Hill) or are UFAs. Of this list, it could make sense to pick Ilya Lyabushkin, as he's quality depth on the blue line. I went with Christian Fischer, as he's still young enough to expand on his potential as a power forward type.
• Calgary has options, but I'm simply looking to fill out forward depth, and Brett Ritchie was the pick.
• The same can be said for Julien Gauthier, Morgan Geekie, Cliff Pu, Dominik Kahun, and Kieffer Bellows, although those players are young enough to still have potential. 
• Yes, the Islanders would like to see the Kraken take either Jordan Eberle or Josh Bailey, and that's a strong possibility. This is my opinion, and I opt to go with mostly younger players.
• Defensively, I went with guys who could use fresh starts (Shayne Gostisbehere, Jakub Zboril, and Colin Miller), depth players (Radim Simek, Carson Soucy, and Troy Stetcher), players there just for filling out rosters (Joel Hanley and Nathan Beaulieu), and a decent top pair potential in Kevin Shattenkirk and Vince Dunn. Shattenkirk isn't the player he was in St. Louis, but he's been there and can be a leader on the defense while Dunn is still yet to reach his full potential, but is already a good defender. 
• In goal, Braden Holtby gets another chance to redeem himself while Chris Driedger is likely a 1B goalie that appears to have a deal in place. Vitek Vanecek is the bridge goalie between the NHL and minors, and would be the first call up while Malcolm Subban is simply depth that could get flipped in a trade.

That is how I think the expansion draft will go, and there are sure to be a few surprises, but it will be interesting to see how the Kraken look after Wednesday. 

2021 NHL Draft: Needs and mock draft, part 4

 

With the deadline for protected players due today, as of the start of this writing, trades were made that will impact draft positions, as well as who goes where. I will get to that AFTER the entry draft, since more trades are likely. In the meantime, let's finish the look at team needs and mock draft. 

24. Toronto Maple Leafs 

Their first round pick belongs to Columbus as part of the Nick Foligno trade, and they only have three picks total this year, with nothing between rounds two and five. They're built to win now, but have nothing to show for it plus impending cap problems. Now, they take on Jared McCann's contract in the Hope's that depth will be less of a problem. 

Projected pick (Columbus): Matt Coronato, LW, Chicago (USHL)

Not a big player, Coronato put up good numbers on the Steel, and he's willing to go into the rough areas to score. He's already fairly established, so it will be interesting if he's maxed out on his development. 

Projected pick (Toronto): Jack Bar, D, Chicago (USHL)

Since Toronto picks late in the second round, they will need to go with someone that needs at least two years before they sign him. Getting a Harvard commit in Bar buys them at least three years for a player whose only major issue is turnovers.

25. Pittsburgh Penguins 

Their first round pick belongs to Minnesota as a result of the Jason Zucker trade, and like Toronto, they also have no picks between rounds two and five. Besides depth, the most pressing need for Pittsburgh will be center, as Crosby and Malkin can't play forever. They would be wise to move a contract or two, as their cap situation is not good.

Projected pick (Minnesota): Xavier Bourgault, RW, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

Very good at creating offense, his caveat appears to be that he needs the right players to succeed. If Kevin Fiala and Kirill Kaprizov both get signed long term, that bodes well for Bourgault, who has the mentality to weather the chaos around him.

Projected pick (Pittsburgh): Red Savage, C, US NTDP 

Along the lines of needing center depth, and in accordance with their draft position, the Penguins go with a safe pick in Red Savage, son of former Canadien Brian. He projects as a fringe second liner with Selke potential. 

26. Carolina Hurricanes 

Two things are on the Hurricanes agenda, and one will be easier to fill via free agency than the other. Dougie Hamilton may have priced himself out of Carolina, so an offensive defender would be nice. Jake Bean could be the first in line to answer that question. The other is in goal, and whether Alex Nedeljkovic is the starter next season. They may look internally to answer that question, but could look to free agency or trade.

Projected pick: Daniil Chayka, D, CSKA

The read on Chayka was complicated when the OHL season was shelved, thus robbing him of more time in Guelph. He went across the pond to Russia, where the reports were incomplete outside of he got to play against older competition on a strong CSKA squad. At worst, he's a shutdown defender. 

27. Colorado Avalanche 

Colorado still has a healthy prospect pool that will likely be used more to fill depth, but goal remains an issue, especially if Phillipp Grubauer leaves in free agency. They only have four picks in this year's draft, but won't need it as badly, since they do have a pick in each of the first three rounds, thanks to trading away Ryan Graves.

Projected pick: Zach Bolduc, C, Rimouski (QMJHL)

Bolduc got attention after last season thanks to Alexis Lafreniere. Without Lafreniere this season, Bolduc got off to a slow start. Once he got going, his skill set was on full display. More of a middle six center, he would make a potent Avalanche offense even better down the line.

28. New York Islanders 

Their first round pick belongs to New Jersey as a result of the Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac trade. Offense remains a thing, as their flaws were exposed by Tampa Bay in the playoffs. The good news is that their core is still young, and their system at least, is good for deep playoff runs. The key will be continuing to replenish the prospect system while remaining competitive. 

Projected pick (New Jersey): William Stromgren, LW, Modo

The Devils have guys ready to graduate to the NHL level, but are likely needing a few veterans to show the way. That means they can afford to draft a raw prospect here, which is what Stromgren is at this point. Two points of contention for him are skating and adding a few pounds to a 6'3" frame. He's got the potential to be a steal here.

Projected pick (NY Islanders): Bryce Montgomery, D, London (OHL)

There's always a need to acquire more defenseman, and with Robin Salo or Bode Wilde likely taking Nick Leddy's spot, that means someone new will need to be developed. Montgomery is big, and has some puck movement skills, but is raw and did not play at all this season. A restarting OHL season on a perennially competitive London squad will help shake off the rust.

29. Vegas Golden Knights 

Another year of coming up short has to weigh on the Golden Knights, and one of the culprits was the lack of a true top center. The problem is that it is more likely to be addressed via free agency or hope that a change in scenery makes Nolan Patrick that guy. Other than that, they are with cap issues, and that could take its toll on blue line depth if Alec Martinez is forced to walk.

Projected pick: Francesco Pinelli, C, Jesenice

Displaced to Slovenia from Kitchener, Pinelli raised his stock this season, becoming a player that could do everything well. The question is whether he's a Jack of all trades player or something more.

30. Montreal Canadiens

One of the best prospect systems figures to be even better, as they're armed with 11 draft picks, though they could use a couple of them to package in order to move a contract such as Jonathan Drouin. Center remains an eternal question, but it's less of a dire need, thanks to the continued development of Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Blue line help is also a possibility, with someone likely taking on a bigger role if Shea Weber heads to LTIR.

Projected pick: Samu Salminen, C, Jokerit Jr.

A strong season back in Finland put Salminen on the map, but it remains to be seen where his actual ceiling is going to end. He is a Denver University commit, so North America will have a better idea how his game will translate to the NHL level.

31. Tampa Bay Lightning 

They don't pick until the third round, as their first is property of Columbus in the David Savard trade and their second round pick is Montreal's as a result of moving up to the second round in last year's draft. They did get an extra pick for trading Barclay Goodrow, but will need to shed a few more contracts, likely Tyler Johnson, but Alex Killorn  and Yanni Gourde are also possibilities. As for needs? A backup goalie on the cheap and more prospects, preferably a top scorer. The latter seems impossible with where they're drafting, but they have found players outside the first round who became elite players (see: Kucherov, Nikita and Point, Brayden).

Projected pick (Columbus): Matthew Knies, LW, Tri-City (USHL)

More of a power forward who figures to hone his game at the University of Minnesota, Knies is at his best when he is around the net using his size to his advantage. Columbus could use another blue collar player if they choose to continue their identity as such, and Knies is perfect for that when he remembers to keep physical. 

Projected pick (Tampa Bay): Jackson Blake, RW, Eden Prairie 

The son of former 40 goal scorer Jason Blake will need time at North Dakota, but has potential to be good, and hockey sense and compete level are solid foundations to start.

2021 NHL Draft: Needs and mock draft, part 3

 The third installment of the needs and mock draft continues, and this is where trades figure into the equation. Every team is still getting covered, in order of original draft position, but the mock draft will go as planned, as well as the first picks of teams without a first round pick. 

16. St. Louis Blues

A team that may not go into free agency much this offseason, the Blues now have to consider moving on from Vladimir Tarasenko, who requested a trade. Depth pieces up front and blue line help are possible needs.

Projected pick: Mason McTavish, C, Olten

A team short on high end talent if Tarasenko does get traded, McTavish can provide goal scoring and a big body down the middle for a team that needs to harder to play against, something that has been missing since 2019.

17. Winnipeg Jets 

Offense up front is a major need, especially since Pierre-Luc Dubois is not a guy that can replicate the goal scoring totals Patrik Laine had. That is where replenishing the wings can be a factor. Having fewer worries about free agents in their own end should help the Jets zero in on getting scoring help there, either through draft or free agency. 

Projected pick: Oskar Olausson, LW, HV71

The Jets can afford to develop another player if Cole Perfetti and Kristian Vesalainen both make the leap next season. Olausson has upside that can be worked with for a couple more seasons, as he's signed with HV71 until 2023.

18. Nashville Predators 

The search for a top center continues, and there isn't a top guy available in the draft, much less where the Predators are drafting. As for free agency, it's going to be about shedding either Ryan Johansen or Matt Duchene's contract through the expansion draft.

Projected pick: Fyodor Svechkov, C, Togliatti Jr.

Probably the safest pick if you take away the Russian Factor, Svechkov projects as a middle six player, at worst, thanks to the overall balance in his game.

19. Edmonton Oilers 

The search for wing men that can play alongside either McDavid or Draisaitl continues, as depth once again, became an issue. Blue line help is also a problem, but acquiring Duncan Keith should help the younger players mentally, even if Keith is no longer the player he was even a few years ago. Goalie help is also needed, as there's no sure fire starter now, nor is there a guarantee the prospects will develop as promised. 

Projected pick: Sebastian Cossa, G, Edmonton (WHL)

Goalie is the thinnest spot in the Oilers prospect pool, as they drafted all forwards last season, and they're expecting Evan Bouchard to try for a spot next season. Keeping Cossa in Edmonton would be a boon, as they can keep an eye on him as he looks to continue to post great numbers for a strong Oil Kings squad.

20. Boston Bruins

An aging core will need much more than just David Pastrnak up front and Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo on the blue line. Depth continues to be a major problem, even as Patrice Bergeron continues to play at a high level and Taylor Hall is a possibility to resign with the team. Down the middle is a worry that could be solved in free agency while the blue line needs a more sure thing.

Projected pick: Aatu Raty, C, Karpat

A top 10 projected pick prior to this season, his confidence was rattled at times and he missed the cut for the 2021 WJC tournament, due to no practice for the Finnish squad prior to the start. He still has the tools, and could be an eventual replacement for David Krejci.

21. Minnesota Wild 

Even as they move on from the Parise/Suter era, the Wild need to continue to fill holes in their prospect pool, especially defensively, where only Calen Addison is a top 10 prospect. Their most important thing on the to-do list is getting Kirill Kaprizov signed. 

Projected pick: Sean Behrens, D, US NTDP

A mobile defenseman that got overshadowed by teammate Luke Hughes, Behrens has upside to an already good all-around game and projects to more of a sure thing than 2018 pick Filip Johansson.

22. Washington Capitals

The Capitals first round pick was traded to Detroit in the Anthony Mantha deal, and while Mantha had his moments, not having that first round pick means they don't draft until late in the second round. Their biggest concern is what to do with Alex Ovechkin, who is a UFA. Whether they think they can win one more Cup is going to be a factor in the decision making for at least a couple seasons. Beyond that, they could use another above average prospect in the system, especially up front, as Ovechkin won't easily be replaced by one player.

Projected pick (Detroit): Nikita Chibrikov, RW, CKA

His game is bent more towards offense, and with both size concerns and the Russian Factor, it's easy to see Chibrikov fall. Still, his offense is better than most players in the draft.

Projected pick (Washington): Brett Harrison, C, Koovee Jr.

An offensive threat with consistency issues that were exposed when he had to head to Europe when the OHL season was ultimately canned, Harrison should benefit by returning to Oshawa this coming season, where he performed well. If he can use his size more to his advantage, his potential is higher.

23. Florida Panthers 

Defense is a sore point depth-wise, as evidenced by Aaron Ekblad's injury. Cutting ties with Keith Yandle further reinforces this idea, and with a decent amount of cap space, they can add another player there, if needed, although they did commit 3 million per year for three years to Anthony Duclair.

Projected pick: Scott Morrow, D, Shattuck-St. Mary's 

Far better offensive starter than in his own end at this point, Morrow has the desire to improve upon his weaknesses. It helps that he is a bigger player than the trendy smaller, yet mobile defender some teams take a chance on.

Broken Dreams

 With today's news that both Ryan Suter and Zach Parise are getting bought out of the remaining four years of their respective 13-year deals, it marks an end to an era that had so much hope in the beginning. The dead money will impact the team the most over the next four seasons, with the four following that being less than 900 thousand each. Before I go with what the Wild do from here, something that will be further explored in their part of the needs and mock draft segment, let's go back to the beginning. 

It is the 2012 offseason, and the Minnesota Wild are coming off yet another disappointing season in which their trades with the San Jose Sharks were largely unfulfilling. Devin Setoguchi didn't pan out, Charlie Coyle was still a year away from joining the Wild, another first round pick acquired for Brent Burns would turn into another Wild bust in Zack Phillips. The other San Jose trade was equally as unfulfilling, as underachieving Martin Havlat was swapped for rapidly declining Dany Heatley. Nicklas Backstrom was also experiencing a decline, as well, creating a hole in goal that ultimately wouldn't be filled for a couple more seasons. Getting name free agents has been a challenge for Minnesota to this point, as the lone star player they've had left in free agency a few years prior in Marian Gaborik. 

Let's move to July 4, 2012, a day that would become the Wild's big moment, ultimately for bittersweet reasons. Zach Parise and Ryan Suter were both free agents looking for big money before the lockout would happen a couple months later. The twist? They wanted to sign with a team together, something that would cause teams like Philadelphia and Detroit to balk at the offer, since both were seemingly interested only in Suter, Detroit looking for an eventual replacement for Niklas Lidstrom in a couple years and Philadelphia, as evidenced by their attempted offer sheet for fellow free agent Shea Weber. Minnesota, in their desperate attempt at becoming relevant, and armed with enough cap space for both, swooped in to sign both at identical 7.5 million per year...for 13 years each. They made a splash, but as they would find out, it would come at a cost.

With 15 million tied up between two players for 13 years, if it made it there, plus a no movement clause for each of them, it would be imperative that the Wild surround them with quality depth. The problem there would not be on the blue line, but up front, as the Wild couldn't find a true goal scorer. Sure, Parise was good for 30 goals a season when healthy, but no consistency was found when it came to that goal scorer. Look at the records for most goals in a season for the Wild, and you'll find that Parise, Eric Staal, Jason Zucker, and Jason Pominville all crack the top 10 on that list, but only once each. It should also be noted that each of them only cracked 30 goals once. I did say Parise was good for 30 goals when healthy, which is another problem, as outside of the lockout shortened 2013 season and the shortened 2019-20 season, he missed fewer than 10 games only twice in his time with the Wild. As for Suter, he was closer to living up to the contract, keeping in mind that it was still going to be too much to live up to, as he played nearly every game in his time with the Wild, with the exception of 2017-18, where he missed the last four games plus the playoffs. However, he could not shake the second banana label, as players such as Matt Dumba and Jonas Brodin surpassed him, and both are in their prime years. It also hurt Suter that his numbers declined this season, as Jared Spurgeon helped relegate Suter to fourth best defender, thus making the contract into more of a millstone.

Ultimately, all the Wild were able to do in the Suter-Parise era was reach the second round twice, only to be bounced in short order. Now, how can I describe the era? It started with a sense of hope and some pretty packaging, but once the present was unwrapped, buyer's remorse set in, and now, it's time for the Wild to reset, likely with new deals for both Kevin Fiala and Kirill Kaprizov, who are both RFAs.

2021 NHL Draft: Needs and mock draft, part 2

 

A quarter of the way through, and this time around, I look at the other teams to not make the playoffs. Keep in mind this is done in order of draft position before factoring in trades and in Arizona's case, forfeiture of pick.

9. Vancouver Canucks 

The year did not go as planned, and a suspect blue line and regression from key players were to blame. Through the draft, they should aim to get another defenseman, as Olli Juolevi is still no sure thing, and Quinn Hughes is a liability in his own end. As for free agency, if Jim Benning can refrain from signing anyone on the first day, that would be great. 

Projected pick: Carson Lambos, D, JYP Jr.

A top 10 potential pick prior to this season, his stock took a bit of a hit thanks to a rough adjustment to Finnish league hockey and a surgical procedure just two games into his WHL season. Before that, he was a willing defender who can jump into the play.

10. Ottawa Senators

Youth is the order of the day, and in both the pipeline and on the parent team, that is in spades for Ottawa. Goalie is still an issue, but there is no obvious prospect available here, so they could go for best available regardless of position. 

Projected pick: Kent Johnson, C, Michigan

Offensive talent who is likely to spend another year in college, the Senators can afford to let Johnson develop other aspects of his game, as well as get rid of some bad habits. 

NS. Arizona Coyotes 

This is where things get dicey, as the Coyotes do not own a first round pick this year, as they forfeited it due to pre-draft violations. They do not draft until pick 37, which they got in a trade with Columbus, and is one of two picks in the round for them. As for what they need, higher end talent is the simplest answer, as there's no one truly ready to make a jump. Long answer is defense, as they are one of the older teams in that regard and have holes to fill in terms of depth for next season. Losing out on the first four rounds last year hurts, as it further hampers their development. 

First projected pick: Logan Mailloux, D, Lejon

11. Chicago Blackhawks 

Lack of blue line depth and scoring undid the Blackhawks last season. They do figure to get Jonathan Toews back next season, which helps up front, but they desperately need to continue to think about keeping the blue line prospect pool filled, especially with Duncan Keith now traded away. Getting another scoring winger would be nice, as well.

Projected pick: Brennan Othman, LW, Olten

12. Calgary Flames 

A team that should consider overhauling its core, one of the first areas to address is blue line. There's no sure thing in the line, and their current group is either up there in age or not ready for top minutes. Factor in the team's poor first round record since their Stanley Cup win in 1989, and you get why the Flames need to reconfigure their system.

Projected pick: Corson Ceulemans, D, Brooks

13. Philadelphia Flyers 

On paper, this is a team with everything now and in the future. However, consistency is something that cannot be figured on paper, and that is where the Flyers fail. Their main issue last season? Goaltending. It took a major step back, and now, we wonder if Carter Hart is the answer next season. One thing is certain, and that he will likely have a new backup goalie. If there is a spot where they truly lack, it's down the middle.

Projected pick: Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls (USHL)

14. Dallas Stars 

A team with a middling prospect pool, this year is where they could get some solid players through the draft without needing to rush anyone. Scoring depth could be a possibility, with Chaz Lucius still here. They could address blue line depth in the later rounds.

Projected pick: Chaz Lucius, C, US NTDP

15. New York Rangers

The Rangers are loaded everywhere but down the middle and need someone to be hard to play against. The most logical pick at this point would be Zach L'Heureux, who is difficult to get the puck from once he has it and is competitive. 

Projected pick: Zach L'Heureux, C, Halifax (QMJHL)

2021 NHL Draft: Needs and mock draft, part 1

 The 2021 NHL season came to an end last night, which means the offseason officially begins now. In 13 days, the Seattle Kraken draft their team while the entry draft will be a few days later. To that end, it's time to examine each team and their needs going into the draft. Since there are 32 teams, this will be broken down into sections, and it will be in order of original draft placement. 

1. Buffalo Sabres 

The owners of the first overall pick, the Sabres have needs almost everywhere, but especially up front. Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel are both looking to leave, and it is possible that Rasmus Ristolainen also goes. With no clear top prospect in the draft, it is possible they go with Owen Power, a defenseman from Michigan. They also have eight other picks, so they can load up to give themselves more prospects for what is likely a rebuild of a rebuild that never got off the ground. 

Projected pick: Owen Power, D, Michigan

2. Seattle Kraken 

The Kraken are in position to pick the best available player here, and are likely to accrue another first round pick or two, as teams will try to get them to select a player to work under the cap. Odds are they will load up on veterans to give the drafted players time to develop, ala Vegas in their first year.

Projected pick: Matty Beniers, C, Michigan

3. Anaheim Ducks

The third overall pick in the draft, they have loads of prospects, but little veteran leadership, particularly if Ryan Getzlaf leaves. With Trevor Zegras pencilled in next season, it may benefit the Ducks to pick a player that can step in a year or two from now, given the development of Jamie Drysdale, among others. 

Projected pick: Simon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda

4. New Jersey Devils 

Experience, experience, experience. That is issue surrounding the Devils, especially since PK Subban keeps declining in skill. That also raises an issue on the blue line, where there is still a hole or two to be filled. Luke Hughes can be seen as a reach here, but reuniting him with older brother Jack may be a draw.

Projected pick: Luke Hughes, D, US NTDP

5. Columbus Blue Jackets 

Offense has been an issue since Artemi Panarin left. However, with Seth Jones not wanting to commit after next season, when he becomes a free agent, defense could be an issue, too. They have cap to work with, but Columbus has rarely been a destination for the bigger names.

Projected pick: Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton (WHL)

6. Detroit Red Wings 

They're still likely going to go with veterans on one year deals to help the kids along, and Moritz Seider is likely going to make the jump next season, giving Detroit their likely top defender. Goalie help is in short supply, and I can't see them reaching for Jesper Wallstedt this early. A trade down could happen here.

Projected pick: Brandt Clarke, D, Nove Zamky

7. San Jose Sharks 

A team in desperate need of prospects, defense is their biggest need, particularly since their top four average 32 years of age. Goalie help is also needed, but I think that gets answered via cheap FA pick up for now. If they need someone to step in now, William Eklund appears to be the most ready of the available talent, according to me.

Projected pick: William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden

8. Los Angeles Kings

Loaded with prospects everywhere but in goal, I get a feeling Los Angeles goes with the best available goalie here, the aforementioned Wallstedt. Beyond that, it's likely short term veterans filling out the roster to give a few prospects time to develop. 

Projected pick: Jesper Wallstedt, G, Lulea