A quick mock draft despite the fact that I’m not the biggest fan of them. A few tidbits:
I think Edmonton might try to trade up in an attempt to get Monahan. That would change the draft quite a bit right off the hop. It would probably cost them a lot to move up though.
If Buffalo passes on Nichushkin, my next best guesses would be the Devils or Dallas. I think the Devils will try to trade back and take Fucale, but would be willing to still grab him number 9 as well. The Islanders were a tough one to mock. I could see Zykov as the forward but I went with the Dman. If the Coyotes don’t take Nurse he could end up being the pick by the Jets. Philly and Risto seem like a match made in heaven. He has a nasty streak, I really like him.
1. Colorado – Seth Jones D
2. Florida – Nathan Mackinnon F
3. Tampa – Jonathan Drouin F
4. Nashville – Alex Barkov F
5. Carolina – Sean Monahan F
6. Calgary – Elias Lindholm F
7. Edmonton – Bo Horvat F
8. Buffalo – Valeri Nichushkin F
9. New Jersey– Zach Fucale G
10. Dallas – Alex Wennberg F
11. Philly – Rasmus Ristolainen D
12. Phoenix – Darnell Nurse D
13. Winnipeg – Max Domi F
14. Columbus – Curtis Lazar F
15. New York Isles – Nikita Zadorov
Mark Edwards is Director of Scouting for HockeyProspect.com. Their 2013 NHL Draft Guide & 2013 NHL Draft Blackbook is available for download. ◉