One of the best clichés of NHL draft week is, "best player available." Each GM will tell the media they will select whoever is highest on their board regardless of the organizational depth chart. The statement is usually true considering the nature of the league: Players are rarely ready for the NHL right away and success rates outside the top five drop sharply -- vastly different from the NFL, where rookies are expected to make an impact immediately.
But if teams did focus mostly on their needs, who would they pick? Below are the top needs for each NHL team, in order of the 2015 NHL draft.
1. Edmonton Oilers
Need: Franchise player
The Oilers have drafted No. 1 overall three times since 2010 and have still not landed their version of Sidney Crosby or Jonathan Toews. In a market that struggles to bring in quality free agents, the only way to regain relevance is behind a truly elite player. It may also be the only way to get the most out of the super-talented 2010 top pick Taylor Hall.
Pick:
McDavid's elite offensive talent and skating ability combined with drive and work ethic put him in rare air. Dubbed the best prospect since Crosby, he has a chance to have a similar impact to the Oilers that Crosby had on a floundering Penguins team.
2. Buffalo Sabres
Need: No. 1 center
The Sabres are in need of the final piece to their rebuild, which began after spending in free agency and missing the playoffs in 2011-12. They have drafted a future No. 2 center in Sam Reinhart and potential top defenseman in Rasmus Ristolainen. In order to build into a contender in the next few years, they must add their Stamkos-like player.
Pick: C -- Jack Eichel (Boston University -- NCAA)
You might think losing the lottery would have stung the 30th place Sabres, but not this year. While he is not thought of as being on the level of McDavid, Eichel would easily be the top selection in every other draft since Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin went one and two. The Boston University product can be the offensive centerpiece that Buffalo fans haven't known since the 1970s.
3. Arizona Coyotes
Need: Scoring
While Buffalo and Edmonton are putting the finishing touches on their rebuilds, Arizona is just beginning. The Coyotes finished in 29th place after gutting their roster for futures such as the offensively-gifted Anthony Duclair. Still, there is a long way to go after scoring only 170 goals last season.
Pick: RW -- Mitch Marner (London Knights -- OHL)
The only player who scored at a better point per game clip in the OHL this season was Marner, who posted 126 points in 63 games. London's gifted forward has off-the-charts offensive instincts and hands to back them up.
4. Toronto Maple Leafs
Need: Two-way center
For quite some time, the Leafs have had offensively talented forwards such as Phil Kessel, Nazem Kadri and James Van Riemsdyk, but they have been short on centers who can dominate both ends of the ice. As a result, Toronto has regularly been one of the worst possession teams in the NHL. In full rebuild mode, it needs a center to kick off its rise.
Pick: C -- Dylan Strome (Erie Otters -- OHL)
Not only is Strome one of the most intelligent prospects in the draft, he has size, reach and puck skills that allowed him to lead the OHL in total points this season. He is not the fastest skater, but has the capability to improve possession with smart passes and defensive effort.
5. Carolina Hurricanes
Need: Complementary defenseman to Justin Faulk
Unlike many rebuilding teams, the Hurricanes have an impressive group of centers with the Staal brothers and up-and-coming Elias Lindholm and a top defenseman in Justin Faulk. They are just missing everything else. After dealing away Andrej Sekera, the 'Canes need a quality defender to help get the most out of Faulk, who scored 49 points last season on a club short on offense.
Pick: D -- Noah Hanifin (Boston College -- NCAA)
While his offensive game wasn't eye-popping at Boston College last season, Hanifin still projects as a swift-skating, do-it-all defender. He can play at a high pace, which will be required for being next to Faulk, and add size to Carolina's back end.
6. New Jersey Devils
Need: Playmaker
If this were 2008, the Devils would still be in fine shape with their offensive talents. Unfortunately, offensive drivers such as Mike Cammalleri, Scott Gomez and Patrik Elias are well past their prime. The Devils have to tear down the old pieces and build around the next wave.
Pick: RW -- Mikko Rantanen (TPS Turku -- SM Liiga)
At 6-foot-4, the Finnish winger can both make plays with his offensive skill and play "Devils hockey" with a focus on two-way play and puck possession. New Jersey has very little in the cupboard in terms of high-end skill or size up front.
7. Philadelphia Flyers
Need: Top-pair defenseman
If the Flyers asked all their defenseman under 30 to raise their hand, there would only be three hands. Over the past few years, Philadelphia has relied on elder statesmen such as Kimmo Timonen and Mark Streit to handle the tough minutes. As the Flyers try to build while still contending, they must find their next No. 1 defenseman.
Pick: D -- Ivan Provorov (Brandon Wheat Kings -- WHL)
An all-around talent, Provorov put up impressive point totals with the Brandon Wheat Kings scoring 61 points in 60 games. He is also considered an instinctual player with high hockey IQ and some physical elements in his game to boot.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets
Need: An all-around defenseman
After a strong finish to 2014-15, the Blue Jackets could be a contender for years to come with a strong base of young players and quality talents in their prime. However, they haven't received any production from former second overall pick Ryan Murray and surprisingly traded James Wisniewski, leaving their future unclear on the blue line.
Pick: D -- Zack Werenski (US NTDP)
The U.S. Development Program product has the offensive tools to add Johnson-like production while using his smarts and skating to play at both ends. The Blue Jackets were dominated in possession last season, in part because of the lack of defensemen who were at Werenski's level of puck moving ability.
9. San Jose Sharks
Need: The next Joe Thornton
While Jumbo Joe had another strong season, scoring 65 points and owning puck possession, he is one of the few remaining players born in the 1970s. The Sharks are still competitive but do not have a center who will set up teammates the way Thornton has over the past decade.
Pick: C -- Matthew Barzal (Seattle Thunderbirds -- WHL)
A highly touted playmaker, Barzal had 45 assists in 44 games in the WHL last season. After going No. 1 in the WHL draft two years ago, his statistics aren't exactly as good as expected, but he has the talent to become a high-end passer in the NHL.
10. Colorado Avalanche
Need: Versatile forward
In their top six, the Avs are as talented as anyone. They sport three top-three picks in Matt Duchane, Gabriel Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon. The problem, however, is that the rest of their lineup offered very little last season both offensively and defensively.
Pick: LW -- Lawson Crouse (Kingston Frontenacs -- OHL)
The much-debated Crouse has size, speed and the capability to play in a top six or become a role player as he did at the World Juniors. For a 6-foot-3 winger, his skating is impressive, giving him a good shot at keeping up with Patrick Roy's fast-paced game.
11. Florida Panthers
Need: Winger to complement Barkov
Florida has been stockpiling top prospects for years. Their centerpiece Barkov will need more around him for the Cats to become a true competitor.
Pick: RW -- Timo Meier (Halifax Mooseheads -- QMJHL)
The Halifax winger led the QMJHL in scoring for draft eligible players at 90 points in 61 games.
12. Dallas Stars
Need: Center depth
With stars Tyler Seguin and Jason Spezza in place, the Stars need to be able to still tilt the ice when they are on the bench -- something that didn't happen in 2014-15.
Pick: C -- Pavel Zacha (Sarnia Sting -- OHL)
At 6-foot-4, Zacha uses his size to win battles and score net-front goals. How many Stars can you currently say that about?
13. Los Angeles Kings
Need: The next Mike Richards
For all of the talent the Kings have, they made their Stanley Cup bones on shutting down opponents' offenses. Richards, who was waived last season, played a big role in that, but is likely finished as a King.
Pick: C -- Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms -- USHL)
While he isn't said to have the edge that Richards was willing to play with, Connor is touted as a quality two-way player that can skate at a high level.
14. Boston Bruins
Need: Next wave scoring
The B's got a nice surprise when 18-year-old David Pastrnak made an impact in his first season after being selected, but Boston will need to hit on more young scorers to build around its aging core without spending big.
Pick: C -- Travis Konecny (Ottawa 67's -- OHL)
Like Pastrnak, Konecny is undersized at only 5-foot-9, but his offensive talent is big. He scored 68 points in 60 games for the Ottawa 67's and added 10 more in five playoff games.
15. Calgary Flames
Need: Possession-driving winger
One of the league's worst possession teams last season, the Flames lacked players who could win puck battles and help sustain offensive pressure.
Pick: LW -- Paul Bittner (Portland Winterhawks -- WHL)
At 6-foot-4, Bittner is a hard worker who doesn't mind digging in along the walls or getting to the front of the net.
16. Edmonton Oilers
Need: Upgrade at defensive-minded center
The Oilers added Matt Hendricks and Boyd Gordon to take the tough D-zone faceoffs, but they will need more skill at the position if they want to compete with clubs like Chicago and L.A. who consistently run tough third and fourth lines.
Pick: C -- Nick Merkley (Kelowna Rockets -- WHL)
A strong, physical forward with some speed -- also added 90 points in 72 games in the WHL.
17. Winnipeg Jets
Need: Dynamic offensive talent
The Jets showed they are building a deep team that will be competitive for a long time. Their top scorer, however, still only posted 62 points last season.
Pick: RW -- Denis Guryanov (Tolyatti Lada -- KHL)
The highly skilled forward is said to have impressive speed and puck handling skill, which he flashed at the U18 Worlds.
18. Ottawa Senators
Need: Marc Methot's replacement
Erik Karlsson will, no doubt, be one of the NHL's best for a long time, but his partner Marc Methot is getting toward the end of his prime at 30. Knowing defenseman take longer to grow into their NHL, the Sens will want to find the next to play alongside their Norris Trophy winner.
Pick: D -- Thomas Chabot (St. John Sea Dogs -- QMJHL)
To play with someone like Karlsson, you have to be smart and responsible. Add some offensive talent to that and you have Chabot's projection.
19. Detroit Red Wings
Need: Offensive defenseman
Niklas Kronwall is still plugging away at 34 years old, but there are only so many miles left in the tank for the veteran Swede. There also isn't much in Detroit's system or on their current roster in terms of point-producing defensemen.
Pick: D -- Vince Dunn (Niagara Ice Dogs -- OHL)
The Niagara Ice Dogs' defenseman emerged this season as one of the most impressive producers in the OHL with 56 points in 68 games.
20. Minnesota Wild
Need: High-end scoring skill
The Wild have a good coach, stars Zach Parise and Ryan Suter in their prime and a group of puck-possessing forwards. They don't have a big time scorer. Only Parise scored over 30 goals this season.
Pick: LW -- Evgeny Svechnikov (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles -- QMJHL)
The offensively gifted 6-foot-2 winger only trailed Meier for the scoring lead in the QMJHL amongst draft eligible players.
21. Buffalo Sabres
Need: Franchise goalie
The Sabres have many quality prospects in their system, but do not have a goaltender pegged to be the next Ryan Miller.
Pick: G -- Ilya Samsonov (Magnitogorsk -- KHL)
The 6-foot-3 Russian netminder has the ceiling of a No. 1 goaltender with outstanding athleticism and puck-tracking ability.
22. Washington Capitals
Need: Mike Green's replacement
While Washington's defense improved last season with the acquisition of Matt Niskanen, they will eventually need another highly offensively skilled defender down the road.
Pick: D -- Jeremy Roy (Sherbrooke Cougars -- QMJHL)
A smooth puck handler, Roy scored 43 points in 44 games in the QMJHL last season.
23. Vancouver Canucks
Need: Center depth
At 23rd, it is impossible to find the next Henrik Sedin, but the Canucks have more problems than just the Sedins' age, they also lack bottom six forwards.
Pick: C -- Colin White (US NTDP)
White possesses a good combination of skill, intelligence and commitment to the defensive game that is needed to fit into a role in the NHL.
24. Toronto Maple Leafs
Need: Speedy defenseman
Other than Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner, the Leafs have some statue-esque defenders that they will be looking to replace during the rebuild.
Pick: D -- Oliver Kylington (Farjestads BK -- SEL)
Said to be a top-end skater, the Swedish defenseman isn't expected to post huge offensive totals but will make poised passes under duress and push the puck up ice with his speed.
25. Winnipeg Jets
Need: Defensive-minded forward
As the Jets keep in mind their team identity under centerpieces like Andrew Ladd, they could use another tough-to-play-against centerman.
Pick: C -- Joel Ek-Eriksson (Farjestads BK -- SEL)
The 6-foot-2 center did not offer much offense while playing in Sweden this season, but is projected as a faceoff winner and hard defensive forward.
26. Montreal Canadiens
Need: Size
While it might not be in vogue to find the biggest players possible anymore, the Habs are especially tiny up front.
Pick: C -- Alexander Dergachev (SKA Saint Petersburg -- KHL)
The Russian forward is 6-foot-4 and knows how to use it, playing a gritty game while adding offensive creativity.
27. Anaheim Ducks
Need: Offensive winger to take scoring reins
While Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry aren't going anywhere soon, the Ducks will have to find the next top-end offensive player to take their place. That player does not appear to currently be on the roster or in the system.
Pick: RW -- Daniel Sprong (Charlottetown Islanders -- QMJHL)
The dynamic right winger saw a jump from 68 to 88 points this season for Charlottetown of the QMJHL.
28. Tampa Bay Lightning
Need: Shutdown center to take pressure off Stamkos
The Ducks used Ryan Kesler for tough minutes, Chicago used Marcus Kruger at times and Tampa was forced to give their superstar all the toughest ice time.
Pick: C -- Jansen Harkins (Prince George Cougars -- WHL)
Expected to be a two-way center, Harkins also flashed high-end passing skill with 59 assists in the WHL.
29. Philadelphia Flyers
Need: Replacement for aging defensemen
Even if they select a young defenseman like Provorov and have prospect Sam Morin step up to the NHL, the Flyers are still playing catch up in rebuilding their back end and Andrew MacDonald isn't getting any younger -- or better.
Pick: D -- Jakub Zboril (Saint John Sea Dogs -- QMJHL)
The 6-foot-1 D-man has decent size to go along with strong puck carrying and distributing ability.
30. Arizona Coyotes
Need: Compliment to Oliver Ekman-Larsson
With Keith Yandle gone, someone will eventually have to provide a solid partner for the superstar.
Pick: D -- Brandon Carlo (Tri City Americans -- WHL)
The Tri City defender's size (6-foot-5) and defensive ability could make him a strong No. 2 or No. 4 type defenseman who adds a stay-at-home presence to a blue line.
46. Pittsburgh Penguins
Need: A better Brandon Sutter
Since Jordan Staal was traded to Carolina, the Penguins have failed to replace his role as a shutdown center.
Pick: C -- Julius Nattinen (JYP Jyvaskyla -- SM Liiga)
The Finnish forward is considered a hard-working, two-way center with good size at 6-foot-2.
54. Chicago Blackhawks
Need: High risk, high reward offensive talent
The Blackhawks can keep taking swings at offensively gifted, yet flawed players because their stars are already in place.
Pick: C -- Thomas Novak (Waterloo Blackhawks -- USHL)
A creative winger and hard-worker, Chicago could give him all the time he'd need to develop into an NHL playmaker.
55. Nashville Predators
Need: Center who can handle tough minutes
The Predators have an offensively gifted center in 20-year-old Filip Forsberg, who scored 63 points last season, but to get the most out of Forsberg, they will need a shutdown center to carry some of the tough minutes.
Pick: C -- Nathan Noel (Saint John Sea Dogs -- QMJHL)
While his size is not impressive (5-foot-11, 180 pounds), Noel has the possession skills, intelligence and motor to become a strong role player. He does not project as a big time scorer, but did come through in the playoffs with five goals in five games for the Sea Dogs.
56. St. Louis Blues
Need: Point-producing defenseman
The future of St. Louis' blue line is bright with top-notch defender Alex Pietrangelo and talented power play producer Kevin Shattenkirk. However, as the league shifts to deep, mobile defenses, the Blues will need another offensive talent behind their big names.
Pick: D -- Rasmus Andersson (Barrie Colts -- OHL)
The Swedish defenseman is the type who can step up and lead the rush with his offensive instincts and quickness. For the Colts this season, he posted 52 assists in 67 games.
59. New York Rangers
Need: Next wave of pure offensive skill
After moving Anthony Duclair to acquire Yandle, the Rangers will need to replace potential scoring talent within their system.
Pick: RW -- Jeremy Bracco (US NTDP)
Size is an issue at only 5-foot-10, but Bracco is touted as having some of the best hands in the draft.
72. New York Islanders
Need: Future goaltender
After years of struggling to find a netminder, Jaroslav Halak gave the Isles some stability at the position. The problem? Halak is 30-years-old and only has a few more seasons of his prime left.
Pick: G -- Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie Colts -- OHL)
The Barrie keeper looks the part for NHL goalies in 2015 at 6-foot-4, 190-pounds. He is known for his coolness in net and smooth movements between the pipes.