The 2016 NHL draft is in the books, and now it's time to dissect how each team did.
These grades are based solely on the picks made, based on my evaluations of the players, and does not include any trades or other moves made during the weekend. Total value is the basis for the grade. We do not assess teams' alternative options at a slot, or their fit into an organization in this grade.
The teams are listed in alphabetical order, but to skip to a specific team click on the link below:
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF | CGY | CAR | CHI | COL | CLS | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA | LA | MIN | MON | NSH | NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ | STL | TB | TOR | VAN | WSH | WPG
Anaheim Ducks: B
Organizational assessment: Anaheim held steady in my view, given its first four picks were right around the range I had them slotted. I also like the Tyler Soy pick in the 200s. I had stopped tracking him closely this season, but he could be a guy who can take this class from solid to above average, assuming guys like Max Jones and Sam Steel pan out how I think they will.
First-round picks: Jones is a top offensive talent. He is a coordinated puck handler with a fair amount of creativity and the ability to make defenders miss in open ice. Jones has worked on his defensive play this season. His biggest remaining issues are discipline and decisions. He can cough the puck up at times, and he takes a lot of bad penalties, which shows that he can be pushed over the edge.
No. 30 pick Steel has above-average to top-end skating, hands and hockey IQ. He can play the game with a quick tempo, and shows the ability to make defenders miss with his feet and hands, while also showing the vision to create for others. Steel is not one-dimensional, and he has shown decent defensive prowess by being an effective penalty killer for his junior team and for Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka tournament.
Notable Day 2 picks: Josh Mahura missed most of the season from a knee injury. When healthy, he's an easy, four-way skater who can get up into the attack and recovers very easily on his backward motions. His puck movement is solid, and he shows the ability to be an average power-play quarterback, with some flashes of top-level creativity. Mahura exhibits decent grit in battles and has the hockey IQ to play his position.
Jack Kopacka is a good skater with an explosive first step, and he's dangerous when coming through the neutral zone with the puck. He shows the ability to make plays to his teammates, has above-average puck skills and can score from a distance. He has a decent frame but isn't the most physical player or a guy you would put over the boards first to kill a penalty. Tyler Soy was listed as a top 100 prospect in this space last year. He's a smart, skilled player and his goal-scoring certainly raised an eyebrow this season, clearing 45 in the WHL. His skating remains a concern though.
Arizona Coyotes: A-
Organizational assessment: Not including the Anthony DeAngelo trade and sticking to the players drafted, I still loved what Arizona did. The Coyotes got an elite prospect in my eye in Clayton Keller, and a player on the very next tier in Jakob Chychrun. By also adding Cam Dineen -- one of the top OHL defensemen -- they added a large amount of talent in a small number of picks to that system. One could realistically expect two solid NHL regulars from this class, even though they had only five picks.
First-round picks: One of the best players ever to participate at the USNTDP, Clayton Keller put up monstrous numbers between his USHL, collegiate and international performances. He's a complete offensive player who seems to generate chances and display distinct puck-moving abilities whenever he takes a shift. Keller never seems rattled with the puck, and makes the right plays seem easy.
Son of former No. 47 overall pick (1984) Jeff Chychrun, Jakob Chychrun has been on the prospect radar for years, as one of the top players in the 1998 age group for a while; that includes his being the top pick in his OHL draft year. He's an advanced positional player, and given his very strong frame and great work ethic, he is a very reliable penalty killer. Offensively, he shows the ability to move the puck well and make some skill plays, but he can make some bad decisions and doesn't show high-end creativity.
Notable Day 2 pick: Cam Dineen has good raw offensive qualities; he brings above-average mobility and hands to the table. However, the biggest reason for his success is his hockey sense. Dineen is one of the smartest players in this class. He takes the extra second to make a play and evades pressure as well as anyone. His timing on his passes is always spot-on, and he knows when and when not to jump up into the attack. He isn't an overly flashy player, but he has shown this season that he can be a very effective two-way defenseman.
Boston Bruins: B
Organizational assessment: Boston reached for Trent Frederic in the first round; he's a fine two-way center, but I don't buy top-six forward upside at all. The opportunity cost at that slot stands out to me. Aside from that pick, the Bruins got a decent amount of talent. Oskar Steen in the 160s is great value in my eye.
First-round picks: Charlie McAvoy was one of the better freshmen in the country this season, as he served as a key puck-moving defenseman for Boston University and played a lesser role for the Americans at the WJC. McAvoy is an offensive defenseman at heart, and he excels when he has the puck on his stick. Defensively, he'll have good and bad days. He's not spectacular at checking good players or playing the body with force, and he is prone to brain cramps in his positioning and decision-making.
A two-way center who was relied on to play key minutes, Trent Frederic was inconsistent on the offensive end. He has a big, strong frame and is quite effective in one-on-one battles. He's a pretty good penalty killer who gets in lanes and wins pucks. His skating, on the other hand, worries me a little. He's not really fast, relying on his power game -- as opposed to a quick burst -- to get to the net. He is committed to the University of Wisconsin starting next season.
Notable Day 2 picks: Ryan Lindgren is a good skater who can join the rush effectively, and he has the mobility to stay with quick forwards. He handles the puck well and shows the occasional flash of top-level skill, but he mostly contains himself to good, short passes. Lindgren is a tough competitor who battles for pucks as hard as anybody and will lay out some crushing hits on occasion. His decision-making isn't perfect, but it's not a huge hole in his game. His shot could be a little better too.
Joona Koppanen measures in a 6-foot-5 and skates pretty well for such a big guy. He's an aggressive forechecker who works his tail off and can be a very good penalty killer. He just doesn't accomplish much when the puck is on his stick.
Oskar Steen is a good to a very good skater. He's an energetic player, and wins battles thanks to that work ethic and having the speed to pressure opponents. His skill is not at an all-world level, but he certainly has solid puck skills and vision, and can pull off some high-level plays on occasion. Steen is useful defensively, killing penalties at the international level and in junior play before his promotion to the SHL side.
Buffalo Sabres: B+
Organizational assessment: Buffalo did very well on both days. I didn't rate Casey Fitzgerald in my top 100, but he wasn't too far off, and I can certainly see the appeal of his skill. Vasili Glotov has some sleeper potential too, as he's got a great base of talent. Overall, the Sabres added depth and quality.
First-round pick: Brother of Leafs prospect William Nylander and son of former NHLer Michael Nylander, Alexander was one of the top scorers in the OHL this season, and was one of the top under-18 scorers ever at the WJC. His skill level and his offensive hockey sense are elite. Nylander's speed is not elite, but it's certainly above-average and flashes a grade above on top of his being very agile on his edges. He also features a quality wrist shot. Nylander's defense could still use work. He shows strong work ethic, and you can envision him cleaning up that area with proper development.
Notable Day 2 picks: Although Rasmus Asplund didn't translate his strong international play to great success in the SHL this season, he's still a pretty desirable prospect. There are split opinions on him within the industry, with some scouts seeing an NHL tweener and others seeing a player with a very good chance to become a top-six center. Asplund's best trait is his hockey sense. Asplund is also an above-average skater with great agility on his edges and a good first step. His 5-foot-11 frame works against him, and his strength needs to go a long way before he's NHL-ready, but he shows the capability to be a solid defensive center, despite his size.
Cliff Pu skates very well for a player with a pro-sized body. He can jet through the neutral zone and pressure opponents well. He's got a decent touch with the puck, able to handle in tight spaces just fine and flash some top-level plays. He can play center reliably and be a quality penalty killer. Pu is a very bright individual, but his hockey IQ hasn't shown well at times. I've always noticed the skating and skill with Casey Fitzgerald, but given his size and lackluster defensive play, the question has and remains to be if his skill is high enough given his limitations.
I ground my teeth leaving Vojtech Budik just off my top 100. Over the years he's shown the ability to be a pretty solid yet unspectacular two-way defenseman, and despite low point totals this season he could have more offense to show as he develops. Brandon Hagel is a very good skater with quality agility to evade checks, and a good top gear that allows him to gain the zone. He's solid with the puck, and will sacrifice his body to get it back. Buffalo native Austin Osmanski is a big defenseman who skates reasonably well for a guy his size, and can kill penalties, but brings little offense to the table other than the occasional puck carry.
Calgary Flames: A-
Organizational assessment: Calgary was too aggressive going after Tyler Parsons at 54, but aside from that, I thought Calgary absolutely killed it. Seven of its nine picks were in my top 100, and one was just outside. Adam Fox at 66 was one of the better value picks in the draft, and getting one of the most dynamic scorers in the WHL in Matthew Phillips in the sixth round has the potential to be a solid value pick as well.
First-round pick: Keith Tkachuk's son Matthew Tkachuk has been a standout for years at multiple levels. He was great last season in the USHL and with the USNTDP, and was a top player at the world under-18 championship, and a top player this season in the OHL. He is a multidimensional scoring winger. He has great vision and offensive creativity, and makes quick, precise decisions with the puck. He can dangle defensemen, and create offense out of nothing. He wins more than his fair share of battles, and is his father's son on some days, being a pain in the rear for many defenders and goalies.
Notable Day 2 picks: Tyler Parsons is a very competitive goalie who battles at a very high level. Despite not having elite athleticism, Parsons often ended up on the highlight reel due to his ability to make the extra effort. He's got a fine glove hand and can go outside his body to get a puck. He's got very good hockey sense, and can play a quiet, sound game in net.
Dillon Dube plays all situations effectively. He's a very good skater with a powerful first few steps, and he brings a high level of energy to most shifts. Despite subpar size, he battles for pucks effectively, kills penalties well and will throw a few hits around too. When he's on his scoring game, he can dangle, set his teammates up and score from outside the paint. You see flashes of top-end skill from Dube, but it isn't there consistently.
Adam Fox has big-time offensive upside and some of the best offensive tools among the draft-eligible defensemen. He can control the play very well in all three zones, shows great patience, creativity and vision, and creates space well with his puck skills. Fox has shown some improvement defensively, but that remains a big issue in his game. A small defender is never going to dominate in that area, and he has been a little inconsistent in terms of positioning on that end.
Linus Lindstrom is often one of the first guys over the boards to kill a penalty, in spite of below-average size, which is because of his very good hockey sense and work ethic. He's no slouch offensively, either. Lindstrom has above-average vision and can occasionally flash a tick above that level. Mitchell Mattson has some huge fans in the industry, but some who are not, and I'm in the latter camp. He's got some intriguing tools; he's a big guy who can handle the puck well, but I question his hockey IQ. It would be more convincing that he's a top prospect if his lengthy USHL stint wasn't a disaster towards the end of the season.
Eetu Tuulola is a very good puck handler for a big man, he has a cannon swing and can finish scoring chances from a significant distance with a forceful wrist shot. He's effective in front of the net, using his frame and hands to create havoc for goalies. Tuulola's skating is a significant hole in his arsenal due to his sluggish stride. Matthew Phillips is one of the better skaters in this draft class. He is a battler who goes to the net, although overall, his off-the-puck play is -- and will continue to be -- a significant issue due to his 5-foot-7 frame.
Stepan Falkovsky turned heads with a solid WJC performance for Belarus, and has been solid in the OHL too. He skates well for a 6-foot-7 giant, capable of making an outlet and has a rocket from the point. His IQ lags, and he can be bad if not brutal at times defensively.
Carolina Hurricanes: B
Organizational assessment: Carolina did well on its first three picks, getting a number of guys with a high amount of talent and really changing the forward look in its farm system. The Hurricanes' second day left a sour taste in my mouth, though. The players they selected -- like Matt Filipe, Hudson Elynuik and Max Zimmer -- are fine prospects, but not guys in whom I see great NHL potential. I didn't have Jeremy Hellvig in my top 10 goalies, but he wasn't way outside that range, and I've seen him play well enough that he may be my favorite value pick they made on Day 2.
First-round picks: Jake Bean was one of the top defenders in the WHL this season, which is pretty incredible given that he was never drafted into the WHL and has improved by leaps and bounds. He's certainly an offensively tilted player, with above-average hands, and high-end vision on top of having a quality shot. Despite average size and skating, he's still a decent defensive player due to his hockey sense, and could potentially play on a second PK unit at his peak in the NHL.
Julien Gauthier was one of the top goal scorers in the CHL this season, and he was the only draft-eligible player to make Team Canada's team at the WJC. Gauthier is an exciting and dynamic scorer who brings a lot of plus physical attributes to the table. He is a 6-foot-4 forward who is a good skater, and I'd classify him as a high-end one for a big man. His defensive game could use some work, though, as he can be a little loose on his positioning.
Notable Day 2 picks: Janne Kuokkanen has a strong burst in his skating and is able to ratchet up to a solid top gear. He can make skill plays, move it quickly up the ice, and maintain possession in tight spaces. He has a decent power game in his arsenal, as I've seen him drive the net front area and protect the puck effectively. Defensively, he cheats a little and could stand to clean up that part of his game.
Matt Filipe isn't really an NHL prospect to me. Big strong kid, works hard, physical, OK touch with the puck, but it remains to be seen if he can be a top-six forward even in the AHL. Hudson Elyniuk has good skill for a 6-foot-5 forward but mediocre overall and his skating is slushy. Some scouts I know love Max Zimmer, but aside from his skating I don't see much from him in terms of NHL attributes. Noah Carroll didn't see his points increase much this season, but he logged a lot of ice time in all situations on a poor Guelph team. He's big, he's mobile and I see enough two-way IQ to think he can improve.
Chicago Blackhawks: B+
Organizational assessment: Chicago targeted highly skilled players -- some whom I didn't have ranked as high as they were taken -- but I could see reasonable arguments for taking Chad Krys and Artur Kayumov. Wouter Peeters confused me a little; was he really a necessary pick at that slot? I think the Lucas Carlsson, Matthias From and Jake Ryczek picks made up for that, as solid later selections.
Notable Day 2 picks: The diminutive Alex DeBrincat has been one of the top scorers in the CHL during the past two seasons. He's a highly skilled winger who shows above-average to high-end speed, puck skills, vision and finishing skill. DeBrincat is constantly buzzing around the ice making all sorts of offensive plays. His elite hockey sense allows him to be in the right place and control the puck with confidence. In terms of the negatives, DeBrincat is very small, coming in at 5-foot-7, but has a real tenacity to his game.
Chad Krys shows the ability to quarterback the power play with his poise and IQ. He's an agile skater with above-average speed as well. Krys' 5-foot-11 frame is an obvious concern, coupled with the fact he's not a high-end defensive player and makes the odd hiccup; this raises notable concerns about his projection. Artur Kayumov is a very good skater, displaying above-average to high-end speed and acceleration. He's able to slow the game down with the puck, making deft touch plays and evading pressure.
Lucas Carlsson displays solid-to-average stick skills, with fine mobility and straight-line speed. He's a very smart and patient puck mover, and on defense he makes stops using good positioning and stick play. He can also win some battles, and is able to kill penalties. I had Nathan Noel in my top 100 last season, and while he didn't perform as well as I thought he would this season there are still parts of his game I like. Namely, he's a very good skater and puck handler even though he's not the best physically.
I wish had seen more of Jake Ryczek, because of the little I did see, he showed a lot of potential. Great skater, moves the puck well and with intelligence; the issue is he's on the small side.
Colorado Avalanche: B
Organizational assessment: The Tyson Jost selection at 10 was about where I thought he would be a good value, but they were way too aggressive in taking Cam Morrison at 40. I just don't see the significant offensive upside for him there -- he belonged more toward the third round, in my view -- and there was too much talent on the board. Same can be said for the Josh Anderson pick. Adam Werner is not a guy I'm very familiar with, but in limited viewings he impressed me.
First-round pick: Tyson Jost was simply fantastic this season, putting up huge numbers for a 17-year-old in the BCHL, even when you adjust for its lesser league quality. He is a dynamic, athletic center with decent off-the-puck skills as well. Jost is one of the better skaters in this draft class, with an easy, explosive stride whose first few steps will be able to evade NHL checkers.
Notable Day 2 picks: Scouts I've talked to praise Cameron Morrison's skating, but I never saw a truly high-level gear in my viewings this season. I'm not a huge believer in his hockey sense, but there's optimism due to his frame, his touch with the puck and his shot; people I trust around the USHL seem to think there is something there. I know some scouts who swear by Josh Anderson and see more offense than he's shown so far -- which has been very little. I'm wary about him being more than a banger and a good penalty killer.
Travis Barron didn't have as strong a draft season as some would have hoped for the former third overall pick in his OHL draft class. He works hard, can play at both ends, and shows average skill, but not beyond that.
Columbus Blue Jackets: B+
Organizational assessment: I would not have taken Pierre-Luc Dubois at 3 or Andrew Peeke at 34; however, at the end of the day Columbus got a lot of talent in its system. With a base of Dubois and Zach Werenski at the top of the system, plus adding Vitali Abramov to the ranks of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Sonny Milano, Columbus looks to be making an argument as a top-tier system.
First-round pick: Pierre-Luc Dubois was one of the best players in the QMJHL this season and nearly made Canada's WJC team. I've never watched Dubois play and come away thinking he's the best skater or the best puck handler in a given match, but he always makes a positive contribution. He's a very physically developed player, who is strong, competitive on the ice, drives to the dirty areas, and is committed to his fitness off the ice. The Quebec native projects as an NHL forward who can be slotted into a variety of roles, and has a low-risk factor on his projection.
Notable Day 2 picks: Andrew Peeke is a good skater, and is extremely fluid and mobile for a 6-foot-3 defenseman. He evades pressure well to create space on outlets, and is able to join the rush fairly effectively. Peeke moves the puck well, showing solid vision and overall offensive instincts. However, his puck skills are poor, and in tight pressure, he can't skate away from challenges. Peeke's defense is fine, with his positioning being a slight issue, but his mobility, size and work ethic allow him to be a quality defender.
Vitaly Abramov landed in North America with a bang, as one of the top-scoring 17-year-olds in the CHL and the highest scorer on the Olympiques by 20 points. He's a well-rounded offensive player with a lot of flair to his game. Abramov is a skilled, confident puck handler who can make dynamic stick plays with consistency. He shows a lot of creativity in how he creates space and tries to generate scoring chances, and he displays above-average to high-end vision, as well. His size is a hindrance, as he comes in at about 5-foot-9, but he works hard to try to get pucks.
Calvin Thurkauf is a pretty good skater who can kill penalties. His skill isn't above-average, but he's got decent hand-eye coordination.
Dallas Stars: C
Organizational assessment: Dallas picking Riley Tufte in the first was reasonable; I know of some teams that had him a lot higher. I had him slightly lower, but he's a very talented big man, so I see the appeal. I didn't like the Stars' Day 2 picks, with the Fredrik Karlstrom pick seeming a little high in particular. I think Nicholas Caamano has the potential to be a decent pro however, given how good he's been and how young he is.
First-round pick: Riley Tufte measures in at around 6-foot-5, but he skates like a 5-foot-10 forward. He has an incredibly explosive stride and first step; combined with his frame, that makes him a headache for defensemen when he's coming down the wing. His defensive play was fine at the high school ranks for Blaine High (Minnesota), but against the higher level of competition in the USHL, some holes were exposed in the way he plays his position. As always with top high school prospects, questions of pace and quality of competition will loom over Tufte until he shows it at a consistent level versus better players.
Notable Day 2 picks: Rhett Gardner is a big man who is physical and works hard and is versatile. He became an important piece for North Dakota in all situations as the season went along. Nicolas Caamano skates well and works hard, and while I was underwhelmed with his puck play and offensive IQ, he is a very young player -- being a week from being 2017 eligible. Perhaps there's some more offense to squeeze out as he ages and gets stronger.
Detroit Red Wings: B-
Organizational assessment: Overall this was not one of my favorite Detroit drafts. I know many people in the industry love Dennis Cholowski, but I'm not a huge fan of him going in the first -- maybe a round later he'd be at value. Givani Smith and Filip Hronek were picks I was fine with. Smith may seem high, but he showed a skill/power combo that could be attractive. Detroit is known for getting Europeans who aren't as high-profile, such as its later Day 2 picks. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I have to go on what I know, so the Wings get dinged a bit.
First-round pick: Dennis Cholowski has above-average offensive tools across the board. He has the top speed to be able to rush the puck effectively and can evade pressure off his edges just fine. Cholowski's physical game, however, is a significant issue. He is undersized and can have a real tough time winning one-on-one battles. Defensively, he's not a world killer, either.
Notable Day 2 picks: Givani Smith is one of the most physical players in the class. He shows a solid pair of mitts too, being able to generate some space for himself with the puck. Neither his speed nor his puck skills are amazing, but he'll be able to carry himself in those areas with pros. His discipline is a major issue, as you often hear scouts describe him as "reckless" and a "headache" in terms of the penalties he takes.
Filip Hronek has quick feet and is able to close his gaps and join the rush effectively. He has a decent work ethic, but his thin, small frame holds him back from winning battles, and he can be manhandled in the defensive zone. His defense isn't horrible, but improving the physical aspects of his game will go a long way toward rectifying those issues. Jordan Sambrook came out of nowhere to some degree this season. He was useful for Erie as a puck mover and someone who could get up into the rush, and he was not incompetent defensively.
Edmonton Oilers: A-
Organizational assessment: The Oilers were jumping for joy to get Jesse Puljujarvi, a legit star-level prospect, but they also did well on the second day. In my mind, Tyler Benson could have gone in the middle of the first round, and once healthy he should be able to regain top form. Markus Niemelainen and Aapeli Rasanen are safer picks, but good two-way players who should be able to advance through the system to the AHL at least. Graham McPhee is a home run swing; while not very impressive this past season, he is noteworthy due to his skill. Overall, a very solid class for the Oilers.
First-round pick: Jesse Puljujarvi is one of the most exciting prospects Finland has ever produced. He's a big, explosive winger, who was the second-highest scoring 17-year-old ever at the world junior championship, tied with Eric Lindros and a point behind Jaromir Jagr. At his ultimate upside, he could be one of the more dynamic scorers in the NHL.
Notable Day 2 picks: A former elite prospect for many years, Tyler Benson's season was upended thanks to several injuries to his lower body and back. Even when he was playing, he was at 50 percent at the best of times. Benson has great instincts, constantly finding seams to get the puck to his teammates or the net. His skating isn't superb, but I thought it was decent prior to this season, with the injuries possibly accentuating the issues he has. I'm banking on a recovery and a return to top form next season, but he's clearly one of this class' biggest wild cards.
Markus Niemelainen's skill isn't high-end, but he moves the puck at a solid-to-average level and has decent offensive instincts. Niemelainen is a hard-working player who will use his size to his advantage, but he needs to bulk up a fair amount. One criticism has been that he can look somewhat bland, never particularly dominating a game or making elite-level plays at either end. Dylan Wells moves around in the crease as well as any goalie in this class. He's got explosive feet and good reflexes, and he makes one or two unbelievable saves in each game. His positioning is subpar, though. Often he gets caught too deep in his crease or trying to cut off an angle at the wrong time and leaving himself vulnerable.
Graham McPhee didn't put up a ton of points this season, but I would certainly count him as a highly skilled player. He just has to put it all together. Aapeli Rasanen is a very smart center who can slow the game down and create chances while appearing to exert minimal effort. Rasanen is at his best as a playmaker, but he takes his shots when he gets a lane, and he has a decent cannon when he does so. His skating is his most noticeable hole to me.
Florida Panthers: B-
Organizational assessment: The Panthers liked Henrik Borgstrom a lot. While I see the appeal of a big, skilled center who just had a massive growth spurt, I'm also concerned about the lack of high-level play. Adam Mascherin is a pick I liked, due to how much of a shot and scoring machine he was in the OHL. They injected some talent in their system, but I thought they could have done better.
First-round pick: Henrik Borgstrom is a second-year draft-eligible prospect. He's a big man with above-average hands, vision and finishing skill who was one of the top scorers in the Finnish junior league; he was not in the Finnish pro league due to the fact he's leaving for college hockey at the University of Denver this upcoming season. He's not an all-world talent, but can make a fair number of plays with the puck. His skating is the major issue in his game, as he's got a bit of a sluggish stride. As one NHL exec put it, "he has a ton of talent, but he's very raw."
Notable Day 2 picks: I polled a lot of scouts about Adam Mascherin, and the common themes were "goal scorer" and "elite shot." While Mascherin can snipe it from a distance, he has other strong attributes to his game, including above-average puck skills and great overall offensive instincts. Mascherin is able to find teammates, anticipate where the play is going, and find ways to put himself in the right position. His biggest flaw is his skating. He is a roughly average skater and notably below-average for a smaller player, in terms of his speed and first-step agility.
I'm not too high on Linus Nassen, but he seems to have enough hockey sense and skating skills to be interesting; I just don't think there's a ton of upside. Jonathan Ang is a dynamic skater and puck handler who can execute on very difficult offensive plays. He is a small player who has been dinged in the past for his off-the-puck work, but he was able to steadily get more reliable defensive minutes, even killing penalties along the way.
Riley Stillman has some intriguing attributes: He skates well, works hard and wins battles, and was an assistant captain as a 17-year-old -- a testament to his leadership skills. He isn't horrific offensively, but there isn't a ton of skill in his game. Maxim Mamin is a winger with good speed, a good physical game, and a willingness to grind for pucks.
Los Angeles Kings: B-
Organizational assessment: The Kings get a low grade, but they didn't give their scouts much hope with low picks and relatively few of them. With what they did have, I liked the Kale Clague and Jacob Moverare selections, but don't see Jacob Friend as getting better than an OK AHLer at the very best.
Notable Day 2 picks: Kale Clague has been a big name in the prospect world for a number of years. Although he didn't have as stellar a season as expected, he was quite effective as a two-way defenseman and showed well in his time playing for the Canadian under-17 team. He is one of the best pure skaters in this draft class. Although I don't love his puck skills, Clague shows high-end vision with the puck and projects as a useful power-play option. Defensively, he's a feisty player despite being undersized.
Jacob Moverare is consistently solid. He's big, but there is a lot more to his game than size. He is a quality puck mover who can make good touch plays and doesn't panic under pressure. Defensively, he understands the position, doesn't shy from leaning on his checks and wins a lot of battles.
Minnesota Wild: C+
Organizational assessment: Minnesota had only four picks, but still got two guys I ranked in the first round, in Luke Kunin and Dmitri Sokolov. The latter fell like a rock all season, but I still believe in him to a degree. Quantity matters though, and as of now, the Wild's system is a little thin.
First-round pick: Luke Kunin was Wisconsin's best player this season as a freshman, and generated insane shot totals for a player in his first season, nearly hitting the 4.0 mark per game. Kunin's speed is above-average, and on occasion I've seen him touch a real separation gear as well. He plays with skill and intensity, showing the ability to go around and through defenders. There really isn't a ton to nitpick in the Missouri native's game, other than he probably won't be an NHL game-breaker, but I definitely can see him making a long career of some form in the league.
Notable Day 2 pick: The big issues scouts have had with Dmitri Sokolov are his skating and his weight. He weight over 220 pounds at times during the season, but he managed to get down to 205 toward the end of the season. In terms of positives, Sokolov is a highly skilled forward with an elite shot who can dominate based on his puck skills, hockey IQ and power game. He's a competitive player who notably improved his defensive play as the season went on. Despite all the doom and gloom, he scored 30 goals on a very bad Sudbury team while playing with a dislocated shoulder, and many hockey folks from Russia still believe in his upside.
Montreal Canadiens: B
Organizational assessment: The Habs didn't have a second-round pick (thanks to trading them away), but I still thought they did fine, particularly in their first three picks. Will Bitten and Victor Mete were both rated much higher for me than where they were picked, and I see NHL tools in them.
First-round pick: Mikhail Sergachev had a very strong rookie season in the OHL, displaying two-way abilities and putting up big counting numbers from the blue line. He was the youngest player ever to win the OHL Defenseman of the Year award. His defensive positioning can use some tweaking, but he shows a decent amount of awareness in that area, even if I wouldn't qualify his hockey IQ as high-end. He's a player with a lot of upside.
Notable Day 2 picks: In what was otherwise a disastrous season for the Flint Firebirds, Will Bitten was a bright spot who stood out as one of the OHL's top 17-year-old forwards. He's an explosive skater who brings a lot of energy to every shift due to his speed and competitiveness. He's also a skilled offensive player who can make high-difficulty plays with the puck and shows creativity with his passes. Bitten has the speed and work ethic to be a fine penalty killer, and though he'll occasionally cheat off his man on the point, overall he plays with the intensity you want in a checker.
Victor Mete is one of the best skaters in this draft class. He can explode up the ice and lead a rush as well as anybody in the CHL, and he is quite agile. His puck skills aren't high-end, but he can make some plays in open ice, and he moves the puck around well. He's a small defender, but he is actually quite solid defensively and was often relied on by London in key defensive situations.
Nashville Predators: B+
Organizational assessment: Stop me if you've heard this before, but the Predators really loaded up on defense. Between Dante Fabbro and Samuel Girard, and to a lesser degree Frederic Allard, the Preds brought in some very skilled and particularly smart defensemen. Rem Pitlick is intriguing as well, but to a lesser degree. Their last few picks didn't do much for me, although Patrick Harper has some sleeper potential.
First-round pick: An outstanding two-way defenseman who was the best defenseman in the BCHL this season, Dante Fabbro also had strong showings in international play. His hockey IQ is among the best in this draft class. His passes are accurate but also very crisp, as he puts his full weight into a lot of his breakout passes. He's got a decent frame, will engage his checks physically and is a quality positional player. He is committed to play next season at Boston University.
Notable Day 2 picks: One of the most dangerous draft-eligible offensive defensemen the QMJHL has seen in decades, Samuel Girard was great the past two seasons. He's an elite skater and one of the most elusive small-space skaters I've seen in a few years. I don't love his shot, but he's very good at creating for his teammates and opening up the ice. Girard's main knock is his size, as he comes in at a sturdy 5-foot-9. He won't win a ton of battles, but he's competitive, doesn't tend to cross the line with penalties and can win a least a handful of puck battles.
Rem Pitlick displays a solid north-south game as he barrels down the ice with energy and great speed and then attacks the goal, despite being an undersized forward. Stickhandling is solid for Pitlick, and he also has a very good shot, which helped him to clear the 40-goal mark this season. His size is an issue, as is his lack of top-end playmaking ability. Frederic Allard thinks about the game at a very high level, showing a high panic threshold with the puck. He makes creative plays on the power play, transitions the puck very well, and is able to hold on to the puck for an extra second to make the right play. He's not a standout defensive player, but is able to be solid positionally and stay with his checks.
Patrick Harper isn't an elite talent and is on the small side, but I've been impressed in my viewings. Harper has pretty good speed and solid hands, and he can be a primary starting point for the offense on the power play.
New Jersey Devils: B
Organizational assessment: The Devils had a large quantity of picks and used them well, even though they didn't get to pick in the top 10. Nathan Bastian was a little high for me at 41. I see some of the appeal, but thought his linemates Michael McLeod and Alex Nylander carried him a little this past season. I love the Joey Anderson pick at 73, Yegor Rykov at 132, Jesper Bratt at 162, and, to a lesser degree, Mikhail Maltsev at 102. That's a lot of skill acquired late in the draft. The Devils' system was thin coming into this weekend, and this helped solve some of those depth issues, even if they didn't get a game-breaking prospect.
First-round pick: Mississauga native Michael McLeod had a very good season for the Steelheads. He is a highly skilled and competitive center who brings a lot of elements to the table. He's an elite skater, which is a remarkable trait for a 6-foot-2 player. He plays with such a tenacious energy to his game, and his first few steps are as good as anyone in the draft. The main concern for McLeod is how high his offensive upside is, and if his instincts, vision and overall IQ are high-end enough to create enough offense without his big speed advantage once he reaches the NHL.
Notable Day 2 picks: Nathan Bastian is a two-way forward with power elements in his game. He shows solid stick skills and has the ability to make creative offensive plays to maintain possession. Bastian is a big, strong forward who grinds out battles and plays every shift hard.
Joey Anderson was known this season for sometimes being the third wheel on the USNTDP's top line with Clayton Keller and Kieffer Bellows. However, he was solid in his own right and provided versatility to that top line and the team as a whole. Anderson gets the greasy goals and shows a great work ethic and willingness to attack the net. He isn't all elbows, though, as he has above-average skill and very good speed and can move the puck around just fine. He was never carried by the big duo he played with, as he often made quality plays to keep the puck alive and occasionally made a top-level skill play. He was often relied upon as a penalty killer, and he frequently proved to be a shorthanded scoring threat.
I considered Brandon Gignac for my final top 100 board due to one thing: his skating. The kid can absolutely jet, on top of having a solid pair of hands. Evan Cormier struggled this season after what looked like a promising 2015 season. He's big and moves side-to-side fine, but he struggles to read the faster pace of play in major junior. Yegor Rykov doesn't have one standout ability -- he's not going to blaze by on a rush, or lay a crushing hit -- but I don't see a glaring weakness in his game. He skates well, he can move the puck, he has some offensive creativity, and he is a reliable positional defender who has shown the ability to check the best players in his age group as well as older players.
Jesper Bratt is a small yet exciting offensive player with dynamic qualities and an above-average skater with an explosive first step. When you add in his impressive puck skills, he can be tough to handle coming through the neutral zone for defenders. He's a pretty smart two-way player as well.
New York Islanders: B
Organizational assessment: The Islanders had a mandate at the draft this year, and it was skill, skill, skill. Kieffer Bellows is a top-level goal scorer, Anatoli Golyshev can dazzle, and could be in the league potentially soon if they can get him out of his contract (and get him to commit to the Islanders), while Otto Koivula and David Quenneville are skilled, too. Nick Pastujov was a formerly touted prospect who fell a bit in the last year or so, but has potential to get back on track.
First-round pick: Kieffer Bellows, son of former No. 2 overall pick (1982) Brian Bellows, has been one of the top players in the USHL for the past two seasons. He has followed a unique path. After skating for Sioux Falls of the USHL in 2014-15, he joined the USNTDP for his second season of eligibility, and was the under-18 team's second-best player this season; he currently ranks among the best goal scorers ever in the program. Stylistically, Bellows is a scoring power winger. He's got a sturdy, developed frame, plays with an edge and brings a lot of offensive tools to the table. His defensive play isn't too great, which may be a product of his skating as opposed to any work ethic issues. He has committed to Boston University for next season.
Notable Day 2 picks: Anatoli Golyshev had a breakout season as a 20-year-old, as he scored the fourth-most goals in the KHL and carried his team to a postseason appearance. He's a gifted all-around offensive player who displays plus hands, good in-tight coordination and overall creativity. His best tool is arguably his shot, as he can wire chances home from the circles with consistency. He isn't as dynamic a skater as you'd like for a 5-foot-8 player, but he is certainly above-average and has an aggressive element to his play, and that lets him play up past his size.
Otto Koivula is a big forward with a fair amount of skill. I like his above-average sense, particularly when he's looking to set up chances and taking the extra second to make a play. He's not great off the puck, though he's not horrible either. Koivula's skating is his major flaw, as his top gear is underwhelming. Koivula was one of the youngest players eligible for this draft. Nick Pastujov came into the season with some hype, but he never really got it going. He displays the odd flash talent, but he doesn't blaze by guys and he's not really physically imposing.
David Quenneville is a very agile skater who can escape pressure well and activate into the attack. His puck moving is exceptional. He thinks quickly, he has the hands to evade pressure, and he's not afraid to get up into the attack. Despite his size, I've seen Quenneville throw an occasional big hit, and he doesn't shy away from puck battles.
New York Rangers: B-
Organizational assessment: The Rangers ended Sean Day's slide. He's got immense potential with significant flaws, but I don't mind him where they got him. I also liked Tim Gettinger at the slot they got him, especially if he rebounds. I didn't see much of Tarmo Reunanen, so didn't feel comfortable ranking him in my top 100, but he scored as much as fifth overall pick Olli Juolevi did last year in junior at same age in the same league. If he even comes close to that kind of a rebound in better health, he could be a great value. Given the lack of picks the Rangers had, they did fine overall.
Notable Day 2 picks: A former CHL exceptional-status player -- granted eligibility to play as a 15-year-old -- Sean Day is an elite skater with unbelievable four-way quickness for a big man. He is a creative puck mover who can outlet the puck well and make plays in tight spaces. On his best days, Day is a calm, efficient puck mover who can win some battles and make some stops. On his worst days, Day is shooting his team in the foot with poor puck management and positioning.
Tarmo Reunanen missed most of the season due to injury, but was impressive the year before. He's a very good puck mover that can skate well, and he doesn't panic with the puck.
Tim Gettinger displays solid vision and skill with the puck, and he has pretty good defensive awareness for a player his age. I don't hate his skating given his size, but he has a rough first step, and overall he has to develop that area of his game to have a shot at the NHL. He isn't the most physical player, which can undercut his size advantage. Ty Ronning plays the game with a ton of energy. I don't love the technical part of his stride -- he has a bit of an awkward lean -- but he gets to where he needs to go in straight lines very well and shows an overall impressive top gear. Ronning is small, but doesn't shy away from the rough stuff, all while keeping his penalty minutes low. He shows above-average puck skills and a high-end shot.
Ottawa Senators: B
Organizational assessment: The Senators had a decent draft, with the headline being getting a top talent in Logan Brown, coupled with Jonathan Dahlen to give them a nice foundation down the middle along with last year's top-round pick Colin White. The Todd Burgess pick struck me as odd, but overall nothing to really critique here; then again, I didn't see a huge value pick either.
First-round pick: A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Logan Brown has been a much-discussed prospect in the scouting ranks for years, and for a variety of reasons. He is often defined as having "all the tools." He's a 6-foot-6 center with high-end skill who can dominate a game whenever he gets near the puck. One of the negatives is that he can be a non-factor off the puck. Historically, he's had a tendency to shy away from physical play. His work ethic on and off the ice has been criticized, but Brown seemed to take those critiques to heart, and really impressed in the past few months.
Notable Day 2 picks: Ulf Dahlen's son Jonathan Dahlen is very good with the puck and sees the ice well, showing above-average vision as a playmaker. He also thinks the game quickly, showing the poise of a professional player already. He's not an incredibly gifted skater, which is the biggest issue in his offensive arsenal. He could also stand to be a little tougher on his checks and in one-on-one matchups, as he loses more battles than he should.
Max Lajoie's a good skater, showing above-average skating traits in terms of ease of stride and speed. With the puck, he's able to make a play, whether moving or carrying it. Defensively, he can be relied upon to battle for possession, get in shooting lanes and maintain his position at a fair level. Swift Current has leaned on him as an all-situations defender. Markus Nurmi has a decent skill level for a 6-foot-4 guy and can score from a distance as well. He's more at home battling for pucks and taking tough defensive assignments. His skating is a significant issue, although he'll show the odd decent burst once he gets going.
Philadelphia Flyers: B+
Organizational assessment: I liked the Flyers' first few picks, and even though I'm generally against the idea of taking goalies high, Carter Hart is a good candidate if you were going to take a netminder in the second round. Wade Allison was a little high for me, but he was a riser this season so I can see the argument. The rest of their Day 2 picks were guys I'm fine with, but not guys I loved. David Bernhardt could be a sleeper though, and some Swedes with whom I spoke recently were pumping his tires.
First-round pick: The well-rounded German Rubtsov was the top player on the inaugural Russia under-18 team this season, and showed well in international play. His skills aren't elite, but he shows good hands and is able to create space for himself. His hockey IQ is very impressive, as he displays great patience with the puck, sees his options well and always finds himself involved with the play.
Notable Day 2 picks: Pascal Laberge brings a solid base of intangibles to the table, shows a good work ethic every shift and doesn't shy away when the energy level ratchets up a few notches. Laberge is an above-average skater with a very good top gear, which allows him to separate off the rush. He's a creative playmaker who can dangle and create the occasional highlight-reel moment as well as consistently set his teammates up for scoring chances. He's not the best defensively, which is concerning as a center, but he is trending upward.
The CHL Goalie of the Year, Carter Hart is a very smart goaltender. His knowledge of how to read the game and anticipate pucks and his proper positioning in the net is high-end. Any scout you talk to about Hart comes back talking about how easy he makes it look and how he never gets out of his technique on tough saves. His athleticism is fine. He moves around at a solid level, and he has an above-average glove hand, but he doesn't have that explosive element in his game.
The best player during the USHL playoffs, Wade Allison turned me from a skeptic into a semi-believer of him as an NHL prospect. Allison is a pretty good skater (he finished toward the top in nearly every skating-related skills competition at the USHL top prospects game), showing a solid top gear and first few steps. He's a smart player with the puck, but he generates more chances for himself than his teammates. Allison was a shots-on-goal machine during the season and playoffs, and he could be a legitimate goal-scorer as a pro.
Connor Bunnaman works very hard and despite not having All-World skill, got trusted with scoring line time in Kitchener due to his effort level and his above-average hockey sense. I've misspelled Tanner Laczynski's name more than once, but on the ice he has solid puck skills and a quality wrist shot; unfortunately, he isn't elite at one particular thing and isn't that quick. David Bernhardt has some sleeper potential as a big defenseman with skill. He'll get up into attacks with decent hands and shooting ability but isn't the best on his checks.
Pittsburgh Penguins: C+
Organizational assessment: There wasn't a pick in the Penguins' draft I loved, but there wasn't a single pick that drove me up the wall either. Kasper Bjorkqvist was maybe taken a little too high, but given they had no first-rounder they did OK overall. Joseph Masonius is an intriguing name for me as a re-entry. With Filip Gustavsson's selection, the Penguins are loaded in young goalies in their system, with Tristan Jarry and Matt Murray already in the mix.
Notable Day 2 picks: Filip Gustavsson didn't have an All-World season, but he worked his way into a backup role with his SHL team -- unusual for a player his age -- and was solid during his time with the Swedish under-18 team. Gustavsson looks like a pro in between the pipes, with a sturdy frame, easy movements and a real good sense of how to position himself. He's not incredibly athletic, but gets over to the other side of his net fine and never seems to be rushing to get into a save position and plays the puck well.
Kasper Bjorkvist is a pretty good skater who plays with a lot of energy. He can barrel down the wing with the puck to create a chance, or pressure a defenseman into a turnover. He's also a pretty solid penalty killer. Connor Hall emerged late in the season, and got an invite to Canada's under-18 team, which was an eyebrow raiser. He's a smart, gritty defender that won't put up much offense but can play smart and take tough defensive minutes. Joseph Masonius had one standout attribute -- his skating, as he's very mobile in all directions. His skill isn't top level, but he showed fine puck-moving ability this season.
San Jose Sharks: C+
Organizational assessment: San Jose didn't have many picks, so it's hard to be too critical. While I liked the Noah Gregor selection at 111, there wasn't a ton there for me to get excited about. I know some scouts not with San Jose who liked Dylan Gambrell, so I'm fine with that pick, but didn't see the Sharks bringing in much talent after the Gregor pick.
Notable Day 2 picks: Dylan Gambrell has been around for a few years -- I have emails about him with scouts from 2013! He's got good vision and is a playmaker, can skate well, but is not incredibly dynamic. Nevertheless, it's hard to ignore his gigantic season with Denver.
Noah Gregor is a pretty good skater, bringing above-average speed and agility to the table. Gregor can go east-west with the puck, and he is a smart playmaker who has soft hands, can spot the open seams in the ice and get the puck to his teammates. He's a two-way forward who can kill penalties well. One knock on him is his size; while he's not the biggest player, he works hard to win defensive battles and get in lanes.
St. Louis Blues: B-
Organizational assessment: I like the Blues' second pick, Jordan Kyrou, more than their first pick Tage Thompson, but overall, this was an OK draft. Connor Bleakley was the pick that intrigued me the most, and I'm curious to see how he does as a pro, whether he plays with a chip on his shoulder after being drafted in 2014 but not signing.
First-round pick: Tage Thompson shows the ability to make decent offensive plays, displaying strong coordination and puck-movement ability for a 6-foot-5 player. Thompson also has a big shot, often being used this season as a trigger man on the point for Connecticut. His defensive hockey sense is fair, as he was a quality penalty killer during his time with the USNTDP. His speed isn't horrible for a big man, but he's not a burner at all.
Notable Day 2 picks: Jordan Kyrou's skating and puck handling are of the game-breaking variety, and he can create highlight-reel moments with the best of them. Kyrou often beats defenders to the outside with his speed, and shows great edge work. Now, on to the bad: Kyrou has a slight build, is very shy in terms of physical play and often loses his 1-on-1 battles. He cheats defensively and can be a liability in his own end.
Evan Fitzpatrick has a big body, and he moves very well in the net for a guy his size, on top of having a plus glove hand. Fitzpatrick struggles with his depth at times, relying on his size too much deep in his crease, or getting caught way out at top of his crease. Overall, he has consistency issues. Some nights he looks relaxed and easily squares up pucks; other nights he's twitching all over the crease.
Tanner Kaspick skates well and can be an effective penalty killer, but he's not too capable handling the puck. Connor Bleackley was a former first-round pick by Colorado whose development has stagnated over the past two seasons. He's a hard-working, two-way forward with decent stick skills. However, his skating hasn't taken much of a step forward, nor has he shown the creativity or offensive instincts to be a difference maker even at the major junior level.
I didn't love Nikolaj Krag Christensen in my live viewings of him, but I can see the appeal, given that his skating ability is very good for a bigger player.
Tampa Bay Lightning: B
Organizational assessment: There wasn't a pick Tampa Bay made that I thought was a huge value selection, but the Lightning quietly picked solid guy after solid guy -- including their three second-round picks. At the end of day, they injected a lot of quality depth into their system, even considering they traded away Anthony DeAngelo.
First-round pick: Brett Howden is nearly a carbon copy of his older brother, Quinton, a first-round pick of the Florida Panthers (2010) who played in 58 games for the club in 2015-16. He is a competitive, two-way forward who hustles for pucks every shift. With his size, character and hockey IQ, Howden is a very good defensive forward who has been leaned on by Moose Jaw to play critical defensive minutes.
Notable Day 2 picks: Libor Hajek is a fantastic skater, one of the very best in this draft class. He closes his gaps well on his checks, evades pressure and is a threat offensively by activating off the point or jumping into the rush. He is able to defend his off-wing very effectively. Hajek's hands aren't great, but his IQ lets him get his points, as he opens lanes so well with timing, patience and skating ability.
Boris Katchouk is an intense competitor who brings it every shift, and he walks the line between "physical" and "agitator." He's not all hits and fists, as he's a decent skater with above-average vision, shooting touch and a decent-sized frame. As the season went on, he showed more confidence and creativity with the puck.
Taylor Raddysh is a power winger. He works hard every shift to win battles, while also showing above-average puck skills. He reads the play very well and shows quality vision and offensive instincts. Raddysh's defensive play is about average; he's the kind of player who sacrifices his body for his team but could improve his positioning. His first step can use some work, as he's got a bit of a sluggish stride but decent leg strength.
Ross Colton has a pretty good shot and decent offensive instincts, but lacks great speed or skill. He impressed when I watched him in the USHL, but he was an older player for that league. Christopher Paquette underwhelmed this season, and while he does have a nice size/skill combo, he is a poor skater who doesn't defend all that well.
Otto Somppi likes to set up his teammates, and he will pass up shooting opportunities to make a play. He's a solid skater who can get up and down the ice fine. Is he the most consistent offensive threat? Probably not, but he does show that he has what it takes to play with pros down the line.
Toronto Maple Leafs: A
Organizational assessment: Toronto's high grade may be classified as "the Auston Matthews grade"; he's the center teams dream about drafting, as a big player with an elite skill set. There were other things I liked here from the Toronto staff. I liked the Carl Grundstrom pick at 57, and the James Greenway pick at 72. What was really noticeable was how many older players the Leafs took, which may have been strategic given their rebuild timeline. Otherwise, Yegor Korshkov seemed a little aggressive for me at 31, but they still took skilled players for the most part, even if some have been passed over in previous drafts.
First-round pick: Teams dream about getting a legit No. 1 center like Matthews when picking at the top of the draft. A 6-foot-2, 210-pound pivot with a skill level that is off the charts, the Arizona native has also got professional experience to boot, and he's been making Swiss cheese out of his opponents in the NLA. He's not a really physical player who will grind for pucks along the wall, nor is he some sort of defensive stalwart. Matthews still uses his big frame to win pucks and competes well on the ice in every zone, but the team drafting him must be realistic about what he's going to be in terms of the gritty areas of the game.
Notable Day 2 picks: Yegor Korshkov is a towering power forward, with a strong 6-foot-4 frame that he uses to bulldoze his way to the front of the net and win many battles along the boards. He's a good skater for a man his size, showing excellent balance. Korshkov's hands won't dazzle, but he can make coordinated plays to avoid a check here or there. He'll move the puck at a fair level, and he isn't just a bump-and-grind big man.
Carl Grundstrom has been on the NHL radar for a few years, particularly after several impressive showings last season created buzz around his name. Grudstrom's skill level has stood out to me, and he showed the ability to make high-end skill plays, but he really excels in playing a two-way forward-type of role. He has decent strength for a player his age, kills penalties well and has a little edge to his game.
Joseph Woll is a big man who is very nimble for a 6-foot-3 goaltender. He often showed the ability to get across his crease with ease, and made saves that require an extra level of skill. He doesn't shy away from playing high in his crease despite his size, while also having to ability to recover when needed. His positioning isn't perfect, and his overall technique can be refined, as you see too many soft goals squeak by.
James Greenway -- younger brother of Jordan Greenway -- stands 6-foot-5 and is by no means just a tree on defense. Greenway skates fine for a big man, is capable with the puck and can pull off the occasional high-skill play on the rush or off a pinch. However, he's more of a stay-at-home player who can lean on opponents and clog up traffic. He can be susceptible to brain cramps, in terms of his coverage, and he can cough the puck up by trying to do too much or getting caught in a forecheck.
Adam Brooks led the WHL in scoring in his third draft-eligible season. He's a quality playmaker and can skate fine even if his speed doesn't blow you away for such a little guy. Keaton Middleton came into the season with some hype, but never really followed through. He's 6-foot-5, and battles for pucks and kills penalties well. He's smart defensively, but not with the puck, and his skating is a large issue as well.
Jack Walker was one of the better scorers in the WHL this year as a third-year eligible player. He's a dynamic skater with solid to above-average hands. Nicolas Mattinen had his ice team severely cut by a deep London team, but at times showed decent skill for a big man. He looks to be a long ways away from the NHL though, and I'm not in love with his hockey IQ. Nikolai Chebykin has an impressive skill level for a bigger forward. He can make a flashy play, and also win a battle. I don't love his skating, but it's a little better than where he was last season.
Vancouver Canucks: B+
Organizational assessment: I really like what the Canucks did on the draft floor. Olli Juolevi is a great defenseman prospect, Will Lockwood impressed me throughout the season, and Cole Candella is a guy whose outlook may rise considerably after his return from injury. Their later Day 2 picks didn't move the needle for me, but those first few picks created a pretty solid class for the Canucks, and one their fans should be optimistic about.
First-round pick: One of the best defensemen in the OHL this season, Olli Juolevi also recorded the highest point totals ever by an under-18 defenseman at the WJC. Juolevi is a fantastic skater; he exerts very little effort to get up to a dangerous top gear and moves well in all directions. His puck movement is high-end, as he shows calmness, skill and elite hockey sense when he has the puck on his stick. He's able to QB a power play with the best of them, on top of creating dangerous chances in transition. He could stand to bulk up quite a bit, as he has a bit of a beanpole frame (6-foot-2, 182 pounds).
Notable Day 2 picks: Will Lockwood has high-end offensive talent, as he skates very well and buzzes around the ice with speed and energy every shift. He is confident with the puck, and can execute difficult plays with consistency. Lockwood is better at attacking directly than being a playmaker, although he has decent vision. His off-puck play can use a lot of work. He is not the most physically imposing player, nor does he win a ton of battles.
I thought long and hard about getting Cole Candella into my top 100 but simply didn't have the proper views to feel confident doing so. He has two-way IQ, skates and handles the puck well, and can see him making me look foolish for omitting him if he bounces back from his injury-riddled season. Jakob Stukel was solid in his second draft-eligible season after being held back by injuries last season. He skates and handles the puck fine, with an above-average shot.
Brett McKenzie is a two-way forward, with above-average speed and defensive IQ. He showed more offense than he did in his first draft season, but likely won't be a scorer as a pro.
Washington Capitals: C
Organizational assessment: Washington underwhelmed me this year. I see the tools in Lucas Johansen; I dinged his skating a bit, but enough scouts say they like it that I'm willing to admit I'm off there. But let's take the skating part out of the picture; I still don't see a guy with top-end upside, and the same could be said for a lot of the Capitals' picks. They just seemed like safe, hard-working types.
First-round pick: Lucas Johansen -- Ryan Johansen's brother -- took huge steps forward in his second WHL season, being one of Kelowna's most important players. He doesn't have a "wow"-level caliber of skill, but he always makes decisions with the puck to put his team in a position to succeed and is able to hold on to it for that extra second. Johansen's biggest issue is his skating. He's notably below average in that department, with a sluggish stride, and he can get beat wide by quicker forwards.
Notable Day 2 picks: Garrett Pilon has been a player on the rise the last few years. He's small, but a creative playmaker with a good two-way work ethic. Damien Riat isn't a top-tier talent, but has above-average speed, decent stick skills and will work to get loose pucks.
Despite not being the most skilled or the smartest player, Beck Malenstyn has played his way onto many international teams for Canada because he works his butt off. He also skates pretty well. Axel Jonsson Fjalby is a player with fine speed who works hard. He can be a quality penalty killer.
Winnipeg Jets: A
Organizational assessment: The Logan Stanley pick was way too high for me, but even with that in mind, I really like what the Jets did throughout the weekend. Patrik Laine is a special talent who can be a foundational piece for the Jets even as a winger, and I approve of all of their Day 2 picks, particularly Mikhail Berdin, who I think went under the radar due to splitting starts and not playing at the world under-18 championship.
First-round picks: Patrik Laine is everything you want in a high-skill power forward. First, he's built like a truck at 6-foot-4, 206 pounds, with broad shoulders and great core strength. It's a joy to watch film of Laine shrugging off checks left and right, and easily winning loose-puck battles. Laine's skating is his one notable flaw, although he's gotten a little quicker from last season. Overall, he's a special forward, someone who could be an elite scoring power winger in the NHL for the next decade.
Logan Stanley stands in at 6-foot-7, and is a pretty impressive skater and puck mover for such a big man. Stanley leans on opponents with his large frame to win battles and gets in shooting lanes pretty well, and disrupts play with his long reach. Stanley's hockey IQ isn't sublime; while he's not a liability there, he doesn't display top-end puck-moving instincts to make him a real power-play threat.
Notable Day 2 picks: Luke Green can best be defined as a natural offensive player. He can join a rush very effectively, and shows good overall offensive creativity and instincts. Green struggled at times with his decision-making at both ends this season, coming along better in the second half. He's not a top defender, but he was capable in the QMJHL this season, exhibiting fine work ethic even if the technical side of his game needs work.
Some scouts I talked to early in the season thought Jacob Cederholm could be a top-45 if not a top-30 pick, but he never really got going. He skates incredibly well for a big man, grinds for pucks, and can show the odd "wow" moment off a rush. However, his hockey sense lags, with poor decisions and a lack of puck-moving vision hampering his projection. Jordan Stallard's skill set isn't high-end, but there is something intriguing there between his hockey IQ and shot. I don't love his skating, even when you consider he's a bigger player.
Mikhail Berdin has a lot of things that make him attractive, including a decent frame, good side-to-side movements and fine reflexes, as well as his ability to play aggressively in terms of his angles. Berdin has the ability to dominate a game, and did so regularly this season in the MHL and at the world junior-A challenge. He uses big shoulder pads, which is deceptive because he's a bit of a string bean, barely measuring in at 163 pounds.