The 2020 NHL draft is right around the corner. Teams will begin to finalize their personal draft boards ahead of the two-day event. But today, I'm not concerned with those draft boards. I'm looking only at my own.
My mock draft typically weaves in team preferences and projects what I believe will happen, rather than what I think should happen. Not in this case. I'm playing GM in this mock draft for every team over the course of the first two rounds, making picks based on what I would do in each scenario. In other words, every team earns an "A" from me here, as they all make perfect selections in my opinion based on value, availability and need.
I organized this mock draft by team to illustrate how each franchise comes away satisfied, but you can also jump to the bottom to see the full 1-62 draft order. For a mock more accurately projecting how I expect the first round to play out, check out my Aug. 31 edition or be sure to check back in the days leading up to Round 1. But for now, here's how I would personally make each pick and handle each team's selections in Rounds 1 and 2.
Note: The Islanders, Penguins and Canucks do not hold a pick in the first two rounds. Additionally, the Coyotes surrendered their only pick in that range (No. 49) for combine testing violations. And lastly, picks Nos. 30-31 and 61-62 are projected based on regular-season standings for the final two teams still in contention for the Stanley Cup and could flip based on the result.
Jump to a team:
ANA | BOS | BUF | CGY | CAR | CHI
COL | CBJ | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA
LA | MIN | MTL | NSH | NJ | NYR
OTT | PHI | SJ | STL | TB | TOR
VGS | WSH | WPG
Anaheim Ducks
6. Jamie Drysdale, D, Erie (OHL)
27. Noel Gunler, RW, Lulea (Sweden)
36. Ozzy Wiesblatt, RW, Prince Albert (WHL)
The Ducks have built a steady prospect pool, but they could really use a game-breaker on defense. Drysdale has the potential to be just that. With where Anaheim is, the only way the Ducks don't take a defenseman is if Drysdale and Jake Sanderson are already gone, but that is pretty unlikely.
Either way, this is a chance to address a key need while continuing to address a relatively talented and exciting group of young forwards already in the system. Gunler is a wild card in the draft but has notable skill, while Wiesblatt is a tenacious, speedy and skilled forward who fits stylistically with Anaheim and would provide good value at No. 36.
Boston Bruins
58. Kasper Simontaival, RW, Tappara Jr. (Finland Jr.)
With just one pick available to them in the opening two rounds, the Bruins probably will play it relatively safe. That's not what I have them doing here, though. I think Simontaival is an exceptionally skilled player who will be undervalued due to his 5-foot-9, 177-pound size. Why not take a swing on skill? The Bruins desperately need more high-end skill in their system, and Simontaival could be a reasonable answer.
Buffalo Sabres
8. Marco Rossi, C, Ottawa (OHL)
38. Helge Grans, D, Malmo Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
The Sabres have needs all over, and even though they have some centers in the system who are talented, landing Rossi at No. 8 is really strong value. The size factor (5-foot-9) doesn't scare me, and it shouldn't scare the Sabres. They need more skill up front, and that's what Rossi brings.
Meanwhile, Grans is a really interesting blueliner who could go anywhere from the end of the first round to somewhere in the late second. He has the two-way abilities and frame to be a factor and help Buffalo continue to build up its defensive group.
Calgary Flames
19. Dylan Holloway, C, Wisconsin (Big Ten)
50. Brandon Coe, RW, North Bay (OHL)
There is huge variance in consensus in the middle of the first round, where the Flames make their first selection. Holloway's stock has dropped this year, which would be a benefit to teams in that range. There's a really strong package of tools in his game, highlighted by smooth skating and some two-way skill. And Coe is a big power-forward type who plays with good pace. He'd fit in very nicely with Calgary down the line.
Carolina Hurricanes
13. Rodion Amirov, LW, Ufa (Russia)
41. Marat Khusnutdinov, C, SKA St. Petersburg 2 (Russia Jr.)
53. Zion Nybeck, LW, HV71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
The Hurricanes have a deep NHL team and a similarly deep prospect system. There's not an immediate need, which is why Amirov is a good fit. Likely to remain in Russia for a few more seasons, he won't take up a contract for a little bit. And he provides a level of skill the Hurricanes could use in their system.
Khusnutdinov and Nybeck are both forwards with below-average size but higher motors. Khusnutdinov is a speedy, versatile center, and Nybeck possesses some greasy puck skills.
Chicago Blackhawks
17. Lukas Reichel, LW, Eisbaren Berlin (Germany)
46. Danil Gushchin, LW, Muskegon (USHL)
The Blackhawks would probably jump for joy if goaltender Yaroslav Askarov fell to them ... but he won't. So it would make a lot of sense to seek wingers with higher-end puck skills. Given the way my mock board broke down, Reichel provides the highest upside even though that comes with a need for more development time and patience. Chicago would be unlikely to find a short-term-ready prospect here.
In the second round, I'd like to see Chicago dip into the USHL talent pool to grab one of the most naturally gifted puck handlers in this class. Gushchin needs work, but he does some things other players cannot.
Colorado Avalanche
24. Brendan Brisson, C, Chicago (USHL)
With only one pick in the first two rounds and a really strong prospect group to build off -- especially at the top of the system -- the Avs can go a lot of different directions. Quality skilled forwards are harder to come by in the latter portion of the first round, but I do think Brisson will be there. He's a longer-term prospect headed to the University of Michigan, and the Avs have had some remarkable success with college-bound players of late (Cale Makar and Alex Newhook, anyone?)
Columbus Blue Jackets
21. Jacob Perreault, RW, Sarnia (OHL)
Columbus has plenty of different needs in its system, even though some young players really stepped up in the postseason. With Perreault, the Jackets land one of the better scorers in the draft. He has a great shot and quality puck skills to create, though he's probably a few years away.
Dallas Stars
30. Vasiliy Ponomarev, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)
The Stars have some good talent in their pipeline, and after going defense in last year's first round, this is a range where I'd be most comfortable taking a forward. This is one of those picks that goes more with my personal preference than anything else; I just think Ponomarev has a ton of upside, and despite being average-sized, he plays with some heaviness. He's not a bruising physical presence, but he's strong and skilled. The Stars like guys who are tough to play against, and Ponomarev is just that.
Detroit Red Wings
4. Cole Perfetti, C, Saginaw (OHL)
32. Justin Barron, D, Halifax (QMJHL)
45. Martin Chromiak, RW, Kingston (OHL)
56. Theodor Niederbach, C, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
For me, the players who sit at Nos. 4-12 on my board don't have a ton of separation. If GM Steve Yzerman went defense, forward or even took a swing on the goaltender at No. 4, I wouldn't bat an eye. But Perfetti is going to be the best player available in this range and offers a dynamic skill set the Red Wings desperately need.
In the second round, Detroit could definitely package things to trade back up into the first round if there's a player it really likes -- but there is still value to be had. Barron might not slip to the second round, but I think he's a talented all-around blueliner. Chromiak and Niederbach are longer-term prospects who are going to need some nurturing, but their ceilings are quite high.
Edmonton Oilers
14. Seth Jarvis, C, Portland (WHL)
The Oilers are building things up again in their prospect system and should have some graduates from prospect to full-timer next season. Jarvis could really bring value in the middle of the first round. He has the skill to make plays and can play with some good pace, even though I'd like to see his skating improve just a bit.
Florida Panthers
12. Jack Quinn, RW, Ottawa (OHL)
43. Jean-Luc Foudy, C, Windsor (OHL)
We don't know entirely what new GM Bill Zito's outlook for the Panthers is at this point, but given where they're picking, they probably won't be able to fill a prospect system need on the blue line. Regardless, I'm making the picks here. And picking inside the top 12 spots is great, as I think that's right where things start slipping in terms of quality. Quinn is a legit scorer with a lot of solid offensive qualities.
In the second round, this was just outside a run on blueliners on my board, so nabbing a strong two-way forward with elite speed in Foudy is not a bad consolation prize. I would have liked to get Florida some defense, but even in this best-case mock, the value just wasn't there. Either way, the Panthers still walk away with two solid talents.
Los Angeles Kings
2. Quinton Byfield, C, Sudbury (OHL)
35. Jeremie Poirier, D, Saint John (QMJHL)
51. Brock Faber, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
60. Dylan Peterson, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
The Kings already have the very best prospect system in the NHL, and now they will supercharge it in this year's draft. Even though Los Angeles has centers in its system, Byfield is at an entirely different level with an unrivaled ceiling. I think he's a future No. 1 pivot and the perfect encapsulation of where the NHL is going, with a combination of speed, size and skill that is just so rare.
With three second-round picks, the Kings could conceivably trade up or find packages to bring in some more immediate help. Poirier is a defenseman but still has some of the cleanest handles in the draft. His draft stock has slipped throughout the year, leaving him potentially available early on Day 2. Meanwhile, Faber has been a rising talent and might not even be around at No. 51 -- but he's a quality two-way blueliner. And Peterson is a little bit of an undervalued power forward who could be a nice get late in the second round.
Minnesota Wild
9. Yaroslav Askarov, G, Neva St. Petersburg (Russia 2)
39. Ryan O'Rourke, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
GM Bill Guerin is said to be looking for goaltending help, and while Askarov does not immediately help, he's the best long-term option to come through the draft in some years. I know there are teams that are shy about taking goalies, but I don't think the Wild could let this opportunity pass. They have a few goalies in their system who look promising, but none of them projects like Askarov does. Meanwhile, O'Rourke is a steady, reliable defenseman who could help a few years down the line.
Montreal Canadiens
16. Braden Schneider, D, Brandon (WHL)
47. Emil Andrae, D, HV71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
48. Daniel Torgersson, LW, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
57. Luke Evangelista, RW, London (OHL)
The Habs have an exciting D prospect on the way in Alexander Romanov, but No. 16 is a good spot to start looking at the next tier of defensemen in the draft. Schneider is a two-way threat with good physicality and size. The Canadiens could then swing a little bit for a more dynamic defensive player in Andrae, who needs to work on his feet but has some excellent instincts from the blue line offensively.
In Torgersson and Evangelista, Montreal could get some quality forwards who don't really pop like those in the first round but still put up good numbers and look promising. There's also always the option of packaging the second-rounders to either move up or find some more short-term help.
Nashville Predators
11. Alexander Holtz, RW, Djurgarden (Sweden)
37. Roni Hirvonen, C, Assat (Finland)
42. Topi Niemela, D, Karpat (Finland)
This much we know: The Preds need to score more. If they're lucky enough to have Holtz slip to them here, that'd be a pretty easy call to make. The talented Swedish winger is possibly the best natural goal scorer in the draft. If he's not there, Jack Quinn should be, which would be a similarly good option.
When it comes to the two second-rounders, the Preds are well-positioned to add impact prospects and, in this case, a pair of Finns. Hirvonen had first-round buzz for a portion of the year and played professionally all last season. He's a smaller center but is very crafty. Niemela is a quality puck-moving defenseman who does a lot of little things well and would provide great value at No. 42.
New Jersey Devils
7. Lucas Raymond, LW, Frolunda (Sweden)
18. Connor Zary, C, Kamloops (WHL)
20. Kaiden Guhle, D, Prince Albert (WHL)
It's pretty hard to walk out of Round 1 feeling anything but good when you have three first-rounders. The Devils have plenty of needs throughout their system, even though Tom Fitzgerald has done a nice job of rebuilding the farm so far with trades.
There's no guarantee Raymond will be available at No. 7, but it's not out of the realm of possibility and would give the Devils an elite-level offensive talent with a game that is still developing. Zary looks like he'll be a quality long-term middle-six forward who brings a good dose of skill and vision, while Guhle is an incredible skater with physicality and just enough offensive pop from the back end.
New York Rangers
1. Alexis Lafreniere, LW, Rimouski (QMJHL)
22. Hendrix Lapierre, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
As long as the Rangers don't shock the world and take someone not named Lafreniere first overall, they are getting an 'A' in my draft grades. Adding that type of talent means you got what you came for, even if it was via the luck of the draw. Everyone knows what Lafreniere can do, and he's going to be an impact player as early as Year 1 in the NHL.
Given the depth of the Rangers' prospect pool, they were the first team I felt comfortable taking a first-round stab at Lapierre, who was injured for most of last season. There's a lot of unknown there, but what we did see of Lapierre last season when he was healthy was a player with some higher-end playmaking abilities. The Rangers can be patient with him.
Ottawa Senators
3. Tim Stutzle, LW, Mannheim (Germany)
5. Jake Sanderson, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
28. Thomas Bordeleau, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
33. William Wallinder, D, Modo Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
52. Drew Commesso, G, USA U18 (NTDP)
59. Luke Tuch, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
61. Will Cuylle, LW, Windsor (OHL)
Yeah, that's all Ottawa, and it doesn't even include the Senators' Nos. 64 and 71 picks to start the third round. With seven selections in the top two rounds, including two in the top five, the Sens should come away from the draft with a major haul. They're going to get one of the "big three" to start, and with the way it shook out here, they end up with the versatile Stutzle, who can play center or wing, skates like the wind and is dynamite with the puck on his stick.
The No. 5 pick is the key to the rest of the first round. We could realistically see Ottawa take Russian goaltender Yaroslav Askarov here, or another forward like Lucas Raymond, but I really think the Senators have a chance to land a top-pairing defenseman with either Sanderson or Jamie Drysdale. Personally, I believe Sanderson has a little more of what the Sens need.
After that, you've got a lot of intriguing projects with high upside and a longer NHL timeline. In the late first, the Sens can be a little more aggressive and go after a highly skilled playmaker in Bordeleau, who is still a few years away and headed to Michigan this season. Wallinder -- a tall, rangy defenseman who I think has a lot of upside due to the rawness of his skill -- would be a nice add to begin Day 2. This haul would also be a raiding of U.S. National Team Development Program talent, with Sanderson, Bordeleau, Drew Commesso and Luke Tuch all coming from that outlet.
Philadelphia Flyers
23. Mavrik Bourque, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)
54. Yan Kuznetsov, D, UConn (Hockey East)
Bourque has been one of the big risers of the draft season, and while he doesn't necessarily fit Philly's draft profile, he provides a lot of value if he's still on the board. He put up big-time points in the QMJHL last season. Though he needs to get stronger and a little meaner, he has the tools to make plays at the next level. Kuznetsov is a mountain of a man and skates really well for a big defender. He was one of college hockey's youngest players last season and never really looked the part.
San Jose Sharks
31. Jan Mysak, C, Hamilton (OHL)
34. Jake Neighbours, LW, Edmonton (WHL)
55. Lukas Cormier, D, Charlottetown (QMJHL)
The Sharks got themselves back into the first round -- but barely -- with the Barclay Goodrow trade, and they'd probably be pretty happy if Mysak is still there at No. 31. He's one of the hardest prospects for me to read this year, but when he made the jump to the OHL at midseason, his offensive game grew and he started dominating right up until the season ended. Neighbours is a bruising forward who looks ready to play in the heavier Western Conference while not giving away too much offensively. And Cormier is a quality two-way defenseman who is going to need quite a bit of seasoning.
St. Louis Blues
26. Tyson Foerster, RW, Barrie (OHL)
Foerster just strikes me as the Blues' type of player. He has good hands and a high-end shot while being able to get up and down the ice really well. I think he could be a reliable middle-six scorer.
Tampa Bay Lightning
62. Egor Sokolov, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
The Lightning spent a lot of draft capital at the trade deadline, but it has been worth it for them (you might have noticed they are still playing hockey right now). When you're picking this late, you might as well take a swing. Sokolov is a big winger with a ton of scoring pop. It's his third season of draft eligibility, and he needs to work on fitness, but the instincts and tools are there for him to be a legit power-scoring threat.
Toronto Maple Leafs
15. Dawson Mercer, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
44. Sam Colangelo, RW, Chicago (USHL)
The Leafs are in a spot where I could conceivably see them go with a defenseman. But for me, there's too much quality on the table among the forwards. Mercer does so many things well: He's detailed, has good work ethic and tenacity, and plays with good pace. Colangelo is a very skilled, sizable forward who is headed to Northeastern and is few years away. With some continued development, I think he makes a ton of sense if he's still available.
Vegas Golden Knights
29. Ridly Greig, C, Brandon (WHL)
I don't know if Greig is necessarily the best player available at this point, but he's definitely in the mix. And the Knights love their Brandon Wheat Kings. Greig is gritty but skilled and just looks like he's a bear to play against. He should fit right in culturally with what Vegas is building.
Washington Capitals
25. John-Jason Peterka, RW, Munchen (Germany)
The Caps have plenty on the NHL roster but really need to start building out the future as their core ages. Peterka is a finisher who understands the offensive zone, and while he benefits from a playmaking center, he's going to find ways to score. This range is tough when it comes to finding higher-impact players, but Peterka has some nice upside to take a chance on.
Winnipeg Jets
10. Anton Lundell, C, HIFK (Finland)
40. Tyler Kleven, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
I debated this one for a while, but I think the Jets have to at least consider thinking long-term need here. Lundell has been underrated by all of us over the course of this draft season, maybe because he missed some big scouting events. Either way, he's efficient, responsible and smart. He's also effective offensively without being overly flashy. The Jets need help down the middle and he provides it, possibly as early as 2021-22.
Kleven is a 17-year-old with really good feet and a bruising physicality. There is very little offense in his tool kit, but he can defend as well as anyone in this draft, save for maybe Jake Sanderson, his college roommate. This is a nice haul for a team that needs help.
EVERY MOCK PICK IN ORDER, 1-62
Round 1
1. New York Rangers: Alexis Lafreniere, LW, Rimouski (QMJHL)
2. Los Angeles Kings: Quinton Byfield, C, Sudbury (OHL)
3. Ottawa Senators: Tim Stutzle, LW, Mannheim (Germany)
4. Detroit Red Wings: Cole Perfetti, C, Saginaw (OHL)
5. Ottawa Senators: Jake Sanderson, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
6. Anaheim Ducks: Jamie Drysdale, D, Erie (OHL)
7. New Jersey Devils: Lucas Raymond, LW, Frolunda (Sweden)
8. Buffalo Sabres: Marco Rossi, C, Ottawa (OHL)
9. Minnesota Wild: Yaroslav Askarov, G, Neva St. Petersburg (Russia 2)
10. Winnipeg Jets: Anton Lundell, C, HIFK (Finland)
11. Nashville Predators: Alexander Holtz, RW, Djurgarden (Sweden)
12. Florida Panthers: Jack Quinn, RW, Ottawa (OHL)
13. Carolina Hurricanes: Rodion Amirov, LW, Ufa (Russia)
14. Edmonton Oilers: Seth Jarvis, C, Portland (WHL)
15. Toronto Maple Leafs: Dawson Mercer, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
16. Montreal Canadiens: Braden Schneider, D, Brandon (WHL)
17. Chicago Blackhawks: Lukas Reichel, LW, Eisbaren Berlin (Germany)
18. New Jersey Devils: Connor Zary, C, Kamloops (WHL)
19. Calgary Flames: Dylan Holloway, C, Wisconsin (Big Ten)
20. New Jersey Devils: Kaiden Guhle, D, Prince Albert (WHL)
21. Columbus Blue Jackets: Jacob Perreault, RW, Sarnia (OHL)
22. New York Rangers: Hendrix Lapierre, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
23. Philadelphia Flyers: Mavrik Bourque, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)
24. Colorado Avalanche: Brendan Brisson, C, Chicago (USHL)
25. Washington Capitals: John-Jason Peterka, RW, Munchen (Germany)
26. St. Louis Blues: Tyson Foerster, RW, Barrie (OHL)
27. Anaheim Ducks: Noel Gunler, RW, Lulea (Sweden)
28. Ottawa Senators: Thomas Bordeleau, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
29. Vegas Golden Knights: Ridly Greig, C, Brandon (WHL)
30. Dallas Stars: Vasiliy Ponomarev, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)
31. San Jose Sharks: Jan Mysak, C, Hamilton (OHL)
Round 2
32. Detroit Red Wings: Justin Barron, D, Halifax (QMJHL)
33. Ottawa Senators: William Wallinder, D, Modo Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
34. San Jose Sharks: Jake Neighbours, LW, Edmonton (WHL)
35. Los Angeles Kings: Jeremie Poirier, D, Saint John (QMJHL)
36. Anaheim Ducks: Ozzy Wiesblatt, RW, Prince Albert (WHL)
37. Nashville Predators: Roni Hirvonen, C, Assat (Finland)
38. Buffalo Sabres: Helge Grans, D, Malmo Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
39. Minnesota Wild: Ryan O'Rourke, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
40. Winnipeg Jets: Tyler Kleven, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
41. Carolina Hurricanes: Marat Khusnutdinov, C, SKA St. Petersburg 2 (Russia Jr.)
42. Nashville Predators: Topi Niemela, D, Karpat (Finland)
43. Florida Panthers: Jean-Luc Foudy, C, Windsor (OHL)
44. Toronto Maple Leafs: Sam Colangelo, RW, Chicago (USHL)
45. Detroit Red Wings: Martin Chromiak, RW, Kingston (OHL)
46. Chicago Blackhawks: Danil Gushchin, LW, Muskegon (USHL)
47. Montreal Canadiens: Emil Andrae, D, HV71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
48. Montreal Canadiens: Daniel Torgersson, LW, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
49. Pick forfeited by Arizona Coyotes
50. Calgary Flames: Brandon Coe, RW, North Bay (OHL)
51. Los Angeles Kings: Brock Faber, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
52. Ottawa Senators: Drew Commesso, G, USA U18 (NTDP)
53. Carolina Hurricanes: Zion Nybeck, LW, HV71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
54. Philadelphia Flyers: Yan Kuznetsov, D, UConn (Hockey East)
55. San Jose Sharks: Lukas Cormier, D, Charlottetown (QMJHL)
56. Detroit Red Wings: Theodor Niederbach, C, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
57. Montreal Canadiens: Luke Evangelista, RW, London (OHL)
58. Boston Bruins: Kasper Simontaival, RW, Tappara Jr. (Finland Jr.)
59. Ottawa Senators: Luke Tuch, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
60. Los Angeles Kings: Dylan Peterson, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
61. Ottawa Senators: William Cuylle, LW, Windsor (OHL)
62. Tampa Bay Lightning: Egor Sokolov, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)