You've been hearing about the 2020 NHL draft class for more than a year. But now teams will finally get to make their first-round picks on Tuesday night. And that means one final mock draft projecting all 31 selections of Round 1.
The class features an excellent No. 1 prospect and a top 12 that is as good as any other class in recent memory. The top three picks will likely be Alexis Lafreniere first overall and then Quinton Byfield and Tim Stutzle in some order in the next two spots. After that, it's a wide-open field with very little consensus.
Here is my prediction for the opening 31 picks of the 2020 draft, starting with the Rangers with that first pick.
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Rankings | Pick order | Big questions
1. New York Rangers
Alexis Lafreniere, LW, Rimouski (QMJHL)
The choice is simple at No. 1. Lafreniere is the best player available and will make the Rangers better as early as next season. Even if the team has a Hart Trophy finalist at the same position, you can't have too much skill and offense. And Lafreniere plays a different style and will improve New York's forecheck with his physicality, competitiveness and skill down low.
2. Los Angeles Kings
Quinton Byfield, C, Sudbury (OHL)
There are whispers around the league that indicate that the Kings are going to take Tim Stutzle, who is most likely to play on the wing and provide some significant offensive pop. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if he were the choice -- and it would not be a bad one. But I can't shake the idea that the Kings would be passing on the upside and superstar potential of Byfield. The center out of the OHL needs time to develop, but he has terrific speed, vision and instincts.
3. Ottawa Senators (via SJ)
Tim Stutzle, LW, Mannheim (Germany)
The Kings are essentially making the decision for the Senators. If Los Angeles takes Stutzle, it'll be Byfield here. If Byfield goes to L.A., then Stutzle will be the pick. The Senators will be thrilled either way, as they should be. Stutzle is more likely to be a wing in the NHL than a center, but he's an immense talent offensively with tremendous speed and skill. The German will be a cornerstone piece for Ottawa as it continues focusing on the future.
4. Detroit Red Wings
Cole Perfetti, C, Saginaw (OHL)
General manager Steve Yzerman is such a draft wild card, and that makes his picks both really fun and really tough to read. But the Red Wings seem to prefer the skilled forward Perfetti over other options. He's a stylistic fit for Detroit, as it desperately needs more high-end skill in its system. Perfetti has great offensive sense and a quick release on his shot, helping him to 37 goals in 61 games last season. However, I'm also watching for top goalie Yaroslav Askarov to potentially sneak in here. After Lafreniere, Byfield and Stutzle, the next six players on the board are of similar value, meaning Yzerman can't really go wrong here with the realistic options available to him.
5. Ottawa Senators
Lucas Raymond, LW, Frolunda (Sweden)
This is another spot where I'm watching defense and goaltending -- Ottawa needs a lot of pieces -- but the Sens have been keeping a particularly close eye on Raymond. A draft haul that would include Byfield and Raymond would provide an incredible swing in the trajectory of this team's forward core. One of the top two defensemen (Jake Sanderson or Jamie Drysdale) would also be tempting, but if the board falls this way, Raymond is the most likely selection. He is tough one-on-one and skates particularly well.
6. Anaheim Ducks
Jake Sanderson, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
I have very little doubt that the Ducks are going to go with a defenseman in this slot, assuming Sanderson or Drysdale is available. There are rumblings that Anaheim's preference between the two is Sanderson, who is a remarkable skater and saw an uptick in his offensive game late last season. He's also probably the best overall defender in this draft, which is especially attractive amid the rigors of a more rough-and-tumble Pacific Division. Drysdale makes plenty of sense, too, as the Ducks could use a more dynamic puck-moving element on the back end.
7. New Jersey Devils
Yaroslav Askarov, G, Neva St. Petersburg (Russia 2)
Here's where things get fun. The Devils have three first-round picks in this draft, and they have nothing but solid options at No. 7. A goaltender is a risk, no question. But even if you believe Mackenzie Blackwood is the long-term No. 1, Askarov projects as a potential All-Star goaltender and is one of the best prospects we've seen at the position in years. He won't be available when the Devils pick later. As an organization that enjoyed goaltender stability for years before Martin Brodeur's eventual departure, this might be the best chance to get there again.
8. Buffalo Sabres
Jamie Drysdale, D, Erie (OHL)
If the Sabres happen to find Drysdale in this spot, they have a big decision to make. Both winger Alexander Holtz and center Marco Rossi could provide much-needed offensive pop, but the opportunity to have a blue line of Rasmus Dahlin and Drysdale for years to come is perhaps too enticing a proposition to ignore. The OHL defenseman can make plays with his feet and is confident moving the puck up ice.
9. Minnesota Wild
Marco Rossi, C, Ottawa (OHL)
It's hard to watch Brayden Point tear up the playoffs and not believe the 5-foot-9 Rossi could one day carve a similar path. If he's here, he fits an organizational need for the Wild both from a position standpoint and a skill-based standpoint. Rossi makes plays and has tremendous tenacity. If he manages to slip this far -- which is no guarantee, of course -- he should make it easy on the Wild.
10. Winnipeg Jets
Alexander Holtz, RW, Djurgarden (Sweden)
Even though the Jets have a greater need at center, they'd probably be taking a sizable risk in leaving Holtz on the board here. One of the best goal scorers in the draft, if not the best, Holtz would be another high-end wing in the Jets' system. As trade rumors swirl around a few of their stars, perhaps there could be an opening to get some good value with this selection while also bringing in a future scoring wing. Holtz challenges opposing defenses and skates with power.
11. Nashville Predators
Jack Quinn, RW, Ottawa (OHL)
The Predators need to score more, which is obviously no secret. They have some quality forward prospects in their system already in Eeli Tolvanen, Philip Tomasino and Egor Afanasyev. Passing on a 52-goal scorer like Quinn, especially if goaltender Askarov is off the board, would probably be unwise.
12. Florida Panthers
Anton Lundell, C, HIFK (Finland)
In Lundell, the Panthers would be getting the best player available and one who might have a very short NHL timeline. He has been playing professionally full time for the past two seasons and is wearing a letter already for HIFK in Finland. Lundell is not flashy, but he's effective and would have the ability to grow into an understudy role for Aleksander Barkov as a talented two-way center.
13. Carolina Hurricanes (via TOR)
Seth Jarvis, C, Portland (WHL)
This is the range in the draft where consensus really melts away, which is why I could conceivably see No. 13 being traded if the Canes can get something useful in return. Carolina is widely expected to be looking to draft forwards, and there are some really interesting ones on the board. The one I think could entice the Hurricanes most is Jarvis, a talented scoring winger who had one of the most productive seasons by an under-18 player in the WHL in the past 15 years. He has quick hands and solid speed once he gets going.
14. Edmonton Oilers
Dawson Mercer, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Forwards are still the best option in this range, and that's where the Oilers have needs. The best on the board is Mercer, who has a high motor and the versatility to either be a scorer or play down the lineup. His skill and speed would fit pretty well with the direction the Oilers should be going.
15. Toronto Maple Leafs (via PIT)
Rodion Amirov, LW, Ufa (Russia)
In this range, there aren't a ton of sure-thing forwards with short NHL timelines. So it's not a bad idea to bet on skill, which is what we'd often expect from the Maple Leafs. While a defenseman such as Braden Schneider or Kaiden Guhle could prove enticing, Amirov is one of the most skilled players left on the board. The young Russian is off to a very strong start in the KHL this season, too. Another situation to watch: A trade-back could also be in play.
16. Montreal Canadiens
Kaiden Guhle, D, Prince Albert (WHL)
GM Marc Bergevin has been a little more vocal about the possibility of trading this pick, and there could be some teams behind the Habs looking to nab one of the top defensemen left on the board. If the Canadiens keep it, however, Guhle is a mobile blueliner with high-end hockey sense.
17. Chicago Blackhawks
Dylan Holloway, C, Wisconsin (Big Ten)
Holloway had a bit of a down season in 2019-20, but there are enough teams still high on him based on his total body of work that he still should go in the teens. Chicago has depth on the blue line in its prospect pool, but it could really use more skill up front. Holloway doesn't have flash with his hands, but his skating is excellent, and he should be a major player for Wisconsin in his sophomore campaign.
18. New Jersey Devils (via ARI)
Braden Schneider, D, Brandon (WHL)
The Devils have some needs on the blue line. If they go big with the goaltender at No. 7, they still have a chance to nab one of the top four defensemen in the class in this scenario. Schneider is a two-way blueliner who has a physical edge. Plus, there's a bonus in that he's a right shot, where New Jersey is a little thinner in the system.
19. Calgary Flames
Connor Zary, C, Kamloops (WHL)
Of the Flames' past 10 draft picks, only last year's 26th overall pick was within the first two rounds. As a result, their prospect pool is in real need of a boost. One way to get it could be with Zary, who has been among the more polarizing prospects in the class in terms of opinions. He was a leading offensive performer for his team in the WHL as a really strong shot-pass threat. He's one of the older players in the draft but has had a steady upward trend in his development over three seasons in the WHL.
20. New Jersey Devils (via TB/VAN)
Lukas Reichel, LW, Eisbaren Berlin (Germany)
The Devils are on the clock again with their third selection in the top 20. They could come away with a really, really strong group, too. Reichel is a high-upside winger with one of the cleaner releases in this draft. He played pro hockey all of last season, and despite a slight build, he got to all the tough areas and made plays in tight quarters. He's one of my personal favorites in this class, and if he happens to drop to No. 20, this would be as good a spot as any to bet on upside. A first-round haul of Askarov, Schneider and Reichel would do wonders for the New Jersey pipeline.
21. Columbus Blue Jackets
Jacob Perreault, RW, Sarnia (OHL)
It's hard to come by gifted goal scorers this late in the draft, but the skilled Perreault is the one most likely to be available. Columbus still needs to replenish more of its prospect system, but there seems to be at least some appetite for more immediate help. Perhaps this is another pick that could be dealt in the right situation. If the Blue Jackets keep the pick, Perreault would be the best player available. His one-timer is tough to stop, and he has a deceptive shot release.
22. New York Rangers (via CAR)
Hendrix Lapierre, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
It would probably be a good bet that the Rangers have eyes on a center here after taking Lafreniere on the wing with that first pick. Lapierre draws a range of opinions because he missed most of last season with an injury. But he has high-end puck skills and vision. If there is a team well positioned to take on the risk that comes with him, it's the Rangers and their ridiculously deep prospect pool. But also keep in mind that there has been a lot of chatter suggesting the Rangers could be an aggressive player on the trade market come draft time, and this pick could be in play.
23. Philadelphia Flyers
Justin Barron, D, Halifax (QMJHL)
The Flyers have good organizational depth from the NHL on down to their prospect pool. There aren't a ton of glaring areas of weakness. One name that I've heard a lot in terms of going higher than originally expected is Barron. He dealt with a blood-clot issue last season, but scouts I've talked to say his issue historically has not created long-term concerns. Barron is a right-shot defenseman with size and physicality. The Flyers wouldn't need him for a little while, so he'd have plenty of time to get back on track.
24. Washington Capitals
John-Jason Peterka, RW, Munchen (Germany)
The Caps are still building up prospect depth after their successful Stanley Cup chase in 2018. They really injected big-time talent with Connor McMichael in the 2019 draft and could bring in another producer in Peterka. A gifted goal scorer from Germany, Peterka has been widely projected as a pick in the first round's latter third and would be a fine fit with the Caps. He is really good at finding the high-percentage areas of the ice and possesses a heavy shot.
25. Colorado Avalanche
Mavrik Bourque, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)
Bourque's draft stock rose over the course of this past season, and he might even be off the board by the time Colorado is on the clock. The Avs would be wise to snap him up given the terrific offensive skill he possesses. Colorado does not need any short-term help, and Bourque would be another high-upside player in a system full of them.
26. St. Louis Blues
William Wallinder, D, Modo Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
The Blues have a shallow but good prospect pool, with talent at multiple positions. One area they could address is the blue line, especially if they're going to be working to replace Alex Pietrangelo over the next few years. St. Louis has not used a first-round pick on a defenseman since 2012, and Wallinder, Ryan O'Rourke and Helge Grans all could make sense in this range. Wallinder is very raw, but there's a lot of upside in his game.
27. Anaheim Ducks (via BOS)
Brendan Brisson, C, Chicago (USHL)
After we gave the Ducks my top-ranked defenseman in Sanderson at No. 6 overall, I could very easily see them going back to the blue-line well again here. But there's some particularly good value with Brisson, from Manhattan Beach, California. He is a talented scorer with good puck skills, and since he's headed to the University of Michigan, the Ducks wouldn't need to spend a contract on him for a few years. It'd be a really strong value pick right here, and while Brisson doesn't have a standout trait, he does a lot of things really well.
28. Ottawa Senators (via NYI)
Ryan O'Rourke, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
If the Sens do in fact go with a forward in that No. 5 pick -- we gave them Raymond there after Stutzle was their pick at No. 3 -- I'd expect them to now pick one of the best remaining defensemen. O'Rourke is certainly in the mix to be a late first-rounder as a confident two-way blueliner who plays a dependable, smart game. It's a real nice opening night for Ottawa, and it's worth noting the Sens would follow up these three picks with four second-round selections to begin Day 2.
29. Vegas Golden Knights
Ridly Greig, C, Brandon (WHL)
The wide belief is that Greig, one of the class's biggest risers, will go in the first round. GM Kelly McCrimmon just sold his stake in the Brandon Wheat Kings, so what better bookend to that than drafting a player from the Wheaties? Greig is a very reasonable pick as an energetic forward with some scoring pop. He makes good decisions with the puck and has a little grit to his game.
30. Dallas Stars
Tyson Foerster, RW, Barrie (OHL)
The Stars could make it three years in a row using their first-rounder on an OHL player. Foerster is a gifted offensive talent with a high-end shot and some good playmaking abilities. His skating needs to improve, but he processes the game well, and the Stars aren't in a situation where they're looking for immediate reinforcements.
31. San Jose Sharks (via TB)
Noel Gunler, RW, Lulea (Sweden)
It might not be their original 2020 first-rounder -- the third overall pick -- but the Sharks do have a Day 1 selection. They are a team that will bet big on upside, and among the players remaining, nobody has more of that than Gunler. The Swedish winger has a lot of talent but has been wildly inconsistent over the course of his young career. San Jose has been rewarded for some of its big swings on players with great skill amid other flaws. With another pick coming up early in the second round, the Sharks might as well take another swing here.