SchoolYourPool.com presents Kent Kean's 2010 NHL Mock Draft! This first round prediction comes on the eve of the NHL Entry Draft held June 25–26, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Knowing who may go where is always speculative and ultimately depends on draft order and team needs. Nevertheless it is always important and never too early for fantasy hockey owners to do their homework in order to stay ahead of the competition.
Draft order is based on order of selection for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft as of June 23rd, 2010.
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01.Taylor Hall, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL) - Edmonton Oilers
Kean on Hall:
The Edmonton Oilers will continue to listen to offers from the Boston Bruins right up until the moment of selection, but make no mistake, regardless of whether they pick 1st or 2nd they will get the guy they prefer. With Gagner, Comrie, Brule, Horcoff and Cogliano all capable of playing center it seems adding a winger with Hall's tools will be hard to pass. However if the Oilers can make a move to deal Gagner or Cogliano on draft day it may be enough to take Seguin instead.
02.Tyler Seguin, C, Plymouth (OHL) - Boston Bruins (from Toronto)
Kean on Seguin:
It's hard to imagine the Bruins would be disappointed if they ended the day with either Seguin or Hall on their roster, but General Manager Peter Chiarelli could desire one player more than the other enough to move up a spot. With the addition of Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell it does raise an eye brow to the possibly of adding a defenseman like Cam Fowler, however given the talent of both Segin and Hall and the Bruins finishing last in goals scored last season it would be shocking to see them pass on one of these superstars.
03.Erik Gudbranson, D, Kingston (OHL)Â - Florida Panthers
Kean on Gudbranson:
It might shock some to see the Panther pass on Cam Fowler, or even select a defensemen having just dealt their best offensive forward but I would bet for the second year in a row the Panthers select a defensemen with their first pick. The Panthers are still building a nucleus and I believe will look to build off their 1994 1st overall selection when they drafted Ed Jovanovski who would go on to lead the Panthers to a Stanley Cup finals birth in 1996. With offensive weapons already at the back end in captain Bryan McCabe, last year's first round selection Dmitry Kulikov and new comer Dennis Wideman, the Panthers will have a solid defense intact for the foreseeable future.
04.Cam Fowler, D, Windsor (OHL) - Columbus Blue Jackets
Kean on Fowler:
If the Panther select Gudbranson the only other franchise that will be just as happy will be the Blue Jackets who will finally be able to get their franchise defenseman they have long sought after. The Blue Jackets find themselves in the same spot they drafted in their first Entry Draft in 2000 and hope to get a better result than Rostislav Klesla who they also took 4th overall. With defensmen John Moore taken last year already in the system the Jackets now find themselves with offensive help from the back end to compliment their dynamic offensive forwards. If the Panthers take Fowler with the 3rd pick, the argument could be made that Gudbranson would be an ideal fit in Columbus as well giving the Blue Jackets some defensive stability in an offensive system.
05.Brandon Gormley, D, Moncton (QMJHL) - New York Islanders
Kean on Gormley:
The Islanders would love to get their hands on Cam Fowler to compliment John Tavaras but will have to settle for a less offensive but more rounded Gormley. The Islanders will be the most unpredictable team in the draft having so many areas they would like to improve on. The Islanders have not drafted a defensemen in the first round in over a decade before last year and with prospects such as Travis Hamonic, Blake Kessel, Aaron Ness and Calvin De Haan already in the system could add a premier defensemen in Gormley in hopes to have an established blueline by 2012.
06.Nino Niederreiter, F, Portland (WHL) -Â Tampa Bay Lightning
Kean on Niederreiter:
The Steve Yzerman era in Tampa has begun and look no further for Yzerman to put his stamp on this club then with his first selection as team GM. This could be a little early for Niederreiter and Tampa may go with a more polished sniper in Connolly but make no mistake this pick is for a new Steven Stamkos winger. With Martin St. Louis expected to be shipped out at some point the Lightning are going to need a winger who will find the same chemistry Stamkos and St. Louis found in the 2009-2010 season. Niederreiter has a better play-making game which leads to believe the Lightning will select him over the shoot first Connolly.
07.Brett Connolly, F, Prince George (WHL) - Carolina Hurricanes
Kean on Connolly:
We could all look back at this draft in a few years and wonder how six teams passed on Brett Connolly. A hip injury forced Connolly to miss all but 16 games last year, however any player who can put himself in contention for a top 10 selection after playing only 16 games is pretty special. Connolly is built to score goals and the Hurricanes are pretty bare when it comes to prospect forwards in their system. The Hurricanes have been searching for a winger to play with Eric Staal for years and would find a solid fit with Connolly.
08.Alexander Burmistrov, F, Barrie (OHL) - Atlanta Thrashers
Kean on Burmistrov:
With the departure of Ilya Kovalchuk the Thrashers are in serious re-build mode and replacing one Russian with another may be a serious possibility on draft day. Make no mistake Burmistrov is not in the same category as Kovalchuk, but he is a solid player at both ends of the rink and with Maxim Afinogenov and Vyacheslav Kozlov already on the roster, it could help take away any risk of losing Burmistrov to the KHL. The Thrashers, like the Islanders, have several areas they need to improve on and will probably take best player available especially if any of the players above slip to the eighth spot.
09.Derek Forbort, D, U.S. Under 18 (USHL) - Minnesota Wild
Kean on Forbort:
It might be hard for the Minnesota Wild to pass on a Minnesota native with this pick. Forbort grew up in Duluth and another possible pick in Nick Bjugstad could be selected who grew up in Minneapolis. However after drafting Minnesota native Nick Leddy in the first round last year, he was dealt to Chicago for Cam Barker which suggests they may not be as concern with places of origin as initialy indicated. The Wild have always been a defensive dependant team and may surprised some by selecting an offensive player from above if they fall or take Ryan Johansen.
10.Ryan Johansen, F, Portland (WHL) - New York Rangers
Kean on Johansen:
If Ryan Johansen is still available when the Rangers reach the podium they will very likely take the well rounded forward who has good size and hands. The Rangers have selected 3 defensemen in the first round in the last five drafts which have given the Rangers a solid defensive prospect base however taking a big physical defenseman such as Dylan McIlrath or Jarred Tinordi is possible but unlikely for a top 10 pick.
11.Jack Campbell, G, U.S. Under-18 (USHL) - Dallas Stars
Kean on Campbell:
The fit seems to good to be true to replace former franchise goalie Marty Turco. The Stars are hoping Kari Lehtonen will bounce back to the goaltender than made him the 2nd overall pick in 2002 however with Lehtonen's injury plagued career thus far it seems if Campbell is still on the table the temptation to get a future franchise goalie could be too much.
12.Mikael Granlund , F, HIFK (SM-Liiga) - Anaheim Ducks
Kean on Granlund:
Can the Ducks really pass on taking Granlund with this pick? With fellow Fins Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu already in town the chance to pass up an all Finnish line could be too tempting. The flip side has captain Scott Niedermayer retiring and leaving a huge hole to an already weak defensive core. The Ducks may go with need first and selecting a solid defenseman such as Mark Pysyk would be the smarter move.
13.Jarred Tinordi, D, Under-18 (NDTP) - Phoenix Coyotes (from Calgary)
Kean on Tinordi:
Taking Tinordi at 13 might be a stretch as Tinordi is not expected to go until mid to late first round however the Coyotes are a team on the rise but are also in search of an identity. Tinordi is a leader and with Shane Doan getting older could be a future captain. They may take a chance and wait til their 22nd overall selection but with offensive prospects like Kyle Turris, Brett MacLean and Mikkel Boedker and defensemen Maxim Goncharov and Oliver Ekman-Larsson already in the system, adding character and toughness will be a priority. The Coyotes could go a step further and surprise many by taking Dylan Mcllrath with this pick as well, it will depend on if the Coyotes will gamble and who they think will still be available with their second pick in the first round.
14.Jeff Skinner, F, Kitchener (OHL) - St. Louis Blues
Kean on Skinner:
Jeff Skinner is as good a goal scorer as any player in this draft and if available at 14 should be a player the Blue seriously consider. The Blues are not short on offensive and might look to select Jack Campbell if still available, however with recent defensive picks David Rundblad and Alex Pietrangelo on their way the Blues could be tempted to take the sniper who would benefit playing on a team primarily composed of play-makers.
15.John McFarland, F, Sudbury (OHL) - Florida Panthers (from Boston)
Kean on McFarland:
With the Panthers selecting a defensemen with the 3rd overall pick, they now have the opportunity to add a forward to replace the offensive lost by losing Nathan Horton. The Panthers are not deep with prospects and could use a solid two-way player such as Riley Sheahan or Nick Bjugstad here as well. McFarland did not have a good season last year and could of been a top 10 selection had he faired better, but it's hard to ignore the potential he posses. With two more early second round picks available the Panthers can afford to take a chance and select a winger who could some day compliment Stephen Weiss on the wing.
16.Austin Watson, F, Peterborough (OHL) - Ottawa Senators
Kean on Watson:
The Senators are going to lose Jason Spezza at some point this year and are in serious need of an identity to turn this franchise around. A player like Vladimir Tarasenko or Emerson Etem would be the logical pick for most teams sitting in this spot but the Senators need a player to build around and Austin Watson brings a lot to the table. Watson flourished after being traded to Peterborough from Windsor and might of been a top 10 pick had he played the whole season there. He showed great poise in both ends of the rink and is the type of player you can't go wrong with.
17.Vladimir Tarasenko, F, HC Sibir (KHL) - Colorado Avalanche
Kean on Tarasenko:
The Avalanche will be praying to see Jack Campbell still on the board here but with a few teams ahead of them who could use a goalie as well it seems unlikely. Another possibility could be Calvin Pickard but the Avalanche have had bad luck with drafting goalies in recent years and could go with the very talented Tarasenko who some consider a top 10 selection. Tarasenko could end up falling like Alexei Cherepanov did in 2007 who was also drafted 17th overall after expectations he would be drafted higher. The KHL factor could also have an effect on where Tarasenko is drafted however if available the Avalanche would certainly take a chance.
18.Emerson Etem, F, Medicine Hat, (WHL) - Nashville Predators
Kean on Etem:
Los Angeles fans will hope Etem slips one more spot so the California native has a shot to be drafted in his home state by his home team but the feel good story will probably not be available if the Predators can get their hands on this goal scorer. The Predators need offensive help and they would like Etem to come in and have similar success like fellow Predators product Patric Hornqvist did last year. Etem is still work in progress but the Preds are deep on defense and need whoever the best offensive player available is.Â
19.Beau Bennett, F, Penticton (BCHL)- Los Angeles Kings
Kean on Bennett:
Most scouts cannot agree on whether Bennett is a late first round or early second round pick, however I'm going to go out on a limb and say if Emerson Etem is not available when the Kings approach the podium they will reach a little and select the California product to the approval of the Staples Center and the hometown Kings fans. The Kings are deep in defensive and goaltending prospects and are in a position to take Bennett even with better polished players still available.
20.Mark Pysyk, D, Edmonton (WHL) - Pittsburgh Penguins
Kean on Pysyk:
Mark Pysyk is projected to go in the top 15 but based on team need could fall into the latter half of the draft. The Penguins have a recent history of drafting strongly and could get a steal here with Pysyk. As one scout pointed out, he's "not an exciting player" but he is solid and could be for a long time in the NHL. The Penguins could use a boost to their blue line and he would be as safe a pick as anyone left in the draft.
21.Quinton Howden, F, Moose Jaw (WHL) - Detroit Red Wings
Kean on Howden:
The Red Wings generally are not use to selecting a player at this junction in the draft but will welcome it after a disappointing season. The forward talent pool is not deep in Detroit and the Wings usually target lesser known Europeans with their first picks. Expect the Red Wings to add some character with a solid two way player such as Howden who can also keep up on the offensive end as well. Scouts call Howden a "complete player" such is the case with more well known Pavel Datsyuk. Howden does not posses Datsyuk's offensive skills but could mold himself into a similar responsible player.
22.Evgeny Kuznetsov, F, Chelyabinsk (KHL) - Phoenix Coyotes
Kean on Kuznetsov:
If the Coyotes do as I predict and select a solid character player with the first selection, then I would expect their second pick to target an offensive weapon. However if they choose to select an offensive player with their first pick then expect this pick to be for character and grit. The Coyotes selected Viktor Tikhonov in 2008, a player much like Kuznetsov. The Coyotes may also choose to continue to address adding complete players especially if Nick Bjugstad or Riley Sheahan are available.
23.Nick Bjugstad, F, Blaine (USHL) - Buffalo Sabres
Kean on Bjugstad:
Most scouts do not see Bjugstad slipping this far in the draft, and I would agree. At some point a team above is not going to get their player of desire but like what Bjugstad brings to the table as a prospect. One of the hardest jobs for all scouts is projecting U.S. high school players because the quality of competition is so poor. He's a big kid at 6-4 and has the potential to grow into a solid NHL player. If available at 23, the Sabres would surely oblige.
24.Charlie Coyle, F, South Shore (EJHL) - Atlanta Thrashers (From New Jersey)
Kean on Coyle:
With this pick the Thrashers are hoping to get one step closer to lessening the blow felt by the departure of Ilya Kovalchuk. Cousin to former NHLer Tony Amonte, Coyle is a power forward with good hands. Adding a solid two-way forward moves the Thrashers in the right direction and while Coyle will take some time to develop at Boston University starting next year, he could end up being a solid pick.
25.Dylan Mcllrath, D, Moose Jaw (WHL) - Vancouver Canucks
Kean on Mcllrath:
There is no debating that Mcllrath is the toughest player in this years draft and there's not a single team in the NHL who would not like to have a player like this on their team. My instinct says that although Mcllrath projects to be a late first round pick, some team will jump the gun and pick him early just to get him. If available, the Canucks would love to address their lack of toughness, an issue that became apparent during last season. Some rumors have Toronto targeting Mcllrath and it wouldn't surprise me to see a team move up to get him if he slips past the top 20.
26.Calle Jarnkrok, C, Brynas (SEL) - Washington Capitals
Kean on Jarnkrok:
Calle Jarnkrok wasn't considered a first round selection by many scouts but given Washington's success with Swedish centers it wouldn't surprise many to see them take the Brynas centre here. Jarnkrok is an offensive forward and although small does remind some scouts of Marc Savard. The Capitals are in need of a second line centre behind Backstrom and could take a chance here.
27.Alex Petrovic, D, Red Deer (WHL) - Montreal Canadiens
Kean on Petrovic:
I can say with somewhat certainty that the chances of Montreal not selecting a French Canadian here are good. The Habs will look to follow up their successful season by addressing some needs in the organization. With recently signed Tomas Plekanec locked up for six years the Habs should turn their attention to addressing their lack of defensive depth. Petrovic's value dropped throughout the season last year but still projects to be a solid defensive defensmen and has yet to fully mature.
28.Tyler Toffoli, F, Ottawa (OHL) - San Jose Sharks
Kean on Toffoli:
As everyone knows Sharks GM Doug Wilson likes to target players from his former junior team the Ottawa 67's. Tyler Toffoli is the next highly touted prospect to come from the 67's organization. With the eventual lost of Patrick Marleau, Toffoli figures to be a successful goal scorer at the NHL level. Toffoli has the best shot of anyone in the draft and although remains a bit of a project could make strides similar to former 67's grad Logan Couture.
29.Jaden Schwartz, F, Tri-City (USHL) - Anaheim Ducks (from Philadelphia)
Kean on Schwartz:
Extremely hard to predict late first rounders as it's very unlikely all picks will be correct at this point. However if another team hasn't selected Jaden Schwartz at this point he will be a likely target. Schwartz is projected to go at the very end of the first round by most scouting agencies and although he stands at 5-10, he brings a lot of skill and intelligence to the table. Scouts have called him "fun to watch" and although he has yet to prove what he can do outside of high school hockey, he does stand a good chance to be a successful forward in the NHL one day if he continues to grow.Â
30.Riley Sheahan, F, Notre Dame (NCAA) - Chicago Blackhawks
Kean on Sheahan:
Much like Schwartz, Sheahan isn't likely to be available with the last picks of the NHL draft. Most scouts have Sheahan within the top 20 and think any team looking for a solid defensive forward will like what Sheahan brings to the table. Some think the New Jersey Devils would love to get their hands on this guy and may move up to get him. Scouts think he is one of the most complete players in the draft but teams may shy away from him earlier in the draft because of his lack of offensive out put. The Blackhawks with all their offense would surely love to get Sheahan.
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Very good mock, though two glaring exceptions. Tinordi going so high, and Jon Merrill not even going in the first round? He could go top 20, but I really hope the Canucks get a chance to pick him, though I doubt he falls that far. Though I really, really don't want the Canucks to pick McIlrath. One dimensional defenceman.
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