Official 2016 HF.net NHL Mock Draft

[FD19372]

The Ottawa Senators proudly select Tyson Jost, C, Penticon Vees, BCHL. Scouts say he has superb vision, and is an excellent playmaker. He tallied 104 points in 48 regular season games with the Vees. Also, Jost led his team with 2.17 points per game. He has the potential to be a first-rate, top line center in the NHL soon.

 

 

[hf101]

@AJgoal you are now on the clock with the 13th pick of the Carolina Hurricanes.

[pilldoc]

9 hours ago, hf101 said:

The New Jersey Devils need a potenial top 6 forward that can make plays and score goals as they have depth in their system at defense and goaltending.  Thus, it gives me great pleasure to select Clayton Keller as the 11th pick in the draft. Keller is going to be a great offensive player in the NHL. He is undersized but has elite hockey IQ, elite playmaking and vision, and great skating to make up for his size, very much like a Patrick Kane. 

 

Ben Kerr, Lastwordonsports - "Clayton Keller is a quick skater with an outstanding first step and an ability to accelerate extremely quickly.  He can dart into openings in the offensive zone, creating space to get a pass and get off a quick shot.  Keller’s ability to change speeds on the rush can create nightmares for defencemen.  He also has excellent agility and the edgework necessary to weave through traffic and create scoring chances. The exceptional skating often allows Keller to gain a step on defenders, and force them into taking penalties to prevent him creating a scoring chance. Keller will need to add muscle to his frame going forward though, as he can get knocked around by bigger defenders at this point. He needs to strengthen his core in order to improve his balance and be more effective in the corners and in front of the net."

 

Future Considerations - "A small but highly dynamic playmaker that is not afraid to go to the greasy areas for a scoring chance. He skates well with the ability to rocket down the ice and add a quick lateral burst to get through a hole when required. Has very impressive vision and ability to pick up options all over the ice all while maintaining possession and protecting the puck. Is a 100% effort player who rarely takes a shift off. Also possesses a pin-point shot that he hits his mark with when in a position to score. A very dangerous offensive player who has definite top six NHL potential."

 

 

 

Nice pick for the Devils... They definitely are hurting up front.  The addition of Keller will fill a need.  Most scouts had him as high as #7 and as low as #16.  Again, I agree he is a bit undersized, but all the "big" elite forwards are already off the board.  I have no problem giving the Devils an A here.

 

Draft grade = A

[pilldoc]

7 hours ago, FD19372 said:

The Ottawa Senators proudly select Tyson Jost, C, Penticon Vees, BCHL. Scouts say he has superb vision, and is an excellent playmaker. He tallied 104 points in 48 regular season games with the Vees. Also, Jost led his team with 2.17 points per game. He has the potential to be a first-rate, top line center in the NHL soon.

 

 

Tyson Jost is an interesting prospect.  There is no doubt he can score but how is that going to translate to the NHL especially with his size.  After all the BCHL is Junior A League hockey.  In 48 games he recorded 42G and 62A for 104 points.

 

Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects - 2016

Tyson Jost is a crafty goal-scorer that carries out plays as quickly as he envisions them. As someone who thinks and plays at a fast tempo, it comes as no surprise that he creates a lot of energy as an offensive catalyst. He sees the ice very well and has the willingness and determination to win battles in the tough areas. All-in-all, a dynamic offensive forward with top-6 potential at the next level.

 

ISS has him ranked #9 in their June 2016 rankings.  Jost will be heading to the States to play college hockey for the 2016-17 season. Last year he committed to the University of North Dakota.

 

Ryan Kennedy. The Hockey News.

"A smart, strong player with excellent vision and a great shot, Jost was called 'the real deal' by one NHL scout I spoke to and he’ll definitely be a first-rounder this summer when the draft hits Buffalo." 

 

As Craig Button commented, "Jost is heart and soul....When you watch Jonathan Toews...this is what you see in Jost up close"

 

I think the Sens could have also gone with a defenseman here and Jake Bean would be a fantastic pick.  All in all Jost is a good pick for the Sens and the potential of pairing Jost with Turris will have Sens fans salivating from the mouth.

 

Draft Grade = A-

 

[pilldoc]

18 hours ago, sekkes85 said:

So happy I get to be Joe Sakic....

 

The Avalanche are proud and ecstatic with the #10 overall selection in the 2016 NHL entry draft to pick London Knights defenseman Olli Juolevi.

 

@hf101 the New Jersey Devils are on the clock.

 

If I'm the Avs GM I would be running to the podium if Juolevi is still available.  Fortunately in this mock he is!.  Fantastic pic by the Avs.  Yeah the Avs could use another big forward and it would be tempting to take a Michael McLeod or a Julien Gauthier here...BUT in this mock you have the opportunity to draft the last of the top 3 defenseman who is still on the board.

 

Olli Juolevi may need a year or two before he is NHL ready, but could be worth the wait.  He projects as a two-way defenceman capable of playing big minutes against other team’s best players, killing penalties, moving the puck, and quarterbacking the powerplay.  His style is comparable to Ryan Suter of the Minnesota Wild.

 

Has good offensive skills and could be used as the team QB on the PP.  In 57 games with the Knights he had 9G, 33A for  42 points.  Add another 14 pts (3G, 11A) in 18 games during the playoffs.

 

"On top of that, Juolevi looked great defensively in the OHL with strong positioning and being tough to beat one-on-one. He is very strong at protecting the middle of the ice, using his good footwork to keep himself between attacking forwards and the net.  He forces opponents to the outside against the rush, and keeps those cycling the puck to the boards. Juolevi has a quick stick, and uses it to poke the puck off of opponents sticks, and to cut down on passing lanes. He isn’t one to throw big hits, but is willing to be as physical as necessary to defend against the cycle and to clear the front of the net. He could stand to bulk up a bit, which would help him to be stronger on the puck and better at board battles when he moves to the next level and faces bigger and stronger opponents than the teenagers he goes up against in junior hockey. "

 

http://lastwordonsports.com/2016/04/06/olli-juolevi-scouting-report-2016-nhl-draft-7/

 

Craig Button:

"Olli Juolevi (#7) of the London Knights is an incredibly competent player who makes the game look easy in all areas. He makes the essential and key plays at every turn. He shows mastery of his position under the most challenging of circumstances, and his poise, calm and assuredness are the stuff of pillar-type defencemen."

 

Future Considerations - November 2015 -

"This smart, composed two-way blue liner plays the game in a very mature, experience manner. He is calm and focused although sometimes he could play with a tad more urgency in his own zone. He is strong in his one-on one defensive play using his stick and positioning to break-up plays. His passing ability is elite for his age and he is strong at moving the puck. He generates impressive speeds with a strong, balance stride and good agility to keep up to attacking forwards."

 

Outstanding pick for the Avs!

 

Draft Grade = A+

[AJgoal]

With the 13th pick in the 2016 NHL draft, the Carolina Hurricanes are proud to select Keiffer Bellows, Forward, USA U18.

 

Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News - April 19, 2016 - "Bellows may not be the most complete player in the draft, but his goal-scoring acumen is top-tier. He has already struck three times in three games at the under-18s, with five points total. Bellows is a Boston University commit."

The Draft Analyst - March , 2016 - "Bellows is a well-built goal scorer with a low center of gravity who can play a punishing, heavy yet cerebral game. He’s a good skater with tremendous balance and moves well laterally. And while he used play center for Edina’s powerhouse high school program, Bellows is most certainly better suited as a shooter from the flank. He’s built like a Mack truck and plays with fire, using tremendous athleticism and work ethic to maintain his compete level, even during extended shifts. He’s extremely difficult to move off the puck, and he’s proven to be a load to handle for some of the NCAA’s bigger defensemen. Bellows is a hard, accurate passer, but can also feather a pass off the rush or lead his teammates with timing and precision."

Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News - February 16, 2016 - "Tied as the leading scorer at the Five Nations in Finland with five points in four games, Bellows is a Boston University commit with strength and a wicked goal-scoring touch. Consistency is one area scouts would like to see improvement from him."

Damien Cox of Sportsnet - January 13, 2016 - "Another Team USA cut cut for Helsinki. The pure sniper has 26 goals in 33 games."

Curtis Joe of Elite Prospects - 2016 - "Kieffer Bellows is a skilled power forward that can dominate games. Possesses high end puckhandling ability as well as a crisp, accurate release on his shot. Proficient forechecker and loves to win puck battles, which stands out as a consistent part of his game. Strong skater that can bull through the opposition or go around them. Drives the net hard and is a decisive finisher. All-in-all, a competitor that punishes the opposition physically, as well as on the scoreboard."

Future Considerations - November 2015 - "The son of former NHL goal scorer Brian Bellows, the apple did not fall far from the tree in this case. Kieffer has a natural scorers instinct and desire to hit the twine. He has some solid strength and uses it to get to prime scoring areas with and without the puck. Has a real hard shot that he can absolutely wire on net. Can go unnoticed for a few shifts but usually makes an impact in each contest, so consistency will need to improve. This Boston University commit will be high on NHL teams radar come next June."
 

 

I went back and forth here. Carolina has holes throughout their lineup, and while it's tempting to pick Michael McLeod, McCleod fell in ISS's rankings while Bellows rose. And I'm not sure McAvoy is a good pick for the 'Canes here, who were 4th worst in the NHL in goal scoring, which isn't going to get better with the departure of Eric Staal. He won't be available right away, but that's ok for a team that needs a goalie and some other pieces before they're ready to make some noise, so Carolina is comfortable taking who they feel is the best available player.

 

The Boston Bruins @Lunatic are on the clock.

 

[pilldoc]

@Lunatic the Boston Bruins are now on the clock!

[yave1964]

Yay! My guy for the Wings is still out there, only two picks to go!! Fingers crossed!

[Lunatic]

With the 14th pick in this years draft, the Boston Bruins select: Dante Frabbro, Defenseman, Penticton BCHL

 

Next up: @pilldoc

 

 

 

 

 

 

[yave1964]

Actually @MN Wild fan is up at 15.

[pilldoc]

Just now, yave1964 said:

Actually @MN Wild fan is up at 15.

 

I received a PM from @MN Wild fan who is currently away on a trip.  He was unable to continue with the draft and asked me to fill in for him.  I hope to have the pick in shortly.

[pilldoc]

The great state of Minnesota and the Minnesota Wild organization would also like to extend their gratitude for Hockeyforums.net sponsoring this year’s mock draft.  Filling in for @MN Wild fan I was all set to select for him, per his instructions, Kieffer Bellows.  However, the Carolina organization must have been reading our minds and selected him 2 spots ahead of the Wild.

Therefore, Wild management had to resort to Plan B.  With only 3 picks in this year’s draft the Wild have to nail this pick if they wish re-stock their prospect pool.  It was a very difficult decision picking between 2 very talented prospects. 

With the 15^th pick the Minnesota Wild would like to welcome from Chestfield, MO and the US National U18 Team, Luke Kunin (C/RW). Luke just completed his freshman year at the Univ. of Wisconsin.

Kunin is generally regarded as a very intelligent two-way player on the ice who likes to drive the offence and can either dish the puck or put it home with his deadly snap shot. Beyond offensive instincts is a general awareness of his surroundings which lead to a strong defensive game as well, battling hard for puck possession.

Kunin had a very strong freshman year playing in Madison this last season.  For Wisconsin Kunin racked up 19 goals and 13 assists in his first campaign.  He has been noted as a very good thinker with strong instincts to make plays happen on the ice.  Kunin’s shot has also been described as very accurate shooter, with excellent speed that helps him keep up an awesome transition game.  His value to the Wild would be like McLeod in that he could play an outstanding two-way game while at the same time contributing on the scoreboard with effectiveness.

Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects:

"A highly intelligent and offensively gifted forward. Has a keen eye for scoring opportunities and has shown flashes of elite-level finishing capability. Works hard and isn't afraid to battle for puck possession. Good hands and puck skills, and has a really accurate release on his shot. Needs to work on his explosiveness, staying in motion with the play, and strength behind his shot."

Draft Analyst:

"An honest, clean player with very good speed and strength, Kunin is natural goal scorer, blessed with a laser of a shot and excellent instincts. He was unstoppable at last year’s U18 World Championships, scoring six goals in seven games without the benefit of playing on the top line. He’s been just as prolific as a freshman for the rebuilding Badgers, who entrusted him with top line duties. "

Future Considerations –

"A slick and solid overall center that plays hard in all three zones. Has some explosive feet and tremendous speed generated in only a few quick strides. His shot is on and off his blade in only a split second and shows outstanding velocity and accuracy. He also shows impressive reads of developing plays and the vision and creativity to make a play out of nothing. Does not slouch defensively as he comes back and disrupts the opponents attack. A slick possession player with quick hands and a quicker mind."

Kunin is a leader in the locker room earning the “C” for the U18 tournament.  Will be a greater leader for the Wild in the future.

 

 

[pilldoc]

@yave1964 your Detroit Red Wings are now on the clock!  

[yave1964]

With the 16th pick in the draft my Detroit Red Wings are thrilled beyond comprehension to draft Boston College own Charles Mcavoy. A thick sturdy defender who starred in college last season in Boston, generally leading the rush and hitting everything and playing sound in his own zone, he has the advantage of being a right handed shot.

  I chose him over a kid who has fallen simply because I believe that Mcavoy is close to NHL ready, another year at Boston and then a year in Grand Rapids and plug him in. He has instincts and size and the all important right hand shot which the Wings always lack and I had him targeted before the draft began.

[yave1964]

@peter puck the Nashville Predators are now on the clock

[peter puck]

Nashville  Predators proudly select LW  Max Jones

@pilldoc  Your on the clock

[pilldoc]

I will have the pick in later this afternoon or evening....

[pilldoc]

The Philadelphia Flyers would like to apologize for the delay in making their pick. (Sorry sometimes family duties take precedent)   After much thought and deliberation, Ron Hextall and Dave Hakstol are excited to be picking arguably one of the best and fastest skaters in this year’s draft. 

 

The Flyers are happy to announce their pick at #18. Please welcome from Mississauga, Ontario and playing for the Mississauga Steelheads (OHL), Micahel McLeod (C).

 

During the 2015-16 season, McLeod had a breakout season scoring 61 pts (21G, 40A) in 57 games.  He also recorded 9 pts (3G, 6A) in 7 games during the playoffs. Twenty-four of his 40 assists were primary, so it would be fair to say that he was not just a passenger out there, he drove the play. Obviously having Alex Nylander as a common linemate gave him a good supporting cast, but he really opened things up for his linemates thanks to his skating.

 

Skating is easily his biggest asset. He has elite top-end speed, and acceleration that allows him to get there in a few short strides

 

Cutis Joe, Elite Prosepects:

 

Michael McLeod is a highly skilled power center that relies on nobody but himself to get the job done. His size and skating make him difficult to contain, and his competitiveness gives him an edge against other teams' best. His deft puckhandling skills and control over his speed are the defining aspects of his offensive abilities. All-in-all, a top talent that is both dynamic and hard to play against.

 

Future considerations:

 

McLeod has an excellent skating stride which includes several different gears and the ability to instantly change speed to shoot through holes in the defense. He is defensibly responsible and plays the game from goal light to goal light. Has a very high compete level, plays physical and will do whatever is required to help his team. Creates plenty of chances off the rush using his speed and willingness to take the puck to the net. Strong in the faceoff circle and has some leadership qualities NHL teams will like.

 

ISS:

 

McLeod was the Steelheads go to player in all situations this year. Was assistant captain of the young team and showed excellent understanding of the game. As the year progressed it became clear that McLeod had more to offer than his steady two-way play improving his shot, hands and vision offensively. Rarely makes mistakes in his game but works his tail off to make up for the rare bad decision he has. Proved to be one of the best players gaining the blue line with the puck and can beat teams off the rush with his speed on the cycle with his size and vision. Matched up against top players on other teams routinely and able to contribute while shutting them down. A player to watch if he can put it all together and add some bulk.

 

The best word to describe McLeod’s game is rapid — everything he does is with effort and a sense of urgency. What separates McLeod from the lot of draft-eligible speedsters is that he has the size, strength and puck-control skills to go along with it.

 

McLeod could end up being a steal in this draft. The type of skating he possesses as an 18 year old is hard to find, and if he can refine other areas of his game, he could easily be a future top-six center on most NHL teams.  He will probably need a year or two before being ready for the NHL.

 

With this pick…the Flyers just got faster and quicker.  Though he is not a LW which the Flyers need, but at drafting at #18, the Flyers were able to draft BPA.

 

Draft Grade: B+/A-

 

http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2016/6/2/11825040/michael-mcleod-highlights-scouting-report-draft-profile-nhl-draft-2016-montreal-canadiens

 

 

 

 

 

[pilldoc]

@MrDanglez67 the New York Islanders are now on the clock!

 

I would be ecstatic if McLeod dropped to the Flyers at #18 and he Flyers would be able to draft him!

My draft wish list right now if the Flyers are unable to move up in the 10 would be  Jost / McLeod / Fabbro / Kunin in that order.

[MrDanglez67]

With the 19th pick in this years draft the New York Islanders are proud to select from Val Doeur of the QMJHL Julien Gauthier!!!!!!!

 

Gauthier is a big strong scoring winger and has slipped after a slow finish to the year. However I feel like he could still be a 30+ goal scorer in the NHL playing alongside John Tavares. The isles need more finishers and I believe Gauthier could be that guy.

[MrDanglez67]

@sekkes85 your team is now on the clock with the 20th pick!!!!!!!

[Lunatic]

An interesting report of standouts from the combine: http://thehockeywriters.com/four-nhl-combine-standouts/

[hf101]

10 minutes ago, Lunatic said:

An interesting report of standouts from the combine: http://thehockeywriters.com/four-nhl-combine-standouts/

 From the article:

Quote

I had Chychrun, Olli Juolevi, and Mikhail Sergachev back-to-back-to-back in my rankings. Not anymore. Chychrun is the best defenseman available in this draft. His combination of size, speed, and power is hard to match. He spent time in Sarnia getting ready for the pro game. He didn’t have the flashes of brilliance others had. Don’t let that fool you. He adjusted his game to get ready for this moment. He should go as the first defenseman in the draft. If Edmonton doesn’t trade their pick at fourth, they should take a good, hard look at him.

 

 

great job with your Edmonton pick!  @Lunatic   

[hf101]

Some other write ups from the combine include: 

 

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/10-takeaways-2016-nhl-scouting-combine/

 

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/2016-nhl-combine-results-top-10-drill/

[sekkes85]

With the 20th overall pick, the Arizona (is it bad that I originally typed out Phoenix?) are proud to select, Calgary Hitmen defensemen,Jake Bean.

 

@hf101  you are on the clock.