2015 NHL Mock Draft

By Alex Hobson

Perpare yourselves, this is a long read. Here's my mock draft
Some say that the most exciting time of the year in the hockey world is the draft. Where you get to see young, fresh players with high potential begin their careers as professionals. This year, we're heading into the deepest draft since 2003, so it leaves lots of hockey fans excited, whether you cheer for a rebuilding team or a contending team. To get you guys prepared for the draft, I present to you, my mock draft for this year's class.

1. Edmonton Oilers - Connor McDavid (C, Erie Otters, OHL, 6'1, 195lb)
It will come as a surprise to nobody if the Oilers take McDavid at 1st overall. He is regarded as the best prospect since Sidney Crosby, and has a huge chance at becoming a franchise player that will help the Oilers turn around. He is a gifted playmaker that makes players around him better.

2. Buffalo Sabres - Jack Eichel (C, USNTDP, USHL, 6'2, 196lb)
 The Sabres may not have gotten the talent of McDavid, who is almost guarenteed to be the 1st overall pick, but the Sabres got the best consolation prize availible. Eichel holds the same potential to become a franchise player for who takes him. Recorded 71 points in 40 games for Boston University and won the Hobey Baker award for the top NCAA player along with the rookie of the year award.

3. Arizona Coyotes - Dylan Strome (C, Erie Otters, OHL, 6'3, 186lb)
 The Coyotes lack a solid prospect at centre, so it makes lots of sense that they would select Strome with this pick. Has great vision of the ice and an NHL-ready shot along with size, who would be a great compliment to the Coyotes winger prospects such as Max Domi and Anthony Duclair. Plays a Joe Thornton type of game.

4. Toronto Maple Leafs - Mitch Marner (C, London Knights, OHL, 5'11, 160lb)
The Leafs officially started their rebuild after this season, and they lack prospects everywhere. Current Director of Player Personnel Mark Hunter has connections to Marner from London, and considering the Leafs aren't good enough to be picky about their prospects, it would be ideal for them to select Marner for this pick. Has an unbelievable skill set, and plays a Patrick Kane style of game. The only aspect he lacks is size, but he still has a few more years to grow, and could easily grow to be 6'0 or 6'1.

5. Carolina Hurricanes - Noah Hanifin (D, USNTDP, USHL, 6'3, 203lb)
Hanifin has slid up and down rankings from the start of the year, but is consistently seen as the best defenseman in the draft no matter where he's ranked. He's a big defenseman who has good offensive talent, but knows how to play in his own zone as well. Plays a Drew Doughty/Duncan Keith type of game, and would be a fine compliment to Haydn Fleury in the future if the Canes were to select him.

6. New Jersey Devils - Lawson Crouse (LW, Kingston Frontenacs, OHL, 6'4, 212lb)
 Crouse is seen as an energy type of player, who doesn't lack any aspect to his game. Willing to stand up for his teammates, and goes to the net on offensive rushes. Comparable to Milan Lucic based on his power-forward type of play. His offensive upside could use some work, but other than that he's a solid player. Would not be surprising if the Devils took him at #6

7. Philadelphia Flyers - Mikko Rantanen (LW, HC TPS, SM-Liiga, 6'4, 209lb)
Rantanen is the first European forward to be mentioned in this mock draft. He consistently shows up as a forward and puts up points, showing at the World Juniors this past year, scoring 4 goals in 5 games for Team Finland. He also has size to his game, and would be a fine compliment to Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek in the future, if the Flyers were to take him.

8. Columbus Blue Jackets - Ivan Provorov (D, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL, 6'0, 201lb)
While Provorov has not passed Noah Hanifin as the top defensive prospect in this draft, he is seen as the most NHL ready d-man. He is extremely talented offensively, even as a defenseman, showing when he put up 61 points in 60 games for Brandon this year, but he's not shy in his own zone either. Some people have seen him as Erik Karlsson 2.0, and if the Jackets were to grab him at #8, then a potential Ryan Murray-Ivan Provorov pairing in the future would be deadly.

9. San Jose Sharks - Mathew Barzal (C, Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL, 6'0, 181lb)
Barzal has dropped in rankings over the course of the season due to injury, but it's no secret that whoever drafts Matt Barzal is getting a gifted player. Put up 57 points in 44 games for Seattle despite suffering an injury, and with a potential rebuild starting for the Sharks, he would make an insperable 1-2 punch with Logan Couture in the future.

10. Colorado Avalanche - Zach Werenski (D, USNTDP, USHL, 6'2, 206lb)
The Avalanche have a good amount of prospects at each position, while at defense they hold prospects such as Duncan Siemens and Chris Bigras, but if Zach Werenski is still availible at #10, they should not hesitate to take him. He is a gifted defenseman who recorded 25 points in 35 games for the University of Michigan. He also recoreded 2 points at the World Junior Championships for Team USA, and would be a healthy addition to the Avalanche prospect pool.

11. Florida Panthers - Pavel Zacha (C/LW, Sarnia Sting, OHL, 6'3, 210lb)
At one point, Zacha was among the top rated prospects in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He has since dropped once players such as Dylan Strome and Mitch Marner exploded this season, but there's still no denying that Zacha is a solid player for whoever picks him up. Standing at 6'3 and weighing in at 210lbs, he is a shooter and a passer who isn't afraid to use his size. Zacha could slot in as a centre behind Aleksander Barkov, or even as a winger alongside of Barkov.

12. Dallas Stars - Kyle Connor (C, Youngstown Phantoms, USHL, 6'1, 183lb)
Kyle Connor has generally been ranked within the 10-15 range of picks in the first round, and as a player he has been seen as a gifted skater who has tremendous vision of the ice and creativity to burn. He recorded 80 points in 56 games for Youngstown this past year, and even dating back as early to Connor's AAA days before Junior, he has always been a consistent point scorer. With current #2 centre Jason Spezza climbing in age, Connor would be a solid replacement to slot in behind Tyler Seguin on the Stars in the future.

13. Los Angeles Kings - Timo Meier (RW, Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL, 6'1, 209lb)
The Los Angeles Kings were the 2014 Stanley Cup Champions, and after a disappointing 2014-15 campaign which saw them miss the playoffs, they show no signs of slowing down and look to get right back up to the top of the standings. Even with a mediocre selection at 13th, Timo Meier looks like he would be great addition to their prospect pool. He is seen as an all around player who can play on a skill line and score goals, or can play on a character line and keep pucks out, not to mention he lead Halifax in goals with 40. A good powerplay producer who would be a key addition to the Kings' future offense.

14. Boston Bruins - Jakub Zboril (D, Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL, 6'1, 185lb)
The Bruins are another team who had a rather disappointing season following a great one. While they have been looked at as a solid team for a number of years, lots of their core are rising in age, especially team captain Zdeno Chara, this prospect in Zboril might be the home run pick of this draft. He's a smart, puck moving defenseman that has few holes in his game. He possesses skill in all three areas in the ice, and isn't afraid to make or take a hit to create a play. Plays a Keith Yandle type of game.

15. Calgary Flames - Nick Merkley (C/LW, Kelowna Rockets, WHL, 5'10, 192lb)
The first thing you need to know about Nick Merkley, is that he is an unbelievable playmaker. He recorded 70 assists in 72 games for Kelowna this year, along with 22 assists in 19 games throughout the Memorial Cup Playoffs. He has slick hands and knows very well how to make a play. Lacks size but makes up for it with tremendous offensive ability and work ethic. Stick him on a line with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan in the future, it would be deadly.

16. Edmonton Oilers (From Pittsburgh) - Paul Bittner (LW, Portland Winterhawks, WHL, 6'4, 203lb)
All the hype surrounding the Oilers in this draft leads to the Connor McDavid hype, whom the Oilers are presumed to take with their 1st overall pick. But if the Oilers want size to go along with skill, they would draft Paul Bittner with this pick. At 6'4, he uses his size to push his way to the net and screen the goalie. He recorded 71 points in 66 games this season, but also acts as a playmaker with the puck. Would be a solid addition to the future 2nd or 3rd line for the Oilers as a scoring energy forward.

17. Winnipeg Jets - Brock Boeser (RW, Waterloo Blackhawks, USHL, 6'0, 192lb)
Brock Boeser has been all around the draft charts this year. He's generally, in a wide range, been ranked between 10th and 30th by various reports. He's a quick offensive winger who has a good vision for the game and has a very accurate wrist shot. He is compared to Patrick Sharp by some reports seeing he is a good goal scorer who can skate well. If the Jets grab him with this pick, he could slide nicely into a future role alongside of Mark Scheifele or Bryan Little.

18. Ottawa Senators - Thomas Chabot (D, Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL, 6'2, 181lb)
Thomas Chabot is a teammate of fellow 2015 Draft Prospect Jakub Zboril, and the two make an insperable pairing for Saint John. He's a quick thinking, two way defenseman that possesses good mobility and can throw the opposition off guard with his speed. With longtime veteran defenseman Chris Phillips retiring in the next few years, Chabot would be a healthy replacement in the future.

19. Detroit Red Wings - Yevgeni Svechnikov (LW, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, QMJHL, 6'2, 201lb)
Svechnikov is a very skilled offensive winger that shows no faults on his offensive upside of the game. He has an incredibly powerful and accurate shot to go along with a pair of slick hands, so it seems he's a type of player that would fit into Detroit's system. He recorded 78 points in 55 games for Cape Breton this season, and if Detroit picks him up at #19, he could be yet another solid addition to the deep Red Wings prospect pool.

20. Minnesota Wild - Colin White (C, USNTDP, USHL, 6'0, 183)
White is yet another player who has bounced up and down the draft rankings, but if the Wild choose to take the College Hockey route again (they selected Alex Tuch from Boston College last year) then they would be getting a solid, 200 foot player once again in Colin White. He does all the little things right and possesses great stickhandling and playmaking ability, and would be a good addition to the Wild's centre depth.

21. Buffalo Sabres (from NY Islanders) - Ilya Samsonov (G, Magnitogorsk, MHL, 6'3, 201lbs)
Samsonov is the first goalie to be taken in this mock draft, and it's entirely possible that Samsonov could be taken as a first round pick rather than a second. With the Sabres already positioned to draft Jack Eichel at #2, they're already stacked at each position with prospect depth, except for goaltending. If they can pick up Samsonov with their second of two first round picks, then this would solidify their prospect pool completely.

22. Washington Capitals - Joel Eriksson-Ek (C, Farjestad, SHL, 6'2, 183)
Eriksson-Ek is a very competitive centre who uses his size and his skating ability to push his way to the net, and has a knack for scoring big goals. He recorded 5 goals and 6 points for Team Sweden at the 2015 World Juniors, and if Washington took im if availible at #22, he would be a good addition to the Caps forward prospect pool.

23. Vancouver Canucks - Travis Konecny (C, Ottawa 67's, OHL, 5'10, 176lb)
Konecny is another one of those prospects that was highly touted for a while, but has since dropped due to suffering an injury. He's related to current Canucks winger Bo Horvat, and with the very willing playing style that Konecny possesses, he would be a great replacement for Henrik Sedin once he retires. Konecny is already an established leader, who took over as Team Captain in only his second year with Ottawa, not to mention he has undeniable playmaking skill along with defensive ability, and isn't afraid to hit. He would be a steal no matter which team takes him.

24. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Nashville) - Oliver Kylington (D, Farjestad, SHL, 6'0, 181lb)
For a period of time, Kylington was touted as the 4th best prospect in this year's draft, behind McDavid, Eichel, and Hanifin, but has since dropped due to injury. He's one of those players that could be taken anywhere in the first round, but whoever picks him up is getting a great player. He possesses tremendous skating ability, and can serve well on the powerplay and penalty kill. He has a great eye for the game, and assuming the Maple Leafs pick up a forward with their 1st pick, they would be smart to snag up Kylington if availible.

25. Winnipeg Jets (from Buffalo via St Louis) - Daniel Sprong (RW, Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL, 6'0, 183 lbs)
Daniel Sprong is projected to go late in the 1st round, but don't let the position fool you. Behind McDavid, Eichel, and Marner, he is seen as the most skilled player in this draft. He has an unbelievable shot, and is a great skater and just one of those players that you love to watch. If he's avalible at #25, the Jets should not be shy to take him, as he would fit right into the Jets' deep prospect pool.

26. Montreal Canadiens - Jansen Harkins (C, Prince George Cougars, WHL, 6'1, 183,)
Harkins is seen as the type of player that wears his heart on his sleeve and will do anything to win. He's a smooth skater and has a high-end playmaking ability. Has good leadership ability and good offensive talent that the Canadiens lack. He's comparable to David Krejci in terms of his offensive game and his willingness to compete in all 3 zones.

27. Anaheim Ducks - Jeremy Roy (D, Sherbrooke Phoenix, QMJHL, 6'0, 180lb)
Jeremy Roy is a gifted two way derenseman that plays authoritative hockey, with and without the puck. He's a very aware defenseman and is solid in both ends of the ice. He would be a good pickup for the Ducks if he's availible at #27 and would be a solid addition to the Ducks' future defensive core.

28. Tampa Bay Lightning - Jake DeBrusk (LW, Swift Current Broncos, WHL, 6'0, 176)
Small gifted winger that plays a solid two way game and is willing to go into the dirty areas to get the puck and make smart plays below the hashmarks. Has good individual skills and put up 81 points in 72 games for Swift Current this year. If Tampa were to draft him, he would be a good addition to their winger core for the future.

29. Arizona Coyotes (from Chicago) - Filip Chlapik (LW, Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL, 6'1, 196lb)
Chlapik is one of those players that isn't seen much in the first round, but wouldn't be a bad pick for the Coyotes. Chlapik put up 75 points in 64 games for the Isles and would be a steady addition for the Coytotes. Has good playmaking skills and can also score, while having good vision of the ice as well.

30. Philadelphia Flyers (from Tampa Bay) - Brandon Carlo (D, Tri-City Americans, WHL, 6'5, 196lb)
Assuming the Flyers take Mikko Rantanen with their first of 2 first round picks, it would come to no surprise if they take Carlo with their second. A huge defenseman, standing at 6'5 would fit right into a weak Flyers defensive core. Needs to find his offensive upside but other than that is a great player.