The last in-person NHL Draft is around the corner, taking place at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The first round goes Friday night, with Rounds 2-7 running on Saturday. Of course, you can watch it all on Sportsnet.
But before we get there, our draft gurus Sam Cosentino and Jason Bukala field a few questions on what they’re looking forward to most from this year’s class.
We know Macklin Celebrini will go first overall to the San Jose Sharks, but after that the draft could unfold in all sorts of ways. The order of player selection is unpredictable, and we know a few teams are open for business and could possibly trade their picks.
Without further ado, Sam and Jason share what they think will happen, and what they’re looking forward to.
1. The draft may really start at the second overall pick, where it’s uncertain who may follow Macklin Celebrini. But who is the prospect you’re most curious to see where they land?
Jason Bukala: It feels to me like Ivan Demidov and Artyom Levshunov are interchangeable to go either No. 2 or No. 3 at the draft. There’s always room for surprises, but that’s my gut feel at this stage.
Having said that, I’m interested to see what Columbus does with the fourth pick. Do they trade it, or do they make the selection? Either way, I think it’s likely we will hear either Cayden Lindstrom or Anton Silayev called at fourth overall.
Which brings me to the Montreal Canadiens at five. I think they are the wild card team. I believe the Habs will be selecting a forward and value Lindstrom, Tij Iginla, Beckett Sennecke and perhaps Berkly Catton. I’m bracing for Montreal to trade back. They likely have at least four names they are interested in and value similarly, so they can afford to take the risk and pick up an extra draft pick elsewhere.
Sam Cosentino: I’m most curious about Zayne Parekh. I have him as the second-best defenceman available in this draft class. I think his offensive upside is through the roof. He’s done things in the CHL that I’ve never seen a defenceman do before. Sitting on this side of the fence, it’s an easy call to make. Having said that, he is slight of frame and there are some defensive liabilities. If he doesn’t hit as an elite, point-producing defenceman, where does he fit in your three pairings?
A warning to GMs who have multiple first round picks: don’t pass this guy by. For those reasons, he creates the most intrigue for me inside the top 10 picks.
2. Who do you think will be the first goalie off the board and in what range do you think they’ll get picked?
JB: NHL teams love size and athleticism in goalies. Mikhail Yegorov from Omaha in the USHL fits the description. He has a solid foundation to build upon. Having identified him as the potential first goalie off the board, I don’t see a goalie being selected in the second round unless a team has multiple picks. Carter George, from Owen Sound, is another name to keep an eye on.
SC: I think the first goalie off the board will be Mikhail Yegorov. Although last week, I thought it would be Carter George, but at 6-foot-1, George will be overlooked at that position by at least half the clubs.
Interview/personality-wise, Yegorov was as impressive as anyone but Aron Kiviharju at the combine. Aside from being 6-foot-5, 188 pounds he’s hardly played, leaving plenty of room for growth. Going the college route will give the team that drafts Yegorov plenty of time to develop him without having to make a quick decision on a contract. I think he’ll go inside the top 50 because the goalie market is not great in this draft. In fact, it wouldn’t shock me to see him go within the top eight picks in the second round. As it stands, the first nine teams up in that round could all use a goalie down the road, especially San Jose. The Sharks pick at 33 and again at 42 if things don’t change between now and the draft. I’d be shocked if he gets by the Sharks at 42.