The Cobra
06-25-2016, 12:16 PM
Cobra..
Not much in the way of surprises here.... Leafs got their man of the future, Columbus did a small flip flop on taking Dubois over Puljujarvi giving the Oil yet another talented forward and the Habs got a beauty in the defensive end in Sergachev. Rnd 2 of the 2016 draft continues at 10 am Sat with the Leafs picking #1 in the second round.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs - Auston Matthews, C, Zurich (SUI)
NHL Central Scouting final international ranking: 1
2015-16: 36 games, 24-22-46
The first United States-born player selected No. 1 at the NHL draft since Patrick Kane by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007. The 6-foot-2, 216-pound native of Scottsdale, Ariz., played against older, more experienced competition in Switzerland, some of whom had played in the NHL, and succeeded. He won the Rising Star award and finished second in voting the most valuable player award in National League A, Switzerland's top professional league. Matthews helped the United States win the bronze medal at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, tying for the tournament lead with seven goals in seven games. He also led the U.S. with six goals in 10 games at 2016 IIHF World Championship.
NHL.com quick hit: He's the big, powerful center the Maple Leafs have craved since Mats Sundin in 2007-08. A franchise player capable of playing a strong 200-foot game.
https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/photos/281039940/1136x640/cut.jpeg
Auston Matthews being No. 1 pick
00:51 • June 24th, 2016
2. Winnipeg Jets - Patrik Laine, RW, Tappara (FIN)
NHL Central Scouting final international ranking: 2
2015-16: 46 games, 17-16-33
The 6-3, 201-pound forward can play right wing or left wing. He has excellent puck skills, quick hands and one of the best one-timers among players in the 2016 draft pool. Scouts have compared him to Hockey Hall of Fame member Brett Hull. Laine was named MVP of the playoffs in Liiga, Finland's top professional league, after he had 10 goals and 15 points in 18 games to help Tappara win the championship. He also was named the most valuable player and best forward at the 2016 IIHF World Championship; he had seven goals and 12 points in 10 games to help Finland win the silver medal. He'll play for Team Finland at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
NHL.com quick hit: Laine is the pure goal-scorer the Jets will be able to fit right into their top six. He has an NHL caliber shot and is extremely difficult to play against.
https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/photos/281040282/1136x640/cut.jpeg
Jets draft Patrik Laine No. 2
01:49 • June 24th, 2016
3. Columbus Blue Jackets - Pierre-Luc Dubois, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 1
2015-16: 62 games, 42-57-99
A strong and deceptive skater who is capable of playing all three forward positions. Scouts compare him to Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn. Dubois quickly ascended the draft rankings this season, using his versatility and size (6-2, 201) to an advantage, as evidenced by his 112 penalty minutes. He also had 10 power-play goals, three shorthanded goals and won 50.4 percent of his faceoffs despite never playing center before December 2015.
NHL.com quick hit: The Blue Jackets love the versatility of Dubois, who celebrates his 18th birthday on Friday. He's a highly skilled power forward capable of playing all three forward positions. He excels using his size and he plays with an edge.
https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/photos/281040302/1136x640/cut.jpeg
Blue Jackets draft F Dubois No. 3
01:36 • June 24th, 2016
4. Edmonton Oilers - Jesse Puljujarvi, RW, Karpat (FIN)
NHL Central Scouting final international ranking: 3
2015-16: 50 games, 13-15-28
A big, skilled all-around forward who can score and pass. He missed three weeks in March because of a lower-body injury but didn't miss a beat once he returned to the lineup. He had five goals and seven points in four games for Finland to help them win the gold medal at the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. That followed the gold medal Puljujarvi helped Finland win at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship.
NHL.com quick hit: The ultimate power forward with a solid 200-foot game, Could be the perfect complement to Connor McDavid
5. Vancouver Canucks - Olli Juolevi, D, London (OHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 5
2015-16: 57 games, 9-33-42
Juolevi had nine points, all assists, in seven games to help Finland win the gold medal at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, and he had seven points, all assists, in four games to help London win the Memorial Cup. The 6-2, 188-pound left-shot defender exhibits excellent poise and composure with the puck, good instincts without the puck, is effective on special teams and is a fantastic skater.
NHL.com quick hit: Possibly the most offensively skilled defenseman in the draft. Juolevi is a superb skater who can carry the puck and lead the rush, or make a quick, smart pass out of the zone. The Canucks haven't had a player of his skill since Alex Edler`s peak seasons.
6. Calgary Flames - Matthew Tkachuk, LW, London (OHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 2
2015-16: 57 games, 30-77-107
Possesses elite hockey sense and vision that allows him to consistently find ways to contribute offensively and be impactful in many roles. Scouts have said Tkachuk reminds them of Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry. After his outstanding regular season, Tkachuk led the Ontario Hockey League with 20 goals in 18 playoff games, and then scored in overtime in the Memorial Cup championship game. He's the son of former NHL player and United States Hockey Hall of Fame member Keith Tkachuk.
NHL.com quick hit: Some scouts considered Tkachuk the best player in the draft class from the dots down in the offensive zone. The power forward showed he is fearless in getting to the net. Having a player with his skill set will make Calgary's other top forwards, like Gaudreau and Monohan even better.
7. Arizona Coyotes - Clayton Keller, C, USA U-18 (USHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 9
2015-16: 62 games, 37-70-107
The left-shot center (5-10, 164) led USA Hockey's National Team Development Program under-18 team in assists, points, shorthanded goals (four) and a 1.73 points-per-game average. Keller models his game after NTDP alum Patrick Kane. Scouts like his playmaking ability, scoring touch, exceptional mobility, stickhandling and confidence. He saw extensive time on the power-play and penalty-killing units.
NHL.com quick hit: The offensive dynamo had a 100-point season with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program under-18 team. His lack of size (5-foot-10, 164 pounds) is offset by his skating and hockey sense. Adding Keller to Dylan Strome, the No. 3 pick of the 2015 NHL Draft, gives the Coyotes the making of impressive depth through the middle.
8. Buffalo Sabres - Alexander Nylander, LW, Mississauga (OHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 3
2015-16: 57 games, 28-47-75
Nylander (6-0, 178) is a dynamic player with an elite skill set to complement his NHL-ready speed and quickness. He can make plays at full speed, is dangerous 1-on-1 and has high-end goal-scoring instincts. Scouts love that he's difficult to defend because he can create offense in so many ways. Nylander led Sweden with four goals and nine points in seven games at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship. The pick also should elevate the rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have older brother William Nylander.
NHL.com quick hit: The talented, versatile forward can play center or left wing. He executes at top speed, and an eventual line combination with center Jack Eichel could cause problems for Buffalo opponents down the line.
9. Montreal Canadiens - Mikhail Sergachev, D, Windsor (OHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 8
2015-16: 67 games, 17-40-57
A solid two-way defenseman with good size (6-2, 221), deceptive speed and quickness, Sergachev was the youngest recipient of the Ontario Hockey League Most Outstanding Defenseman award. He led OHL defensemen in goals and was third in points. Sergachev also had 31 power-play points and a plus-15 rating.
NHL.com quick hit: The defenseman mixes high-end offensive skill with snarl. He made a seamless adjustment to North America, scoring 17 goals and being named the best defenseman in the Ontario Hockey League. Some scouts think he could be NHL-ready this season.
10. Colorado Avalanche - Tyson Jost, C, Penticton (BCHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 16
2015-16: 48 games, 42-62-104
The 5-11, 190-pound left-shot forward was named the most valuable player of British Columbia Hockey League after he led the league with 62 assists and was third with 104 points in 48 games. Jost also was named best forward at the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championship after leading the tournament with 15 points in seven games for Canada. He's committed to the University of North Dakota for 2016-17.
NHL.com quick hit: The highly talented center has earned comparisons to Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews He's taking Toews' path to the University of North Dakota next season, and might not need much time there before he can join McKinnon and Duchene as impressive center depth in Colorado
Not much in the way of surprises here.... Leafs got their man of the future, Columbus did a small flip flop on taking Dubois over Puljujarvi giving the Oil yet another talented forward and the Habs got a beauty in the defensive end in Sergachev. Rnd 2 of the 2016 draft continues at 10 am Sat with the Leafs picking #1 in the second round.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs - Auston Matthews, C, Zurich (SUI)
NHL Central Scouting final international ranking: 1
2015-16: 36 games, 24-22-46
The first United States-born player selected No. 1 at the NHL draft since Patrick Kane by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007. The 6-foot-2, 216-pound native of Scottsdale, Ariz., played against older, more experienced competition in Switzerland, some of whom had played in the NHL, and succeeded. He won the Rising Star award and finished second in voting the most valuable player award in National League A, Switzerland's top professional league. Matthews helped the United States win the bronze medal at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, tying for the tournament lead with seven goals in seven games. He also led the U.S. with six goals in 10 games at 2016 IIHF World Championship.
NHL.com quick hit: He's the big, powerful center the Maple Leafs have craved since Mats Sundin in 2007-08. A franchise player capable of playing a strong 200-foot game.
https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/photos/281039940/1136x640/cut.jpeg
Auston Matthews being No. 1 pick
00:51 • June 24th, 2016
2. Winnipeg Jets - Patrik Laine, RW, Tappara (FIN)
NHL Central Scouting final international ranking: 2
2015-16: 46 games, 17-16-33
The 6-3, 201-pound forward can play right wing or left wing. He has excellent puck skills, quick hands and one of the best one-timers among players in the 2016 draft pool. Scouts have compared him to Hockey Hall of Fame member Brett Hull. Laine was named MVP of the playoffs in Liiga, Finland's top professional league, after he had 10 goals and 15 points in 18 games to help Tappara win the championship. He also was named the most valuable player and best forward at the 2016 IIHF World Championship; he had seven goals and 12 points in 10 games to help Finland win the silver medal. He'll play for Team Finland at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
NHL.com quick hit: Laine is the pure goal-scorer the Jets will be able to fit right into their top six. He has an NHL caliber shot and is extremely difficult to play against.
https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/photos/281040282/1136x640/cut.jpeg
Jets draft Patrik Laine No. 2
01:49 • June 24th, 2016
3. Columbus Blue Jackets - Pierre-Luc Dubois, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 1
2015-16: 62 games, 42-57-99
A strong and deceptive skater who is capable of playing all three forward positions. Scouts compare him to Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn. Dubois quickly ascended the draft rankings this season, using his versatility and size (6-2, 201) to an advantage, as evidenced by his 112 penalty minutes. He also had 10 power-play goals, three shorthanded goals and won 50.4 percent of his faceoffs despite never playing center before December 2015.
NHL.com quick hit: The Blue Jackets love the versatility of Dubois, who celebrates his 18th birthday on Friday. He's a highly skilled power forward capable of playing all three forward positions. He excels using his size and he plays with an edge.
https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/photos/281040302/1136x640/cut.jpeg
Blue Jackets draft F Dubois No. 3
01:36 • June 24th, 2016
4. Edmonton Oilers - Jesse Puljujarvi, RW, Karpat (FIN)
NHL Central Scouting final international ranking: 3
2015-16: 50 games, 13-15-28
A big, skilled all-around forward who can score and pass. He missed three weeks in March because of a lower-body injury but didn't miss a beat once he returned to the lineup. He had five goals and seven points in four games for Finland to help them win the gold medal at the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. That followed the gold medal Puljujarvi helped Finland win at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship.
NHL.com quick hit: The ultimate power forward with a solid 200-foot game, Could be the perfect complement to Connor McDavid
5. Vancouver Canucks - Olli Juolevi, D, London (OHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 5
2015-16: 57 games, 9-33-42
Juolevi had nine points, all assists, in seven games to help Finland win the gold medal at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, and he had seven points, all assists, in four games to help London win the Memorial Cup. The 6-2, 188-pound left-shot defender exhibits excellent poise and composure with the puck, good instincts without the puck, is effective on special teams and is a fantastic skater.
NHL.com quick hit: Possibly the most offensively skilled defenseman in the draft. Juolevi is a superb skater who can carry the puck and lead the rush, or make a quick, smart pass out of the zone. The Canucks haven't had a player of his skill since Alex Edler`s peak seasons.
6. Calgary Flames - Matthew Tkachuk, LW, London (OHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 2
2015-16: 57 games, 30-77-107
Possesses elite hockey sense and vision that allows him to consistently find ways to contribute offensively and be impactful in many roles. Scouts have said Tkachuk reminds them of Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry. After his outstanding regular season, Tkachuk led the Ontario Hockey League with 20 goals in 18 playoff games, and then scored in overtime in the Memorial Cup championship game. He's the son of former NHL player and United States Hockey Hall of Fame member Keith Tkachuk.
NHL.com quick hit: Some scouts considered Tkachuk the best player in the draft class from the dots down in the offensive zone. The power forward showed he is fearless in getting to the net. Having a player with his skill set will make Calgary's other top forwards, like Gaudreau and Monohan even better.
7. Arizona Coyotes - Clayton Keller, C, USA U-18 (USHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 9
2015-16: 62 games, 37-70-107
The left-shot center (5-10, 164) led USA Hockey's National Team Development Program under-18 team in assists, points, shorthanded goals (four) and a 1.73 points-per-game average. Keller models his game after NTDP alum Patrick Kane. Scouts like his playmaking ability, scoring touch, exceptional mobility, stickhandling and confidence. He saw extensive time on the power-play and penalty-killing units.
NHL.com quick hit: The offensive dynamo had a 100-point season with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program under-18 team. His lack of size (5-foot-10, 164 pounds) is offset by his skating and hockey sense. Adding Keller to Dylan Strome, the No. 3 pick of the 2015 NHL Draft, gives the Coyotes the making of impressive depth through the middle.
8. Buffalo Sabres - Alexander Nylander, LW, Mississauga (OHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 3
2015-16: 57 games, 28-47-75
Nylander (6-0, 178) is a dynamic player with an elite skill set to complement his NHL-ready speed and quickness. He can make plays at full speed, is dangerous 1-on-1 and has high-end goal-scoring instincts. Scouts love that he's difficult to defend because he can create offense in so many ways. Nylander led Sweden with four goals and nine points in seven games at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship. The pick also should elevate the rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have older brother William Nylander.
NHL.com quick hit: The talented, versatile forward can play center or left wing. He executes at top speed, and an eventual line combination with center Jack Eichel could cause problems for Buffalo opponents down the line.
9. Montreal Canadiens - Mikhail Sergachev, D, Windsor (OHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 8
2015-16: 67 games, 17-40-57
A solid two-way defenseman with good size (6-2, 221), deceptive speed and quickness, Sergachev was the youngest recipient of the Ontario Hockey League Most Outstanding Defenseman award. He led OHL defensemen in goals and was third in points. Sergachev also had 31 power-play points and a plus-15 rating.
NHL.com quick hit: The defenseman mixes high-end offensive skill with snarl. He made a seamless adjustment to North America, scoring 17 goals and being named the best defenseman in the Ontario Hockey League. Some scouts think he could be NHL-ready this season.
10. Colorado Avalanche - Tyson Jost, C, Penticton (BCHL)
NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 16
2015-16: 48 games, 42-62-104
The 5-11, 190-pound left-shot forward was named the most valuable player of British Columbia Hockey League after he led the league with 62 assists and was third with 104 points in 48 games. Jost also was named best forward at the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championship after leading the tournament with 15 points in seven games for Canada. He's committed to the University of North Dakota for 2016-17.
NHL.com quick hit: The highly talented center has earned comparisons to Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews He's taking Toews' path to the University of North Dakota next season, and might not need much time there before he can join McKinnon and Duchene as impressive center depth in Colorado