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Jun 18, 2019

Trouba trade adds Canadian content to TSN Hockey's Mock Draft 5.0

The Winnipeg Jets are back in the first round and USNTDP centre Alex Turcotte is on the rise in TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s latest mock draft ahead of this weekend’s NHL Entry Draft.

TSN Hockey Mock Draft 5.0

TSN Hockey Mock Draft 5.0 , Getty Images

By Darren Yourk

The Jacob Trouba trade has added some more Canadian content to the first round and USNTDP centre Alex Turcotte is on the rise in TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s mock draft 5.0 ahead of this weekend’s NHL Entry Draft in Vancouver.

The top of Button’s mock draft remains unchanged: USNTDP centre Jack Hughes to the New Jersey Devils at No. 1, followed by Finnish right winger Kaapo Kakko to the New York Rangers.

But Button now has Illinois native Turcotte forcing his way up the board, going to the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 3.

“The Blackhawks have used their last three first-round picks on defenceman,” Button explained. “It’s time to add to their forward group. Why not take the local kid, who plays like a lower-case Jonathan Toews, and let him learn from the captain?” 

Saskatoon Blades centre Kirby Dach is the first Canadian skater off the board, heading to the Colorado Avalanche at pick No. 4. Dach, who had 73 points in 62 games this season, is a playmaking pivot credited with having one of highest hockey IQs in the draft class.

“I love the idea of Dach eventually slotting in on the second line behind Nathan MacKinnon,” Button said. “That sets up a great one-two punch down the middle for the Avs going forward.”

The rise of Turcotte pushes Vancouver Giants defenceman Bowen Byram, who led all Canadian Hockey League blueliners in goals during the regular season and the Western Hockey League playoffs in scoring, down to the Los Angeles Kings at No. 5.

“The Kings land a potential No. 1 defenceman at this spot in the draft,” Button said. “Byram is that good a player. It would be a huge win for the franchise. I think Drew Doughty would be very happy with the pick.”

Elsewhere in the Top 10, 5-foot-7 sniper Cole Caufield, who scored 72 goals in 64 games for the USNTDP, lands in Buffalo with the seventh pick.

“Caufield is the best goal-scorer available in this draft,” Button said. “I compare him to 5-foot-7 soccer superstar Lionel Messi.”

The Oilers will be the first Canadian team to step to the podium Friday night and Button sees Swedish defenceman Philip Broberg as a fit with the eighth pick.

“Broberg is an elite skating defenceman like Jay Bouwmeester,” Button said. “I like adding that skill to the group of blueliners they’ve drafted in recent years.”

The Vancouver Canucks are up at No. 10, picking USNTDP left wing Matthew Boldy. The 6-foot-1, 192-pound Boldy is a blend of power and skill.

“Boldy reminds me a lot of Mikko Rantanen,” Button said. “I think his skills will be a nice addition to a good group of young forwards already playing in Vancouver.”

Button has the Montreal Canadiens bolstering their blueline depth by taking Mississauga Steelheads defenceman Thomas Harley at No. 15.

“I like to say that Harley has an offensive boldness to his game,” Button said. “He impacts the game in a significant way when he’s in the offensive zone. He has the potential to be another Thomas Chabot.”

The Ottawa Senators have the No. 19 pick as part of the Matt Duchene trade with Columbus, where Button sees Swedish defenceman Victor Soderstrom as a fit.

“Soderstrom is a finesse defenceman with a lot of potential,” Button said. “Adding his skill to a group that includes Erik Brannstrom, Jacob Bernard-Docker and Thomas Chabot gives you a real shot at building a solid top four on the blueline.”

The Winnipeg Jets got back into the first round on Monday night by re-acquiring the No. 20 pick from the New York Rangers as part of the Trouba trade. Button sees the Jets using the pick on versatile London Knights forward Connor McMichael.

“Kevin Cheveldayoff has traded for depth at centre the last two trade deadlines,” Button said. “That’s why I like McMichael in this spot. Winnipeg needs a skilled centre. He’s consistent and has the ability to skate, score and contribute at multiple forward spots.”

The Calgary Flames have the 26th pick, where Button has them taking 20-year-old Prince Albert Raiders right wing Brett Leason.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound overage forward was passed over in consecutive NHL drafts, but he broke out with 89 points in the Western Hockey League this season and earned a spot on Canada’s World Junior team.

“I know he’s gone through two drafts, but his evolution as a player is impressive,” Button said. “I like the idea of eventually adding his size alongside Matthew Tkachuk and Mikael Backlund on the second line in Calgary.”

 

The 31 Picks

New Jersey Devils
1. Jack Hughes - New Jersey

C | USA NTDP (USHL) | 5'10 | 168 lbs. | May 14, 2001 | Last Mock: 1

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    50
  • G
    34
  • PTS
    112
  • +/-
    46

THE SKINNY: U.S. Program all-time scoring leader, surpassing likes of Kessel and Kane

 

DEVILS: New Jersey has won three of the past nine draft lotteries: in 2011, 2017 and 2019.

New York Rangers
2. Kaapo Kakko - NY Rangers

RW | Turku (SM Liiga) | 6'2 | 194 lbs. | Feb. 13, 2001 | Last Mock: 2

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    45
  • G
    22
  • PTS
    38
  • +/-
    1

THE SKINNY: Scored World Junior winning goal and set Finnish Liiga record for goals by U-18 player.

 

RANGERS: No. 2 is highest pick in franchise history: A Finn will get selected 2nd or 3rd overall for fourth straight year.

 

Chicago Blackhawks
3. Alex Turcotte - Chicago

C | USA NTDP (USHL) | 5'11 | 189 lbs. | Feb. 26, 2001 | Last Mock: 7

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    34
  • G
    27
  • PTS
    62
  • +/-
    33

THE SKINNY: Averaged 1.68 points per game, second only to Jack Hughes on U.S. U-18 team.

 

BLACKHAWKS:  Chicago has picked defencemen with three of three first round picks the last two drafts.

Colorado Avalanche
4. Kirby Dach - Colorado

C/RW | Saskatoon (WHL) | 6'4 | 199 lbs. | Jan. 21, 2001 | Last Mock: 4

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    62
  • G
    25
  • PTS
    73
  • +/-
    15

THE SKINNY: 6-foot-4 student of the game credited with one of highest hockey IQs in draft.

 

AVALANCHE: Colorado lost lottery for second time in three years, dropping from 1st to 4th in 2017 and 2019.

Los Angeles Kings
5. Bowen Byram - Los Angeles

D | Vancouver (WHL) | 6'1 | 194 lbs. | Jun. 13, 2001 | Last Mock: 3

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    67
  • G
    26
  • PTS
    71
  • +/-
    33

THE SKINNY: Led CHL defencemen with 26 goals and the WHL playoffs in scoring with 26 points.

 

KINGS: Los Angeles chose centres with their four first and second-round picks in 2017 and 2018.

 

 

Detroit Red Wings
6. Trevor Zegras - Detroit

C | USA NTDP (USHL) | 6'0 | 166 lbs. | Mar. 20, 2001 | Last Mock: 9

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    60
  • G
    26
  • PTS
    87
  • +/-
    41

THE SKINNY: Elite playmaker collected nine assists in five games at 2019 World U-18 tournament.

 

RED WINGS: Will Detroit take pure playmaker Zegras at No. 6 to go along with 2018 No. 6 pure goal-scorer Zadina?

Buffalo Sabres
7. Cole Caufield - Buffalo

RW | USA NTDP (USHL) | 5'7 | 162 lbs. | Jan. 2, 2001 | Last Mock: 5

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    64
  • G
    72
  • PTS
    100
  • +/-
    41

THE SKINNY: 2019 World U-18 MVP equalled Alex Ovechkin’s tournament-record 14 goals.

 

SABRES: None of Botterill’s 12 picks during two years as Sabres’ GM have come from the CHL.

Edmonton Oilers
8. Philip Broberg - Edmonton

D | AIK (SWE-Als) | 6'3 | 199 lbs. | Jun. 25, 2001 Last Mock: 14

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    41
  • G
    2
  • PTS
    9
  • +/-
    -1

THE SKINNY: Led defencemen with three goals for runner-up Sweden at 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

 

OILERS: This is the 10th time in 11 years the Oilers are selecting in the top 10.

Anaheim Ducks
9. Dylan Cozens - Anaheim

C | Lethbridge (WHL) | 6'3 | 181 lbs. | Feb. 9, 2001 | Last Mock: 6

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    68
  • G
    34
  • PTS
    84
  • +/-
    32

THE SKINNY: 2018 WHL top rookie ranked first in skating tests at 2019 CHL Prospects Game.

 

DUCKS: Anaheim has chosen a CHLer or Swede with their first pick 10 straight years. 

Vancouver Canucks
10. Matthew Boldy - Vancouver

LW | USA NTDP (USHL) | 6'2 | 187 lbs. | Apr. 5, 2001 | Last Mock: 8

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    64
  • G
    33
  • PTS
    81
  • +/-
    27

THE SKINNY: Earned MVP honours at All-American Prospects Game with two goals and an assist. 

 

CANUCKS: Vancouver selected defencemen with their top two picks in 2018: Hughes (No. 7) and Woo (No. 37).

Philadelphia Flyers
11. Moritz Seider - Philadelphia

D | Mannheim (DEL) | 6'4 | 183 lbs. | Apr. 6, 2001 | Last Mock: 25

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    29
  • G
    2
  • PTS
    6
  • +/-
    2

THE SKINNY: German Elite League rookie of year played most of season as 17-year-old.

 

PHILADELPHIA: Philadelphia did not draft a Canadian in 2018 – marking a first in franchise history. 

Minnesota Wild
12. Peyton Krebs - Minnesota

C | Winnipeg (WHL) | 5'11 | 180 lbs. | Jan. 26, 2001 | Last Mock: 11

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    64
  • G
    19
  • PTS
    68
  • +/-
    -50

THE SKINNY: 2016 WHL No. 1 pick named team MVP at CHL Prospects Game.

 

WILD: Minnesota has selected just one Canadian with its first pick the past 10 drafts.

Florida Panthers
13. Spencer Knight - Florida

G | USA NTDP (USHL) | 6'3 | 193 lbs. | Apr. 19, 2001 | Last Mock: 22

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    39
  • GAA
    2.36
  • SV%
    .913
  • SO
    2

THE SKINNY: Could become highest-drafted goalie since Jack Campbell (No. 11) in 2010.

 

PANTHERS: Florida has missed the playoffs an NHL all-time worst 16 of 18 seasons.

Arizona Coyotes
14. Alex Newhook - Arizona

C | Victoria (BCHL) | 5'10 | 190 lbs. | Jan. 28, 2001 | Last Mock: 13

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    53
  • G
    38
  • PTS
    102
  • +/-

THE SKINNY: Newfoundlander led BCHL in regular season and postseason scoring.

 

COYOTES: Arizona hasn’t picked a player from a European team in the first round since 2009.

Montreal Canadiens
15. Thomas Harley - Montreal

D | Mississauga (OHL) | 6'3 | 188 lbs. | Aug. 19, 2001 | Last Mock: 15

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    68
  • G
    11
  • PTS
    58
  • +/-
    -15

THE SKINNY: His 58 points represent second most among first-time draft-eligible defencemen.

 

CANADIENS: No team was busier in the 2018 draft – Montreal made 11 picks and five trades.

Colorado Avalanche
16. Vasili Podkolzin - Colorado

RW | St. Petersburg (MHL) | 6'1 | 183 lbs. | Jun. 24, 2001 | Last Mock: 10

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    12
  • G
    6
  • PTS
    8
  • +/-
    9

THE SKINNY: Scored eight goals – three more than anyone else - at 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

 

AVALANCHE: Four foundation players from draft: 2011 Landeskog, 2013 MacKinnon 2015 Rantanen, 2017 Makar

Vegas Golden Knights
17. Arthur Kaliyev - Vegas

C | Hamilton (OHL) | 6'1 | 190 lbs. | Jan. 26, 2001 | Last Mock: 12

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    67
  • G
    51
  • PTS
    102
  • +/-
    -13

THE SKINNY: Elite goal-scorer earned precisely same number of goals (51) as assists.

 

GOLDEN KNIGHTS: Vegas became the first expansion team to have three first-round picks in 2017.

Dallas Stars Logo
18. Phillip Tomasino - Dallas

C | Niagara (OHL) | 6'0 | 178 lbs. | Jul. 28, 2001 | Last Mock: 16

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    67
  • G
    34
  • PTS
    72
  • +/-
    37

THE SKINNY: Voted one of best skaters and most improved players in OHL Coaches Poll.

 

STARS: Dallas has picked exactly one defenceman in each of last three drafts.

Ottawa Senators
19. Victor Soderstrom - Ottawa

D | Brynas (SHL) | 5'11 | 179 lbs. | Feb. 26, 2001 | Last Mock: 17

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    44
  • G
    4
  • PTS
    7
  • +/-
    -11

THE SKINNY: The only U-18 player to have regular role in Swedish League this season.

 

SENATORS: Ottawa is one of four teams with three picks in the top 44.

Winnipeg Jets
20. Connor McMichael - Winnipeg

C/LW | London (OHL) | 5'11 | 172 lbs. | Jan. 15, 2001 | Last Mock: 19

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    67
  • G
    36
  • PTS
    72
  • +/-
    15

THE SKINNY: Longest pointless streak of season with London was just two games.

 

JETS: Winnipeg has picked forwards with its last six first-round picks. 

Pittsburgh Penguins
21. Raphael Lavoie - Pittsburgh

LW/RW | Halifax (QMJHL) | 6'4 | 191 lbs. | Sept. 25, 2000 | Last Mock: 18

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    62
  • G
    31
  • PTS
    73
  • +/-
    36

THE SKINNY: The 199-pounder scored a Quebec League playoff-high 20 goals in 23 games.

 

PENGUINS: GM Rutherford has traded Pittsburgh’s first-round pick the last four years.

Los Angeles Kings
22. Cam York - Los Angeles

D | USA U18 (USHL) | 6'0 | 175 lbs. | Jan. 5, 2001 | Last Mock: 20

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    63
  • G
    14
  • PTS
    65
  • +/-
    56

THE SKINNY: Earned U.S. Program single-season defenceman-record 65 points in 63 games

 

KINGS: Los Angeles last had two first-round picks in 2008. It chose Doughty with the first of them.

New York Islanders
23. Samuel Poulin - NY Islanders

C/LW | Sherbrooke (QMJHL) | 6'1 | 212 lbs. | Feb. 25, 2001 | Last Mock: -

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    67
  • G
    29
  • PTS
    76
  • +/-
    8

THE SKINNY: Collected eight goals and 14 points in 10 playoff games.

 

ISLANDERS: Isles have selected six players from the USNTDP over the past three drafts – including three in 2018.

Nashville Predators
24. Ryan Suzuki - Nashville

C | Barrie (OHL) | 6'0 | 178 lbs. | May 28, 2001 | Last Mock: 28

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    65
  • G
    25
  • PTS
    75
  • +/-
    7

THE SKINNY: 2017 OHL No. 1 pick tied for Hlinka Gretzky Cup lead in assists with seven in five games.

 

NASHVILLE: Nashville has chosen players from seven different countries with their top pick in the past seven drafts.

Washington Capitals
25. Bobby Brink - Washington

C/RW | Sioux City (USHL) | 5'10 | 163 lbs. | Jul. 8, 2001 | Last Mock: 23

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    43
  • G
    35
  • PTS
    68
  • +/-
    22

THE SKINNY: USHL forward of the year averaged league-high 1.58 points per game.

 

CAPITALS: The Caps chose defencemen with their top two picks in 2018 and top three picks in 2017.

Calgary Flames
26. Brett Leason - Calgary

RW | Prince Albert (WHL) | 6'4 | 200 lbs. | Apr. 30, 1999 | Last Mock: 26

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    55
  • G
    36
  • PTS
    89
  • +/-
    28

THE SKINNY: The 20-year-old with 89 points in 55 games ranks as oldest elite prospect in draft.

 

FLAMES: The Flames have made 10 picks over the past two drafts – nine forwards, one defenceman and zero goalies.

Tampa Bay Lightning
27. Jamieson Rees - Tampa Bay

C | Sarnia (OHL) | 5'10 | 173 lbs. | Feb. 26, 2001 | Last Mock: 27

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    37
  • G
    10
  • PTS
    32
  • +/-
    -10

THE SKINNY: Contributed eight points in seven games for Canada at World U-18 championship.

 

LIGHTNING: The Lightning has selected players from the CHL with their top picks nine straight years.

Carolina Hurricanes
28. Brayden Tracey - Carolina

LW | Moose Jaw (WHL) | 6'0 | 177 lbs. | May 28, 2001 | Last Mock: -

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    66
  • G
    36
  • PTS
    81
  • +/-
    33

THE SKINNY: WHL Rookie of the Year led all CHL first year players with points (81).

 

HURRICANES: Owner Tom Dundon says his team will not draft defencemen in the first round as long as he is owner.

Anaheim Ducks
29. Ryan Johnson - Anaheim

D | Sioux Falls (USHL) | 6'0 | 170 lbs. | Jul. 24, 2001 | Last Mock: -

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    54
  • G
    6
  • PTS
    25
  • +/-
    26

THE SKINNY: Finished with flurry of points – collecting six points in final four games for USHL champions.

 

DUCKS: Anaheim has drafted just two defencemen in the last three drafts, neither higher than No. 85. 

Boston Bruins
30. John Beecher - Boston

C/LW | USA U18 (USHL) | 6'3 3/4 | 212 lbs. | Apr. 5, 2001 | Last Mock: -

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    63
  • G
    15
  • PTS
    43
  • +/-
    27

THE SKINNY: Earned one of Central Scouting’s highest grades for skating – 9.0 out of 10.0.

 

BRUINS: Boston hit a home run with a late-round pick in 2014, selecting Pastrnak 25th overall.

Buffalo Sabres
31. Nolan Foote - Buffalo

LW | Kelowna (WHL) | 6'3 1/2 | 195 lbs. | Nov. 29, 2000 | Last Mock: -

2018-19 Statistics

  • GP
    66
  • G
    36
  • PTS
    63
  • +/-
    -1

THE SKINNY: Scored 36 goals playing with undiagnosed fractured wrist the entire season.

 

SABRES: Buffalo chose defencemen with five of their six picks in 2018.