NHL Mock Draft 2015: Toronto Maple Leafs Select….?
NHL Mock Draft 2015: Picks 11-15
Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Aaron Ekblad puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number one overall pick to the Florida Panthers in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
No. 11: Florida Panthers- Kyle Connor
Position: LW
Junior Team: Youngstown Phantoms
56 GP- 34 goals- 46 assists- 80 points
The Panthers need to add offence to their top six, which is why many believe targeting Phil Kessel would make sense for them. In respect of their potential draft pick, Connor’s biggest asset is his speed, which makes him a valuable scorer
However, he also makes a point to work hard in both zones. If Florida does take Connor he won’t be joining them right away, but he will be worth waiting for.
He is not a small player either. He stands at 6’1″ 183 pounds, so he will not get pushed around easily
No. 12: Dallas Stars- Mathew Barzal
Position: Center
Junior Team: Seattle Thunderbirds
44 GP- 12 goals- 45 assists- 57 points
Many are not sure where Barzal will land, which makes him one of the biggest wild cards in this draft. Some believe that if he was healthy this past season, he might have been in consideration in the top five.
Barzal is a great two way player with offensive upside, much like Bo Horvat when he was selected by the Vancouver Canucks. He models his game after players like Claude Giroux, Pavel Datsyuk and Patrick Kane, all of whom are smart players that have great traits to look up to.
A knee injury took Barzal out of the World Juniors which hurt his draft stock, but he could be a steal if he falls out of the top 10. The Stars have a good set up with Tyler Seguin and Jason Spezza down the middle, and it would give Barzal more time to prepare for the NHL.
No. 13 Los Angeles Kings- Travis Konecny
Position: Center
Junior Team: Ottawa 67’s
60 GP- 29 goals- 39 assists- 68 points
The Los Angeles Kings would love to add a dynamic offensive force like Konecny. He has drawn comparisons to Matt Duchene, because of his skating and work ethic.
Add Konecny with Tyler Toffoli, and the Kings future looks brighter everyday. He will drive to the net fearlessly which makes him a pain to play against, especially when he throws his weight around, something that the Kings will enjoy.
No. 14 Boston Bruins- Timo Meier
Position: RW
Junior Team: Halifax Mooseheads
61 GP- 44 goals- 46 assists- 90 points
Playing with Winnipeg Jets prospect Nikolaj Ehlers (one of the fastest prospects in the NHL), Meier has not disappointed scouts one bit after a breakout year. He had 10 game winning goals this past season and lead the Mooseheads with 44.
There is a question of whether Meier can continue to produce away from the talented teammates he had in Halifax? He was lined up with McDavid and Konecny at the CHL top prospects game, potting a goal and two assists.
Meier compared himself to Max Pacioretty. Boston should hope that if they select him, they will be getting a game breaker when it matters the most.
No. 15 Calgary Flames- Colin White
Position: Center
Junior Team: U.S. National Under-18 Team
20 GP- 4 goals- 13 assists- 17 points
The best thing for the Flames to do is to continue adding to the prospect cabinet, and a player like White is not a bad way to go. His game is compared to Patrice Bergeron, because of his play in every zone, especially in the faceoff dot.
White scored the game winning goal for the US at the under-18 world championship and enjoys playing in the big game. He tries to emulate his game after Bergeron and Jonathan Toews, who are the prototypical centremen most teams crave.
White still has time before he reaches the NHL. However, if he continues on the path that he is on now, a team like Calgary will be happy to have him in critical moments of a game.
Next: Picks 16-20