NHL Mock Draft 2015: Toronto Maple Leafs Select….?
NHL Mock Draft 2015: Picks 16-20
Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dylan Larkin puts on a team sweater after being selected as the number fifteen overall pick to the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
No. 16 Edmonton Oilers- Jakub Zboril
Position: Defense
Junior Team: Saint John Sea Dogs
44 GP- 13 goals- 20 assists- 30 points
The Oilers need to ensure they don’t neglect defense, like they have in the past. Darnell Nurse will be a solid defenseman for them in the future, but they need another prospect that can give them more options for their top four pairing.
Zboril has the skill but needs time in the minors, so he can continue to develop a more physical game. He has drawn comparisons to Dam Hamhuis, and at this point the Oilers can use all the help they can get for their blueline.
No. 17 Winnipeg Jets- Evgeny Svechnikov
Position: LW
Junior Team: cape Breton Screaming Eagles
55 GP- 32 goals- 46 assists- 78 points
The Jets have a reputation for being a physical group that lacks elite offensive talent. Svechnikov can bring the skill needed, combined with the size many teams want their wingers to have.
Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Nikolaj Ehlers puts on a team sweater after being selected as the number nine overall pick to the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
He debuted in the KHL at the age of 16 and made an immediate impact in the QMJHL with the Eagles, breaking the franchise record for goals by a rookie, with 32. He never watched a lot of NHL hockey until recently and many are questioning his desire to play in the North America.
Will Svechnikov bolt back home when things do not go his way? It would be a risky pick for the Jets, but a necessary one if the team wants to make drastic improvements upfront.
No. 18 Ottawa Senators- Oliver Kylington
Position: Defense
Junior Team: AIK
17 GP- 4 goals- 3 assists- 7 points
The Senators are not the type of team to turn away from a Swedish player. Kylington has the skating talen,t but saw his draft stock lower when he was unable to suit up for Sweden at the World Juniors.
Another reason why Kylington would draw interests from the Senators is because of the comparisons made to fellow Swede Erik Karlsson. He is not as gifted offensively as Karlsson, but has the same hockey sense with his ability to move the puck effectively.
No. 19 Detroit Red Wings- Joel EK-Eriksson
Position: Center
Junior Team: Farjestads BK Karlstad
34 GP- 4 goals- 2 assists- 6 points
Another team familiar with Swedish players could look to someone like Eriksson, who continued to improve his draft ranking as the season went on. As the fourth ranked international skater, he has been able to show his natural scoring ability against more experienced players in Sweden.
The Red Wings could make him a great complimentary player with careful development. Also, his lead-by-example attitude is another reason why Detroit could take him.
No. 20 Minnesota Wild- Paul Bittner
Position: LW
Junior Team: Portland Winterhawks
66 GP- 34 goals- 37 assists- 71 points
A big strong winger that has great speed like Chris Kreider in New York. If Bittner can try to improve his consistency he would be a major asset for the Wild, who lack size in their top six.
He has the two way game that makes up for the fact he is not an elite offensive player. Scouts are impressed with his size and ability to protect the puck and he earned a spot on the top line with Nic Petan in Portland.
Next: Picks 21-25