With the draft just around the corner and the scouting combine in the rear view mirror. It is safe to say that Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko are a lock for the top 2 but the rest of the draft could go one way or another. Here is what I think this draft could look like with the prospects going to a team that would make the most sense, respectively.
1. Kaapo Kakko, New Jersey Devils
Position: RW
Shoots L
Born Feb 13 2001 — Turku, Finland
[18 yrs. ago]
Height 6.01 — Weight 180 [185 cm/82 kg]
Pic Credit: The Hockey Analyst
Looking at the NJ Devils depth chart, they already have Taylor Hall and former No. 1 pick Nico Hischier at the center position so having Jack Hughes there would be great but this leaves them with no support on the wings. A lineup with Taylor Hall-Kaapo Kakko-Nico Hischier on the power play would really be something else. His craftiness and hockey IQ would help the Devils get a real shot at making the playoffs.
2. Jack Hughes, New York Rangers
Position: C
Shoots L
Born May 14 2001 — Orlando, FL
[18 yrs. ago]
Height 5.10 — Weight 170 [178 cm/77 kg]
Pic Credit: The Hockey Analyst
This is a win-win situation for the New York Rangers. Getting Kaapo Kappo would have been amazing but Jack Hughes is just as good. He has the ability to set up other teammates and always knows where he is on the ice. Jack and Strome could be a deadly 1-2 punch for the Rangers in the years ahead.
3. Bowem Byram, Chicago Blackhawks
Defense — shoots L
Born Jun 13 2001 — Cranbrook, BC
[17 yrs. ago]
Height 6.00 — Weight 193 [183 cm/88 kg]
Pic Credit: The Hockey Analyst
With an aging Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook on the Hawks defense. A new face must come in and take over that position. As a Vancouver native, I had the privilege to watch Bowem play in multiple games this season and he has exceeded my expectations for him at the beginning of the year. He is fast, strong and has an excellent shot which would definitely add some depth to the Hawks core.
4. Alex Turcotte, Colorado Avalanche
Center — shoots L
Born Feb 26 2001 — Island Lake, IL
[18 yrs. ago]
Height 5.11 — Weight 185 [180 cm/84 kg]
Pic Credit: LaPresse.ca
Wow, the depth on this Colorado team is just amazing. If they decide to draft Turcotte, they could potentially be one of the most feared teams in the league. MacKinnon, Landeskog, Turcotte, and Jost have the ability to be one of the most feared lines in the league. I cannot wait to see how Turcotte fits in with this Colorado team. In my opinion, he is the best two-way player in this draft.
5. Trevor Zegras, Los Angeles Kings
Center — shoots L
Born Mar 20 2001 — Bedford, NY
[18 yrs. ago]
Height 6.00 — Weight 169 [183 cm/77 kg]
Pic Credit: The Hockey Analyst
Following the disappointing Kings season they are looking for a spark that could bring them back up to the playoff caliber team they once had. Trevor is a fast and smart player that can shoot as well as pass the puck. He is very effective on the power play and could add a much needed boost a very poor powerplay ranking 27th last year.
Well I would like to see how this plays out, and one can expect many trades and shockers to happen. The bottom line is: I cannot wait to see all these young stars in the league.
atletissports.wordpress.com 