This is a continuation from my last blog where I had a mock top 10. Just to remind you once again, I really don’t know these players that well so I am not trying to be an expert on them.
11) Cody Ceci-D
Washington Capitals
In Ceci, Washington gets a big bodied 2 way defensemen that a lot of teams are really high on. He has loads of offensive upside scoring at nearly a PPG clip with 60 pts in 64 games and is a really good skater for someone his size (6-2, 200 lbs). One thing that scouts would like to see is for him to become more aggressive and physical with his size. With Ceci, Washington can restock the cupboard for defensive prospects after studs like Carlson, Alzner and now Orlov are with the club now.
12) Mathew Dumba-D
Buffalo Sabres
Although Buffalo’s biggest need right now isn’t on defense, they take the best player available with Dumba. Dumba has loads of skill with a huge shot, smooth skating and the hardest hitter in the draft. While Dumba is a fiery competitor, his decision making skills are very questionable and there’s talk of whether or not his open ice hitting will translate against men in the NHL. I feel that some team will take a chance on him in the top 10 as he has lots of upside, but he is a risky pick in my opinion and he might slide pretty late Cam Fowler-like.
13) Zemgus Girgensons-C
Dallas Stars
With Dallas lacking in depth at center, they take a physical, hardworking 2 way center with size and a ton of speed. When he gets going, it’s hard to stop him as he powers through defenders. He is a player coaches love to have with his leadership, physicality and work ethic. He never gives up on a play, battling on every shift. However, many wonder what his upside is, whether he will become a top 6 power center, or a 3rd line shutdown guy.
14) Sebastian Collberg-RW
Calgary Flames
With Calgary continuing to get older, they add some serious offensive skill with Collberg. He is a dynamic skater, using his speed to blow past defenders on the wing. To compliment this, he has a pro shot; accurate and with a wicked release. He had a huge World Juniors, scoring 7 points in 6 games and outshining fellow Swede FilipForsberg. He will need to bulk up a bit, but could be a real offensive force in a couple years.
15) Ollie Maata-D
Ottawa Senators
With Ottawa already possessing a lot of prospect depth at forward, and some of their D getting older, the Sens draft the smooth shutdown defenseman Ollie Maata. Coming over from Finland this year to play in the OHL, Maata didn’t take long to adjust to the NA game. He is considered a defensive defenseman, who has very good 4 way mobility and decent at moving the puck. I consider Maata a very safe pick; one that is almost a sure thing to crack the NHL.
16) Brendan Gaunce-C
Washington Capitals
After selecting a dman at #11, the caps address their forward prospect situation by picking the big, 2-way center Gaunce. Gaunce looks to be a very sure thing in the NHL. He’s big, decently skilled, can skate, is a leader and works like a horse. He always is persistent on a play and is able to shutdown opposing teams’ top forwards while he produces himself. He would be a good fit for the direction the Caps are going in. The big question is whether he will turn into a solid shutdown 3rd line center, or a 2 way second line center.
17) Matt Finn-D
San Jose Sharks
Finn is an average sized, strong skating defenseman who is very intelligent. He has a strong shot and is good at the breakout with crisp passing and strong skating. He needs to get stronger to be able to handle NHL sized men in the corners and is considered more of a long term project. Luckily for him, San Jose isn’t in dire need of his services yet so he’ll have time to get stronger and develop into a quality 2 way defenseman.
18) Tom Wilson- RW
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks could use some size and meanness at the forward position. Wilson brings that immensely. He is a hulking 6-4, 210lb winger who actually comes with some skill. For his size, he is actually a pretty good skater and when given an offensive role, he can deliver like he did for Plymouth this year in the playoffs. Chicago could use a big bruising forward like Wilson to complement skilled guys like Kane, Toews, Hossa and Sharp. If he puts everything together, he could become a Milan Lucic.
19) Andrei Vasilevski-G
Tampa needs a future goalie in a big way and they address this problem by drafting the best goalie in the draft in my opinion. True, it doesn’t help them right now but in 3-4 years they could have a stud goaltender. They might be able to get by until then with ok UFA signings. Andrei is a big (6-4) and athletic butterfly goalie who really raised his stock at the World Juniors this past year where he was amazing.
20) Derrick Pouliot-D
Philadelphia Flyers
With Pronger gone or soon to be gone, and Timonen getting on in years, the Flyers address their blue line by drafting underrated puck moving dman, Derrick Pouliot. Pouliot is a dynamic skater who uses his speed to lead the rush. He has great vision and passing that allows him to effectively quarterback the powerplay. His shot isn’t quite strong enough for pro yet but it will come as he gets stronger. His decision making needs to improve, but overall he is a very effective puck moving dman.
That’s how I see picks 11-20 going, but if you think different feel free to comment and tell me your opinion.
I am wondering if Tampa still takes a goalie at 19 now that they acquire Lindback. I would.