Mock Draft 2.0

1. Edmonton Oilers – Tyler Seguin, C
It will be a tough decision between Hall and Seguin; you really can’t go wrong with either one. Seguin has stolen some of the spotlight from Hall in the last year, and may be a better fit in Edmonton if Jordan Eberle switches to wing. Seguin is expected to be a premier two-way forward one day in the league – a la Jonathan Toews – and I think that’s the direction the Oilers will go.
2. Boston Bruins (from TOR) – Taylor Hall, LW
I’m sure Toronto would like to have the opportunity to draft Hall or Seguin here. Luckily for Boston, they got this choice in exchange for Phil Kessel. I think Hall is the guy they want, and GM Peter Chiarelli may even trade up to get him. Hall has performed well on the big stage thus far in his young career.
3. Florida Panthers – Erik Gudbranson, D
The Panthers already have some solid defensive prospects, but these top defensemen are too good for them to pass up. Gudbranson has drawn comparisons to a smaller version of Chris Pronger or Tyler Myers.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets – Cam Fowler, D
Like Florida, the Jackets don’t necessarily need a blue-liner. But Fowler is exactly what they’ve been looking for: a puck-moving defenseman. I can’t see them passing him up…
5. New York Islanders – Brett Connolly, RW
GM Garth Snow could go with Gormley here, but Connolly has the potential to be John Tavares’ future go-to-guy. Though he had an injury-riddled season, his ceiling is high and he has great goal-scoring skills.
6. Tampa Bay Lightning – Brandon Gormley, D
Most people believe Gormley is just as good as Gudbranson and Fowler. Tampa Bay would be wise to draft him, setting up a great defensive 1-2 punch with Victor Hedman for the future.
7. Carolina Hurricanes – Derek Forbort, D
The ‘Canes have selected a forward with their first pick in the last three drafts; time to go defense here. The 6’5” Forbort would be a quality pick, as he has also been compared to Tyler Myers.
8. Atlanta Thrashers – Ryan Johansen, C
Johansen seems to be rising up in the first round, and had a great season for Portland in the WHL. Atlanta could use his playmaking abilities.
9. Minnesota Wild – Nino Niederreiter, RW
GM Chuck Fletcher needs to replenish the Wild’s cupboard with more offensive talent. Why not turn to a all-around guy like Niederreiter? He lit up the World Juniors this past winter with the Swiss.
10. New York Rangers – Austin Watson, RW
Watson could be a reach here, but he's another player rising up the draft. He's considered to be one of the better two-way forwards in this draft.
11. Dallas Stars – Mark Pysyk, D
Dallas really needs to shore up their defense for the future, and turning to Pysyk would certainly be a start. He projects to be a solid NHL defenseman, comparable to Darryl Sydor – who played in Dallas for 10 seasons.
12. Anaheim Ducks – Emerson Etem, LW
The Ducks don’t really have a glaring organizational need, so Etem may be a good pick here. He raised some eyebrows at the combine, and has a knack for scoring. Plus, he’s a California kid.
13. Phoenix Coyotes (from CGY) – Jack Campbell, G
Campbell's stock is also rising, and Phoenix doesn't have many quality goalies in the system. He led the Americans to gold at this year's World Juniors.
14. St. Louis Blues – Alexander Burmistrov, C
The Blues could be happy to see Burmistrov still available, and would like to add someone with his gifted offensive abilities.
15. Boston Bruins – Dylan McIlrath, D
McIlrath may not go as high as 15, but Boston could use his toughness on defense.
16. Ottawa Senators – Mikael Granlund, C
Granland isn’t all that big, but Saku Koivu is a player he has been often compared to.
17. Colorado Avalanche – Nick Bjugstad, C
Bjugstad’s name has been all over the board when it comes to rankings… could be a solid pick for Colorado.
18. Nashville Predators – Quinton Howden, LW
The Preds need someone like Howden, who can produce offensively and play well defensively.
19. Los Angeles Kings – Jeffrey Skinner, C/W
If Skinner puts it all together, the Kings could be getting a steal here.
20. Pittsburgh Penguins – Vladimir Tarasenko, RW
Tarasenko is a bit of a risky pick, considering he's coming from the KHL. Some say he has the skills to be a star in the NHL.
21. Detroit Red Wings – Jonathan Merrill, D
The Michigan product would be a good fit in Detroit.
22. Phoenix Coyotes – Tyler Pitlick, C
Pitlick is currently listed as a center, but could be a winger in the NHL.
23. Buffalo Sabres – Jarred Tinordi, D
Tinordi is one of the better stay-at-home defensemen in the draft, and is similar to Robyn Regehr of Calgary.
24. Atlanta Thrashers (from NJ) – Calle Jarnkrok, C
The small Swedish center may be the fastest riser in this draft.
25. Vancouver Canucks – Riley Sheahan, C
Sheahan has had off-ice issues, but should be a solid pick for whoever takes a chance on him.
26. Washington Capitals – Evgeny Kuznetsov, C
Kuznetsov is another talented prospect who could drop simply because he’s a KHL product.
27. Montreal Canadiens – Brock Nelson, C
Nelson has good hockey bloodlines, and solid size as a two-way pivot.
28. San Jose Sharks – John McFarland, C
It’d be great for the Sharks if they could get McFarland, who may not go this low.
*29. Anaheim Ducks (from PHI) – Jaden Schwartz, C
Schwartz doesn’t have the best size, but does possess good skills and speed, and also led the USHL in scoring this year.
*30. Chicago Blackhawks – Tyler Toffoli, C
Toffoli racked up 37 goals and 79 points with Ottawa of the OHL.

*Order may change depending on Stanley Cup Final result.