2022 NHL MOCK DRAFT

NHL / Hockey

Written by Joel Lefevre

The 60th NHL Entry Draft which will take place in front of fans for the first time since 2019 is fast approaching.

The Montreal Canadiens were the lucky winners of the lottery sweepstakes as they ponder who they will choose with their #1 selection.

Thursday will be the first time since 1985 that the draft host will make the first overall selection as the Bell Centre prepares for two days of drama and excitement.

As we look ahead to draft day, I have broken down all 32 teams and who I expect them to choose with their top pick.

Here is a look at my projected choices for each team heading into this year’s draft.

Source (Background Photo): Getty Images, The Canadian Press

Montreal Canadiens Round 1- #1- Shane Wright- Centre- Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Habs general manager Kent Hughes claims to be undecided about who they will select with the top pick, but Wright seems to have what this team was missing last season.

He may not be the generational talent of past #1 overall picks like Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews, but he checks all the boxes that teams are looking for to a certain degree.

Wright is strong on the puck, fast in transition, responsible in all three zones and can be deadly on the man-advantage.

Put Wright on this team with Nick Suzuki, and you could see Montreal possessing the best two-way centre punch in the entire league in the years to come.

New Jersey Devils- Round 1- #2- Juraj Slafovsky- Left Winger- TPS Turku (Liiga)

The Slovakian may have moved up the most regarding prospects heading into the draft.

He had an MVP-like performance at the Olympics, which got the attention of scouts around the league, and he seems to fit with what the Devils need right now, scoring on the wing.

Slafovsky goes to the net, works well along the wall, and is difficult to knock off the puck.

While he tends to be a streaky scorer, he is reliable in all facets of the game.

Arizona Coyotes- Round 1- #3- Cutter Gauthier- Left Winger-USNTDP

Gauthier does not necessarily excel in one particular aspect; however, he does just about everything well.

The Coyotes need someone who can contribute in various areas, and the American forward should be able to do that for them in time.

This big centreman can skate, score and is hard-nosed, and those kinds of power forwards are usually taken pretty quickly in the draft.

Seattle Kraken- Round 1- #4- Simon Nemec- Defenceman- HK Nitra (Slovakia)

After shipping their captain, and veteran defenceman Mark Giordano to the Leafs before the trade deadline, the Kraken could use another tough, rugged blueliner, capable of logging lots of ice time.

Nemec not only has the talent to become that kind of player, but he also has the valuable experience of having already played with professionals in Slovakia in the top men’s league, and also the Olympics.

He has a stellar two-way game, with 27 points (26 assists) in 36 games in the Pro League last season and should fit in perfectly with what the Kraken are looking for, not to mention the fact that he boasts something which is in short supply in today’s NHL, a right-handed shot.

Philadelphia Flyers- Round 1- #5- Logan Cooley- Centre (USNTDP)

Cooley has arguably more upside than the players above him, but perhaps not as much of a certainty as the previous four.

Cooley is a threat to produce every time he hits the ice, and new head coach John Tortorella needs that kind of contributor in Philly to repair this team’s shortcomings from 2021-22.

Off the rush, he can be deadly in 1on1 situations but is also capable of making plays on the forehand and backhand.

He also has the unique vision of spotting small openings and finding the open man for a tap-in, especially on the power play.

Columbus Blue Jackets- Round 1- #6- Marco Kasper- Centre- Rogle (SHL)

In a country known for its skiing, this Austrian is another example of the growing talent of this nation, which could be an up-and-coming team in world hockey.

Kasper possesses a good stick and competes hard for the full 200ft, and is also great at extending plays along the boards.

He has the vision and hands to be a solid contributor in this league and would make a great addition to this team.

Ottawa Senators- Round 1- #7- Joakim Kemell- Left Winger- JYP (Liiga)

A wonky shoulder seemed to cause his stock to go down last season, but Kemell is still a strong prospect who garnered his share of attention from NHL scouts.

He is small in stature at 5’9”, 176 pounds, but showed he could quarterback a powerplay and can find space on his off-side, with a bullet one-timer.

The Sens would be getting an explosive skater that brings energy and physicality and is capable of being deployed in various roles.

Detroit Red Wings- Round 1- #8- David Jiricek- Defenceman- HC Plzen (Extraliiga)

Another defenceman with a right-hand shot is what Detroit might need, and no doubt, a franchise that has often looked overseas for rising talent has looked at the potential of bringing Jiricek into the mix.

Jiricek has a sound hockey IQ and is sharp in all three zones, with the ability to lead a break out with his legs.

He’s creative, moves the puck well, and has a good balance of passing and shooting.

Buffalo Sabres- Round 1- #9- Matthew Savoie- Centre- Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

After shipping Jack Eichel out to the Vegas strip last season, the Sabres need to retool their forward lines with some centres.

Like Liam Neeson in Taken, Savoie has a particular set of skills that make him a nightmare for opposing teams to defend.

He can make plays in tight spaces and can drive to the net off the rush, with some high-end offensive upside.

Savoie needs to fine-tune his defensive responsibilities, but there is no doubt that he can put up his share of points.

Anaheim Ducks- Round 1- #10- Kevin Korchinski- Defenceman- Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

This dynamic offensive d-man has jumped up the rankings with his sound defensive play on the back end.

He has the IQ that can be useful in any situation, with a long reach, and although his skating stride is a little unorthodox, it does not impact his game.

On the power play, he can walk the line, opening up lanes to either direct pucks on the net or distribute.

San Jose Sharks- Round 1- #11 Pavel Mintyukov- Defenceman- Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

As general manager, Mike Grier has a big job in San Jose, and clever drafting significantly affects how well this team fares.

This Russian-born defenceman, Pavel Mintyukov was used in every situation in the OHL, leaning more towards a two-way transitional style.

While he can be a little too busy in his own zone at times, Mintyukov is excellent at pinching and keeping pucks in the offensive zone, with an accurate shot and is more than capable of contributing offensively.

New York Islanders- Round 1- #13- Noah Ostlund- Centre- Djurgarden Jr.

This Swede’s versatility and energy are infectious, which is what the Islanders need after a year full of expectations did not pan out.

Ostlund will need to add more strength and power to his open-ice game, but in the meantime, he has skills that this team could use.

He moves the puck well, has an excellent vision on the ice and is responsible on the back end.

Winnipeg Jets- Round 1- #14- Conor Geekie- Centre- Winnipeg Ice

Choosing Geekie makes a ton of sense for the Jets, not only due to his roots in Manitoba but because of the holes this team might need to fill in future seasons.

Geekie brings tremendous size and skill, with the ability to make plays.

Pierre-Luc Dubois is expected to test the free-agent market in a couple of years, while rumour has it that Mark Scheifele will do the same.

Should that occur, it would be beneficial for Geekie and the franchise to bring in a local kid who can be groomed and fill their shoes in the future

Geekie is consistently around the play, and while he needs to improve his agility, he has soft hands and competes hard.

Vancouver Canucks- Round 1- #15- Jimmy Snuggerud- Right Winger- USNTDP

Snuggerud always seems to know where to be in the offensive zone and is a threat in small areas and in the open ice.

The pucks seem to find him when he hits the ice, while he has a good stick and can make plays.

For a team who have long been struggling to find consistent depth up front, Snuggerud could be what Bruce Boudreau needs to take them back to the postseason.

Nashville Predators- Round 1- #17- Defenceman- Ryan Chesley- USNTDP

Chesley makes up for whatever he lacks in scoring on the back end with his game management and rugged defensive work.

He is a good puck distributor without many holes in his game and could be a solid stay-at-home defenceman in the years to come.

Dallas Stars- Round 1- #18- Owen Pickering- Defenceman- Swift Current Broncos (WHL)

The Stars have done a terrific job at drafting in recent years, and Pickering could be another steal should he be available to them at #18.

Not only does he possess strong leadership qualities, but he brings size and solid skating ability as a two-way defenceman.

As a steady middle pairing prospect, Peter DeBoer will appreciate the physicality that he can bring to a team that only a couple of seasons ago made it to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Minnesota Wild- Round 1- #19- Danila Yurov- Right Winger- Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)

Despite seeing limited results a season ago in Russia, Yurov has proven to be reliable in the defensive zone, while also being capable of adding extra gear off the rush.

He can make his share of plays from the perimeter and is not shy about driving to the crease without the puck.

He has a soft touch with the puck and can easily find the open man.

Washington Capitals- Round 1- #20- Jiri Kulich- Centre- HC Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)

Kulich was one of the most impressive players at the Under 18 World championships in Germany, showing that he is a triple-threat when it comes to shooting, puck distribution and, most importantly, scoring.

He is a constant threat to score on the man-advantage, has a fluid skating stride and is above average on the defensive side.

Pittsburgh Penguins- Round 1- #21- Isaac Howard- Left Winger- USNTDP

Howard brings an element of offense and quick-strike capabilities with plenty of agility.

While he can have stretches of quiet play, Howard has sharp instincts and is a threat in transition.

St. Louis Blues- Round 1- #23- Liam Ohgren- Left Winger- Djurgarden (Sweden)

Ohgren is the type of player that Blues GM Doug Armstrong loves, as he has grit, determination and goal-scoring ability.

This forward can extend plays in the offensive zone and competes hard along the walls, while producing a solid all-around game.

Toronto Maple Leafs- Round 1- #25- Jagger Firkus- Right Winger- Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

An undersized prospect with excellent skill, this Moose Jaw Warriors forward has good quickness out of the gate, a strong release with the ability to beat you 1on1.

He lacks presence along the wall but can still be an influential contributor on the power play with a ton of skill.

Firkus is a crafty playmaker that should bring an element of offense to Toronto or whoever selects him.

Edmonton Oilers- Round 1- #29- Mattias Havelid- Defenceman- Linkoping Jr.

It has been a while since the Oilers have drafted this low, but if there is one man who has experience choosing players in the later stages of a draft, it’s their GM Ken Holland, as the Red Wings were constantly near the top of the standings when he was calling the shots in the Motor City.

Havelid has a silky-smooth stride, with a sneaky good wrist shot and all the tools to be a top-four blueliner.

This Swede can wow you in various ways and is capable of carrying the puck well through the neutral zone, with a strong outlet pass that can lead the breakouts.

He is a modern-day defenceman with solid versatility and the ability to contribute in many ways.

Tampa Bay Lightning- Round 1- #31- Luca Del Bel Belluz- Centre- Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Luca is a good-sized prospect, able to create separation in the open ice while being able to lead power play breakouts and zone entries.

He has a good feel for the game and is not shy about joining the rush, while he is also capable of creating turnovers on the penalty kill because of his speed.

Chicago Blackhawks- Round 2- #38- Ty Nelson- Defenceman- North Bay Battalions (OHL)

Nelson is a skilled, two-way blueliner with leadership qualities and is capable of making an immediate impact.

The Hawks need his speed and agility to be a force again in this league, while he has a strong wrist shot, combined with great awareness both offensively and on the back end.

Vegas Golden Knights- Round 2- #48- Matthew Seminoff- Right Winger- Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

It is unusual to see a team who missed the playoffs not have a pick in the opening round, but that is the scenario that Bruce Cassidy and the Golden Knights find themselves in.

In Seminoff, Vegas would be getting a hard-working, determined forward with an incredible commitment to relentless forechecking, while also being an elite skater.

Los Angeles Kings- Round 2- #51- Julian Lutz- Left Winger- ECH Munchen

Playing in Germany, this speedy, skilled winger did not garner the attention that he likely deserved, given his talent.

The big forward, who trained at the esteemed Red Bull Eishockey Akademie, is just shy of a point-per-game average, and that kind of consistency could be invaluable to the Kings.

Lutz can generate scoring opportunities, and his high pace and intensity could make him a good fit for a playoff team, as those skills tend to translate well to postseason hockey.

Boston Bruins- Round 2- #54- Jack Hughes- Centre- Northeastern University (NCAA)

No, it is not a typo; it just so happens that the name Jack Hughes is a popular one at the moment around hockey circles.

No relation to the Devils' first overall selection of the same name a few years ago, but the youngest son of the current Habs GM, this Hughes is a dependable, hard-working centre.

He is tenacious and unafraid to use his physicality while manoeuvring well along the boards and he stickhandles at an elite level.

Calgary Flames- Round 2- #59- Jani Nyman- Left Winger- Ilves (Liiga)

Nyman has the passing, playmaking hands and stickhandling ability to be a dominant player on the power play.

Capable of being a solid second-line winger, he could help provide some secondary scoring to the Flames.

He has an incredibly accurate shot and can overpower defenders in the attacking zone.

Carolina Hurricanes- Round 2- #60- Mats Lindgren Jr.- Defenceman- Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Unlike his father, who featured for the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks, among other teams in the NHL, this Mats Lindgren has a lot more offensive upside for a blueliner in this draft class.

The Vancouver-born defenceman is arguably one of the best skaters in the 2022 draft, with smooth strides and rapid shifts that look effortless.

He does not have the quickest acceleration; however, when he has the puck, it is nearly impossible to outmanoeuvre him.

New York Rangers- Round 2- #63- Fraser Minten- Centre- Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Minten is a sharp, dependable two-way forward that thrived with the Blazers last season as a second-line centreman.

He could be a considerable part of any franchise’s special teams in the future, with poise and a strong sense of where to play on the power play or the penalty kill.

The Blazers allowed the least number of goals in the WHL last season, and Minten was a big reason for that success.

Florida Panthers- Round 3- #93- Ben Macdonald- Centre- Noble and Greenough High School

Every year around the draft, one prospect falls through the cracks of even the brightest scouts, and Macdonald might be that guy in 2022.

In his first year of eligibility, Macdonald is an offensive-minded forward who can drive the play with good hands, while also being a solid skater.

He has solid and quick strides, plus he reads the game exceptionally well for a player who just turned 18 in February.

Colorado Avalanche- Round 3- #97- Marek Hejduk- Forward- USNTDP

His name alone will generate excitement and buzz around NHL circles, especially in Colorado, where his dad Milan played his entire NHL career.

Naturally, from a marketing standpoint, the name Hejduk would likely sell plenty of jerseys and merchandise, but Marek is also a dependable two-way player with similar qualities to Darren Helm.

He has tremendous acceleration, can burn defenders with his quick deke, and is a solid penalty killer, which could make him an ideal choice to fit in with the reigning Stanley Cup champions.