NHL Mock Draft: Beichler’s Final 3 Round Mock
Less than two weeks away from the 2016 NHL Draft, it is time for a final 2016 NHL Mock Draft.
A lot of things happened since my first 2016 NHL Mock Draft, and after thinking everything through, things even changed in the top 10. The Vancouver Canucks will most likely miss out on the “big three” Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujarvi. But can they get the No. 4 player on their list, who is likely Pierre-Luc Dubois?
If the Edmonton Oilers keep their pick, the best thing they could do is to pick the best player available. Now, do they think that best player at No. 4 is Dubois? Or do they go for the No. 1 defenseman? Who is the No. 1 defenseman even?
You see, behind the top three, there is a ton of question marks. But it gets even worse outside of the top 10. Worse yet, outside of the top 20.
There are roughly 25 players who definitely deserve to be and likely will be selected in the first round. The remaining five spots, however, could be filled with about 50 players who have an equal chance to crack the first round. Looking at draft rankings from the major scouting services, there is little consensus, which makes for an interesting draft.
My final NHL Mock Draft for the 2015-16 season, off we go.
Next: Picks 1-5
Picks by Team – Eastern Conference
Next: Picks by Team West
Picks by Team – Western Conference
Next: Canucks Analysis
Vancouver Canucks Draft Analysis
The Vancouver Canucks did not have the greatest of times at the NHL Draft Lottery, dropping down to No. 5. Things got worse when they missed out on Pierre-Luc Dubois, who went fourth overall to the Edmonton Oilers. But, looking at it objectively, it is hard to be disappointed about Matthew Tkachuk.
A multi-dimensional energy winger that plays a pro-style, adaptive game. Well-versed as a guy who can consistently put up points, but also as an agitator who plays with a little bit of bite and nastiness. Skates with excellent balance and speed, outclassing many in his age range. No lack of offensive instincts and knows how to score in many different ways. Confidence in his abilities and playing to the extent of his capabilities strengthens his work ethic and creativity. All-in-all, a unique and effective forward who defines his own limits and seeks to exceed them, along with all on-ice expectations. (Curtis Joe, EliteProspects 2016)
It will be a while before Tkachuk breaks into the league, but he will be a great addition to the top six once he is there. Well, if the Canucks really do draft him like predicted in this mock.
After dealing the 33rd pick to the Florida Panthers in the deal that acquired Erik Gudbranson, the Canucks are left with only the 64th pick. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many players left to choose from, if Vancouver wants someone really special, so they opt for defensive defenseman Andrew Peeke.
With Gudbranson and Nikita Tryamkin already on the roster, the Canucks could have a lot of size on the blue line about five years down the road. In addition to that, they will have some talented puck-moving players like Ben Hutton, Tate Olson and Jordan Subban, and Chris Tanev could still be around as a veteran presence. Plus, they could still draft more D-men in those five years as well.
Next: 2016 Draft: 5 Sleeper Picks
In the 2015-16 season, the defense was a weakness for Vancouver, but that might change with the players mentioned above. However, Vancouver is still missing a true No. 1, and looking at the players above, they still will in five years.
The upcoming season should definitely be an improvement, but there is still work to be done.