**UNWRITTEN NHL 2015 MOCK DRAFT | PICKS 1-5**

*WELCOME TO THE UWNHL 2015 NHL MOCK DRAFT*
We decided to get this going during the playoffs, as the junior seasons are about done, the playoffs just sorting themselves out. Though the prospects positioning in the draft shouldn't be affected at this point. In this post we will look at picks 1-5, looking at the picks from Edmonton, Buffalo, Arizona, Toronto and Carolina. Enjoy, and expect 6-10 sometime this weekend.

Note-This mock draft is first round only

#1 - Edmonton Oilers - Connor McDavid (C)

The consensus #1 pick in the draft, Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters. McDavid is noted as a generational talent that is getting arguably more hype than Sidney Crosby back in 2005. McDavid is an elite, skilled playmaking center that notched 120 points in 47 OHL games with the Otters, 44G, 76A. Connor McDavid is the future of the NHL, and there's not a person that can disagree. The kids' numbers are ridiculous, but he sure as hell can back them up. Scouts say he sees the game in a 'parallel universe'. His dynamic plays will pull you right out of your chair, and there's not a doubt McDavid's name will be called first by Peter Ciarelli and co.

#2 - Buffalo Sabres - Jack Eichel (C)

The consensus #2 is American center, Jack Eichel. Eichel put up 71 points in 40 games playing at Boston University (26G, 45A). After losing the draft lottery, and missing  out on McDavid the Sabres were ashamed, but they shouldn't be as they get to land the next best center in the draft, and arguably also a generational talent, and would give Connor a run for his money. Eichel is noted as an offensive force, that plays every shift to the best of his abilities, and never backs down. His skating ability and ability to execute is exceptional, as is his hockey IQ. Eichel's game is somewhat similar to that of McDavid, and will most definitely get called by Buffalo.

#3 - Arizona Coyotes - Noah Hanifin (D)

At #3, we have American defenseman Noah Hanifin being taken by the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes have Brandon Gormley, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Connor Murphy already on the blue line, but you can never have enough d-men, and Hanifin is hands down the best in the draft. He had 23 points (5G, 18A) and was a +12 in 37 games with Boston College. He has NHL size at 6"2, 200, with elite skating and agility. He's great in the corners, has a great transition game and knows defense comes before offense, his hockey IQ is also good for a young defenseman. Imagine a future pairing of Ekman-Larsson and Hanifin for the 'Yotes, that would be lethal.

#4 - Toronto Maple Leafs - Mitch Marner (C)

#4 belongs to the beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. My beloved Maple Leafs that is. Many believe big Otters center Dylan Strome will be taken by the Leafs, but after assistant GM Kyle Dubas came out and said the Leafs will not shy away from skill, it seems evident Marner will be gambled on by the Maple Leafs. Marner is hands down one of the most skilled players in the draft, as it was on display with the OHL's London Knights all year. Marner's 126 points in 63 games are second to Strome among OHL skaters, but Strome had games in hand. Marner's supreme offensive skill in unquestionable, as many relate the small playmaker to Patrick Kane. The only knock on his game is his size, at 5"10, 164, Marner must bulk up to make his presence felt in the NHL, and his size is why many teams way shy away from him. His offensive skills are unrawl, his vision being the top asset, as he can see plays before they even develop. His puck control, playmaking ability and speed make him a threat as long as he works on getting bigger.

#5 - Carolina Hurricanes - Lawson Crouse (LW)

At #5, the Carolina Hurricanes select, and I believe they pass on Strome, and go for bulky winger Lawson Crouse. With the Staal brothers, Riley Nash, Elias Lindholm etc. in the system, there's no need to take Strome with the 5th pick. Many believe it will be OHL Kingston Frontenacs winger Crouse. He had 51 points (29G, 22A) and 51 PIM in 56 OHL games with the Frontenacs. Crouse was a member of Canada's gold medal winning world juniors squad, and he broke out playing on a line with Ottawa Senators' Nick Paul, and Toronto Maple Leafs' Frederik Gauther. Crouse is large (6"3, 200), physical, and willing to drop the gloves when called upon. His work along the boards is solid, as is his net-front presence. Crouse will provide a physical aspect to Carolina's prospect pool.

Thanks for listening, I'd love to hear more opinion in the comments.

~UWNHL TEAM