#11 - Florida Panthers - Mikko Rantanen (RW)
With the 11th overall selection, the Florida Panthers will take the best player on the board, who I don't have taken yet - Mikko Rantanen. Rantanen is a Finnish born winger that possesses a large frame (6"3 211) and a good playmaking ability. He wore the "A" for TPS, a Finnish mens team in which he put up 28 points in 56 games, which is rather impressive. Like previously mentioned, Rantanen has a wonderful ability to pass the puck, with an elite level hockey sense. He plays a two way game and works very hard night in and night out. His skating is also impressive especially for his big body, but if there were knocks on his game it would be his shot and lack of physical play despite his frame. For Florida he would be a skilled winger with a large frame that can be a difference maker on the ice.
#12 - Dallas Stars - Timo Meier (RW)
After the Dallas Stars missed the playoffs in a year in which they were a supposed playoff contender. They don't have the depth on the wing despite having a good center core, and Timo Meier would be an excellent player to pick up if he's there at #12 (which he should be). Meier is a Swiss born forward that notched 90 points in 61 games (44G) whilst playing with the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads. He is the type of winger you want playing with a playmaking center, he gets to the net and goes to the right areas to score goals. He has the ability to dominate a game with his overall game. He can snap a quick pass, snipe a goal, he's overall a dynamic winger that would really benefit the Dallas Stars.
#13 - Los Angeles Kings - Travis Konecny (C/RW)
After missing the postseason, LA has a decent pick, selecting at number 13. There are plenty of options with this pick, but I have the Kings going somewhat off the board and taking Ottawa 67's captain Travis Konecny. The Kings took Tyler Toffoli from the 67's organization, so they know the where they're drafting this guy from and they're drafting from a place they've had success from before. Konecny was originally supposed to be a top flight prospect after being the #1 pick in the 2013 OHL draft. Konecny has regressed, but was able to put up 68 points in 60 games with Ottawa. He is a hard-working, small forward that will do anything to win a hockey game. He is the captain of the Ottawa 67's proving his work ethic and effort level as well as leadership are all high. He possesses a good ability to put up points, and overall fits into the Darryl Sutter system relatively well. Konecny is a high risk high reward player, and would be a good pick for LA.
#14 - Boston Bruins - Kyle Connor (C)
Boston is another surprise postseason miss, as they land themselves the 14th overall selection. With this pick, they would be more than happy to land Kyle Connor is he's still available. Connor notched himself 80 points in 56 games with the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms, and is committed to the U of Michigan next season. The one thing that stands out about Connor's game is his ability to dominate in all 3 zones. He's a defensively responsible center that has good foot speed to transition himself from defense to offense. He has decent size and an outstanding confidence to try things that other players cannot. His responsibility on the defensive side of the game is very attractive to Boston, and if he's available they will surely take him.
#15 - Calgary Flames - Evgeni Svechnikov (RW)
Calgary had a great season, a surprise playoff appearance and they even mustered the second round, but because of their place in the standings they pick rather high for a second round team, which is good for them. With this pick I have Calgary going somewhat off the board with Russian Evgeni Svechnikov. The 6"3 205lb winger put up 78 points in 55 games with the QMJHL's Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. Calgary has a great future down the middle but they are lacking wingers, and Svechnikov is the best available. That is not a knock on Svechnikov's skill, as he is an extremely skilled winger with an elite offensive talent and silky hands. He has good size, as well as good skill, a bit of poor mans Alex Ovechkin if you will. Calgary would enjoy a skilled winger, so I can see them taking Svechnikov with pick #15.
Thanks for reading, and I'll make sure I can get picks 16-20 out as soon as possible. Please leave feedback if you disagree with my picks, I love feedback.
Cheers,
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