2016 NHL Mock Draft: Part I (1-10)

Here is my 2016 NHL Mock Draft: Part I. 
Part II
Part III

1.       Toronto Maple Leafs 29-42-11 69PTS

C Auston Matthews (USA) 6’2 194LBS

Zurich (NLA) – 36GP 24G 22A 46PTS 6PIM +16

The consensus number one selection among scouts in this year's draft, it’s almost certain the Leafs will select Matthews. Projected to become a franchise player, Matthews plays all over the ice and has an amazing hockey IQ. His coach Marc Crawford, said he shows similarities with Anze Kopitar and Jamie Benn but the one player he reminds him most of is Joe Sakic. The Leafs have a great core to build around Matthews and continue their rebuild.

2.       Winnipeg Jets 35-39-8 78PTS

LW Patrik Laine (FIN) 6’4 209LBS

Tappara (Liiga) – 46GP 17G 16A 33PTS 6PIM +6

The consensus number two in this year's draft, Patrik Laine sure isn’t much of a step down from Matthews. Laine showed the hockey world what he could do at this years World Juniors when he led Finland to the Gold Medal. Not the best skater, Laine makes up for it with his big frame that helps him protect the puck. His shot is outstanding and he likes to shoot from the top of the circle like Alexander Ovechkin. The Jets won the second overall pick in the Draft Lottery and will be thankful to have Laine fall into their laps.

3.       Columbus Blue Jackets 34-40-8 76PTS

RW Jesse Puljujarvi (FIN) 6’3 201LBS

Karpat (Liiga) – 50GP 13G 15A 28PTS 22PIM +5

Columbus jumped one spot for this pick and it’s a pick that will benefit them greatly. The other half of the super Finns, Puljujarvi is regarded as the best north/south player in this year’s draft. He has a high work ethic and he combines size and speed, a rarity in the NHL. Shadowed by Laine’s offense, Puljujarvi brings a great hockey IQ and gives Columbus an elite wing prospect, something they currently lack.

4.       Edmonton Oilers 31-43-8 70PTS

D Olli Juolevi (FIN) 6’2 183LBS

London (OHL) – 57GP 9G 33A 42PTS 16PIM +38

All signs point to this pick being traded but if the Oilers can’t find a suitable partner then why not take the best defenseman available. Juolevi adjusted to the North American game very quickly in his first season. He plays a complete 2-way game with a competitive edge and skill. Drawing comparisons to Pittsburgh’s Olli Maata and Calgary’s TJ Brodie, Edmonton could use a player like Juolevi in their very weak defensive prospect system.

5.       Vancouver Canucks 31-38-13 75PTS

C/LW Pierre-Luc Dubois (CAN) 6’3 203LBS

Cape Breton (QMJHL) – 62GP 42G 57A 99PTS 112PIM +40

One of the underrated players of this year’s draft, Dubois is an elite talented power forward. He possesses the ability to play both centre and wing and can play in any situation. Dubois has great speed and a great shot. A tough grind player that can put points on the board as well as make a smart defensive play. He uses his size to his advantage and is the kind of player you love to have and hate to play against. He’ll be a good asset to the Canucks with aging wingers.

6.       Calgary Flames 35-40-7 77PTS

LW Matthew Tkachuk (USA) 6’1 194LBS

London (OHL) – 57GP 30G 77A 107PTS 80PIM +45

Tkachuk, son of NHL Keith Tkachuk, is a talented winger who brings alot to the table. He has amazing offensive instincts but at the same time plays with determination and grit. Similar traits to his father, he uses his speed to enter the zone and his body if needed. He is creative and dependable. The Flames need someone to fit in with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan and Tkachuk is a perfect fit.

7.       Arizona Coyotes 35-39-8 78PTS

D Mikhail Sergachev (RUS) 6’2 205LBS

Windsor (OHL) – 67GP 17G 40A 57PTS 56PIM +15

At just 17 years old, as the season has progressed, Sergachev has gotten better and better each game. He has great poise and confidence. He is a solid two-way defender who uses the body when needed and controls the play. Some scouts say he is very close to NHL ready and with the Coyotes on the rise and in need of defensive depth, Sergachev is a player that would fit nicely.

8.       Buffalo Sabres 35-36-11 81PTS

RW Alexander Nylander (SWE) 6’0 176LBS

Mississauga (OHL) – 57GP 28G 47A 75PTS 18PIM +8

Younger brother of William Nylander, Alexander brings a high end offense like is brother. He has a right handed shot with power and an excellent release that could be a lightning rod on the powerplay. He possesses great puck handling abilities and is an overall good skater. He would be a great fit alongside Jack Eichel and Ryan O’Rielly.

9.       Montreal Canadiens 38-38-6 82PTS

C Tyson Jost (CAN) 5’11 192LBS

Penticton (BCHL) – 48GP 42G 62A 104PTS 43PIM +/- N/A

Committed to the University of North Dakota, Tyson Jost is a question mark to some scouts. Will his strong offense carry over into a level past Junior A hockey? Jost has great offensive skills. He can think the game on the go and can score in all kinds of ways. The Montreal Canadiens lack offensive centremen and Jost could one day pop into their top 6.

10.   Colorado Avalanche 39-39-4 82PTS

D Jakob Chychrun (CAN) 6’2 198LBS

Sarnia (OHL) – 62GP 11G 38A 49PTS 51PIM +23

Originally ranked to be the top defenseman in this year’s draft, he took a major fall as the season progressed. Chychrun is an all around great defenseman but scouts are weary of his speed. A great hockey IQ not afraid to use his size to bang bodies. He has a potent shot that can be used to quarterback a power play. He is effective in all areas of the ice.


Stay tuned for 2016 NHL Mock Draft Part II and III.