The 2016 NHL Entry Draft is set to begin this coming Friday, which means it’s high time for speculations, predictions, and analysis for what’s going to happen. With that said, let’s take a look at how we see the draft would unfold.
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There’s hardly a debate here. By drafting Matthews, the Maple Leafs will have a gifted center they have been craving for so long. Toronto has been in search of a capable center ever since the departure of Mats Sundin in 2008, and Matthews appear to be the can’t-pass=on prospect who could fill in the position permanently.
2. Winnipeg Jets – Patrik Laine (Left Wing)
The Jets likely wouldn’t get their hands on Matthews but what a consolation Laine is going to be. As if the hulking 6-4, 200-pound forward needed any more reason to convince people why he’s a top-tier draft talent, Laine won MVP honors in the recently concluded world championship, where he collected seven goals and five assists.
3. Columbus Blue Jackets – Jesse Puljujarvi (Right Wing)
The Finnish forward has been drawing comparisons with Teemu Selanne, which is quite a pressure for someone who’s just 18 years old. Then again, when you’ve scored five goals and pocketed seven points in just four games during the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and followed that up with a 17-point performance in seven games at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, such lofty comparisons are inevitable.
4. Edmonton Oilers – Matthew Tkachuk (Left Wing)
Once again, the Oilers have a top five pick and the team will likely spend it to snag Matthew Tkachuk off the draft board. Tkachuk will give Edmonton’s left wing position some much needed depth, as he’s expected to play in the second line behind Taylor Hall. Tkachuk is coming off an incredible Memorial Cup, which he capped by scoring the overtime winner in the championship game.
5. Vancouver Canucks – Alexander Nylander (Left Wing)
The Canucks averaged just 2.27 goals for per game last season. Nylander is a talented scorer with speed and high hockey IQ. This is going to be a terrific pick for Vancouver.
