2013 NHL Mock Draft: Stanley Cup Final Edition

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Whether it be the Phoenix Coyotes going off the board to take a Blake Wheeler or the Los Angeles Kings selecting Thomas Hickey seemingly out of nowhere, one’s mock draft can be wrecked quicker than Nathan MacKinnon can do a lap around the rink.

Sill, inevitably it is difficult to hold back and not go through the futile process of creating a NHL mock draft. This year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs are now in the books with Chicago Blackhawks finishing the lockout shortened season in dramatic fashion to hoist Lord Stanley for the second time in four seasons. The final draft order has also been set. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines…

NHL Draft Lottery:

The NHL Draft Drawing took place on Monday, April 29, 2013 for the 14 non-playoff teams. The entry draft will be held on June 30th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with all seven rounds occurring on the same day this year.

[Click here for odds, how the lottery works and results]

Notes:

  • This is not an attempt to rank prospects. This is mere a guesstimate at what teams might choose if they were to draft today based on weighing out best player available with team need and past experiences at the draft table, with an obvious dose of influence from my personal thoughts.
  • For much more information on the NHL entry draft, including rankings, be sure to check out our live updated draft home page: 2013 NHL Entry Draft Guide – The Next Ones
  • As well, check in with the 2013 NHL Draft Prospect Index to easily locate in depth articles on this year’s draft class.
  • The Next Ones Final Rankings – Top 210 has also been released earlier this month;  see where we had the prospect ranked.
  • Click on player name to be taken to his in-depth profile (and stats) in The Next Ones format.
  • THW = The Next Ones Final Ranking

NHL Draft Order

2013 NHL Mock Draft – The Next Ones Stanley Cup Final Edition: The Picks

1. Colorado Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon

Nathan MacKinnon
Nathan MacKinnon: have the Avs really revealed their cards as to who they will draft 1st overall in the 2013 NHL Draft? [Photo: David Chan]
Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/185 lbs
Position: C
Team: Halifax (QMJHL)

THW: #2

The following is from my May Memorial Cup Edition Mock Draft, but seems to be coming to fruition:

Maybe the best blueliner prospect since Chris Pronger, Popeye’s son seems almost destined to singlehandedly revamp the Avs’ less than stellar defense corps. Avalanche Hall of Famer Joe Sakic now the executive vice-president of hockey operations even had a hand (albeit small) in Jones’ early development.

That’s precisely why they, in typical Avalanche fashion, go against popular opinion and draft the explosive game-breaker MacKinnon 1st overall.

2. Florida Panthers

Seth Jones

Ht/Wt: 6′ 4″/205 lbs
Position: D
Team: Portland (WHL)

THW: #3

Panthers now not so shocked Jones available. They had hoped MacKinnon would develop into their explosive NHL sniper like cross-state rival Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning, but cannot complain about having the opportunity to draft one of the most intriguing defenseman prospects in the history of the draft. GM Tallon contemplates Drouin, but decides on the tower of power Seth.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning

Jonathan Drouin

Ht/Wt: 5’11″/185 lbs
Position: LW
Team: Halifax (QMJHL)

THW: #1

https://twitter.com/Steven_Perko/status/349191375297863684

The Next Ones Draft Rankings has had the dynamic winger with astronomical skills and hockey IQ ranked #1 since January, and he completed the trick earlier this month staying atop the rankings. This is because of the focus on longterm NHL potential and projected production. Yzerman and crew ecstatic to get the most purely talented player in the draft with exceptional hockey sense and playmaking ability. Drouin makes everyone on the ice better. How many goals can Steven Stamkos muster playing with Jonathan? He’s also the newly crowned Human Hockey Highlight Film.

4. Nashville Predators

Aleksander (Sasha) Barkov

Ht/Wt: 6′ 2″/209 lbs
Position: C
Team: Tappara (FIN)

THW: #4

Sasha looks to be the obvious choice for David Poile and staff. He has had an impressive season in Finland’s top men’s league (SM-Liiga) given it is his first year of draft eligibility, finishing 9th in league scoring. He was impressive for Finland in international play as well. He possesses tremendous hockey sense, augments his teammates play and can be the playmaker or sniper. Some scouts have noted he could stand to continue to work on his skating. I think it will come as his conditioning also improves. A potential franchise center for the Preds.

5. Carolina Hurricanes

Elias Lindholm

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/190 lbs
Position: C
Team: Brynäs (SWE)

THW: #5

The Canes may not look like a squad that immediately needs help at center, but cannot pass up on the Swedish prospect who draws the inevitable Peter Forsberg comparison – in this case, it’s warranted.

6. Calgary Flames

Sean Monahan

Ht/Wt: 6′ 2″/186 lbs
Position: C
Team: Ottawa (OHL)

THW: #6

He seems to stay out of all the draft limelight and may not be the sexy pick Flames fans had hoped for, but Calgary might have finally found themselves a true franchise center.

7. Edmonton Oilers

Bo Horvat

Bo Horvat
London Knights forward Bo Horvat (Terry Wilson/OHLImages)

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/200 lbs
Position: C
Team: London (OHL)

THW: #11

https://twitter.com/NHLbyMatty/status/349648780792037376

The first so called “off the board” pick. The Oilers may consider trading back and still try and land Horvat, but in the end fear he may not be there if they do. Horvat’s impressive play this year has had him rising the draft ranks; his offensive output may have been underestimated – the rest of the package he brings to the ice each and every game is very enticing. He’s a true ice warrior with a penchant for playing his best when it matters most. He’s the type of player that should help gel all the offensive talent up front they already possess. Immediate help on the blueline is more likely to come via trade.

8. Buffalo Sabres

Rasmus Ristolainen

Ht/Wt: 6′ 4″/205 lbs
Position: D
Team: TPS (FIN)

THW: #14

Ristolainen is a poised, two-way blueliner who is close to NHL ready. He possesses great size, skates really well and with superior decision making ability he can play in any situation.

*9. New Jersey Devils

Valeri Nichushkin

Ht/Wt: 6′ 4″/202 lbs
Position: LW
Team: Chelyabinsk (RUS)

THW: #9

A top 5 talent; Russian Roulette Factor somewhat responsible for slight fall on draft day. He also had an underwhelming World Junior U18s and questionable combine. He may fall even further than this and possibly out of the top 10 as Mikhail Grigorenko did last year. The Devils, however, swing for the fences and want a home run pick for the hometown audience.

10. Dallas Stars

Hunter Shinkaruk

Ht/Wt: 5’11″/175 lbs
Position: LW/RW
Team: Medicine Hat (WHL)

THW: #7

Shinkaruk is an elite offensive forward with outstanding instincts and skating ability. The Stars get the potential game-breaking forward they covet. Hunter gets picked by the team he grew up cheering for.

11. Philadelphia Flyers

Darnell Nurse

Ht/Wt: 6′ 4″/190 lbs
Position: D
Team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

THW: #10

The Flyers seem the perfect fit for nephew of former Eagles QB Donovan McNabb – they considered trading up to secure him from with the Canes pick. He is one of the best athletes in the draft. He’s a two-way defenseman with a nasty streak and great size. Sound familiar?

12. Phoenix Coyotes

Max Domi

Ht/Wt: 5’10″/190 lbs
Position: C
Team: London (OHL)

THW: #8

Tie could only dream of the offensive skillset his son Max possesses. Winnipeg anxiously awaits to see if he drops one more place, but the Coyotes crave offensive talent up front and Domi is one of the most dynamic talents in the draft. Phoenix, or wherever the franchise inevitably ends up, will embrace the stocky, talented forward.

13. Winnipeg Jets

Anthony Mantha

Ht/Wt: 6′ 4’/190 lbs
Position: LW
Team: Val-d’Or (QMJHL)

THW: #17

The Jets want more offense and no other draft eligible player has scored more goals than this guy this year. Mantha has many weapons with which he can dissect goaltenders. Once he truly figures out how to utilize his size, he’ll be even more of a force to contend with. Jets fans would have loved to have landed Domi, but will learn to love this pick.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets

Alexander Wennberg

Ht/Wt: 6′ 1″/190 lbs
Position: C
Team: Djurgardens IF (SWE)

THW: #18

Versatile, excellent skating ability, top notch vision and extremely smart; fits in well with the ever evolving Blue Jackets.

15. New York Islanders

Curtis Lazar

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/190 lbs
Position: C
Team: Edmonton (WHL)

THW: #16

The Islanders go with the Edmonton Oil Kings forward, snatching up Lazar. Lazar has consummate pro player written all over him. In 4 to 5 years, people may be left wondering why he went even this low in the draft. He is a responsible forward who can play in any situation and may yet have just scratched the surface of his offensive potential. At the very worst case scenario, he is a dependable top 9 forward, but there is a lot of upside as well.

*16. Buffalo Sabres

Zachary Fucale

Zach Fucale
Does that black and red-sweatered goalie remind you of anyone? [Photo: David Chan]
Ht/Wt: 6’1”/176 lbs

Position: G

Team: Halifax (QMJHL)

THW: #34

While I wouldn’t be caught drafting a netminder in the first round, Fucale is a special goaltending prospect. The Sabres feel they have a future franchise goalie in Fucale, especially with the uncertain status of Ryan Miller as a Sabre  moving forward.

17. Ottawa Senators

Nikita Zadorov

Ht/Wt: 6′ 5″/230 lbs
Position: D
Team: London (OHL)

THW: #15

https://twitter.com/Sens_Army_/status/349682639428530177

Craig Button might have beaten me to the punch, but have had this idea brewing since my last mock. The colossal blueliner with ever-evolving skills and decision-making will be another key piece for the Sens and they definitely  know how to develop prospects. They won’t let the second coming of Chara get away so easily this time around.

18. Detroit Red Wings

Josh Morrissey

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/185 lbs
Position: D
Team: Prince Albert (WHL)

THW: #12

The Flames hope the hometown prospect slips to them at 22, but Ken Holland and crew have other ideas. Morrissey is a cerebral defenseman and a scintillating skater with tremendous offensive ability and plays an up-tempo game. He also possesses very good defensive acumen and does not shy away from physical play. NHL scouts have described him as a blend of Kris Letang and Niklas Lidstrom. Red Wings fans will come to love this pick.

19.* Columbus Blue Jackets

Mirco Mueller

Ht/Wt: 6′ 3″/176 lbs
Position: D
Team: Everett (WHL)

THW: #28

Swiss defenseman is another piece to the puzzle for the Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekäläinen and staff; he skates extremely well, has a great frame to build upon and is ever evolving his game.

20. San Jose Sharks

Robert Hagg

Ht/Wt: 6′ 2″/205 lbs
Position: D
Team: MODO (SWE)

THW: #23

Swedish defender  is an all-around blueliner who had been touted after the World Juniors as this year’s defenseman from Sweden who gets taken a lot higher than projected. His stock has recently taken somewhat of a dip after a subpar U18s, but the potential and combination of size and skill is just too enticing. Sharks seek eventual heir apparent to ageless wonder Dan Boyle.

21. Toronto Maple Leafs

Adam Erne

Adam Erne
Adam Erne [photo: David Chan]
Ht/Wt: 6′ 1″/195 lbs
Position: RW
Team: Quebec (QMJHL)

THW: #26

Maybe not the potential top end centreman that Leafs fans would be hoping for, Erne is an adaptable, offensive physical forward with a thirst to improve his knowledge of the game and a good work ethic. He is a very good all-around forward with a tremendous level of compete. They agonize over taking Kerby Rychel or Frederik Gauthier with this pick, but in the end stick to their big board and go with Erne.

22.* Calgary Flames

Ryan Pulock

Ht/Wt: 6′ 1″/210 lbs
Position: D
Team: Brandon (WHL)

THW: #13

The Flames had their sights set on hometown Josh Morrissey with this pick, but do not hesitate to select Pulock with him left on the board. Pulock stock seems to be dipping in some rankings, but Flames envision his absolute cannon of a shot terrorizing opposing netminders to go with his all around game and leadership ability. Of note, Pulock was one of only two blueliners to lead their team in scoring in the CHL this season. Many pundits (as did I) thought Pulock should have had an invite to Team Canada World Junior camp in Calgary back in December.

23. Washington Capitals

Valentin Zykov

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/210 lbs
Position: LW
Team: Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

THW: #20

Another Russian for the Russian Machine you say? Don’t be fooled by Zykov’s nationality; he plays a North American brand of hockey. He is one of the biggest risers this season amongst the various draft rankings with a great season in the QMJHL. Zykov is the type of player and individual that would be mutually beneficial to the Capitals franchise. Ovechkin would benefit from being a mentor for Zykov. Zykov also would look fabulous as a sniper on a line with future Capital Evgeny Kuznetsev. Yes, the Capitals could win with a core group of Russian players.

24. Vancouver Canucks

Frederik Gauthier

Ht/Wt: 6′ 5″/210 lbs
Position: C
Team: Rimouski (QMJHL)

THW: #22

https://twitter.com/25stanley/status/349758221738704898

Canucks hope towering centreman can develop into a two-way force in the big league. Perhaps no prospect has come further in their development this year. Gauthier was a key cog when it mattered most in the last couple of games as Team Canada battled and won gold at the World Junior U18s. He projects to be more of a defensively conscious centreman with offensive upside who can anchor your 2nd or 3rd line rather than a pure #1 center.

25. Montreal Canadiens

Samuel Morin

Ht/Wt: 6′ 6″/202 lbs
Position: D
Team: Rimouski (QMJHL)

THW: #32

Trevor Timmins and staff ecstatic that the colossal blueliner is still available. They want to continue to build their blueline to be one that’s intimidating and miserable to play against. The big defenseman has grown leaps and bounds already this season. He’s a very good skater, especially for his size and makes a nice first pass. He makes good, safe decisions with the puck. Morin has mammoth potential.

26. Anaheim Ducks

Kerby Rychel

Kerby Rychel
Kerby Rychel: Warren’s son projects to be a goal-scoring power forward and will be coveted at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. (Terry Wilson/OHL Images)

Ht/Wt: 6′ 1″/200 lbs
Position: LW
Team: Windsor (OHL)

THW: #24

His skating is one of very few questionable aspects of his game; his passion and goal-scoring are certainly not. He’s the second forward in the first round to be the son of a former NHL enforcer – his father was Warren who played a 133 games with the then Mighty Ducks, scoring 15 goals while amassing 426 PIM.

27.* Columbus Blue Jackets

Ryan Hartman

Ht/Wt: 5’11″/185 lbs
Position: RW
Team: Plymouth (OHL)

THW: #29

Ryan is a definite “Hart” and soul player, doing whatever it takes to win. He was an absolute force for Team USA at the 2013 World Juniors in Ufa, Russia. Hartman is one of those guys you hate to play against. He reminds some of another American Ryan – Ryan Callahan.

28.* Calgary Flames

Morgan Klimchuk

Ht/Wt: 5’11″/175 lbs
Position: C
Team: Regina (WHL)

THW: #19

https://twitter.com/CruickshankCH/status/347372734210273280

Klimchuk is a elusive player who has an elite shot and an explosive skater. He plays a very smart all-around game. Fear not his sub-6’ height Flames fans; the hometown prospect can more than handle the physical rigors of the game.

29. Dallas Stars

Andre Burakowsky*

Ht/Wt: 6’2”/176 lbs

Position: LW

Team: Malmo (SWE)

THW: #27

Stars think they’ve struck gold this late in the draft with the talented winger who is a tantalizing combination of speed, good hands, a good shot and subsequent savvy scoring ability. He’s had a tough year, but ended off his hockey season with 4 goals in 5 games in the World Junior U18s. His father, Robert, suited up for the Ottawa Senators for 23 games in the 1993-94 campaign.

30. Chicago Blackhawks

J.T. Compher

Ht/Wt: 6’0”/184 lbs
Position: Center
Team: US-NTDP

THW: #31

No one will be questioning Compher’s will to win when he finally suits up for the ‘Hawks. Combine that with his skill level and Chicago has added yet another key cog to keep the franchise at or near the top over the coming seasons. He’ll be determined to get his name engraved on Lord Stanley’s Cup.

The Blackhawks considered a number of options with this last pick of the first round including: rock solid blueliner Steve Santini, diminutive but dynamic Nic Petan, scintillating skating defenseman Madison Bowey, steady blueliner Chris Bigras and offensive puck-moving defenseman Shea Theodore.

***

First Round Notes:

#16 – Sabres obtained the Wild’s 2013 1st round pick, 2014 2nd round pick, G Matt Hackett and LW Johan Larsson in exchange for Jason Pominville and a 2014 4th round pick.

#19 – Blue Jackets obtained Rangers’ 2013 1st round pick, Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon and Artem Anisimov for Rick Nash, Steve Delisle and a conditional 3rd round pick (If Rangers make it to Cup finals, Blue Jackets keep pick).

#22 – Flames obtained Blues’ 2013 1st round pick, D Mark Cundari and G Reto Berra for D Jay Bouwmeester. The 2013 1st round pick could morph into a 2013 4th round pick and 2014 1st round pick if the Blues miss playoffs this year (a.k.a. Bouwmeester curse)

#27 – Blue Jackets obtained Kings’ 2013 1st round pick (Blue Jackets decided not to use the pick in 2012) and Jack Johnson for Jeff Carter.

#28 – Flames obtained Penguins’s 2013 1st round pick, Kenneth Agostino and Ben Hanowski in exchange for Jarome Iginla.

#29 – Stars traded Jaromir Jagr to Bruins for Lane MacDermid, Cody Payne, 2013 conditional 1st or 2nd round pick (first round pick if Bruins advance to 2013 Eastern Conference Finals, as they of course did).

*New Jersey must surrender their 1st round pick either in 2013 or 2014 as a punishment for circumventing the salary cap in the infamous Ilya Kovalchuk contract. (They also gave up their 2011 3rd round pick as well as $3 million.)

***

[NHL 2013 Draft Guide – The Next Ones Draft Headquarters: 

Your quintessential draft resource]

***

[THW The Next Ones Rankings – Final Top 210]

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Email: CRalph@TheHockeyWriters.com

Twitter: @ChrisRalphTHW

5 thoughts on “2013 NHL Mock Draft: Stanley Cup Final Edition”

  1. Absolutely no way that draft happens for Buffalo unless they make monster trades of their D-men prospects to unload several And they trade Miller and other Goalie prospects. The two areas they don’t need in the 1st round are D and G. centers and Wingers are the focus…
    So 16 they get Adam Erne to pair with former line ate Grigerenko,
    Their 8rh – they trade to Nasville or Calgary with. Player / Prospect to select Monahan

    • Great to reflect back on these. Usually it quickly goes off the rails, but 2013 might have been my best “prophecy”. Rasmus turned out to be the correct selection for the Sabres and I’m sure they don’t regret. Fucale was still the 1st goalie taken, but fell to the Habs in the 2nd rnd.

  2. Dallas gets Bostons 1st because the Bruins made the ECF. Every mock draft out there but yours seems to be aware of that condition of the Jagr trade, what an embarrassing mistake for a Managing Editor and senior draft analyst.

    • It was corrected. An admitted brain freeze – not making excuses but I did this during the floods in Calgary – loack of sleep as my community was one of those affected. I obviously knew about Jagr trade and the pick; mistake and I hone up to it.

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