2020 NHL Draft: First Round Mock Scenarios 9.1

This series, which started with top 10 scenarios, has expanded to the top 31 — to first round scenarios for the 2020 NHL Draft — by extending those 10 initial mocks, using the same results for the top 10 from running the Tankathon simulator for the draft lottery.

The debut edition elaborated on all the details and I’ve explained the rationale for the remainder of the draft order. I’ll be providing analysis for every new selection while linking repetitive picks back to their original mock for reference. I’ll try to keep it as fresh as possible and mix in some surprises — along with additional insight — but might shorten the analysis at times to ensure these mocks are published weekly (or as frequently as possible).

Without further ado, here is a recap of the top 10 from mock 9.0 followed by selections 11-31 for mock 9.1:

1) Los Angeles Kings — Alexis Lafreniere (LW, Canada, Rimouski QMJHL)

2) Anaheim Ducks — Quinton Byfield (LC, Canada, Sudbury OHL)

3) Arizona Coyotes (top-three protected) — Marco Rossi (LC, Austria/Switzerland, Ottawa OHL)

4) Detroit Red Wings — Tim Stutzle (LC/LW, Germany, Adler Mannheim DEL)

5) Ottawa Senators — Jamie Drysdale (RD, Canada, Erie OHL)

6) Ottawa Senators (San Jose) — Lucas Raymond (RW, Sweden, Frolunda SHL)

7) New Jersey Devils — Alexander Holtz (LW/RW, Sweden, Djurgardens SHL)

8) Buffalo Sabres — Noel Gunler (RW/LW, Sweden, Lulea SHL)

9) Montreal Canadiens — Cole Perfetti (LW/LC, Canada, Saginaw OHL)

10) Chicago Blackhawks — Seth Jarvis (RW, Canada, Portland WHL)