Picks 11-20
#11: Florida Panthers, center Mathew Barzal
Height/weight: 5-foot-11, 174pounds
Most mock drafts have center Mathew Barzal going higher up because of his elite offensive skills. However, he’s more of a play-maker than goal scorer. He’s also just a bit on the small size. However, the Florida Panthers have been moving more toward a skill game, so they’d probably select Barzal.
#12: Dallas Stars, defenseman Oliver Kylington
Height/weight: 6-foot, 181 pounds
The Dallas Stars are pretty stacked with forwards right now, both in their NHL lineup and in their prospect pool. Oliver Kylington is a smart, puck-moving defenseman with a solid two-way game. Again, with such a premium put on defensemen, the Stars could take Oliver Kylington with their #12 pick.
#13: LA Kings, right wing Timo Meier
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 208 pounds
The LA Kings value puck possession above all else, including elite scoring ability. Right wing Timo Meier can score, but he focuses more on his two-way game. All aspects of his checking game are solid.
#14: Boston Bruins, center Kyle Connor
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 170 pounds
The Boston Bruins like big players with a strong two-way game. Connor is exactly that, a solid player who’s strong in all three zones. He’s also a speedy playmaker. Scouting reports generally have him going around the #14 mark.
#15: Calgary Flames, center Nick Merkley
Height/weight: 5-foot-10, 175 pounds
The Calgary Flames are not afraid to sacrifice size for talent, as evidenced by Calder-favorite Johnny Gaudreau (5-foot-9, 150 pounds). Nick Merkley is a playmaking center with enough energy to match Johnny Hockey. The Flames probably wouldn’t be able to resist him.
#16: Edmonton Oilers (from Pittsburgh Penguins), right wing Denis Guryanov
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 193 pounds
The Edmonton Oilers are going to be busy still taking pictures with first-overall pick Connor McDavid. However, they’re bound to look up long enough to notice right wing Denis Guryanov is still available. Guryanov is strong and speedy with good stick handling — the Oilers would snap him up with their pick from the Penguins.
#17: Winnipeg Jets, center Jansen Harkins
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 180 pounds
The Winnipeg Jets treasure hard work. Center Jansen Harkins is exactly that — hard worker. This meat and potatoes center will bring solid hockey skills every night. He doesn’t stand out in any one talent, but he’ll serve as a foundational player.
#18: Ottawa Senators, left wing Yevgeni Svechnikov
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 185 pounds
Russian winger Yevgeni Svechnikov has some soft hands, and the Ottawa Senators value that in a player. He’s skilled enough to eventually play left wing to Bobby Ryan‘s right, though he’ll need some time to get accustomed to the North American style.
#19: Detroit Red Wings, center Joel Ek-Eriksson
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 181 pounds
The Detroit Red Wings like them some elite European talent. Too bad for them the likes of Yevgeni Svechnikov and Mikko Rantanen are unlikely to be around for their #19 pick. Nonetheless, Joel Ek-Eriksson is a smart center with a 200-foot game, one with a sniper’s shot and slick skating.