Avalanche List: Top 5 Draft Picks for #10
#4: Zachary Werenski
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 206 pounds
Draft Range: 6 to 10
I wrote Zach Werenski off because he’s a defenseman and not huge — he’s average NHL size for any skater. However, The Hockey Writers’ Shawn Reznik calls Werenski “the best defenseman available in the draft.”
Fellow Mile High Sticking editor Janik Biechler said of Werenski:
"“[He] plays a pressing offensive style. Werenski plays great breakout passes and likes to rush the puck into the offensive zone himself. He has very good senses and visibility and possesses a powerful stride, which helps him on the breakout.”"
I think Werenski will be selected before #10. I have him being selected #6 by the New Jersey Devils in my mock draft. Janik has him going #8 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. NHL.com has him scouted as #9 for North American skaters.
If he’s still available at #10, Werenski is the type of “skilled defenseman” Joe Sakic was talking about.