Colorado Avalanche: 2019 NHL Mock Draft First Round
The Colorado Avalanche have two picks in the 2019 NHL Draft. Here’s how the whole first round could play out.
The Colorado Avalanche have a good draft selection ahead of them. They have two first-round picks, numbers 4 and 16. The #4 pick was part of the Matt Duchene trade, so it comes from Ottawa. As you know, the Senators finished dead last in the NHL, but we lost the Draft Lottery again.
Anyway, for a team that went all the way to Game 7 of the second round, a #4 pick isn’t too shabby. And, of course, we still have our own selection at #16.
The 2019 NHL Draft class is a little weird. Or, maybe it’s the normal story in that we see the top two picks vying for the #1 position following by, say, 12 forwards who could feasibly go in the top 10, another 15 or so who could go in the next 10 positions, and so on. In other words, there’s no solid consensus after picks one and two.
Well, I checked out NHL.com‘s prospect rankings as well as mock drafts from Draft Site, My NHL Draft, and NBC Sports. I also asked my fellow FanSiders what they thought they needed.
Taking all that information into consideration, here is a reasonable facsimile of how the 2019 NHL Draft could shake out.
Picks 1-5
As I noted, beyond the top two, the next three players are subjective. There are at least five players who could go in slots three to five.
player. 85. “Elite skating. Elite edges. Elite puck skills. Vision, creativity, and the spatial awareness to embarrass the opposition on a nightly basis. He’s at his very best with the puck on his stick and surrounded by intelligent mates. The most productive player in USNTDP history will also be the first to ever step out of The Program and directly into the NHL.” ~Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects. Center. Devils. Jack Hughes. 1
The New Jersey Devils will enjoy the first-overall draft pick for the second time in three years, and I, for one, will hate them for it. They will get Jack Hughes, an elite player who can suffocate next to Taylor Hall (if they re-sign him) and 2017’s first-overall, Nico Hischier.
2. player. 95. “The most prolific U18 goal scorer in Liiga history blends power and precision. There are no holes in his game, as he’s a threat to dish it, finish it, or look for another option. Will immediately step into an NHL top six and produce tangible results.” ~Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects. Right wing. Rangers. Kaapo Kakko
I can’t be too mad at the New York Rangers jumping up — they were pretty darn bad this season. With New Jersey selecting Hughes first-overall, they’ll naturally pick the bona fide second-overall, Kaapo Kakko.
Bowen Byram. 3. player. 94. “All situation new age defender who can control the pace and tempo . Has high IQ for understanding the nuances of his position and executes them in a tough fashion. Has good top speed, stick and passing ability so he never is hesitating coming out of his end and continuing to lead the attack down deep in the attack zone. His strong backward skating ability lets him transition into his back pedal and stop/start in his gaps if he wants to stand an attacker up, and he is able to shadow attackers step for step. ” ~ Bill Placzek of Draft Site. Defenseman. blackhawks
Blackhawk Up: “Mark Kelley has said Blackhawks are going with BPA, but I think it’s down to Turcotte or Byram at #3.”
Yeah, I’m salty as you-know-what that a team that was competing for a playoff spot in late March jumped all the way up to the third-overall position. I also hate that it’s a Central Division rival — just like happened in 2017.
And, just like 2017, I think that rival will pick the player the Colorado Avalanche really want — Bowen Byram.
4. player. 103. “He can finish and his puck-handling, high hockey instincts, and soft hands rate up near the top of the class. Has great speed, an extra gear and displays strong edging. Has really good patience in his possessions, and will rile defenses into over commitment, and then place the biscuit on a teammates stick for a shot. He plays fast because he is able to slow the action down in his head and use his hands and stick abilities to surprise offensively, and in the two other zones to beat opposition to the puck with his intense compete level.” Bill Placzek of Draft Site. Left wing. avalanche. Alex Turcotte
This pick is from the Ottawa Senators.
I vacillated back and forth. I really thought I’d have the Avalanche select Kirby Dach with this pick. However, Avs fans have been agitating for Alex Turcotte, and he does have the three things scout Alan Hepple has said the team is looking for — speed, skill, and hockey smarts.
Center. kings. Kirby Dach. 5. player. 67. “A pass-first centre who owns great awareness and deft puck skills. Uses his body well to protect the puck and exploit seams. He lacks explosiveness with his skating and can stand to play with more pace at times.” ~ Cam Robonson of Dobber Prospects
The LA Kings are probably going to try and transition into the smaller, faster game, but they’re not going to be able to help themselves. I think they’ll go for yet another big, powerful forward who’s not the fastest player on the block.
Picks 6 – 10
Here is where we start to see the draft rankings unravel. Many sports writers still stayed relatively withing Central Scouting’s rankings. However, you could tell they were starting to second-guess GMs because a lot of “best player available” starts becoming subjective at this point.
player. 72. “Podkolzin also has a strong hockey IQ that makes him a sound player. He is able to make time and space for himself and his teammates and is able to control the pace of the game. With great speed and scoring prowess, the 18-year-old is confident with the puck and isn’t afraid to take risks or make quick decisions on the fly.” ~Sammi Silber of NBC Sports. Right wing. red wings. Vasiliy Podkolzin. 6
Yeah, I’m old-school so I still associate Detroit with a lot of Russian forwards. And former Wings great Steve Yzerman has taken over the helm, so maybe he’s in that camp, too.
12. “Zegras marries stellar hockey sense, which allows him to anticipate the flow of the game and create plays, with high-end acceleration and puck skills. He’s also effective in his own zone, using that hockey sense to limit opponents’ opportunities.” ~Hannan Stuart of The Score. Center. sabres. Trevor Zegras. 7. player
Trevor Zegras seemed like a true example of best player available at the #7 position.
oilers. Cole Caufield. 8. player. 148. “Caufield is arguably the best goal-scorer in this draft class. A final tally of 72 goals in 64 games (1.12 per game) is difficult to debate, especially when you sit down and watch him score those goals – he’s not just padding his stats by picking up passes from linemates (including projected No. 1 pick Hughes).” ~Hannah Stuart of The Score. Right wing
Leave it to the Oilers to continue picking the same kind of undersized offensive player regardless of what they need. That said, Caulfield did rise through the ranks based on some strong play late in the season.
105. “A long, powerful stride drives his elite speed. He’s a complete player with skill to burn in a sizable frame. Cozens owns an accurate and heavy release and uses that threat to look-off defenders and slide crisp passes into his mate’s wheelhouses.” ~ Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospect. Center/Right wing. ducks. Dylan Cozens. 9. player
Pucks of a Feather: “Ducks GM has said he’s basically going to take the best players available in the first 3 rounds and then fill needs after that. But, a center would be ideal. One that could potentially fill the role as a first or second line C, depending on the development of Sam Steel.”
They wanted a center, so I gave them the best center still available. Cozens is one of those players who could have been top-five, but it’s not unreasonable to think he’d drop to #9. Plus, he’s big, and the Ducks like ’em big.
Victor Soderstrom. 10. player. 104. ” From his stats and ability, it’s hard to believe Soderstrom is just 18, as he plays well beyond his years. He’s a speedy, confident blueliner who takes great care of the puck and puts defense first, while also serving as an outstanding puck-mover. With great passing and hands, he’s able to move the puck up and start the rush without making mistakes. He also has a great shot and can kill off penalties.” ~Sammi Silber of NBC Sports. Defenseman. canucks
Poor Vancouver Canucks — they lost their Swedish twins. I couldn’t give them a set of twins back, but they can enjoy a single Swede, this a pretty talented defenseman. The team needs to rebuild everywhere, so they could use this help.
Picks 11-15
By this point, a lot of the talent is subjective. So, I tried to stay within need for each team within that realm of talent.
68. “One of the more powerful skating strides in this class. At his size, his ability to wheel out of the zone is unique. Lacks the puck-handling skills necessary to be proficient offensively at it at this stage though.” ~Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects. Defenseman. flyers. Philip Broberg. 11. player
Broad Street Buzz: “Fletcher stated that he wants to add defense, whether it’s in the first, second, and/or third rounds to their farm system with their top prospects now playing in the NHL/AHL and will look for players with good hockey sense and work ethic. I think they should try to draft guys with speed, as well, and it wouldn’t hurt it take at least one power-forward type, either.”
You wanted a defenseman, so I gave you one of the new-age puck-moving defensemen. He’s also big, which the Flyers tend to like.
wild. Arthur Kaliyev. 12. player. 98. “Kaliyev is one of the top forwards available in this draft, having finished as Hamilton’s top scorer. He combines pure goal-scoring ability with his passing and vision to make himself extremely dangerous on offense. He also has a wicked shot and takes tremendous care of the puck, while also using his speed to his advantage.” Sammi Silber of NBC Sports. Right wing
The (hated) Minnesota Wild can take what they can get and go take a flying leap. Arthur Kaliyev is too good for them.
player. 97. “He is well-balance flyer who can circumnavigate through tight spaces at high speeds and his high level puck skills including super soft hands that let him keep opposing defenders guessing on how they should react. Has nice size, displays a strong wrister, and plays a style that fits so well with the new attacking schemes. Really high end hockey sense, and full throttle involved player whose on-ice presence seems to tip the scales in his team’s favor when he is out on the sheet, no matter if it is in open ice, or in tight stick cluttered scenery.” Bill Placzek of Draft Site. Right wing. panthers. Matthew Boldy. 13
Matthew Boldy is a good player — maybe even best player available at this selection. I think Florida can use some help up front, especially if they don’t land the Bread Man, Artemi Panarin.
“A product of the BCHL, Newhook is the league’s leading scorer and is set to attend Boston College next year. He’s a fast, elite forward who has soft hands and great speed, which helps him move the puck well up ice and generate high-quality scoring chances. His vision allows for him to make quick, smart decisions that makes him a constant threat and once he gets going, it’s hard to shut him down.” Sammi Silber of NBC Sports. Center. coyotes. Alex Newhook. 14. player. 121
As with the Panthers, I didn’t see the Coyotes needing defensive help within the first round. I think they could use some of Newhook’s skill, even if they have to wait a couple years.
Defenseman. canadiens. Cam York. 15. player. 152. “A mobile and calm defender with tremendous skating ability. Effective on the power play and owns the mobility needed to clean up any mistakes he makes.” ~Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects
A Winning Habit: “Two things the Montreal Canadiens need to add are scoring and help on defence. Which route they go down will depend on who is available once number 15 comes along. With some of the names projected to fall from 8-12 it would make sense for the Habs to try to trade up but that’s not Bergevin’s style.”
Well, you wanted some offense and a good defenseman, so enjoy Cam York, who offers some of both.
Picks 16-20
By this point, teams are starting to draft for need withing the best player available model.
Thomas Harley. 16. player. 103. “He has very good speed in both directions. His first few steps and acceleration are outstanding. He handles the puck well, especially while moving at top speed. He has good vision and sees plays developing in the offensive zone. Harley will need some time to iron out the defensive wrinkles and continue to get stronger. He has the potential to develop into a strong offensive defenceman, quarterbacking a power play and playing big minutes for his NHL team if he can hit his ceiling.” ~Ben Kerr of Last Word on Hockey. Defenseman. avalanche
If the Colorado Avalanche miss out on Byram, like I think they will, I’d like to see them pick a defenseman at #16. Thomas Harley is the best available at this point, and he’s got some good upside. I think he could be just the kind of defenseman the Avs could groom to take a top-four role in four years or so.
Vegas Hockey Knight: “There seems to be plenty of puck-moving defensemen around where the Knights are picking, but feel the franchise needs a legitimate goalie to be the heir to the throne to Fleury.”
I chuckled a little when I saw I’d be giving the Vegas Golden Knights a player named Knight. However, that was just a happy accident — they want a goalie, and Spencer Knight is the best in this draft class.
18. player. 119. “The supremely skilled forward is elusive and shifty with the puck. Takes creative lines to dangerous areas of the ice. The type of player that sees plays develop before those around him and uses that to exploit the opposition.” ~ Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects. Center/Left wing. stars. Peyton Krebs
Krebs was a definite BPA by this point in the draft. Plus, his skills seem to fit with the Stars’ M.O.
19. player. 91. “A talented and effective offensive defenseman who boasts quick acceleration and expert edgework. Makes smart decisions with the puck and already looks confident in the top men’s league.” ~Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects. Defenseman. senators. Ville Heinola
SenShot: “The Ottawa Senators will have an interesting decision to make on draft day. They are clearly looking at rebuilding from the blueline, but if a top goalscoring forward is available, it might be too hard to pass over.”
I looked at Heinola long and hard for the Colorado Avalanche, but he had a couple deficiencies I felt wouldn’t work for the team. However, he could be Erik Karlsson Lite for the Senators.
player. 95. “He’s another prospect with NHL size, already standing 6-foot-4, and he’s quite agile and fast considering. One of the highlights of his game is his quick release, but he’s also got the vision to be an effective playmaker.” ~Hannah Stuart of NBC Sports. Center/Right wing. rangers. Raphael Lavoie. 20
Raphael Lavoie was one of the players whom some of the draft boards had moving up. So, since this is the Rangers’ second pick of the first round, I thought they might take a chance on him.
Picks 21-25
There is still good talent available at this section. However, you start to see players moving up and down the draft board depending on teams’ specific needs.
penguins. Ryan Suzuki. 21. player. 92. “A top player in the OHL, Suzuki is a talented and versatile forward. He has great hands and can make highlight-reel plays, starting with tremendous passes and an underrated shot. Suzuki’s a reliable forward that takes good care of the puck and has great stickhandling ability, and he can find those high-danger areas and generate scoring chances.” ~Sammi Silber of NBC Sports. Center
Suzuki is another player who seemed to jump up a few positions in mock drafts. I don’t know that the Penguins need a center, but they wouldn’t have to worry about that for at least two or three years.
67. Seider is a great skater with good vision and strong shots. He sometimes gets out of position in his own end while looking for a hit, but that part of his game can be coached and developed.” ~Hannah Stuart of The Score. Defenseman. kings. Moritz Seider. 22. player
I should think the LA Kings are going to start looking at propping up their aging defensive corps.
“A highly intelligent, two-way centre with good puck skills and a penchant for scoring big goals. Quick stride, good puck-skills and a heavy release. Underrated playmaker. “~Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects. Center. islanders. Phillip Tomasino. 23. player. 106
Eyes on Isles: “Best player available is all the Islanders are going to want — the best player available. A center would be nice though.”
You want a center? I’ll give you a center. Tomasino seems like he’d be a good fit for the Islanders down the road.
Nicholas Robertson. 24. player. 151. “A great skater who blends quick acceleration with quick edges. Owns high-end puck skills, vision, and a developing release. One of the youngest players in the crop.” ~Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects. Left wing. predators
Predlines: “I would think the preds would go with a forward, but i’d also say best player available.”
Nicholas Robertson is a little on the small side, but the Predators don’t seem to shy away from that. Especially since he has the skill set to complement the team.
player. 19. ” Has displayed fearless in the defensive end, willing to block shots, or step up in the opposition as they try and gain ice. Very aware of his positioning in his end or when he adjust into open ice going the other way. Always moving his feet and has a good short area burst to get to loose biscuits, and his stickhandling allows him room in traffic. Displays an excellent stick to break up passes, and although his creativity is just emerging, he is very good at laying precision passes on his moving in down deep in the attack zone.” ~Bill Placzek of Draft Site. Defenseman. capitals. Lassi Thomson. 25
Best player available at this position was a big power forward, Egor Afanasayev. The Capitals have some big power forwards already. They also have an aging defensive corpes, so I think they’d look to improve there.
Picks 26-31
The teams in this section are already pretty solid. However, I think they’ll obviously be looking at this draft with an eye to the future.
26. player. 112. “He’s got excellent hands, and his offensive production leaped from 14 points in 45 games last season to 62 in 58. More importantly, he has elite skating ability, with good edge work that allows him to be elusive and a smooth, fluid stride.” ~Hannah Stuart of The Score. Left wing. flames. Egor Afanasayev
As noted in the previous slide, Egor Afanasayev is the BPA at this point. It makes sense the Flames would take him on. Besides, someone’s got to make up for Johnny Hockey’s diminutive stature at some point.
23. “Hard working undersized winger with excellent feet, hands and goal scoring ability. Makes offense easy with his high hockey IQ, creativity, quickness and great hands that send precision attempts on the net. Easily finds the opposite side winger with his cross ice feed.” ~Bill Placzek of Draft Site. Left wing. lightning. Bobby Brink. 27. player
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a solid team, so I think they won’t shy away from a guy who’s undersized when he brings offensive gifts to the table.
109. “Hoglander is one of those forwards that plays with a lot of speed and energy, and he’s a prospect that won’t take long to match the demanding pace of today’s NHL. Even though he’s 5-foot-9, Hoglander is a gritty forward who will engage in battles for the puck. He has great stickhandling ability, and his vision and hockey IQ makes it easy for him to come out on top in one-on-one situations. He’s also a player that is capable of coming up with great plays on the fly.” ~Sammi Silber of NBC Sports. Left wing. hurricanes. Nils Hoglander. 28. player
Cardiac Cane: “Best offensive player available.”
Hoglander has the offensive skills to develop into the kind of player Carolina needs. Plus, he has the word hog in his name, and the Hurricanes have a hog as their mascot.
“This kid is a power forward in the making with a strong first step, power moves while in the attack zone, and creating space in the dirty areas because the word on his chippiness got out. Always moving, sidestepping and showing excellent feet in navigating the attack zone and unearthing loose pucks. Protects the puck with his bigger frame and he uses his skating and edging to power into full speed cuts. Has fast feet, fast head and plays fast.” ~Bill Plascek of Draft Site. Left wing. ducks. Samuel Poulin. 29. player. 105
I don’t think the Ducks will be able to help themselves — gritty power forwards with size is the M.O.
70. “Pelletier is a solid all-around player who can play pretty much any forward position and still perform up to the highest standards. He’s an unselfish player and an outstanding playmaker, able to make great passes and decisions on the fly. He’s also very careful and talented with the puck, and his mind works on a different level and allows him to come up with creative, exciting plays.”. Center/Wing. bruins. Jakob Pelletier. 30. player
Jokob Pelletier is another player who jumped up in mock drafts. I feel like the Bruins need to start looking at some of the finer aspects of the game in their draft picks.
12. “Cousin of Sharks’ defenseman Marc-Edouard, Alex Vlasic is a top defensive prospect with a lot of size and upside. Standing at 6-foot-6, he’s able to stack up well with his opponents and use his size to win one-on-one battles. He has great vision and hockey sense, which helps him follow the play and win those battles for the puck. He’s still growing his game, but he’s starting to find his stride and is showing more confidence and poise with and without the puck.” ~Sammi Silber of NBC Sports. Defenseman. sabres. Alex Vlasic. 31. player
The Sabres could use some size and some of Vlasic’s talent. They’re definitely a team trying to rebuild, and Vlasic can help them to that end.
Next. Important 2019 Offseason Dates. dark
The first round of the 2019 NHL Draft takes place on June 21. According to Sporting News, the time is 6 pm MT.