NESN

NHL Mock Draft V: Draft-Day Buzz Rules Out Taylor Hall Coming to Boston

The big day has come for the Bruins and 29 other NHL teams and, as of now, it appears Taylor Hall will be selected as the top pick overall in the 2010 NHL Draft.

There is still a chance that Hall could be drafted by the Boston Bruins at No. 2, and not the Oilers at No. 1. That will be the buzz all day in Los Angeles. But for now, here's how the first round may go.

1. Edmonton Oilers
2009-10 record: 27-47-8, 62 points
The pick: Taylor Hall, left wing, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Analysis: As of Thursday, it appeared likely that the Oilers will draft Hall, and a trade between the Bruins and Oilers to help the Bruins secure the player they want (believed to be Taylor Hall) wasn’t likely. But there’s still time, so we shall see.

2. Boston Bruins (from Toronto)
2009-10 record: 39-30-13, 91 points
The pick: Tyler Seguin, center, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Analysis: If the Bruins end up with Seguin, they won’t be playing second fiddle by any means. Scouts and GMs in Los Angeles for the draft continue to rave about this young man’s well-rounded game and maturity. The only question will be whether the Bruins switch him to wing.

3. Florida Panthers
2009-10 record: 32-37-13, 77 points
The pick: Erik Gudbranson, defenseman, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Analysis: The Panthers are very active in trade talks, so this pick could be dealt. Either way, look for Gudbranson to get picked here.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets
2009-10 record: 32-35-15, 79 points
The pick: Cam Fowler, defenseman, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Analysis: Fowler’s stock keeps rising and falling on many mock drafts, but we still see the Blue Jackets taking him here unless they deal for a veteran puck-mover.

5. New York Islanders
2009-10 record: 34-37-11, 79 points
The pick: Brett Connolly, left wing, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Analysis: Sources confirmed to NESN.com on Thursday that Connolly could very well be the Islanders' guy.

6. Tampa Bay Lightning
2009-10 record: 34-36-12, 80 points
The pick: Brandon Gormley, defenseman, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) 
Analysis: The Lightning are actively searching for a veteran goalie and may deal this pick, but if they don’t, expect them to take this skilled and quality character player.

7. Carolina Hurricanes
2009-10 record: 35-37-10, 80 points
The pick: Ryan Johansen, center, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Analysis: It's still looking like this Eric Staal-like player may play with Eric Staal himself.

8. Atlanta Thrashers
2009-10 record: 35-34-13, 83 points
The pick: Jack Campbell, goaltender, USA U-18 (USHL)
Analysis: The Thrashers would love to add goaltending depth and Campbell would be a good place to start. One thing to keep an eye on is if Atlanta decides to inquire about Tim Thomas. But still, adding a young, future No.1 between the pipes can’t hurt.

9. Minnesota Wild
2009-10 record: 38-36-8, 84 points
The pick: Mikael Granlund, center, HIFK Finland
Analysis: The Wild are trying to build up the forward position in their system and this slick playmaker will help.

10. New York Rangers
2009-10 record: 38-33-11, 87 points
The pick: Nino Niederreiter, right wing, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Analysis: Niederreiter brings that combination of grit, flash and hockey smarts the Rangers need more of.

11. Dallas Stars
2009-10 record: 37-31-14, 88 points
The pick: Alexander Burmistrov, center, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Analysis: The Russian prospect most-accustomed to North American hockey will be a good fit for the Stars.

12. Anaheim Ducks
2009-10 record: 39-32-11, 89 points
The pick: Jeffrey Skinner, center, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Analysis: One of the best pure-shooters in the draft, Skinner will be a good replacement for sniper Bobby Ryan should the Ducks not be able to sign their star restricted free agent and trade him.

13. Phoenix Coyotes (from Calgary)
2009-10 record: 50-25-7, 107 points
The pick: Derek Forbot, defenseman, USA U-18 (USHL)
Analysis: This slick-moving blue-liner will help a team already loaded with solid youth up front and can benefit from the tutelage of a veteran defenseman like Adrian Aucoin.

14. St. Louis Blues
2009-10 record: 40-32-10, 90 points
The pick: Nick Bjugstad, center, Blaine High School (Minn.)
Analysis: The Blues roster has a very solid young core, so they can afford to take a chance on a kid like Bjugstad who might have a long way to the NHL. His raw talent is too hard to pass up.

15. Florida Panthers (from Boston)
2009-10 record: 39-30-13, 91 points
The pick: Jarred Tinordi, defenseman, USA U-18 (USHL)
Analysis: Tinordi switches spots with Dylan McIlrath this week as a Florida scout told NESN.com they would prefer the son of former NHLer Mark Tinordi. But keep an eye out here because rumors were circling Thursday that Florida could deal this pick that they just acquired from the Bruins in the Nathan Horton-Dennis Wideman deal.

16. Ottawa Senators
2009-10 record: 44-32-6, 94 points
The pick: Beau Bennett, right wing, Penticton (BCHL)
Analysis: This explosive forward may be a few years away from the NHL, but his pure skill is amazing.

17. Colorado Avalanche
2009-10 record: 43-30-9, 95 points
The pick: Dylan McIlrath, defenseman, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Analysis: Toughness and skill is how to describe McIlrath, and he could be a future replacement for Adam Foote.

18. Nashville Predators
2009-10 record: 47-29-6, 100 points
The pick: Emerson Etem, right wing, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) 
Analysis: Nashville loves to load up on young talent and, because they have plenty of depth on defense, a forward like Etem works here.

19. Los Angeles Kings
2009-10 record: 46-27-9, 101 points
The pick: Austin Watson, left wing, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Analysis: Watson could get the biggest ovation if and when he is selected by the hometown Kings at the Staples Center.

20. Pittsburgh Penguins
2009-10 record: 47-28-7, 101 points
The pick: Jonathon Merrill, defenseman, USA U-18 (USHL)
Analysis: Merrill brings great size and depth to the Penguins' blue line.

21. Detroit Red Wings
2009-10 record: 44-24-14, 102 points
The pick: Mark Pysk, defenseman, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) 
Analysis: Pysk’s size is hurting his stock, but the Red Wings have never been shy to take on a project and shape him into a top four d-man.

22. Phoenix Coyotes
2009-10 record: 50-25-7, 107 points
The pick: Kevin Hayes, right wing, Noble & Greenough High School (ISL)
Analysis: According to multiple sources, the Coyotes have zeroed in on this future Boston College Eagle, who could add some size and scoring to an already young and talented Phoenix squad.

23. Buffalo Sabres
2009-10 record: 45-27-10, 100 points
The pick: Jaden Schwartz, center, Tri-City Storm (USHL)
Analysis: Is Schwartz a future playmaker to feed sniper Thomas Vanek?

24. Chicago Blackhawks (from Atlanta via New Jersey)
2009-10 record: 52-28-8, 112 points
The pick: Tyler Toffoli, right Wing, Ottawa 67s (OHL)
Analysis: The Blackhawks just dealt away a solid goal-scorer in Dustin Byfuglien to get this pick, so why not replace him with one here?

25. Vancouver Canucks
2009-10 record: 49-28-5, 103 points
The pick: Tyler Pitlick, center, Minnesota State (WCHA)
Analysis: Pitlick has been one of Minnesota State’s best players and he could be just what the Canucks need to improve their offensive depth.
 
26. Washington Capitals
2009-10 record: 54-15-13, 121 points
The pick: Vladimir Tarasenko, right wing, Novisibirsk, Russia
Analysis: Tarasenko will be the next slick Russian scorer that the Caps produce.

27. Montreal Canadiens
2009-10 record: 39-33-10, 88 points
The pick: Stanislav Galiev, right wing, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Analysis: Galiev was tabbed the best pro prospect in the QMJHL, and the Habs don’t want to let another potential star slip away from their backyard.

28. San Jose Sharks
2009-10 record: 51-20-11, 113 points
The pick: Connor Brickley, center, Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
Analysis: The Sharks are still liking Brickley here, but sources on Thursday claimed they could deal this pick to acquire a goalie.

29. Anaheim Ducks (from Philadelphia)
2009-10 record: 39-32-11, 89 points
The pick: Alexandre Petrovic, defenseman, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Analysis: This gritty rear guard will fit the mold of the defensemen that the Ducks always seem to covet.

30. Chicago Blackhawks
2009-10 record: 52-22-8, 112 points
The pick: Charlie Coyle, center, South Shore Kings (EJHL)
Analysis: Coyle remains the pick for the last to be drafted in the first round, but keep an eye on Kirill Kabonov here, as he is now represented by the prestigious Orr Hockey Group.