FanSided Mock Draft Review: Picks 11-15

The next wave of mock draft picks are in, and thus a bit of analysis is warranted. Remember you can go to Too Many Men on the Site to view all of the picks as well as some great general NHL coverage.

Best pick: Mika Zibanejad, Djurgarden, SEL (Calgary, 13th)

Zibanejad is a 6′ center who has very good hands, which is manifested not just in his offensive game but also in his aptitude at winning faceoffs. The fact that he played in the Junior league in Sweden may have knocked his stock down a bit, but he played very well in the Elite League, so it shouldn’t have. He also played very well in the Under 18 Championships, with 4 goals and 8 points in 6 games. I think he’s one of the better two way forwards in the draft, and I think he could creep into the top 10.

Others:

Colorado does need some defensemen, but I wouldn’t have taken Jamie Oleksiak at 11, even though he would be the first collegian off the board. He is a pretty poor skater and I think his offensive game is limited, though I do think he could end up being a good defensive defenseman, though one must wonder if he ends up being Hal Gill.

I also liked Nathan Beaulieu, taken by Dallas at 14. Beaulieu has put up 12-33–45 in each of his past two years in the QMJHL. I really like his skating ability (though perhaps not his speed so much) and his offensive ceiling. I also love his passing and think he could develop into a good defender. It also sounds like he already is a pretty good fighter.