FanSided Mock Draft Review: Picks 16-20
By Fetch
Per usual, you can go to Too Many Men on the Site for all of the picks
Best pick: Rocco Grimaldi, USNTDP, 20th overall (Phoenix)
I am biased here for a couple of reasons. First, as most people who follow me on twitter are aware, I am a North Dakota fan (though I think I do a good job generally of remaining unbiased). Secondly, for some reason the powers that be let me make this pick, and so I obviously had to take Grimaldi. There’s more in my explanation, but basically my reasoning is this: Rocco may be small, but there have been small players who are elite in the NHL. The player needs to have elite skills to make up for it, but (and granted I am no scout), Rocco has elite skills everywhere you look. I don’t know exactly what Phoenix has in terms of young forward talent, but I don’t even care. Kyle Turris is really good, but I don’t think anyone else in their system will be as good as Rocco. Honestly if I had to take a stab at a best player in this draft right now, I might take him.
Others:
Definitely did not love the Brandon Saad pick at 16. If his skating continues to regress I don’t think he will ever make much of an impact at the NHL level, and certainly not the impact a top 15ish pick should.
Like the Joe Morrow pick. I think he could end up quarterbacking a power play some day.