NHL First Round Mock Draft (Picks 20-26)

Evgeni Svechnikov. 20. player. 98. The Wild are in need of a depth when it comes to wingers. They could go after a winger for their NHL squad during free agency, but they still lack depth in the prospects department. Svechnikov is a powerful winger that can finish when he is needed to. <a href=. LW. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, QMJHL

12. The Sabres are lucky enough to have multiple selections in this year’s first round. There is no guarantee that they will keep the pick, but if they do they will surely be drafting a solid player. Oliver Kylington has been one of the more talked about defenseman this year. He was ranked fairly high at the beginning of the season then slowly dropped to the high twenties. He offers a lot as a two-way D-man. He can carry the puck or take the body and possess the smarts for any situation. Future Considerations ranks Kylington 28th and profile him as well.<blockquote><p>“Exceptionally poised, mature, two-way defenseman…handles the puck well and likes to join the rush…plays with impressive confidence and is absolutely fearless with the puck on his stick…doesn’t possess a bomb of a shot, but knows how to put the puck on target…quite impressive top speed and acceleration, especially in offensive situations…not overly big and has some defensive positioning issues to sort out…minute-munching ability as this kid just has ice water flowing through his veins”</p></blockquote><p>Kylington will add to the thinning depth of the Sabres defenseman due to the likely promotion of Mark Pysyk. Kylington can also help with the development of Jake McCabe.</p>. LHD. Sweden. Oliver Kylington. 21. player

The Capitals have poor depth and talent at the center position and Jeremy Bracco is the best center available at this point. Bracco will bring skill and speed to the team; however, he is committed to Boston College so he will not be joining the Capitals right away. Future Considerations ranks him 22nd and provides this profile…<blockquote><p>“A small, but flashy and highly skilled, playmaker…tremendous skater with excellent quickness, balance on his edges and elusiveness with the puck…a quick set of hands…tough to handle when he gets going because he can elude defenders with his skating…great vision with the puck and makes tremendous passes…has a good wrist shot, but opts to be a pass-first playmaker…plays with grit and has no issue going to the net for chances… battles on the wall with limited success due to his lack of strength and reach…can really use some extra muscle…works hard defensively, and has a good defensive stick and plays aggressively at the point looking to cause turnovers.”</p></blockquote><p>Bracco is going to be a solid player for whichever team is lucky enough to call his name this June. </p>. C. US NTDP U18. Jeremy Bracco. 22. player. 19

Denis Guryanov. 23. player. 104.  The Canucks could add an overlooked prospect if they do indeed draft Denis Guryanov. Guryanov is currently playing in the MHL with Lada Togliatti. He has also been drafted by the KHL, but he most likely be coming to North America next year. Future Considerations ranks him 24th. <a href=. RW. Russia

Swift Current Broncos, WHL. Jake DeBrusk. 24. player. 116. Jake is the son of former NHLer Louie DeBrusk. Jake has risen among many rankings due to his hard work which is shown in his play. He also scored 42 goals this year, which helps his cause. Future Considerations ranks him 27th and features this profile on DeBrusk…<blockquote><p>“A strong skater with good acceleration and speed…son of former NHLer Louie…drives the net with the puck and is dangerous in and around the circles…creates chances with his speed off the rush…an aggressive guy who attacks the net…has both a hard wrist shot and a good release…gets himself into open pockets around the net…works hard and grinds along the walls…a work in progress defensively but the tools are there…has a nice edge to his game.”</p></blockquote><p>DeBrusk brings a promising prospect to the Leafs’ left side of their pipeline. The team acquired AHL prospect Brendan Leipsic during the NHL trade deadline this season, but that simply isn’t enough. </p>. LW

Colin White. 25. player. 30. The Winnipeg Jets have a decent spread of prospects at each position, but there is a talent drop off at most positions. For example, Joel Armia is a pretty good prospect that the Jets acquired from the Buffalo Sabres; however, the Jets next prospect on the right side is Scott Kosmachuk. Colin White will provide another good prospect to go along side of Armia. White is ranked as low as 15th to as high as 29th in draft rankings. Future Considerations calls him…<blockquote><p>“Strong, well-rounded, two-way center…one of the best skaters for this draft…great speed with an excellent stride and tremendous acceleration…moves quickly and is tough to handle when he hits top speed…has great strength on his skates and is tough to separate from the puck…battles hard for possession…drives the net and is strong in close…can beat a goalie in many ways…has a great shot and also distributes the puck well…a very hard worker with an edge to his game…great on defense with a great defensive stick and strong defensive-zone awareness…always in the right spots on the ice and he is a tremendous worker.”</p></blockquote><p>White has committed to Boston College, but that will not pose a problem for the Jets. They possess a team that will compete and win with the team they have now. This will allow White to develop a bit more so he can build his frame. </p>. RW/C. US NTDP U18

Jacob Larsson. 26. player. 152. Although the Montreal Canadiens have a good defensive prospect in Nathan Beaulieau, after him there isn’t much else. Larsson will bring a safety net to put under Beaulieu in case he doesn’t work out. Future Considerations ranks Larsson 30th and has this profile on the Swedish D,<blockquote><p>“A puck moving, two-way defender…makes a great first pass to his forwards…uses his strength to protect the puck…skates well with a smooth stride that generates solid speed…very agile and fluid…showed great vision by seeing smart passing lanes…shoots low and hard attempting to create rebound chances…use his physicality to play the body in separating opponents from the puck…very vocal on the ice…played strong positional defense and used an active stick to disrupt…shows some strong leadership qualities.”</p></blockquote><p>Larsson could turn out to be a very nice quaterback defenseman once he is fully mature.</p>. D. Sweden