2015 NHL Mock Draft

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21. Buffalo Sabres (from New York Islanders)

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. <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> <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><div class=. Defense. Farjestad (SHL). Oliver Kylington. 21. player

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21

Oliver Kylington

Defense, Farjestad (SHL)

Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres /

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.

“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”

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.

22. Washington Capitals

Right Wing. USA NTDP (USHL). Jeremy Bracco. 22. player. 19. 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… <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> <p>Bracco is going to be a solid player for whichever team is lucky enough to call his name this June.</p>

23. Vancouver Canucks

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. Elite Prospects describe him as such. <p>“A highly skilled forward who intimidates with his speed and proficient puck-handling ability, Denis Guryanov may have one of the highest ceilings as a forward prospect for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Very strong on his skates and uses his size to protect the puck well. Drives the net hard and knows where he will shoot before he is even in a position to do so. Possesses a heavy and accurate release on his shot, which he likes to get off near the faceoff dots; if he can’t shoot from there, he will either dangle or bull his way through to the blue paint. While he is proactive and aware defensively, he still needs to work on consistency in his own end. All-in-all, a dynamic offensive threat that has room to grow defensively.”</p> <p>The Canucks have little depth on the right side; however, they do have a top prospect in Jake Virtanen who could make the NHL team next season. Guryanov could fill right in as the top forward in the pipeline.</p>. Right Wing. Togilatti 2 (MHL). Denis Guryanov. 23

24. Toronto Maple Leafs (from New York Islanders)

25. Winnigpeg Jets (from St. Louis Blues)

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… <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> <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>. Center. USA NTDP (USHL). Colin White. 25. player. 30

Next: Picks 26-30