2015 NHL Draft: Picks 21-30
By Max Marko
The Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets and Arizona Coyotes make up the final 9 selections.
Ottawa Senators select Colin White with the 21st pick
Colin White is a forward for the US National Development Team
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“A prolific scoring threat, Colin White is a strong 3-zone player with an eye for scoring chances. Thinks the game at a high level and always seeks to make an impact on the ice, with or without the puck. Never seems to be outbodied and is an exceptional skater. Puck-possession is definitely a strength. All-in-all, a skilled, 200-foot player that does all of the little things right and is able to make a large impact on the game and its outcome.” – Elite Prospects"
Washington Capitals select Ilya Samsonov with the 22nd pick
Samsonov is a goalie for Stalnye Lisy Ma. of the MHL.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“He has good size and covers the net well. He plays at the top of the crease and effectively squares to the shooter. He shows good instincts and is well balanced. He can make acrobatic saves and is considered to be the best Russian goalie prospect in many years.” – Goran Stubb via nhl.com."
The Vancouver Canucks select Brock Boeser with the 23rd pick
Boeser is a winger for the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL
Stats:
"“A dynamic offensive winger and natural goal scorer. Has great instincts and is able to quickly get into position for premium scoring chances; possesses an accurate release on his shot which he can get off in the blink of an eye. He always knows where his linemates are, and is a great passer; that being said, his individual puck possession play is incredible and sets him apart as an offensive player. He will need to work on defensive zone coverage and a slew of small details such as board battles, but Brock Boeser has a ton of elite-level scoring potential due to the way he can read, make, and finish plays.” – Elite Prospects"
The Philadelphia Flyers select Travis Konecny with the 24th pick
Konecny is winger for the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“A talented scoring forward that can play either as a center or on the wing; plays with the bite and intensity of a guy who is willing to do anything to win a game. Possesses dynamic skating ability that allows him to accelerate rapidly with each step, incredible hockey sense, electrifying puckhandling skills, and a lightning release on his shot; when you put this skillset together with hard-nosed determination, proactiveness in all three zones, and a physical willingness to grind and persevere, you get a game-changer who can be extremely difficult to play against.” – Elite Prospects"
The Winnipeg Jets select Jack Roslovic with the 25th pick
Roslovic is a center for the US National Development Team.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“This center is one of the smartest players available in the 2015 draft. His hockey sense is off the charts–he is able to make the right, safe plays quickly. Fast feet help Roslovic accelerate quickly and build up a head of steam as he drives down the ice with an eye on the net. He seems to slow a bit in turns, but is nonetheless an agile player who can act like a bar of wet soap in defensive coverage. A relatively safe and smart player, he showed flashes of very good stick skills and is an offensive weapon off the rush with his vision, creativity and playmaking skills. He has a very deceptive shot: extremely quick and heavy relative to his size. He has been relied on as the team’s top defensive center playing against the U18’s squad’s top opposition.” – Future Considerations"
The Montreal Canadiens select Noah Juulsen with the 26th pick
Juulsen is a defenseman for the Everett Silvertips of the WHL.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“A solid two-way defender, Noah Juulsen is able to force plays and always find ways to support his teammates. Juulsen is a smooth, yet not dynamic skater, and is mobile when he needs to be. Plays with a chip on his shoulder, and isn’t afraid to take the hit to make the play. Sees the ice well and has the individual skills to carry out the possibilities he sees. Very poised with the puck; calm and controls the play with authority. Has good hands. Without the puck and in high-pressure situations, Juulsen tends to overthink things and can try to do a little too much; that will go away with time and maturity. All-in-all, an impactful presence on the ice that strives to be difficult to play against; given how hard he works and how smart he is with the puck, he can be a very difficult player to read with and without the puck.” – Elite Prospects"
The Anaheim Ducks select Jacob Larsson with the 27th pick
Larsson is a Swedish defenseman
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“A very mobile and smart two-way defenseman. Larsson carries the puck with confidence and reads the game well. Has an eye for making great plays and is a strong passer, while he also has a pretty good release. There is room for improvement in his play without the puck and with added strength, his game should make him an even more dynamic and explosive defenseman.” – Elite Prospects"
The New York Islanders select Anthony Beauvillier with the 28th pick
Beauvillier is a winger for the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“A dynamic scoring center with good hockey sense. Not very large in stature, but makes up for it in speed, skill, and cunning. A talented puck-handler with good hands: is equally efficient a passer as he is a goal scorer. All-in-all, an offensively minded center that can outplay the opposition in a number of different ways. Needs to work on discipline and getting stronger.” – Elite Prospects"
The Columbus Blue Jackets select Gabriel Carlsson with the 29th pick
Carlsson is a Swedish defenseman.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“Big stay-at-home defenseman with excellent reach and good hockey sense. Carlsson is also quite mobile for his size and has a good first pass. Offensively, he will never put up any big numbers, but has the potential to become a more than capable shut-down-defenseman.” – Elite Prospects"
The Arizona Coyotes select Nick Merkley with the 30th pick
Merkley is a winger for the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“A playmaking center that has an excellent eye for the game; sees the ice like a hawk from above. Creates scoring chances and on-ice energy through taking advantage of puck-possession and making the most of turnovers. Incredible work ethic; will battle against larger players and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work in front of the net. Does not possess the largest frame or a dynamic level of skating; however, he does boast a remarkably high level of Hockey-IQ and a deep understanding of the game. There is something left to be desired having observed his individual skills, such as puckhandling, footspeed, and decision-making, for a prolonged period of time; there is definitely room for improvement in the small areas of his game. All-in-all, Merkley brings a medley of skill, smarts, and work ethic to the table, making him an invaluable asset as a Center.” – Elite Prospects"