2015 NHL Draft: Still Quality Players Left After Round 1

The first round of the 2015 NHL Draft was full of surprises. It all started when the Boston Bruins acquired 2 first round picks that came right before and right after their choice at 14. From then on there were many puzzling and bold moves that collaborated to make one historic day.

At 12th overall, the Dallas Stars selected Russian forward Denis Guryanov. This pick caught people off guard because many had Guryanov going in the late 20s. Many thought that due to his KHL contract that he would slip a bit. Teams may not be willing to wait for a player to come back to North America.

Craig Button liked Dallas’ pick though. Button went so far as to project that Guryanov would become a top 5 player out of this draft.

Then the Bruins Jakub Zboril, which wasn’t shocking. Many draft rankings had him in the mid-teens. With the next pick, the Bruins took Jake DeBrusk, which was a bit more surprising. DeBrusk is a good player with a good skillset, but there were three better forwards available in Mathew Barzal, Kyle Connor and Nick Merkley. The Bruins had the 15th pick so they had to select one of those forwards, right? No. The Bruins selected Zachary Senyshyn with the 15th overall pick. This was the most shocking pick of the round considering many scouts had Senyshyn being drafted in the 2nd round. The New York Islanders would steal Mathew Barzal by trading Griffin Reinhart for Edmonton’s 16th and 33rd pick.

The Bruins had the 15th pick so they had to select one of those forwards, right? No. The Bruins selected Zachary Senyshyn with the 15th overall pick. This was the most shocking pick of the round considering many scouts had Senyshyn being drafted in the 2nd round. The New York Islanders would steal Mathew Barzal by trading Griffin Reinhart for Edmonton’s 16th and 33rd pick. The Winnipeg Jets would take another highly touted forward at 17 in Kyle Connor.

These selections caused many skilled players to fall out of the first round. Obviously there were going to be a couple of good prospects that fell into the 2nd due to the depth of the draft, but never did I think the 2nd round would hold players like these.

Jansen Harkins, Prince George Cougars

Harkins was predicted to go in the first round by many scouting services, including ISS, Future Considerations, NHL Central Scouting, and TSN’s Bob McKenzie.

Harkins is a winger with size and toughness. He can use his body to edge around defenders, but he also has superb playmaking ability.

"“A blue collar type two-way center. Heads-up player who makes high-percentage plays in all three zones; efficient in all situations. Smooth skater. Out-working the opposition and being hard to play against are leadership traits that Jansen Harkins most definitely embodies” – Elite Prospects"

Paul Bittner, Portland Winterhawks

Bittner is another WHL winger who was failed to be selected in the 1st round. Bittner was predicted to be drafted in the first round by all of the main scouting services.

Paul Bittner had an incredible year with Oliver Bjorkstrand and Nic Petan last season. He gave those two a big body to work with and had many opportunities created around the net.

"“A big-bodied power forward that plays with tenacity and an edge. Relentless on the forecheck and is able to bully his way to the net with his size and speed. Has a good stick around the net and has an accurate rocket of a shot. Thinks the game well and is able to frustrate opposing players while playing physically. All-in-all, an impact player that uses his size and skill to his advantage. Gaining consistency will be integral to his future success” – Elite Prospects"

Oliver Kylington, Färjestad

Kylington was predicted by some to be overlooked in the first round. That doesn’t mean he will be a bust. Kylington still is one of the best defensemen in the draft.

He has an elite puck-moving skill and a great hockey sense, when in the offensive zone.

"“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” – Future Considerations"

Daniel Sprong. Charlottetown Islanders

Sprong has been labeled a bit of an X-factor for his lacking defensive skills. Sprong still has offensive skills among the best in the draft.

"“A strong offensive player…he’s quick and extremely involved in every play…an explosive player who can create chances out of nothing…strong skater and very slick hands…a wicked shot and can snipe top shelf…not easily pushed around, but still does need to add strength to truly dominate…he’s adaptable and able to find ways to make an impact in every game…defense needs to come along and he isn’t very physical, but his offensive skill set will make him a game breaker at the pro level…at times, he shows some real initiative in his own zone though, blocking shots and breaking up plays…works his butt off both on and off the ice to improve his game.” – Future Considerations"