NHL Draft Recap of Round One

16. New York Islanders – C Matthew Barzal.

The Islanders didn’t have a first round pick coming into the draft. To get their pick, they sent Griffin Reinhart to the Oilers for the 16th and 33rd picks. Barzal was projected as a top ten prospect and the Islanders jumped at the chance to get him it is a great pick.

17. Winnipeg Jets – LW Kyle Connor.

Kyle Connor was projected 13th ranked by NHL Central Scouting coming from the Youngstown Phantoms. Connor won the USHL scoring title with 80 points, on 34 goals and 46 assists, in 56. Good pick.

18. Ottawa Senators – D Thomas Chabot.

Great pick by the Senators. The Senators filled their need for a for a two-way defender in the form of Boston College commit, Thomas Chabot.

19. Detroit Red Wings – LW Evgeni Svechnikov.

Good pick up for the Wings added depth in the position and will likely look to draft defense in the next round.

20. Minnesota Wild – C Joel Eriksson-Ek.

Eriksson Ek was 22nd in European rankings according to the Central Scouting Service, but by the end of the season his final ranking was 4th. Eriksson Ek is a very skilled and hard-working player.

Next: Picks 21-25