Last week, I concocted a full seven-round mock for the Detroit Red Wings and pulled off my best impression of Steve Yzerman. Not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. This week, I once again used the simulator at FC Hockey, but only for the top 16 picks.
So, the players you see below weren’t where I thought they’d land, but a machine’s. The only exception? Detroit. Because, of course, I’d pick for them and make the tough decision of who to take when there was plenty of talent to choose from.
New York Islanders, Michael Misa, F/Saginaw
I was pleasantly surprised to see Michael Misa land here, thinking for sure the Isles would roll with Matthew Schaefer in this sim. But, I’ve been lobbying for Misa for a while now, something you saw in my first mock draft, so I’m cool with this pick.
San Jose Sharks, Matthew Schaefer, D/Erie
Once I saw Misa land at No. 1 overall, this one was a given. Matthew Schaefer goes to San Jose and gives Macklin Celebrini a good two-way defender who can feed him pucks from the blue line.
Chicago Blackhawks, James Hagens, C/Boston College
You know, a lot of us had James Hagens going No. 1 overall to the Blackhawks when it looked like they could outright win the lottery earlier in the 2024-25 season. In this mock, it turns out that they still landed Hagens. Now, the burning question, should this happen in real life, is, how will they use him?
Utah Mammoth, Caleb Desnoyers, C/Moncton
This one was eye-popping. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the Mammoth taking Caleb Desnoyers here, I was sure Porter Martone would land in the Wasatch range. Still, I got nothing to complain about.
Nashville Predators, Victor Eklund, LW/Djurgardens
Some would question this one, but Victor Eklund’s proven himself against grown men over in Sweden and he plays bigger than his size. That’s all I need to know to endorse this pick. And the Preds need someone with high-scoring potential.
Philadelphia Flyers, Anton Frondell, C/Djurgardens
The Flyers need to draft as many centers as they can and hope that one hits. Like Victor Eklund, Anton Frondell’s shown he’s more than ready to play against men. And you can probably get some visions of him lining up alongside Matvei Michkov.
Boston Bruins, Porter Martone, RW/Brampton
Finally, Porter Martone’s slide ends. And if there’s one team who’d be lucky enough for him to fall right to them, it’s Boston. Should this happen on draft night, the Bruins are right on track to regain relevance a few seasons from now, if that.
Seattle Kraken, Jake O’Brien, C/Brantford
Let Jake O’Brien grow into his frame, and he’s gonna be the next great asset for this team that already has Shane Wright and Matty Beniers, among other up-and-comers. O’Brien’s a playmaking machine and he has power-forward potential.
Buffalo Sabres, Roger McQueen, C/Brandon
Speaking of power forwards, Roger McQueen’s another I got my eye on. Injuries limited him this season, but if he can stay healthy from here on out, the Sabres just got a franchise centerpiece. He’d’ve been a top-five pick if he played the entire season.
Anaheim Ducks, Kashawn Aitcheson, D/Barrie
Some may call this one a reach, but Kashawn Aitcheson may be the best blueliner in the draft behind Matthew Schaefer. He’s another one with NHL-ready size who can score like a forward. That said, I’d have a tough time claiming the Ducks reached here if this were the case next Friday.
Pittsburgh Penguins, Cullen Potter, LW/Arizona State
I’d call this one a reach, though. Cullen Potter has a slight build and marginal productivity. Plus, Arizona State’s not exactly a hotbed for college hockey. I would question this pick if the Pens did this.
New York Rangers, Brady Martin, C/Soo
The Rangers recently sent Chris Kreider packing, and while Brady Martin wouldn’t be a replacement immediately, he would further signal a changing of the guard. Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad are both starting to age, so picking a forward here makes a lot of sense.
Detroit Red Wings, Jackson Smith, D/Tri-City
And it’s the player I wrote a piece on earlier today, how about that? I talked about Jackson Smith dropping, and that was the case in this mock. His NHL-ready size and playmaking intrigued me. Now, let’s see if Steve Yzerman can make this one happen.
Columbus Blue Jackets, Lyndon Lakovic, LW/Moose Jaw
Another prospect I’m rather high on, and one who can be another power forward in time. Lynden Lakovic’s towering, 6’4 frame could entice someone to pick him earlier, and his versatility gives teams another reason to consider him.
Vancouver Canucks, Cameron Reid, D/Kitchener
A good sleeper pick in the top half of the first round. Cameron Reid’s another blueliner who can score like a forward. He had 14 goals last season and 40 assists, giving him the look of a playmaker. Oh, and I’m getting Quinn Hughes vibes. If Hughes stuck around in British Columbia if a player like Reid’s ready should Vancouver draft him, this will be one scary blue line.
Montreal Canadiens, Cole Reschny, C/Victoria
And, finally, we got the Montreal Canadiens snagging Cole Reschny at No. 16. He may be a little undersized right now, but 66 assists and versatility tell another story. If he’s there and I’m Montreal, I’m taking him here.
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