With the 2020 NHL Entry Draft set to take place on October 6, what better way to get the juices flowing amongst hockey fans than a good old-fashioned mock draft. Without further ado, here is my rendition of picks 6-10 based on talent, upside, and organizational needs. Let’s get the ball rolling once again, shall we?
Be sure to check out Picks 11-15.
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Anaheim Ducks: Marco Rossi, Center, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
With the sixth overall pick at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, the Anaheim Ducks (hypothetically speaking) are proud to select Marco Rossi from the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Austrian born, stud centerman Marco Rossi had a season for the ages during the 2019-20 (pandemic-shortened) campaign in Ottawa with the 67’s. His nightly displays of brilliance were the tip of the iceberg for real, good-looking NHL superstar-in-the-making. With the puck on his stick he’s crafty, intelligent, and always seems to make the right (and highlight-reel play). He’s also a lethal sharpshooter that’s just oozing with raw talent. For an up-and-coming Ducks team that already owns the likes of Sam Steel, Trevor Zegras, and Ryan Getzlaf, Rossi would be a wonderful addition in Orange County. We’ll just have to wait and see how the proverbial dominos fall on Draft day.
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New Jersey Devils: Jamie Drysdale, Defenseman, Erie Otters (OHL)
With the seventh overall selection at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, the New Jersey Devils are proud to select (hypothetically speaking) Jamie Drysdale from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Drysdale is a fascinating talent and enters the draft as one of the best and most dynamic defensemen in Canadian junior hockey. Blessed with exceptional speed, agility, mobility, and vision, this kid is the real-deal with top-5 potential written all over him. At the 2020 World Juniors, the Toronto-born mega-talent proved first-hand that he’s a special player that’s ready to take the NHL by storm. I am floored by his upside, playmaking ability, and his two-way dominance at such a young age. What a pick this would be for the Devils and their passionate fan base out in Newark, New Jersey.
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Buffalo Sabres: Lucas Raymond, Left-Wing/Right-Wing, Frolunda HC (SHL)
With the eighth overall selection at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, the Buffalo Sabres (hypothetically speaking) are proud to select Lucas Raymond from Frolunda HC. Although he’s only been on the job for a few months, the selection of Raymond with the eighth pick would be a massive win for newly hired Sabres general manager, Kevyn Adams. Raymond possesses an extensive toolkit and is one of those players who can change the outcome of a game in a variety of different ways. He’s well-rounded, plays a real sound two-way game, and has an extensive offensive toolkit at his disposal. He’s also feisty on the forecheck and loves to make plays and be “where the action is” on the ice. I project Raymond to be a top-6 forward alongside Jack Eichel in Buffalo in just a few short seasons- he’s that good.
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Minnesota Wild: Jake Sanderson, Defenseman, U.S. Under-18 (NTDP)
With the ninth overall selection at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, the Minnesota Wild (hypothetically speaking) are proud to select Jake Sanderson from the United States National Team Development Program. Jake Sanderson has soared through the prospect rankings over the past few months. He has become one of the most highly sought after blue-liners of his class. At 6’1, 185 pounds, Sanderson is a real strong blue-liner with a high upside. He’s quick, creative, and knows just when to jump into the play or when to “stay at home”. I’m a big fan of Sanderson and think he’s going to be a stand out defenseman at the NHL level. He’ll certainly fit in like a new-glove in St. Paul, Minnesota alongside the likes of Ryan Suter, Jonas Brodin, Calen Addison, Matt Dumba, and Jared Spurgeon.
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Winnipeg Jets: Anton Lundell, Center, HIFA (liiga)
With the tenth overall pick at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, the Winnipeg Jets are proud to select (hypothetically speaking) Anton Lundell from HIFK. Anton Lundell enters the 2020 Draft as a shoo-in top-10 pick who can easily move into the top-7. What makes Lundell so special is his ability to read and anticipate plays and to think at a tier (or two) above the rest. His strong skating ability and long reach allows him to be first on pucks, and shield opposing defenders. He’s big (6’1, 188 pounds), good along the boards, and subscribes to a powerful and consistent two-way game. The Jets should be licking their proverbial chops at the chance to land the HIFK standout in just a few days’ time.
Picks 6-10 are officially in the books, ladies and gentlemen. Stay tuned for the top-5 picks in our latest installment of the 2020 NHL Mock Draft….
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