Update: 2016 NHL Mock Draft (Picks 1-150): Nov-Dec Edition

1st Round

1. C Auston Matthews (ZSC Lions, SUI): Consensus top pick since last season shocked the hockey world by playing pro ball in Switzerland, then proceded to be one of its top scorers before a minor back injury put him on the shelf. An elite playmaker who last season broke Patrick Kane’s NTDP single-season scoring mark, the Arizona native is the crown jewel of the NHL’s bite into the Southwest. Matthews is a wizard with the puck, specifically during board battles and cycles where he always seems to pull a play out of thin air. He’s got the puck on a string, and pretty soon the world as well.

2. LHD Jakob Chychrun (Sarnia Sting, OHL): It might seem to not make sense for the Canes to take an elite blueliner this high for the second year in a row. But selecting a force like this thoroughbred is the kind of move that can be the difference between continuously treading water and dominating for a decade. Chyhrun is a complete two-way blueliner with NHL bloodlines and off-the-charts IQ who should pay immediate dividends. He can run a power play, anchor a penalty kill, and most important, save your neck in a pinch. We think Chychrun should be held in the same regard as Aaron Ekblad and Noah Hanifin were in their respective draft years — a generational talent who has separated himself from a very talented group of peers.

3. LW Patrik Laine (Tappara, Liiga): Massive and mature sniper who dominated a handful of international tourneys, then proceeded to tear up Finland’s premier circuit before a minor shoulder injury. A strength-and-finesse power forward with excellent accuracy and velocity off the pass, Laine’s natural feel for goal scoring is unmatched in this draft. He helped form Finland’s top line at the 2015 U18’s, where it lost in overtime to the U.S. in the gold medal game.

4. LW Matt Tkachuk (London Knights, OHL): Savvy, atheltic power forward who’s strikingly similar to father Keith Tkachuk in both appearance and play. Shows ridiculous vision and delivers in the clutch, and a fearless mindset coupled with a mature frame can provide a club like Calgary with a stabilizing presence in their top six for a long time. He might not be a quick as dad was during his pre-draft days at Boston University, but he’s still able to push the puck up the ice with authority.

5. RW Jesse Puljujarvi (Oulun Karpat, Liiga): Another power forward with elite scoring ability, only this Finn owns the draft’s best anticipation skills. Puljujarvi owns an explosive first step, and his long stride and balance pose a nightmarish scenario for retreating opponents. The instinctive nature of his goal scoring is one thing; the way he can finish is truly a thing of beauty. He has been a fixture on Karpat’s top line for most of the season.

6. LHD Olli Juolevi (London Knights, OHL): Some might say it’s hard for a player to distinguish himself if he plays on a loaded roaster in his draft year. We don’t. This Finn is built perfectly for the modern game: smooth, coordinated, skilled and highly intelligent. He’s beginning to show the discipline required to handle heavy pressure in his own end.

7. RW Julien Gauthier (Val-d’Or Foreurs, QMJHL): Every year, this two-way stud is at the top of his age group in production. In 2015-16, he’s one of the CHL’s best of any age, and his unique blend of finishing and knowing his way around the defensive end are just a few of the reasons why Team Canada invited him to their U20 WJC Camp. With goal scoring taking a hit at the NHL level, prospects like Gauthier need to be gobbled up quick.

8. LHD Mikhail Sergachyov (Windsor Spitfires, OHL): The Spits deserve kudos for taking this two-way puck mover and immediately handing him an opportunity in every situation. A CHL import who plays the position wiser beyond his years, Sergachyov is a special talent without a glaring weakness, and simply calling him an enticing prospect is selling him short. This kid has legitimate top-pairing, point-producing upside.

9. LW Tyler Benson (Vancouver Giants, WHL): An unfortunate yet necessary lower-body procedure shelved this dynamic offensive force for almost two months, so the early season numbers aren’t gaudy. We could care less: Benson — the WHL’s top pick in 2013 — was Canada’s best forward at the U18 Hlinka, displaying keen vision, pro-level zone entries and decisive playmaking. He’s also one of the best players to recently come out of Alberta — in 2013 he set a province midget record with a 10-point game!

10. C German Rubtsov (Russia U18, MHL): The draft’s best two-way forward who plays a high-energy game, Rubtsov didn’t surprise many with his offensive prowess at the Hlinka. It was his strength, however, which set him apart from the rest of the U18’s he was competing against (and compete he most certainly did). Rubstov has a wicked shot and is a strong skater, but a willingness to look down the barrel of a tank’s main armament and accelerate into danger with force is what makes him far more deserving of lottery-pick accolades.

11. LHD Libor Hajek (Saskatoon Blades, WHL): Hajek is a rock-solid defender with prototypical size (6’2/200) and very good mobility who offensively can take a bull-by-the-horns mentality and turn out plays. He’s got an aggressive playing style — hitting, blocking shots, etc. — and can move the puck with authority. The potential to provide offense is there, which in the case of an already well-schooled defender is something you want to gamble on regardless of draft position.

12. LW Kieffer Bellows (U.S. NTDP): Well-built superscorer who was one of the USHL’s top goal producers a year ago. Headed to Boston University next season, Bellows isn’t a big kid, but he plays with moxie and knows how to get himself into good shooting position. He’s one of the NTDP’s go-to guys, which is kind of how his father Brian was considered by the Minnesota North Stars, who selected him second overall in the 1982 NHL Draft.

13. LHD Samuel Girard (Shawinigan Cataractes, QMJHL): Elite playmaker from the backend who was Team Canada’s most consistent defenseman during its gold medal run at the Hlinka. He’s been dinged for being both small (5’9) and inconsistent in his own end. But when you lead the CHL (that’s all three leagues combined) with 24 assists, we think you’re deserving of significant praise. Girard does everything hard, and can whip a pass with accuracy off his back leg. He’s also one of the best draft eligibles at handling a bouncing puck.

14. RHD Dante Fabbro (Penticton Vees, BCHL): There’s a little voice in our collective head telling us Fabbro should be a top five pick, and that playing in the BCHL is really just a formality. He’s a complete defender in the mold of Chychrun; albeit without the size and strength. His ability to calm plays down and move the puck are virtually unmatched among his peers and similar to younger versions of the Karlssons and Pietrangelos of the world. Fabbro’s got a cannon of a shot, and the accuracy issues he had at the Hlinka seem to be a thing of the past.

15. C Logan Brown (Windsor Spitfires, OHL): The Spits’ top-line center, Brown is another legacy (father Jeff played 13 NHL seasons) who obviously benefited from hanging around pro rinks. He’s got tremendous size (6’6/218), but don’t let the power game fool you: Brown is an excellent playmaker and puck distributor with a soft touch. You’d like to see him shoot more, but that won’t keep him out of our lottery. Produced at least one assist in nine of his first 11 games.

*16. RW Alex Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads, OHL): Explosive player in both speed and scoring ability, the son of former NHL set-up man Michael Nylander is not necessarily cut from a similar cloth; he’s shifty, elusive and creative like his dad, but he’s also a sniper with a quick release who can murder you in the transition game. Nylander showed he didn’t mess around with the disc while playing on the flank of Sweden’s top line at the Hlinka — he loves to shoot the puck and it shows.

17. LW Simon Stransky (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL): While perhaps not the fastest player among draft-eligible offensive talents, this Czech import is a top-notch set-up guy — maybe as good as anyone available. He falls in line with the trend of skilled playmakers on the wing rather than at center, but he can also bring it with accuracy. Registered at least one point in 13 of the first 14 games, including a 10-game streak to start the season.

18. LW Luke Kunin (Wisconsin Badgers, Big-10): With a rumored exodus from the NCAA to the OHL recently squashed, this goal-scoring machine can continue to blossom for the Badgers, who have him playing top minutes for their rebuilding program. But it was at the U18’s last April where the St. Louis product really made a name for himself, scoring six goals in seven games without the benefit of Auston Matthews feeding him. Having a world-class wrist shot and outstanding speed certainly helped.

19. C Mike McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads, OHL): 2014 OHL Cup MVP has what we like to call the “5 S’s” (size, shot, speed, smarts and strength). McLeod’s a wonderful talent who plays a two-way game while logging well over 20 minutes for a deep Steelheads squad. Only four goals on 59 shots, which in our view keeps him out of the top ten. Nevertheless, he’s of the few 1998’s who is ready in every facet required to play in the NHL.

20. C Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, QMJHL): A renewed dedication towards improving his skating and decision making in the offensive zone puts this two-way power forward near the very top of the QMJHL’s most feared players. He’s been Cape Breton’s spearhead thus far in every situation, and with a pro build (6’3, 200) he’s going to be one coveted asset come June. One of the draft’s best one-on-one threats.

21. LHD Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL): We’re not exaggerating when we say Clague has been Brandon’s best all-around defender for most of the year, which says a lot considering its owns a group of blueline overagers and some guy named Ivan Provorov. He’s cerebral like Fabbro in the way he successfully guides the puck heading one way, and controlling gaps the other. He’s sort of wiry (6’0, 178lbs), but so were a lot of star defensemen at his age.

22. C Tyson Jost (Penticton Vees, BCHL): Western Canadian puck magician who played well at the Hlinka but ditched the the CHL in order to keep his NCAA eligibility (he heads to North Dakota next fall). Jost is the BCHL’s top scorer and can pass the puck with surgeon’s-like precision. A graceful player who consistently shows off his versatility whenever he’s on the ice, we look at him as a better skating version of Michael Dal Colle.

23. C Clayton Keller (U.S. NTDP): If somebody on the ice makes a mistake, there’s a good bet Keller will make them pay for it. He may be on the smallish side, but the kid can twirl and whirl opponents into a circus-like scramble. Unless you’ve been sleeping in a cave the last 24 months, you’d know that this Boston University-bound pivot with the high-powered wrister is truly something special to watch. He’s almost an August, 1998 birthday, which makes his superb play in last spring’s U18 tournament even more impressive.

24. C Will Bitten (Flint Firebirds, OHL): Previouly classified as a bottom-six energy type, Bitten has proven this scribe worng with an outstanding start to his draft year; first with his solid support performance at the Hlinka and later with his play at Flint’s most dangerous weapon. What’s impressed the most is his ability to create plays via accurate passes off the cycle. He’s certainly not a fire-and-forget kind of prospect, and for that, he deserves to be lumped together with the rest of the two-way threats available come June.

*25. C Dillon Dube (Kelowna Rockets, WHL): One of Team Canada’s better two-way performers at the Hlinka, Dube has started off the season on fire with 23 points — including 11 primary assists — in just his first 14 games of the season. He can kill penalties and identify gaps in either his own or opposing coverage, which makes him a perfect for a team like the Wild who have a good track record of getting the most out of similar players.

26. RW Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters, OHL): Size, schmize. This kid — all 5’7 of him — can flat out score, and does so because of hustle, determination and the softest set of hands of any draft eligible. The Michigan native is slippery and quick, but not only when he can sense a scoring opportunity. He’s going to make it to the highest level because he’s proven to score with or without help.

27. RW Carl Grundstrom (MoDo, SHL): He’s been relegated to a fourth line for most of the season, which is par for the course for a teenager in the SHL. Still, Grundstrom is a hard-charging energy type who can not only forecheck with a seemingly nonstop motor, but create quality scoring chances because of it. He’s been one of Sweden’s better forwards at the last few international tourneys, including a spectacular performance at the U20 4 Nations last August.

28. C Sam Steel (Regina Pats, WHL): Crafty and nimble playmaker with escapability and a hunter’s mindset on the forecheck who was the second overall pick in the WHL’s 2013 draft. Steel may not blow you away with any one specific talent, but he’s done well as Regina’s top center. Like most skill forwards under six foot, he’s a hustler who simply doesn’t wait for the play to come his way. His size and injury history, however, likely keep him out of the lottery.

*29. LW Max Jones (London Knights, OHL): The stats have been improving for this monster forward who displays both the pros and cons of what being unbridled can look like on a sheet of ice. The lack of production to start the season isn’t why he’s not in the top 10; inconsistency from shift to shift and decision making have raised some eyebrows in what is expected to be a wire-to-wire season of success. His current hot streak (12 pts in his last 7 gp), however, is a byproduct of smart decisions, so once he does it with frequency, he’ll return to his standing as one of the best, if not THE best power forward available.

30. RHD Charlie McAvoy (Boston University, HE): The Habs may not seem like they take another blueliner late in the first round, but McAvoy is a clear-cut BPA this late in a forward-heavy top 30. The Long Island native is already playing on Boston University’s top pairing and helping the power play, displaying the same confidence and flair which made him stand out among older players at the U18’s last April.

*Boston owns San Jose’s 2016 1st round pick from the Martin Jones trade.
*Toronto owns Pittsburgh’s 2016 1st round pick from the Phil Kessel trade. This pick will transfer to Toronto if the Penguins qualify for the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. If the Penguins fail to qualify, the pick becomes a 2017 1st rounder, but only if Pittsburgh makes the playoffs next season. If the Penguins fail to make the playoffs in any of the next two seasons, the Maple Leafs will receive Pittsburgh’s 2017 2nd round pick.
*Carolina owns Los Angeles’s’ 2016 1st round pick from the Andrej Sekera trade.
*Arizona owns the New York Rangers’ 2016 1st round pick from the Keith Yandle trade. The pick is lottery protected, so if the Rangers do not qualify for the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Rangers would keep their 2016 first round pick, and the Coyotes will receive the Rangers’ 2017 1st round pick (unprotected).

2nd Round

31. C/RW Vitalii Abramov (Gatineau Olympiques, QMJHL): Outstanding offensive force who has taken the QMJHL by storm with 28 points in 20 games after the Olympiques made him the 13th overall pick in the 2015 CHL Import Draft. Only 5’9 but is similar to 2015 Minnesota Wild draftee Kirill Kaprizov in that he plays bigger than you’d think. He’s the kind of player you would run your attack through, forcing opposing coaches to war game a defensive plan with a low probability for success.

*32. C/LW Brett Howden (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL): Power forward with the ability to think and execute at the same time. One of the 2013 Bantam Draft’s top picks (fifth overall), Howden is off to a very good start and should be viewed as first-round quality with a discernible likelihood he even cracks the lottery. Concerns about shot accuracy and ability to finish around the net are still prevalent, but he’s definitely a tantalizing prospect with size (6’3/190 lbs) and playmaking ability.

33. C/LW Otto Makinen (Tappara Jrs): While the scouting community’s collective gaze isn’t solely
fixated on the simmering Laine/Puljujarvi duel in Finland, it’s understandable if some of its other young stars get less credit than they may deserve. We’re hoping consecutive dominant performances at the Hlinka and November’s U18 Five Nations vault this capable and consistent point producer into the spotlight, but there’s a legitimate concern he’s a “Spotlight Ranger” who only turns up the intensity during international competitions rather than in league play.

34. LHD Jake Bean (Calgary Hitmen, WHL): Hitmen wunderkind who last season broke the franchise mark for points by a rookie blueliner (39 points in 59 games). He’s already proved last year was no fluke by leading an entire circuit’s worth of defenders in scoring, and was rewarded with a nomination to the WHL’s entry in the CHL Canada-Russia Series. Hard to believe Bean was never drafted by a Major Junior club, but some serious defensive shortcomings and a penchant for ill-timed mistakes likely makes most teams think twice about putting him high on their respective draft boards.

*35. LW Givani Smith (Guelph Storm, OHL): The Storm are a sure bet to be a season-long disaster, but that doesn’t mean they are devoid of a bright spot or two. Smith is certainly one of them; a strong-skating power forward with pro-level instincts and the competitive nature to boot. And while a weak supporting cast aren’t doing him any favors in the stat department, watching this kid play one game was enough to convince us he’s a man playing among boys.

36. C Pascal Laberge (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL): Heady, reliable two-way pivot with skill who is superb at threading the needle off the backhand. He’s also an impact player who has displayed a nice touch and quick release while covered, which is exactly one of the things we look for in determining whether or not a skill set is translatable to the NHL. He’s also improved his play on draws, winning close to 52 percent.

*37. RW Dmitri Sokolov (Sudbury Wolves, OHLHL): Big-time Russian import who has seemingly faced challenge after challenge in his first season of North American hockey. The problem? Most, if not all, are self inflicted. Inconsistency and selfish play be damned, however, as he’s a big-time goal scorer with size and an absolutely cannon. He was pegged as a top-10 pick not too long ago, but we simply don’t buy the “adjustment period” excuse. He was the third overall pick in a very deep CHL Import Draft last summer. It’s time he starts playing like one.

38. LW Riley Tufte (Blaine, USHS): Towering power forward with a spectacular wingspan, the 6’6 Minnesotan ditched Fargo (USHL) after about a month to return to his high school after the Force made him the top overall pick in the 2014 USHL Futures Draft. He was somewhat disappointing at the Hlinka from an offensive standpoint, although he did well killing penalties. Tufte has a pretty good shot and like to park himself in front of the net, but a kid with his leg strength and imposing silhouette didn’t abuse opponents they way we thought he should have. He’s headed to Minnesota-Duluth next fall.

39. LHD Vojtek Budik (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL): Underrated two-way defender who was far more involved offensively for the Czechs at the Hlinka than he has been for Prince Albert, which drafted him 17th overall in the most recent CHL Import Draft. It’s a good thing to see him tone down his ill-timed adventures into the offensive zone, and we’ve witnessed an adjustment to the North American game in areas such as standing up at his own blue line and using his size and reach to eliminate an opposing cycle. Sleeper pick who may climb if the points start supporting an already solid draft resume.

*40. LHD Chad Krys (U.S. NTDP): Excellent athlete who runs a Team USA power play loaded with skilled puck movers in any of its units. Outstanding at using his vision and skating to calmly set plays up in the opposing end, Krys is part of David Quinn’s ridiculous 2016-17 recruiting class at Boston University, which may very well ice five 2016 first rounders on opening night next fall. Krys is a first-round talent with some fixable defensive deficiencies, but the production hasn’t come thus far.

41. C Rasmus Asplund (Farjestad BK, SHL): Hybrid forwards with the ability to play in any role under any system should get more love than those who simply know how to score. Asplund is a terrific two-way forward who as an 18 year old has earned sporadic promotions to Farjestad’s top-6. Getting decent ice time in the SHL got him a spot on Sweden’s U20 team, where he was dominant in the dot at the recent Four Nations in Finland. He can skate, shoot and owns a quick set of hands, — things that seem to make him stand out wherever and whenever he plays.

42. RHD Luke Green (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL): Lots of hype surrounding the QMJHL’s top pick in 2014, and to some degree he hasn’t disappointed. With ice time and offensive zone starts at a premium due to the Sea Dogs’ loaded blue line, one shouldn’t look too much into his so-so stat line. He’s still and excellent puck distributor and skater with top-pairing upside. We love the way he skates with his head up and uses advanced hand-eye coordination to corral tough passes and quickly transfer the puck from skate to stick.

43. RW Taylor Raddysh (Erie Otters, OHL): Strong power winger with excellent instincts and always seems to be involved when a big goal is scored. Recently named to Team OHL for the CHL’s Canada-Russia tournament, Raddysh has produced as both a depth player and on Erie’s top line with or without the benefit of flanking a star center like Connor McDavid or Dylan Strome. He’s already 6’2/200 pounds with a lot of room for additional muscle mass, but the way he can dish the puck with accuracy puts him in the rare category of multi-threat forwards with size.

44. LW Adam Mascherin (Kitchener Rangers, OHL): Former GTHL Player of the Year and the OHL’s second overall pick in 2014 who displays a natural feel for both creating and finishing chances. Mascherin started the season on fire with a 10-game point streak but was later slowed down by a shoulder injury in late October, which makes you wonder how that will impact his high-velocity shot. He stands a well-built 5’9/200 pounds, and thus far he’s been better than advertised on a very deep Rangers’ offense. Can be classified as either a scoring winger or playmaker from the flank, making him one of the draft’s more desirable forwards under six feet.

45. G Stephen Dhillon (Niagara Ice Dogs, OHL): Prototypical NHL size (6’4) for a goalie who struggled a year ago with the butterfly but his summer training has clearly paid dividends. The Buffalo native leads the OHL with a 2.07 GAA and owns a solid .918 save percentage in nine games for a Niagara squad surging at a time when its season looked to be heading nowhere.

46. C Otto Somppi (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL): Teams no longer seem reluctant to use a high round draft pick on a player who doesn’t possess any singular eye-popping trait, which is a category Somppi somewhat fits into. He’s a two-way player with playmaking abilities and an excellent shot who has done well on both international and North American stages. Somppi may be this year’s version of 2015 draftee Robin Kovacs, who like Somppi has gotten it done against both tough competition and in big spots, which increases the amount of attention he gets.

47. LW Tim Gettinger (Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds, OHL): Posted decent numbers a year ago on a stacked SSM roster but currently suffering a drop in production despite an increase in ice time. Gettinger (all 6’6 of him) was expected to score with regularity regardless of whom he was playing with, but he’s only scored twice in almost a month and a half. He’s still a very dependable offensive player with quick hands and excellent mobility for a big guy, and he’s consistently been one of the Soo’s best players, even if the stats don’t necessarily say so.

48. RW Tage Thompson (Connecticut Huskies, HE): Highly-capable American goal scorer who is somewhat overlooked amidst the NTDP’s headline grabbers. The son of former NHL’er Brent Thompson, Tage is a well-built 6’4 winger who is only reliable in the offensive end at this stage of his development. He’s only a freshman, however, and we strongly suggest he sticks around the NCAA circuit for at least two more years to become a complete player. Thompson is one of the more interesting high-risk/high-reward prospects.

49. G Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips, WHL): Late-1998 birthday who last season was outstanding for an Everett club which he nearly carried to the WHL Finals. He’s been one of the Dub’s top netminders thus far after he led the WHL with a 2.29 goals against average last season . A lanky butterfly-style goalie with a bit of a size disadvantage, but quick and nimble to turn what looks like an opening into a relatively futile scoring attempt.

*50. RW Vladimir Kuznetsov (Acadie-Bathurst Titan, QMJHL): Top pick in this year’s CHL Import Draft who loves to cause damage around the cage. He’s a big-bodied sniper who can beat you in several ways, and has been consistently impressive during the first quarter of the season. Kuznetsov generally wins his battles for positioning and skates pretty well for a 6’2 kid pushing 220 pounds. With excellent balance and later movement, plus the ability to identify gaps or create them himself, Kuznetsov has all the traits necessary to become a fixture on an NHL top-6.

*51. C Aapeli Rasanen (Tappara Jrs., Finland): The strength and vision this two-way Finnish pivot displayed at the Hlinka carried over into league play, where he’s been Tappara’s go-to guy in critical situations. He can play the wall on the power play, take key draws and lure defenders towards him before feathering a pass into open ice. Rasanen, who at 6’1/185 has a mature frame suited for the rigors of adult-league battles, had a lackluster U18 Five Nations, which can also be said of the majority of Finland’s entry into the tournament.

*52. C/LW Travis Barron (Ottawa 67’s, OHL): Underrated scorer with an array of skills to beat you, Barron was the OHL’s third overall pick in 2014 behind Jakob Chychrun and Adam Mascherin. Barron plays with a edge, combining speed and power to consistently beat coverage and create gaps for he and his linemates to exploit. He’s certainly had significant playing time alongside one or more of 67’s offensive cogs Travis Konecny, Dante Salituro and Mitchell Stephens, so six goals through his first 18 games (including a hat trick in one) could be viewed as underwhelming.

*53. LHD Lucas Johansen (Kelowna Rockets, WHL): Although he doesn’t seem to have the game-breaking physical tools (at least not yet), Johansen is certainly a cerebral puck mover who makes clean and responsible plays and likes to jump in on the rush. He’s already in the top 20 among WHL defensemen with 11 points in 18 games and doing so while logging key minutes for the Rockets. He’s got NHL bloodlines as well — brother Ryan is a star center for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

54. LHD J.D. Greenway (U.S. NTDP): Big, mean two-way rearguard who’s lack of a college commitment probably has a bunch of NCAA coaches checking their phones more than they’d like. Greenway has some serious potential because he can move extremely well for a defenseman with a linebacker’s build. Questions remain regarding just how well he’ll produce at higher levels, but he’s certain to be an intimidating force no matter what college campus he decides to call home. Boston University is always a possibility (brother and 2015 2nd rounder Jordan is already there), but in out view he should go to a program where he can get a better chance at the spotlight.

55. LW Artur Kayumov (Russian U18, MHL): A strong Hlinka (2-4-6 in 5 GP) was followed up by an impressive season to date for Russia’s newly-formed U18 squad which of late has been blitzing the MHL. Kayumov may not receive the same hype as some of the Russians currently enrolled in CHL programs, but he’s just as skilled and one who is more inclined to backcheck and battle in his own end. At 5’10/165, he can be classified as an undersized winger, but one with excellent vision and very good speed.

56. C Nathan Bastian (Mississauga Steelheads, OHL): We regard Bastian as the epitome of an amateur destined to make it in the NHL, where his size, work ethic and mobility presents an organization with a variety of ways in which he can be used and developed. He’s hit a bit of a goal-scoring funk (2g in his last 14 GP), but he’s a great teammate with leadership qualities on a deep Steelheads roster. He’ll suit up for the OHL at the Russia-Canada Series.

57. RW Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting, OHL): So much skill and vision without the results thus far to validate him. Initially viewed as a potential first rounder thanks to a solid top-line season a year ago, Kyrou simply doesn’t shoot or score enough to play the wing (Zero goals in 15 games), and he’s been shifted off the flank of Sarnia top center and 2015 lottery pick Pavel Zacha. Nevertheless, Kyrou had a decent Hlinka and has high-end offensive abilities to work with, so he doesn’t fall out of the top-60. At least not yet.

58. LHD Sean Day (Mississauga Steelheads, OHL): A skilled defensemen with all-world potential who finds himself at the bottom of the second round can be looked at as either a “Best Player Available” or a “Boom or Bust”. Regardless of whether one views the glass as half full or half empty, the player himself is likely still an enigma, which at this point is exactly what we consider Day to be. He is one of the few amateurs to be granted “Exceptional” status by the CHL, but his season has been anything but. He has the potential to be a star talent in any league, but to do that, he has to improve his decision making. Like really, really improve it.

59. G Vladislav Sukhachyov (Russian U18, MHL): Hockey fans north of the border may remember this Russian netminder as the kid who went on a one-man mission to wreck Canada’s winning streak at the Hlinka. And while his mind-numbing performance in the semis wasnt enough to vault Russia into the finals, he’s been just as good this season in the MHL, where he began with Belye Medvedi before a recent transfer to the U18 program. Sukhachyov is pretty small for a modern-day goalie (5’10), but he possesses cat-like reflexes and gobbles up close to everything.

60. G Evan Fitzpatrick (Sherbrooke Phoenix, QMJHL): A Newfoundlander who was the fourth overall pick in the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft, Fitzpatrick has the size most team’s want in their netminders. And while he’s been inconsistent to say the least, he does see a ton of rubber and play most of the time, which in our view means more to a pre-draft goalie’s development than putting up better numbers as a backup. Fitzpatrick can read plays well and has very good rebound control, and he’s been correcting his early-season mistakes on a game-to-game basis.

*Pittsburgh owns Anaheim’s 2016 2nd round pick via Vancouver via the Brandon Sutter trade. The Canucks previously acquired this pick from the Ducks in the Kevin Bieksa trade.
*Vancouver owns Columbus’s 2016 2nd round pick as compensation for the Blue Jackets hiring head coach John Tortarella.
*Colorado reacquired their 2016 2nd round pick from San Jose in a 2015 Draft Day trade in which the Sharks traded a 2015 2nd round pick (39th overall — A.J. Greer), this pick and a 2017 6th round pick to the Avalanche in exchange for a 2015 2nd round pick (31st overall — Jeremy Roy).  San Jose previously acquired this pick from Colorado in the Brad Stuart trade.
*Tampa Bay owns Boston’s 2016 2nd round pick from the Brett Connolly trade.
*Philadelphia owns Chicago’s 2016 2nd round pick from Kimmo Timonen trade.
*Pittsburgh reacquired their 2016 2nd round pick from Toronto as a condition in the Phil Kessel trade. The Penguins would acquire this pick if they qualified for the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Maple Leafs previously acquired this pick from Pittsburgh in the Daniel Winnik trade.
*Montreal owns Buffalo’s 2016 2nd round pick via Minnesota from the Josh Gorges trade. The Sabres previously acquired this pick from the Wild in the Matt Moulson trade.
*Boston owns the New York Islanders’ 2016 2nd round pick from the Johnny Boychuk trade.

3rd Round

61. LHD Jacob Moverare (HV71, SHL): Big-bodied mobile defender who is beginning to tap into his offensive potential. He recently earned a promotion to the big leagues, and an impressive U18 5 Nations helped him move on from a rather pedestrian Hlinka. Moverare can play a sound positional game, especially angling onrushing into a poor decision thanks to a long, active stick. And he can certainly skate, which will bode well for him at the next level only if he continues to take more risks.

62. C Kristian Reichel (Litvinov, Czech Republic): The son of former NHL’er Robert Reichel, Kristian is a goal-scoring pivot with expert-level marksmanship. His performance at the most recent U18 Five Nations not only made him stand out among his peers, but also improved his chances to play for the U20 squad in the upcoming WJC’s.

63. LHD Victor Mete (London Knights, OHL): Smart and reliable puck distributor who has outperformed our expectations. He had a somewhat average Hlinka, and it was expected that he’s just be a passanger on London’s loaded lineup. Well, he’s actually been somewhat of a linchpin to its offense, using his vision and accurate breakout passes to get the attack going. He’s neither big nor intimidating, but he’s improved his stickwork and seems to have corrected his one-on-one issues from the previous season.

64. LW Noah Gregor (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL): Some injury concerns from a year ago seem to have been dashed by this Baumont, AB native’s hot start. Gregor’s top-line play is a big reason why the Warriors are one of the Dub’s top offenses. And while a broken collarbone just a few weeks into last season may have seemingly slowed his development, he obviously used the time off wisely — Gregor is second among WHL rookies with 24 points in 19 games.

65. LHD Sam Rossini (Waterloo Black Hawks, USHL): Physical two-way defender who will be a Minnesota Golden Gopher in the fall. Rossini has improved significantly from a confidence standpoint, showing no aftereffects from a broken wrist last season. His strengths, however, are significant inside his own end, specifically his one-on-one positional play and success rate in puck battles against big forwards.

66. C Cam Morrison (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL): Goal-scoring winger with size who is tied for the USHL rookie lead in both goals (seven) and points (12). Property of the OHL’s North Bay Battalion (44th overall in 2014), Morrison was the OJHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2014-15. He’s a legitimate threat from the anywhere inside the offensive zone, and should be considered a darkhorse for either the second or third round. Everything he’s done thus far has been impressive.

67. RHD Frederic Allard (Chicoutimi Sagueneens, QMJHL): An early-season hand injury doesn’t look to have slowed down this clutch offensive machine, who owns one of the draft’s best shots in terms of accuracy. And by that we mean shots intended to be either on goal and ripe for deflections. He’s taken to his role as one of Chicoutimi’s leaders, and displays a work ethic for others to follow. Big-time sleeper pick as he will challenge as the QMJHL’s best draft-eligible defender behind Samuel Girard.

*68. RHD Jacob Cederholm (HV71, SHL): There’s always at least one prospect who toes the line between being a game-breaking talent and simply being talented. Cederholm, a 6’3, 185-pound defense-first rearguard fits perfectly into the latter category. There is a lot to love about this kid — size, mobility, shot and leadership (he was Sweden’s captain at the most recent 5 Nations tournament). But his offensive potential may be a bit limitted as he’s not very creative with the puck and generally goes for safe plays inside the opposing zone. If he improves upon those areas, you’re looking at an easy pick for the later stages of the first round.

69. RW Kyle Maksimovich (Erie Otters, OHL): Overlooked two-way forward on CHL powerhouse who simply gets the job done in so many ways. He’s a battler without the size (5’9/170 lbs) but has no problem digging in for the long, tough fight. He certainly has a nice touch and quick hands around the cage, but he’s also displayed sound decision making in critical portions of games. The 19th overall pick in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection, Maksimovich has racked up 22 points in 18 through 11/15, and is sixth in scoring among the OHL’s crop of first-year draft eligibles. And no, he doesn’t play on a line with either Alex DeBrincat or Dylan Strome.

70. LHD Logan Stanley (Windsor Spitfires, OHL): We feel obligated to let you know that if he keeps up with his consistent play, he’ll eventually hover around the bottom of our first round. At 6’6, Stanley is an imposing yet reliable force on Windsor’s blueline, skating up ice with authority and taking calculated risks inside the offensive zone. His defense is not too shabby either, as he can play odd-man rushes properly and use his long, active stick to break up attempted zone entries.

*71. LHD Kenny Johnson (Shattuck St. Mary’s-USHS): Physical, two-way defensemen who’s beginning to make a name for himself. And while he’s following a developmental path similar to his older brother and NHL’er Jack Johnson (Kenny is headed to Michigan in the fall), he plays far more composed in his own end than his brother did when he was a pre-draft amateur back in 2004-05.

*72. G Antoine Samuel (Shawinigan Catarctes, QMJHL): Big goalie with quickness who seems to permorm better when the ice is seemingly tilted towards him. He’s one of the better goaltending prospect’s for this year’s draft, but he’s got a habit of giving up too much room upstairs. He is, however, Shawinigan’s go-to goalie, and even a late-1997 birthday won’t stop a team from taking him ahead of the bulk of his peers.

73. C/RW Oskar Steen (Farjestad, Superelit): Steady climber who exploded at the most recent U18 Five Nations in Switzerland. The book is still out on him, but the more he outproduces his peers in best-on-best competitions, the more visible he’ll appear on the draft radar. Steen isn’t a gazelle, but he’s hard to handle during zone entries and cycles. He can also bring a quick and accurate shot.

74. RW Janne Kuokkanen (Karpat Jrs, Finland): His reputation as a big time set-up man was reinforced with a strong Hlinka and U18 Five Nations, the latter being where he potted a goal and dished out four assists in four games. And while the competition was a collective disappointment for Finland, Kuokkanen was one of several who were individually distinguishable. He’s a very good skater with quick moves to elude coverage, but we really like his vision and decision making.

*75. C/RW Alan Lyszczarczyk (Sudbury Wolves, OHL): Polish import who in 2015 led the U18 Czech circuit in scoring while lacing them up for Chomutov. We view him more as a set-up man rather than a goal-scoring winger, but he’s done both for the Wolves up to this point of his first OHL season. He was not a heralded CHL prospect, as the Wolves merely signed him as a free agent. Last week, he was named their Player of the Month for October after piling up the points on a line with David Levin.

*76. RW Joey Anderson (U.S. NTDP): Speedy winger with a great compete level who earned a spot on Team USA’s top line alongside Clayton Keller at the recent U18 Five Nations, where the latter scored three goals and added two assists to help the Americans finish a perfect 4-0. He’s headed for Minnesota-Duluth next season, but for now he’s one of the NTDP’s top scoring threats. Anderson may not look very tall, but he plays an aggressive style which comes into play when he has trouble converting his chances.

*77. LHD Markus Niemelainen (Saginaw Spirit, OHL): The “Wow” factor is certainly there, but the play-to-pay execution and decision making under duress may make teams think twice about intoxicating themselves with his offensive abilities. There’s a lot to like in Niemelainen’s game; specifically his size (6’6) and puck-distributing skills (13 assists in 18 games though 11/13). We sense he’ll be up and down many a draft board right up until the big day in Buffalo.

*78. LHD Filip Hronek (HR Kravlove, Extraliga): Late-1997 birthday who performed extremely well at each of the two U20 Four Nations tournaments he participated in, especially when you consider his age. He’s played well in the Czech Republic’s top league but without the benefit of a consistent shift.

*79. C/LW Connor Bunnaman (Kitchener Rangers, OHL): Hard-working and tough-as-nails scorer is off to a hot start as a scoring option after spending most of last season as a role player. The 31st overall pick in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection, the 6’3 forward can be used in a variety of roles and situations, but we think he’s got some top-6 upside in the NHL. Kitchener’s addition of Jeremy Bracco hasn’t helped him in the ice time department, but he’s still tied for 11th in OHL scoring among first-year draft eligibles (6g, 7a in 13 gp).

80. C Cameron Hebig (Saskatoon Blades, WHL): Carried a horrid Blades team last season for most of the second half, and began 2015-16 doing the same. Highly-underrated skill forward who can skate, shoot, create and compete. We’re probably ranking him too high for being an overager, but he’s at a point in his developmental glide path which far exceeds that of most first year eligibles.

*81. C Mikhail Meshcheryakov (Russian U18, MHL): Strong-skating force who like German Rubtsov, plays a tenacious style while owning offensive abilities. He isn’t as big or strong as Rubtsov, but he certainly plays as if he thinks he is, and of the two might be the better playmaker. People may remember his hustle play in the third period of the Hlinka semis against Canada which almost led to a go-ahead goal in a game Russia eventually lost in a shootout.

*82. G Veini Vehvilainen (JYP, Liiga): Top Finnish netminder who was criminally omitted from hearing his name called in Sunrise last June. That mistake won’t be made again come Draft Day in Buffalo, as the 6’1 netminder has not only continued to perform well on the international stage, but earned a Liiga promotion after his flawless play in the Mestis. He’s got a clean style with outstanding rebound control and gets back on his feet in a hurry. We wouldn’t be surprised at all if he went as high as the second round.

*83. Jesper Bratt (AIK, Allsvenskan): Bratt plays like a bee in a bad mood when he’s out on the ice, and it was at both the 2015 Hlinka and the 2015 5 Nation’s Cup where his pesky ways resulted in his scoring of timely goals. He’s lightning quick and gets off his shots in a hurry, and is beginning to show some serious flair with the puck. He’s what we call a “safe” pick despite his 5’8 listing. The Allsvenskan numbers aren’t great, but he’s still a legitimate option for Tre Kronor’s WJC entry in 2016.

*84. C Matthew Boucher (Quebec Remparts, QMJHL): It generally helps when you’re the coach’s son and you truly are one of the best players on the squad. What’s most impressive about this undersized pivot is the fearless way he goes about every single shift. He hits, can skate and is one of the Remparts’ top scorers. Boucher’s been the most consistent forward on a good team many exepected to struggle with inexperience.

85. LHD Lukas Doudera (Trinec Ocelari, Extraliga): Not the biggest and certainly not the fastest, Doudera plays an extrememly mature game and finds a way to make up for his physical shortcomings with excellent offensive instincts. He made Trinec’s senior club as a 17 year old after a solid Hlinka last season, and was the top scoring defenseman at the U18 5 Nations in Switzerland. There’s a good bet the Canucks know a thing or two about him — he’s teammates with Canucks’ 2015 sixth rounder Lukas Jasek.

*86. LHD Alexander Yakovenko (Russian U18, MHL): He may not be putting up the eye-popping stats with the U18 squad, but we clocked three recent international tournaments where this 5’10 two-way defenseman was one of Russia’s more reliable possession threats. He owns a heck of a shot and whips his breakout passes with both sense and accuracy, which makes him a perfect fit for a team looking to groom a power play specialist.

87. C Brandon Gignac (Shawinigan Cataractes, QMJHL): Skilled pivot who has anchored Shawinigan’s second line for most of the season. He’s posted solid numbers (eighth in scoring among 17-year-old QMJHL draft eligibles), but you must take into considertation that he’s been playing in the league since 2013. Gignac’s a late-1997 prospect who is shifty and elusive in tight spaces with or without the puck on his stick, and he can sure thread that needle. Plus, he’s won over 60% percent of his draws.

88. LHD Ryan Lindgren (U.S. NTDP): Future Golden Gopher (2016-17) who plays a critical role on the U18’s deep and reliable blue line. There’s something about the way he can skate and dictate the pace of a game, plus boast a heavy shot, which has us wondering why the points with the NTDP aren’t necessarily there (5 points in 17 games through 11/14). And while it’s common for the production of NTDP blueliners to take a hit by rotating through four forward lines worth of puck magicians, there’s enough top-level quality in Lindgren’s game where it shouldn’t matter regardless.

89. RW Tobias Eder (Bad Tolz, Oberliga): German offensive forward with a hunter’s-like mentality who led the Fatherland in scoring at the 2015 U18’s and currently tied for the Bad Tolz lead in scoring. His older brother Andreas had a cup of coffee with the Vancouver Giants in 2013, so there’s a chance he heads across the pond to suit up in either the CHL or USHL. There’s always one kid from Deutschland who shows up on at least one scouting department’s radar. We think this 5’11 dynamo will be coveted by a bunch.

90. LHD Josh Mahura (Red Deer Rebels, WHL): An unfortunate knee injury (torn MCL) effectively ended his season before it began, which for him is the only reason he’s even a consideration for this late a pick. When healthy, Mahura is too smart and reliable a puck mover to overlook, and his role on Team Canada’s gold-medal winning entry at the Hlinka should be ample proof. It’s going to difficult to gauge just how much of an impact the knee injury will have on both his mobility and physical play, but for now he has to be given the benefit of the doubt for a normal recovery.

*Detroit has the option to choose any one of Toronto’s 3rd round picks from 2016, 2017 or 2018. This condition is from the Maple Leafs’ hiring of former Red Wings’ coach Mike Babcock.

*Buffalo owns Dallas’ 2016 3rd round pick via San Jose from a condition in the Jonas Enroth trade. The condition was the Sabres would receive a 2nd round pick in 2015 if Enroth won four playoff games for Dallas, which never qualified for the postseason. The Stars previously acquired this pick from the Sharks in the Jason Demers/Brenden Dillon trade.

*New Jersey owns Florida’s 2016 3rd round pick from the Jaromir Jagr trade. The Devils have the option of giving this pick, or Minnesota’s 2016 3rd round pick (previously acquired by the Panthers in the Sean Bergenheim trade) to Anaheim as part of the Kyle Palmieri trade.

*New Jersey has the option to choose any of of Toronto’s 3rd round picks from 2016, 2017 or 2018. This condition is from the Maple Leafs’ hiring of former Devils’s GM Lou Lamoriello. Toronto previously acquired this pick from Pittsburgh in the Phil Kessel trade. The Penguins received this pick from New Jersey from the Devils’ hiring of former Pittsburgh coach John Hynes, but the Devils decide which year the draft pick may be used (2017, 2017 or 2018).

*New Jersey owns Detroit’s 2016 3rd round pick from a condition in the Marek Zidlicky trade. The pick became a 3rd rounder when the Red Wings were eliminated in the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

*New Jersey owns Ottawa’s 2016 3rd round pick from a 2015 Draft Day trade in which the Devils swapped a 2015 2nd round pick (36th overall – RW Gabriel Gagner) for Ottawa’s 2015 2nd round pick (42nd overall – G Mackenzie Blackwood) and this pick.

*Carolina owns Winnipeg’s 2016 3rd round pick from the Jiri Tlusty trade.

*Vancouver owns the New York Islanders’ 2016 3rd round pick via Pittsburgh from the Brandon Sutter trade. The Penguins previously acquired the pick from Buffalo as compensation for the Sabres’ hiring of former Pittsburgh head coach Dan Bylsma. Buffalo previously acquired this pick from the Islanders in the Michal Neuvirth/Chad Johnson trade.

*Anaheim owns Minnesota’s 2016 3rd round pick via New Jersey from the Kyle Palmieri trade. The Devils previously acquired this pick from Florida in the Jaromir Jagr trade. The Panthers previously acquired this pick from the Wild in the Sean Bergenheim trade.

*St. Louis owns Washington’s 2016 3rd round pick from the T.J. Oshie trade.

*Buffalo owns St. Louis’s 2016 3rd round pick from unmet conditions in the Ryan Miller trade.

4th Round

91. LHD Oliver Felixson (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL): Man child who is a go-to guy on the defensive end but sort of hit or miss with the puck. He’s not too far from the Cedeholm types from an offensive point of view, but we think a breadth of talent on Saint John’s blueline is the biggest reason behind lackluster stats (Only two assists in 18 games). He’s listed at 6’5 but on the ice he seems a bit taller. Felixson is mobile and reliable, and a kid who could rise if given more of an opportunity to show the QMJHL what he can really do. But as we all know, receiving said chance has to be earned.

*92. RW Eetu Tuulola (HPK, Liiga): Power forward with a nice touch who showed flashes of dominance at the most recent Hlinka but was surprisingly not present (as in he wasn’t on the team) at the recent U18 Five Nations. A recent promotion to HPK’s Liiga was certainly warranted, as the 6’3 winger was one of the junior circuit’s top goal scorers despite not being either quick or dynamic. When you consider his excellent shot and balance, however, it makes him a worthy choice even before the fourth round.

93. C/LW Samuel Solensky (Bili Liberic Jrs., Czech Republic): Late-1998 Slovakian puck artist who stood out at several high-profile international events, and likely to be leaned on to carry the offensive load at the pre-draft U18’s. He’s quite slippery in the offensive zone, and can successfully pull off Houdini acts when skating up and into a defensive wall. And we didn’t get the impression the 5-foot-9 Solensky was one-dimensional, as he has been used on the National Team’s penalty killing unit. Solensky leads the Junior White Tigers with 14 goals and 23 points in 18 games

94. RHD Andrew Peeke (Green Bay Gamblers, USHL): Floridian crease clearer who took a surprising performance at the Hlinka and parlayed that into a spot at the All-American Prospects Game and a “B” rating from the NHL’s scouting community. Peeke, who is comiitted to Notre Dame after this season, is a specimin to say the least. He’s been carrying Green Bay’s defense corps most of the season, and has the promise to develop into a top-pairing nightmare for opposing lines. He’ll join Will Knierim on Team USA in Cobourg, Ontario for the World Junior “A” Challenge.

95. RW Artem Ivanyuzhenkov (Russian U18, MHL): Lumbering power forward in a Tim Kerr kind of way with the makings of a tough matchup for opponents at any level. Ivanyuzhenkov is at his best when he’s either using his massive sive (6’2/225 lbs) to erase opponents along the wall, or digging into the low slot to bang pucks home. His physical aggressivness and imposing silohouette are just part of the intimidation factor he brings, but we still consider him raw. Was a bit underwhelming during limited use at the 2015 Hlinka after strong showings at previous U18/U17 tournaments.

96. LW Brandon Hagel (Red Deer Rebels, WHL):  Late-1998 birthdate whose fast start made some people wonder how in the world he was overlooked in WHL Bantam Drafts. Hagel (6’0 / 170 lbs) is one of the Rebels’ many offensive weapons who can fill in on the flank on any of their first three lines. He’s an accurate shooter with a quick release and will fight to get to the tough areas around the net. We view him as a pass-first forward with a goal scorer’s touch — his six primary assists through his first 22 games ties him for second among WHL wingers in his age group.

97. RW Willie Knierim (Dubuque Fighting Saints, USHL): Chicago-area power forward who is heading for Miami-Ohio in the fall. He should probably be considered a blue chip prospect after nominations to the U.S. squad at the Hlinka and the CCM All-American Prospects Game, but poor discipline and an unexpected vanishing act through the first quarter of his season dropped him from the upper tier of draft eligibles. Knierim was invited to December’s World Junior “A” Challenge — a tournament historically dominated by America’s USHL-heavy roster. If he puts the same effort into slot positioning as he does with his fists, he’d probably score more.

98. C/W Matt Filipe (Cedar Rapids, USHL): Swift-skating Malden Catholic alum who loves to attack the net and generate chances off the rush. Filipe handled a normally tough transition from high school to the USHL rather well, scoring goals in clusters to open the season. And though he’s cooled off a little bit (one goal in last 10) games), this Northeastern-bound scorer leaves us drooling with his triple threat of speed, strength and size (6’2/190 lbs). He was once scratched due to early-season inconsistency, but we like to consider how most skilled big guys are generally developed under a different set of rules. He’s already represented the United States on the international stage (2014 Hlinka), and participated for Team Plante at the 2015 All-American Prospects Game.

99. C Antti Kalapudas (Karpat, Liiga): Two-time overager who just gets things done. Not only was he getting some ice time in the Finnish Elite League, but he contributed on the international tour as well. Kalapudas is on the bubble for the U20 WJC’s, mainly because his most recent U20 Four Nations was lackluster in comparison to his play at the summer tournament. Choppy skating and lack of physicality notwithstanding, we tend to like the draft-eligible kids playing against mature competition, and Kalapudas is one of the better ones.

100. RHD Mike Boyle (Sioux City Musketeers, USHL): A late-1997 defensemen who missed 2015 draft eligibilty by only a day, Boyle is a Phoenix-area product with a real shot at climbing the rankings. He’s a clean puck mover with very good vision, which when added to his promising size (6’2, 210 lbs) makes him a legitimate NHL prospect. Boyle will head to the University of Denver next fall.

101. LHD David Berhhardt (Djugardens J20, Superelit): Leading scorer among all defensemen in Sweden’s premier junior circuit who loves to take chances regardless of the zone or situation. We love his shot and aggressiveness on the attack, but we’re most impressed with the improvement in anticipation and positioning. Bernhardt can play either on either side, but his overall defensive abilities remain marginal. The added work to at least attempt to fix last season’s deficincies, however, shows he’s developmentally flexible.

102. LW Nick Pastujov (U.S. NTDP): One of several draft eligibles from the Sunshine State who earned his way into an elite development environment, beginning with a stellar career with Detroit Honeybaked. The Michigan-bound Pastujov is a scoring winger with a sick shot, but on several viewings he was literally unoticable. He’s got decent size (6’0/195 lbs), but on-ice awareness and balance aren’t there yet. The ability to score is top notch, so he could be the NTDP’s late-season bloomer like Jack Roslovic was in the second half of last year.

*103. RHD Adam Fox (U.S. NTDP): Fox is one of the NTDP’s key puck movers from the back end, only he’s clearly their best skater. A noteworthy performance in this month’s U18 Five Nations likely bumps him up a bit, which is understandable considering he led the entire competition with seven assists in four games. He can be classified as undersized (5’10/180 lbs) but he makes up for it with skill, finesse, and a noggin that allows him to understand and read an attack like a seasoned veteran. No surprise, really; the Long Island native is committed to Harvard for 2016-17.

104. LW Vladimir Bobylev (Victoria Royals, WHL): Overage bulldozer from Russia who hits, fights and owns a nice set of mitts. Bobylev has a goal-scorer’s mentality and surprisingly good hockey sense for a big guy. His improving acceleration is above average for a forward his size (6’2, 210 lbs), but where he helps most is during trench warfare, specifically in and around the goal mouth. We really like the improvement in his game, and being an overager shouldn’t take away from the work he did in the offseason.

105. C Seamus Malone (Wisconsin Badgers, Big-10): The transition from the USHL to the NCAA isn’t always seamless, but this double-overage 5’10 pivot has certainly opened some eyes within college hockey circles. A crafty playmaker with excellent puck control and a soft set of hands, Malone led Dubuque in scoring last year, and is one of the nation’s top freshman set-up men through late November. Faceoffs are giving him huge problems (18-for-62); a move to wing may not be out of the question.

106. G Adam Brizgala (Sparta Praha Jrs., Czech Republic): Big-time performances in international play from this young Czech who has excellent balance and tracking abilities. He’s part of a growing list of mid-sized netminders whose lack of modern-day height requirements are compensated by a quick glove and aggressive mindset. He doesn’t present a wide stance, but he will square up to the shooter and get his pads moving in a hurry. Brizgala was on the receiving end of some horrid defensive efforts, but his competitive fire and technical know-how stemmed the tide and kept his team in games.

107. G Filip Gustavsson (Lulea, SHL): The hits just keep on coming for this 6’2 Swedish netminder, who recently became the youngest goalie in Swedish League history to post a win. With a June, 1998 birthday and a handful of domimant international showings (notably the 2014 U17’s), Gustavsson should be added to the 2016 draft’s short list of immediate impact players. And while a nod at the 2016 WJC’s is not out of the question, his roster spot in one of Europe’s elite leagues should be enough to provide him with the exposure we think he already deserves.

108. LW Jack Kopacka (Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds, OHL): A recent slump has hurt what began as a tremendous start for the Soo winger, but Kopacka (6’2/180 lbs) is still an excellent BPA type due to his skating ability and shot. He’s a Michigan kid who was part of the Honeybaked and Compuware programs, and his knack for scoring and ability to get shots off helps the inexperienced Greyhounds during what has turned out to be a rebuilding year.

109. LHD Kristians Rubins (Vasteras, Allsvenskan): 6’4 Latvian blueliner who begin to grow on us last season. A late-1997 birth year, he played well under duress at the U18 World’s last April, and an expanded role on the U20 team should give him the visibility he deserves. He’s been knocked out of action since the summer after shoulder surgery, and there’s a good bet he’ll be healthy in time for the tournament. Rubins is an all-around versatile defender who can tackle the top-pairing responsibilities.

110. LHD Ben Gleason (Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL): An early-season trade from London rejuvinated this Michigan-born puck mover, who in just a month has equaled his output from all of last year. The Knights certainly did this kid a favor as he’s looking more confident now than he was a year ago, including what came across as an underwhelming Hlinka. Gleason is a patient lad who likes to take his time before entering the zone, which in his case is a good thing. We’d like to see him bulk up a bit since he still has issues sealing off his man with effectiveness.

111. LW Nolan Volcan (Seattle Thundderbirds, WHL): Intelligent top-six type with the skills to match it. He’s the kind of player where good things seem to happen every shift, whether in the form of a forced turnover, timely backcheck or a self-generated scoring chance. He’s been in and out of the lineup the last few games from an undisclosed injury, but we doubt it changes his approach. Volcan spent the offseason bulking up without losing a step, and the strong balance he’s displayed should make his height (5’8) nobody’s concern.

112. G Tyler Parsons (London Knights, OHL): A collarbone injury in the All-American Prospects Game caused concern for the Michigan-born netminder, but he rebounded nicely to stake his claim as London’s top gun in net. Parsons is a fierce competitor who may need to tone down his emotions, but his never-quit attitude helped him earlier in the month when he won each start over three consecutive days, with the last two being shutouts.

113. LW Graham McPhee (U.S. NTDP): You hate to classify a kid before he’s even had a chance to advance towards higher echelons of amateur hockey, but McPhee is at this stage a bottom-six competitor with an infectious attitude and work ethic. He’s close to taking the results from his tenacious forechecking and turning them into scoring chances for not only his linemates, but for himself as well. But until he does that, we have to consider him a depth player with untapped offensive abilities. Hopefully coach Jerry York will bring them to the forefront when McPhee suits up for him at Boston College next fall.

114. LHD Ondrej Vala (Kamloops Blazers, WHL): Euro import who had a tough go in the first few weeks of his first WHL season but slowly rounded into form. He has good straight-line speed and solid instincts in the offensive end, and we’ve seen him make an impact when he’s playing with confidence and receiving added responsibility because of it. But issues getting the puck to safety and coverage boo-boo’s make him a real wild card during this early stage of the season.

115. C/RW Sebastian Ohlsson (Skelleftea, SHL): We had a hard time understanding why this exciting skill forward was univited to last June’s Draft Day bash (we mocked him 145th overall in 2015). It’s going to hard for history to repeat itself, as Ohlsson has earned some SHL minutes and may even get looked at for Sweden’s U20 entry at next month’s WJC. Ohlsson is very quick and difficult to contain, and while his size (5’9 / 178) is a possible deterrent, he was picked to play on the last two U20 Four Nation’s squads as a depth player.

116. LW Max Gerlach (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL): Diminutive Texan who de-committed from North Dakota to play in the Dub, and has yet to show any sign that he doesn’t belong. Gerlach is a crafty puck technician who uses good hands and dishing skills to turn minor events into legitimate scoring opportuinites. He’s been in and around the WHL’s top 10 in rookie scoring, and has previous international experience with Team USA. He was left off both of Central Scouting’s preliminary lists, which is yet another head scratcher in our view.

*117. LHD Josh Anderson (Prince George Cougars, WHL): A recent eye injury notwithstanding, this tower of power is one of the WHL’s top young blueliners, chosen third overall in the 2013 Bantam Draft behind Tyler Benson and Sam Steel. This season has been a bit of a grind for both Anderson and the Cougars, as goal scoring is at a premium and the scores are usually lopsided. Still, we think his above-average mobility, shutdown skills and intimidation factor are translatable to the NHL, albeit following a lengthy post-draft development period.

118. LHD Tarmo Reunanen (TPS, Liiga Jrs): There’s a good chance this decisive two-way blueliner would get more press had he joined the recent wave of top-end Finnish defenders to cross the pond to play in North America. Reunanen can skate well enough for it not to be a weakness, but if there’s one area we think he needs to work on is the way he maneuvers laterally. He’s what most would classify as a playmaker who can take on a bundle of responsibilities regardless of the game situation.

*119. LHD Sebastian Aho (Skelleftea, SHL): Third time’s a charm for this undersized Swedish defenseman, who can pile up the points and hammer the puck but continues to get overlooked because of the physicality missing from his game. Still, he’s had some decent international showings in terms of puck possession and distribution, although he seemed like a mouse among men on the defensive side. Aho’s not getting the respect he deserves when you consider how most 2016 draft-eligible blueliners are usually devoid of both creativity and vision.

120. G Jack Lafontaine (Janesville Jets, NAHL): Kitchener’s third round pick in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection who has been aces for the Jets through the first quarter of the season. A 6’2 native of Mississauga, Lafontaine leads the NAHL with a sparkling 1.59 goals-against and is second with a .930 save percentage. He’s got quick reaction time and isn’t a flopper while trying his best to constantly focus on the shooter.

*Chicago owns Columbus’s 2016 fourth round pick from the Brandon Saad trade.

*The New York Rangers own Arizona’s 2016 fourth round pick from the Keith Yandle trade.

*Calgary owns Nashville’s 2016 fourth round pick (conditional) from the Max Reinhart trade. The condition was the pick transferred when Reinhart signed with Nashville and cleared waivers.

*San Jose owns the New York Rangers’ 2016 fourth round pick from the James Sheppard trade.

5th Round

121. RW Maxime Fortier (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL): Halifax has a few big names on its roster, but this swift-skating scorer has been its most dangerous player when he decides to be. We consider him your typical undersized Quebec League skill forward who likes to score in bunches and has a bit of bite to his game, but his combination of speed and finesse isn’t enough to conceal some carelessness with the puck. He’s still has a great shot and a knack for scoring — he’s third among all QMJHL first-year eligibles with 13 goals in 23 games.

*122. RW Evgeni Mityakin (Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg (KHL): Late-1997 monster who is one of Russia’s top first-year eligibles to play well enough on the newly-created U18 program to garner a KHL promotion. He’s easily classified as a power forward with an excellent shot, but he’s got playmaking abilities in tight spaces as well. Mityakin was average at both the last U18 Worlds and the WJAC, and he’s likely not mature enough for a U20 WJC slot. But definitely look for him to make noise next season as he runs the gauntlet of U20 competition.

123. G Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes, OHL): The in-game experience for a goaltender who’s forced into protecting a run-and-gun system is interesting to say the least, and Wells has been both statistically and technically marginal this season. He definitely has positives to work with, especially size (6’2) and quickness, and a recent winning streak preceding a solid performance in his lone Super Series appearance hopefully gets him going.

124. LHD Max Lajoie (Swift Current Broncos, WHL): There are usually a handful of prospects who show a ton of promise before they hit eligibility, then seemingly struggle from the onset of their draft year. Make no mistake; Lajoie can pass, skate and shoot the puck as he fills into a 6’1, 180-pound frame. Much like fellow Calgarian and WHL draft prospect Jake Bean, Lajoie has all the tools to be a dominant puck mover as long as he uses his noggin while doing so. It is highly unlikely he gets picked this late, as he is one of the 2016 draft’s prominent boom-or-bust types.

125. LW/RW Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds, OHL): Unheralded power forward who brings a lot to the table. It’s been a tough year for the rebuilding Soo, but Katchouk has been one of the OHL’s top draft-eligible performers, and has the potential to develop into a real nasty two-way threat. He’s got a nonstop motor and can even throw down with the big boys when called upon. Katchouk is very quick and owns a heck of a shot but doesn’t use it nearly as much as he should. He could end up like teammate and 2015 draft riser Zach Senyshyn in terms of a prospect whose skill may explode him up a draft board.

126. LW Garrett Wait (Waterloo Black Hawks, USHL): A disappointing Hlinka with Team USA was followed by a lackluster start to his season in the USHL, as he scored only three goals in his first 18 games. He’s still a highly skilled forward with speed in a one-dimensional kind of way, so we’re overlooking the lack of production due to legitimate NHL upside. He’s either lost his confidence or plays with too much confidence — which neither bodes well for anybody in a draft year. Wait committed to the University of Minnesota for next season, but we’re waiting to see if he evolves into the kind of impact player he was for Edina High.

*127. RW Ty Ronning (Vancouver Giants, WHL): We’re always looking for the kids who excel under difficult situations, and one of this season’s best examples has a surname all to familiar to hockey fans in the Pacific Northwest. Ronning, whose dad Cliff was a WHL standout and linchpin on those exciting Vancouver Canucks squads of the early 1990’s, is similar to his dad in that he’s quick, shifty and owns a great set of hands. The Giants slumped a bit with star forward Tyler Benson trying to catch up from lost time due to injury. But since his return, he and Ronning have combined to form one of the Dub’s lethal duos. Ronning is small and continues to fight through balance issues, but the skill is too eye-popping to overlook.

128. C/LW Jordan Stallard (Calgary Hitmen, WHL): A big-time promotion to Calgary’s top line during a slew of injuries last postseason has invigorated this versatile forward’s confidence, as he’s been one of the Hitmen’s better players through the first half. He’s got size, can pass the puck with accuracy and owns a very good shot off a quick release.

129. LHD Griffin Luce (U.S. NTDP): Luce could be classified as the NTDP version of Sean Day in that he was deservedly put on a pedestal at a young age but is morphing into a one-dimensional defender. Unlike Day, however, Luce is excellent at defending his position and using his size (6’3 / 214 lbs) to stand in the way of player, pass and shot. We viewed him as a bit of a passenger at the 2015 All-American Prospects Game, but it’s still only a one-game exhibition. He’ll head to the University of Michigan next fall.

130. LW Konstantin Dubin (Sarmaty Orenburg, MHL): Lightning-quick winger with a nose for the net who’s been tearing it up while firmly ensconced on Sarmaty’s top line. He’s an undersized forward with a lot of work required to fix his average balance and puck protection ability. We give him credit regardless, as he’s a battler who is quick to his feet and will try his best to use the body. Dubin was a fifth round pick in last year’s KHL draft but he’s more likely to make the jump to the National Team before he goes pro.

131. LHD Dawson Davidson (Kamloops Blazers, WHL): Offensive defenseman with a tremendous shot who is still learning the nuances of protecting his own end. He stands at 5’11, and we’ve noticed his size hinders him only when defending the front of his cage. But his playmaking, vision and quick thinking — especially on the power play — is why he will likely be considered for even earlier rounds. Only Calgary’s Jake Bean has more points among the WHL’s first-year draft eligible blueliners.

132. RW Patrick Bajkov (Everett Silvertips, WHL): Playing for one of the CHL’s best defensive teams can have a downside, especially when you’re a supercharged dynamo with high-end vision and playmaking abilities. Everett’s commitment to defense and goaltending has hindered their offense to a tune of under three goals a game, but Bajkov (pronounced Bai-kov) is a British Columbia kid who’s found a way to produce more than most right wingers within his age group. He’s another skill forward likely to go higher when all aspects of his season are considered.

133. LW C.J. Dodero (Sioux City Musketeers, USHL): Freight train of a power forward with a deadly shot and willingness to do whatever it takes to clear a path between the puck and the opposing goal. He’s a 1997 birth year and remains uncommitted, but his Colorado background could possibly point him towards Denver or Colorado College of the NCAA beginning next season. It’s been a struggle to find consistency on offense as the rebuilding Musketeers were hit hard by graduations up front. Dodero is also pretty mobile for a filled-out winger, so the size-skill combo is certainly something worth developing.

134. C Cameron Askew (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL): Boston-area center who should have gotten drafted last season. Askew’s bounced around a lot in a short period of time, but that shouldn’t keep him from getting his name called in Buffalo. He’s got size, a nice touch and can be used in all game situations. Moncton’s used him on the top line with fellow Bostonian and 2015 draftee Conor Garland, and Askew has delivered with his best season as an amateur.

*135. C Andrey Svetlakov (CSKA Moscow, KHL): Gifted playmaker who was one of Russia’s top forwards against the CHL’s best at the recent Super Series. He’s played well in the KHL, and will likely get a chance to showcase his skills on an even bigger stage at the WJC’s. He’s one of the draft’s most NHL-ready eligibles, but being a double-overage prospect will likely place him late if drafted at all.

136. C Colt Conrad (Western Michigan Broncos, NCHC): Skill forward and puck distributor for Andy Murray’s veteran-laden roster, Conrad is a Manitoba native and Shattuck product who has been given a significant role for Western Michigan despite being one of only three teenagers on its roster. He was recently named NCHC Rookie of the Week, and displays tremendous balance for a kid listed as 5’10 while playing against larger, mature defensemen.

*137. RW Will Lockwood (U.S. NTDP): Michigan-bound legacy who’s tied for fourth in scoring among NTDP forwards with nine goals and 15 points. Known more for being a goal scorer, Lockwood earned a promotion to an already lethal top line with Kieffer Bellows and Clayton Keller, and potted some key goals at the recent U18 Five Nations. Blessed with soft hands and a lightning-quick release, the 5’11 winger registered an assist while playing on the second line for Team Roenick in the All-American Prospects Game.

138. C Jake Kryski (Kamloops Blazers, WHL): The 13th overall pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft has done extremely well using his great speed and directional changes to stay involved in plays from start to finish. It’s not difficult to see on a given shift just how strong an offensive player he is. What has especially impressed us is his ability to use his quickness and anticipation skills to get the puck back on his stick seconds after losing it. There’s a lot to like about this Burnaby, BC native even if the stats don’t blow you away at first glance.

139. RHD Jacob Neveu (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL): A late cut from Canada’s U18 Hlinka squad may have stung this positional defender from an emotional standpoint, but it certainly didn’t impact the way he’s played for the Huskies. Neveu is an integral part of one of the CHL’s top defense corps, used mainly for shutdown assignments and penalty killing. However this season we’ve seen an uptick in the amount of ventures he takes in between the circles. The offensive upside is  minimal, as we see his points coming from safe, smart plays rather than via the ones he can create himself.

140. LHD Joe Masonius (Connecticut Huskies, HE): Swift-skating former NTDP defenseman who ditched a commitment to New Hampshire for the up-and-coming program in Storrs. Masonius has excellent mobility and likes to get creative from the back end, but his defensive-zone play and frequency of mistakes is what likely kept him from getting drafted a year ago. He’s an overager by only one year, but he’s clearly one of college hockey’s best draft-eligible defensemen.

141. G Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL): You know you’ve been gainfully employed when you’re sixth in your circuit in shots faced but only 12th in minutes played, which is exactly what Sawchenko’s had to deal with as Moose Jaw’s primary option in net. He’s faced 30 or more shots in each of his 18 starts, and is ninth in the WHL with a respectable .915 save percentage. Sawchenko has an impeccable work ethic and can be classified as an aggressive goalie who can handle the puck without giving away much in positioning. He’s represented his age group with Team Canada in at least one of every pre-draft international event since 2013, including with Team WHL at the recent Super Series.

*142. G Matt Ladd (Avon Old Farms, USHS): Our people on the ground in suburban Buffalo told us to pay attention to this mammoth puck stopper from Getzville, NY, who just joined Avon’s heralded program after some stellar play with the Buffalo Royals’ midget program. Ladd already has the kind of build goalie gurus love to work with (6’3 / 200 lbs), but his quickness (namely his glove) and ability to reset his angle properly after going side-to-side, is advanced for someone with his experience. He was going to stay local with Niagara University but opted to de-commit, so he’ll be an available commodity after his one-and-done stint with Avon is complete.

*143. RHD David Quenneville (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL): The latest edition from Western Canada’s modern-day version of the Sutters, Quenneville is a fierce competitor who can play a sound two-way game while making smart decisions. He was somewhat of a passenger in an international tournament like the Hlinka where his lack of size (5’8) wasn’t going to factor in to begin with. But he’s played well under the circumstances for an abysmal Medicine Hat, which doesn’t ice the kind of roster that could benefit from Quenneville’s shooting and passing prowess. He’s mired in a bit of slump since a red hot start, which is why we dropped him close to the sixth round.

144. C/RW Dante Salituro (Ottawa 67’s, OHL): We’ve been a fan of his dating back to last season, when he helped carry the 67’s after Travis Konecny missed time with injuries. How he went undrafted is puzzling, only in that teams rolled the dice on dozens of players who were smaller, less skilled and some even much older. From the production side of things, this season has been no different, as he leads Ottawa with 16 goals through 24 games and centered the second line for Team OHL in the recent Super Series against Russia. He’s got a late-1996 birthday and is skating has improved significantly, so it’s senseless for him to go undrafted again.

145. C/LW Mitch Mattson (Bloomington Thunder, USHL): Minnesota-trained two-way pivot who as a USHL rookie struggled with just about everything before he cut sling load and went back to high school in Grand Rapids. Blessed with size, strength and skill, Mattson has neither outperformed his peers nor matched them, and that says something when you’re talking about a draft class loaded with power forwards. He’s a North Dakota commit, was the ninth overall pick in the USHL draft,  and played for Team Roenick at the All-American Prospects Game, so he’s deserving to be in the conversation.

146. C/LW Mitchell Balmas (Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL): Power play specialist who has already doubled his goal scoring (11) from all of last season for an Islanders squad struggling to generate offense. He was the seventh overall pick in the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft, but he’s not the atypical game-breaking prospect you generally expect to see considering how much buzz his name generated. Balmas has an excellent shot with a quick release, and even though he seems like a bit of a floater, we think it’s because he doesn’t like to remain static. That doesn’t mean he’s quick — he most certainly isn’t. But we like the fact that he doesn’t fool around once the puck is on his stick and always looks up ice for openings.

147. RHD Callum Fryer (Massachusetts, HE): It’s good to know the brain trust at Central Scouting is on the same page as we are when it comes to this 6’3 double-overager, who was rated as a “C” prospect in the CSB’s most recent draft list. We view Fryer as a polished defender with top-4 upside because of the amount of effort he puts into coverage while possessing the skills to move the puck when necessary. And while the later stages of the fifth round may be the zenith of if and when his name gets called on Draft Day, it’ll probably have more to do with his age than what he can potentially do on the ice.

148. C/LW Max Zimmer (Chicago Steel, USHL): Explosive scorer with a lethal extra gear which can inside-out an opponent at the blink of an eye. A late-1997 prospect, Zimmer has been ringing bells for quite a while now, and he’s maintained his reputation as an elite offensive talent thanks to timely plays like his big goal against Avto in the Junior Club World Cup this past summer. There’s a lot to like about a mature kid like Zimmer; an athletic playmaker who has been dealing with diabetes head-on since he was young. He’ll head to Wisconsin in the fall.

149. LHD Yegor Zaitsev (Dynamo, VHL): A gifted puck-moving blueliner who has been curiously inactive on the international circuit after playing rather well at the 2014 World U17 Hockey Challenge, where Russia took home the gold. Zaitsev’s been dealing with some injury issues this season but he must be considered one of the draft’s more physical two-way defenders, which is telling since he’s listed at six feet tall. It’s our contention that Russia should groom this kid for greater levels of responsibility, and on bigger stages as well.

*150. LHD Keaton Middleton (Saginaw Spirit, OHL): Menacing stay-at-home defender likely to require both patience and instruction if an offensive aspect is desired. Talent evaluators must accept that Middleton rarely puts himself in a position to dictate the tempo of a game on his own terms. The only game-changing aspect we see on a consistent basis is physicality; something we will neither overlook or deny its importance regardless of whether positional blueliners are deemed trendy or not. He’s the perfect “need” pick for a team lacking a crease clearer.

*St. Louis owns Columbus’s 2016 fifth round pick from the Jordon Leopold trade.

*Toronto owns Anaheim’s 2016 fifth round pick from the infamous Korbinian Holzer trade.

*Chicago owns Florida’s 2016 fifth round pick from the Brandon Pirri trade.

*Montreal owns Vancouver’s 2016 fifth round pick from the Brandon Prust/Zach Kassian trade.

*Boston owns Minnesota’s 2016 fifth round pick from a 2015 Draft Day trade in which the Bruins sent their 2015 fifth round pick (135th overall – RW Kirill Kaprizov) to the Wild for this pick.

*Florida owns the New York Islanders’ 2016 fifth round pick from a 2015 Draft Day trade in which the Panthers sent their 2015 fifth round pick (147th overall – D Ryan Pilon) to the Islanders for this pick.

*Buffalo owns Montreal’s 2016 fifth round pick from the Brian Flynn trade.