2013 HabsWorld Mock Draft

Brian La Rose

11 years ago

The 2013 NHL Entry Draft will be held at the
Prudential Center in New Jersey this coming Sunday. As is our annual
tradition, here is HabsWorld’s official mock draft. After picking in the
top three last year, Marc Bergevin and Trevor Timmins will be waiting a while
for their turn as the Canadiens aren’t slated to pick until 25th. In our
mock, we project the entire first round plus the first six Montreal picks.

Joining me to pick the draft this past Sunday
(the 23rd) were HW Editor Norm Szcyrek plus writers Jason Brisebois and Jonathan Rebelo.
Picks were made on a consensus (voting) basis. Our thoughts on each
selection are included (from Norm and I) as well as rankings from several sites/publications.
They are: Central Scouting Bureau (CSB), International Scouting
Services (ISS), The Hockey News (THN), and The Sports Network (TSN).

Biographical information (height, weight,
position) is from NHL Central Scouting.

With the 1st overall pick,
Colorado selects:

Nathan MacKinnon, C, Halifax (QMJHL),
6’0", 182 lbs

44
GP, 32 goals, 43 assists, 75 points, 45 PIMS, +40

Patrick Roy has seen him a lot in the QMJHL the last two years. He has speed to burn and offensive skills galore while his two-way skills are improving. He could be the next Claude Giroux, or better.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Mitchell Heard, C (41st overall) 2011: Gabriel Landeskog, LW (2nd overall)

Rankings
Summary: CSB: 2
NAS ISS: 1 THN: 3 TSN: 1

With the 2nd overall pick,
Florida selects:

Seth Jones, D, Portland (WHL),
6’4", 205 lbs
61
GP, 14 goals, 42 assists, 56 points, 33 PIMS, +46

Jones is a big, mobile defender who is great at both ends of the ice. The Panthers could pair him with Dmitry Kulikov right away, and he should become their #1 defenceman before too long.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Michael Matheson, D (23rd overall) 2011: Jonathan Huberdeau, C (3rd overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
1 NAS     ISS: 2     THN: 1     TSN:
2

With the 3rd overall pick,
Tampa Bay selects:

Jonathan Drouin, LW, Halifax (QMJHL),
5’10", 186 lbs
49 GP,
41 goals, 64 assists, 105 points, 32 PIMS, +48

A dynamic offensive winger with high energy and underrated defensive skills. His stock rose the highest this year. He could slot onto the wing and be dangerous right away with Stamkos and St. Louis.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Slater Koekkoek, D (10th overall) 2011: Vladislav Namestnikov, C (27th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
3 NAS     ISS: 3     THN: 2     TSN:
3

With the 4th overall pick,
Nashville selects:

Alexsander Barkov, C, Tappara
(SM-liiga),
6’2", 205 lbs
53 GP,
21 goals, 27 assists, 48 points, 8 PIMS, +18

Nashville is less likely to go with the Russian forward here and Barkov fits a team need as a big offensive centre who plays a strong two-way game. He will easily fit into the Predators’ style of play.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Pontus Aberg, LW (37th overall) 2011: Magnus Hellberg, G (38th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB: 1
EUR     ISS: 5     THN: 6     TSN:
4

With the 5th overall pick,
Carolina selects:

Valeri Nichushkin, RW,
Chelyabinsk (KHL),
6’3", 196 lbs

18
GP, 4 goals, 2 assists, 6 points, 0 PIMS, +6

Nichushkin has amazing hands and skates, similar to Alexei Kovalev. He’s more of a one-way, offence-only player with great speed that could be paired with fellow countryman Alexander Semin right away.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Philip Di Guiseppe, LW (39th overall) 2011: Ryan Murphy, D (12th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
2 EUR     ISS: 4     THN: 5     TSN:
6

With the 6th overall pick,
Calgary selects:

Sean Monahan, C, Ottawa (OHL),
6’2", 187 lbs
58
GP, 31 goals, 47 assists, 78 points, 24 PIMS, -18

Calgary loves tough two-way players and Monahan plays the game that way. He has good size, and leadership abilities with decent playmaking skills. He isn’t elite anywhere but is solid in all facets.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Mark Jankowski, C (21st overall) 2011: Sven Baertschi, LW (13th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
5 NAS     ISS: 9     THN: 7     TSN:
7

With the 7th overall pick,
Edmonton selects:

Darnell Nurse, D, Sault Ste.
Marie (OHL),
6’4", 185 lbs

68
GP, 12 goals, 29 assists, 41 points, 116 PIMS, +15

Edmonton has a definite need for a defenceman, and Nurse could become a perfect fit as a potential #1/2 for them. He has great size, toughness, and excellent mobility and should be NHL ready quickly.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Nail Yakupov, RW (1st overall) 2011: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C (1st overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
4 NAS     ISS: 6     THN: 8     TSN:
9

With the 8th overall pick,
Buffalo selects:

Nikita Zadorov, D, London (OHL),
6’4", 200 lbs

63
GP, 6 goals, 19 assists, 25 points, 54 PIMS, +33

Buffalo would be looking to build their own twin towers on the back end by picking Zadorov to pair up with Tyler Myers. That would create a tough pairing that a lot of opponents would fear.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Mikhail Grigorenko, C (12th overall) 2011: Joel Armia, RW (16th overall)

Rankings
Summary: CSB:
22 NAS ISS: 8 THN: 14 TSN: 11

With the 9th overall pick, New
Jersey selects:

Elias Lindholm, C, Brynas (SHL),
6’0", 181 lbs

48 GP,
11 goals, 19 assists, 30 points, 2 PIMS, +1

New Jersey loves forwards that play well at both ends, and Lindholm is a smart player who fits that to a tee. He’s versatile enough to play either centre or right wing, and could adapt quickly to the NHL.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Stefan Matteau, C (29th overall) 2011: Adam Larsson, D (4th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
3 EUR     ISS: 7     THN: 4     TSN:
4

With the 10th overall pick,
Dallas selects:

Bo Horvat, C, London (OHL),
6’0", 206 lbs
67
GP, 33 goals, 28 assists, 61 points, 29 PIMS, +3

Dallas would love a clutch forward who elevated his play in the playoffs and the Memorial Cup. Horvat is a safe pick at this spot, good on both offence and defence, and a potential future captain for the Stars.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Radek Faksa, C (13th overall) 2011: Jamie Oleksiak, D (14th overall)

Rankings
Summary: CSB:
15 NAS ISS: 10 THN: 16 TSN: 13

With the 11th overall pick,
Philadelphia selects:

Rasmus Ristolainen, D, TPS (SM-liiga),
6’3", 201 lbs

52 GP,
3 goals, 12 assists, 15 points, 20 PIMS

Philadelphia needs a well rounded leader on defence, despite the recent signing of Mark Streit. Ristolainen has good size and can plays well at both ends of the rink with no glaring holes in his game.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Scott Laughton, C (20th overall) 2011: Sean Couturier, C (8th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
4 EUR     ISS: 11     THN: 22     TSN:
8

With the 12th overall pick,
Phoenix selects:

Max Domi, C, London (OHL),
5’9", 185 lbs
64 GP,
39 goals, 48 assists, 87 points, 71 PIMS, +33

Phoenix could use an offensive playmaker like Domi, with a high hockey IQ. Despite his slight height, he’s very tough to knock off his skates, and has a high compete level. He should be a top-2 centre.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Henrik Samuelsson, RW (27th overall) 2011: Connor Murphy, D (20th overall)

Rankings
Summary: CSB:
19 NAS ISS: 25 THN: 15 TSN: 10

With the 13th overall pick,
Winnipeg selects:

Hunter Shinkaruk, RW, Medicine
Hat (WHL),
5’10", 181 lbs

64 GP,
37 goals, 49 assists, 86 points, 44 PIMS, -13

The Jets could use an offensive speedy winger like Shinkaruk, and the mighty mite can deliver it with a nice scoring touch. He sees the ice very well, and with his smarts he’s also capable defensively.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Jacob Trouba, D (9th overall) 2011: Mark Scheifele, C (7th overall)

Rankings
Summary: CSB:
6 NAS ISS: 13 THN: 23 TSN: 14

With the 14th overall pick,
Columbus selects:

Alexander Wennberg, C,
Djurgarden (Allsvenskan),
6’1", 174 lbs
46
GP, 14 goals, 18 assists, 32 points, 14 PIMS, +10

With Wennberg, Columbus would add a silky smooth offensively skilled player that can also contribute defensively. As a junior aged player in Sweden he played in the men’s league this year and fared well.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Ryan Murray, D (2nd overall) 2011: Boone Jenner, C (37th overall)

Rankings
Summary: CSB: 5
EUR ISS: 15 THN: 11 TSN: 12

With the 15th overall pick,
New York (I) selects:

Valentin Zykov, LW,
Baie-Comeau (QMJHL),
5’10", 189 lbs

67
GP, 40 goals, 35 assists, 75 points, 60 PIMS, +29

Zykov was a QMJHL rookie and managed 40 goals in his first season. He’s impressive 1-on-1 with good size, acceleration, and isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas but the Isles are gambling on a gambler here.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Griffin Reinhart, D (4th overall) 2011: Ryan Strome, C (5th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB: 7
NAS     ISS: 19     THN: 31     TSN:
25

With the 16th overall pick,
Buffalo selects:

Ryan Pulock, D, Brandon (WHL),
6’0", 211 lbs
61
GP, 14 goals, 31 assists, 45 points, 22 PIMS, -7

Buffalo is going for another d-man in Pulock with their second pick, but Pulock is more of a thinker than a banger. He already has a 100 mph slap shot, so he could be a boon for their low-rated powerplay.
How Acquired: From Minnesota with a 2014 2nd, Matt Hackett, and Johan Larsson for Jason Pominville and a 2014 4th.

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
12 NAS     ISS: 14     THN: 10     TSN:
23

With the 17th overall pick,
Ottawa selects:

Andre Burakowsky, LW, Malmo (Allsvenskan),
6’1", 176 lbs
43
GP, 4 goals, 7 assists, 11 points, 8 PIMS, -2

Ottawa has leaned towards Swedish players in recent drafts, and Burakowsky won’t disappoint them. He’s a very creative winger, with good puck handling ability and shooting skills who already plays in a pro level.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Cody Ceci, D (15th overall) 2011: Mika Zibanejad, C (6th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
6 EUR     ISS: 16     THN: 17     TSN:
24

With the 18th overall pick,
Detroit selects:

Anthony Mantha, LW, Val d’Or (QMJHL),
6’4", 190 lbs

67
GP, 50 goals, 39 assists, 89 points, 71 PIMS, +21

Detroit has gone for skilled wingers recently and there aren’t many people in this draft with as much skill as Mantha. He has several question marks but the Wings are a good fit to help him work through those.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Martin Frk, RW (49th overall) 2011: Tomas Jurco, RW (35th overall)

Rankings
Summary: CSB:
10 NAS ISS: 24 THN: 24 TSN: 15

With the 19th overall pick,
Columbus selects:

Curtis Lazar, RW/C, Edmonton (WHL),
6’0", 190 lbs
72
GP, 38 goals, 23 assists, 61 points, 47 PIMS, +25

Lazar doesn’t have the top-end skill that Wennberg, their previous pick has, but he is a safe bet to make the NHL as a second or third line forward with a quality two-way game and positional flexibility.
How Acquired: From New York (R) with Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, and Tim Erixon for Rick Nash.

Rankings
Summary: CSB:
20
NAS ISS: 12 THN: 9 TSN: 18

With the 20th overall pick,
San Jose selects:

Josh Morrissey, D, Prince
Albert (WHL),
6’0", 186 lbs

70
GP, 15 goals, 32 assists, 47 points, 91 PIMS, +14

There is a glaring hole in San Jose’s system when it comes to defencemen, especially offensive ones. Morrissey’s all-around game is coming along and he could be in line to replace the aging Dan Boyle.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Tomas Hertl, C (17th overall) 2011: Matthew Nieto, LW (47th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
27
NAS     ISS: 21     THN: 19     TSN:
28

With the 21st overall pick,
Toronto selects:

Kerby Rychel, LW, Windsor (OHL),
6’1", 205 lbs

68
GP, 40 goals, 47 assists, 87 points, 94 PIMS, -21

A reliable scorer who can play with an edge is always a nice player to add. One of the concerns scouts have about him is an inconsistent physical game, that’s an area that Toronto would surely correct.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Morgan Rielly, D (5th overall) 2011: Tyler Biggs, RW (22nd overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB: 17
NAS     ISS: 20     THN: 21     TSN:
21

With the 22nd overall pick,
Calgary selects:

Mirco Mueller, D, Everett (WHL),
6’3", 176 lbs

63
GP, 6 goals, 25 assists, 31 points, 57 PIMS, -10

Defence is an area of weakness in Calgary’s system. There aren’t many two-way blueliners left on the board at this point but Mueller is one of them. If he learn to be more physical, he’d be a steal at this spot.
How Acquired: From St. Louis with Mark Cundari and Reto Berra in exchange for Jay Bouwmeester.

Rankings
Summary: CSB:
9 NAS ISS: 35 THN: 18 TSN: 16

With the 23rd overall pick,
Washington selects:

Samuel Morin, D, Rimouski (QMJHL),
6’6", 202 lbs
46
GP, 4 goals, 12 assists, 16 points, 117 PIMS, +10

Washington GM George McPhee has an affinity for drafting tall defencemen. Morin is the tallest there is in this draft and would provide their blueline with some grit and quality stay-at-home play.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Filip Forsberg, C (11th overall) (Traded) 2011: Steffen Soberg, G (117th overall) (Released)

Rankings
Summary: CSB:
23
NAS ISS: 32 THN: 20 TSN: 17

With the 24th overall pick,
Vancouver selects:

Frederik Gauthier, LW/RW/C,
Rimouski (QMJHL),
6’3", 193 lbs

62
GP, 22 goals, 38 assists, 60 points, 26 PIMS, +22

Gauthier lacks the offensive ability to be a top scorer in the NHL and likely would be at his best in a third line role. He’d be a premium player in that spot and would give Vancouver some needed size up front.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Brendan Gaunce, C (26th overall) 2011: Nicklas Jensen, RW (29th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB: 8
NAS     ISS: 18     THN: 30     TSN:
22

With the 25th overall pick,
Montreal selects:

Adam Erne, LW, Quebec (QMJHL),
6’0", 210 lbs

68
GP, 28 goals, 44 assists, 72 points, 67 PIMS, +11

Erne isn’t much of a stylistic player but rather one who just gets it done. He’s a good skater with a terrific shot; if he can become more consistent, he should become a reliable second liner for the Habs.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Alex Galchenyuk, C (3rd overall) 2011: Nathan Beaulieu, D (17th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
26
NAS     ISS: 37     THN: 13     TSN:
20

With the 26th overall pick,
Anaheim selects:

Madison Bowey, D, Kelowna (WHL),
6’1", 195 lbs

69
GP, 12 goals, 18 assists, 30 points, 75 PIMS, +41

The Ducks continue to build from the blueline out with this pick. Bowey is a strong skater who will be able to make a good first outlet pass. He should bulk up over time which should help him be more physical.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Hampus Lindholm, D (6th overall) 2011: Rickard Rakell, RW (30th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
32
NAS     ISS: 22     THN: 44     TSN:
36

With the 27th overall pick,
Columbus selects:

Robert Hagg, D, Modo Jr. (SuperElit),
6’2", 193 lbs
28
GP, 11 goals, 13 assists, 24 points, 24 PIMS, +8

Although Columbus has a decent group of young defencemen in the system, they could still use some help. Hagg is a steady player in his own end and could play a few different roles on an NHL blueline.
How Acquired: From Los Angeles with Jack Johnson in exchange for Jeff Carter.

Rankings
Summary:    CSB: 8
EUR     ISS: 31     THN: 12     TSN:
27

With the 28th overall pick,
Calgary selects:

Zach Fucale, G, Halifax (QMJHL),
6’1", 181 lbs
45-5-3 record, 2.35
GAA, .909 SV%, 2 SO

With Miikka Kiprusoff likely set to retire and no clear future NHL starter in the system, this is a match made in heaven for the Flames. Fucale has all of the tools to be a quality NHL #1 netminder.
How Acquired: From Pittsburgh with Ben Hanowski and Kenneth Agostino in exchange for Jarome Iginla.

Rankings
Summary: CSB:
1 NAG ISS: 1 G THN: 25 TSN: 19

With the 29th overall pick,
Dallas selects:

Ryan Hartman, RW, Plymouth (OHL),
5’11", 185 lbs
56
GP, 23 goals, 37 assists, 60 points, 120 PIMS, +29

A heart-and-soul player is something every team can use. Hartman probably isn’t going to be more than a third liner in the NHL but he can be a very effective one while playing a physical, pest-like game.
How Acquired: From Boston with Lane MacDermid and Cody Payne in exchange for Jaromir Jagr.

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
16 NAS     ISS: 41     THN: 28     TSN:
26

With the 30th overall pick,
Chicago selects:

Ian McCoshen, D, Waterloo (USHL),
6’2", 207 lbs
53
GP, 11 goals, 33 assists, 44 points, 48 PIMS, +35

After playing in some particularly physical playoff series, adding a physical defenceman could very well be atop Stan Bowman’s list. McCoshen can play a rugged style at times and is defensively reliable.
Recent Top Picks: 2012: Teuvo Teravainen, LW (18th overall) 2011: Mark McNeill, C (18th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
24
NAS     ISS: 28     THN: 26     TSN:
39

The Habs, who usually don’t have much to work
with in the second and third rounds, presently have five selections between
picks 34 and 86 (three second rounders, two third rounders). Here are our
picks on who we think the team may want with those.

With the 34th overall pick,
Montreal selects:

Laurent Dauphin, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL),
6’0", 165 lbs
62
GP, 25 goals, 32 assists, 57 points, 50 PIMS, E

Dauphin has the offensive skills to be a second line centre but will need to bulk up and improve his defensive skills. Montreal has seen him a lot since his teammate is Charles Hudon (5th round, 2012).
How Acquired: From Nashville with a 2013 5th rounder (dealt for Davis Drewiske) in exchange for Andrei Kostitsyn.

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
28
NAS     ISS: 44     THN: 66     TSN:
38

With the 36th overall pick,
Montreal selects:

Jacob De La Rose, C, Leksand (Allsvenskan),
6’2", 176 lbs

38
GP, 6 goals, 6 assists, 12 points, 31 PIMS, +8

After going with a riskier pick at #34, De La Rose is a safer choice here. His offensive upside is limited but he is a tireless worker and defensively reliable. He has the makings of a high quality third liner.
How Acquired: From Calgary with Rene Bourque & Patrick Holland for Mike Cammalleri, Karri Ramo, & a 2012 5th rounder.

Rankings
Summary:    CSB: 7
EUR     ISS: 3     THN: 29     TSN:
29

With the 55th overall pick,
Montreal selects:

Brett Pesce, D, New Hampshire (NCAA),
6’3", 170 lbs
36
GP, 1 goal, 4 assists, 5 points, 6 PIMS, +6

Pesce took a regular shift as an 18 year old in a strong college program and has good mobility for his size. He needs to bulk up to become a better hitter but his raw talent is certainly intriguing at this stage.
Recent Second Round Picks: 2012: Sebastian Collberg, RW (33rd overall) 2012: Dalton Thrower, D (51st overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
40
NAS     ISS: 90     THN: 52     TSN:
64

With the 71st overall pick,
Montreal selects:

Ryan Kujawinski, C, Kingston (OHL),
6’2", 204 lbs

66
GP, 17 goals, 31 assists, 48 points, 40 PIMS, -12

One of the biggest fallers down the board this year, Kujawinski has the skills and the size to be a top two centre. His consistency and work ethic have been questioned but he has the potential to be a steal.
How Acquired: With RW Michael Ryder from Dallas in exchange for RW/LW Erik Cole.

Rankings
Summary:    CSB:
63
NAS     ISS: 65     THN: 69     TSN:
HM

With the 86th overall pick,
Montreal selects:

Remi Elie, LW, London (OHL),
6’0", 203 lbs

65
GP, 7 goals, 10 assists, 17 points, 34 PIMS, +7

Elie is one of the more ‘projectable’ players in the draft as he was buried on the fourth line this year on a deep London squad. He’s a relentless worker and should get a chance to showcase his skills in 2013-14.
Recent Third Round Picks: 2012: Tim Bozon, LW (64th overall) 2009: Joonas Nattinen, C (65th overall)

Rankings
Summary:    CSB: 71
NAS     ISS: 108     THN: 78     TSN:
66

Share this: