7. San Jose Sharks–WILLIAM EKLUND, Djurgarden, SHL
Pick by Walt Gebelein of Broadstreetbuzz.com
William Eklund would instantly become the Sharks forward prospect with the highest ceiling. While it is an indictment on the desolate state of the Sharks talent pool, Eklund would jump to the top of the prospect pool for many NHL teams.
Eklund was considered a top four pick by the majority of scouting services, and it is thought that his small space creativity and playmaking are the best in the draft. Not overly big or lightning quick Eklund is able to use his skating and body positioning to keep puck possession on the cycle. This allows him to use his superior vision to find tight passes to team mates as they flash open. Put another way, he may be the best in the draft class at creating offensive chances from the cycle with the puck on his stick.
Without the puck there is a lot to like in the young Swede’s game. He is a tireless forechecker who will relentlessly dog the opposition if they cross him with the puck. He is active and engaged defensively and rarely makes mistakes that leave the team in a bad position. The Sharks will start to replenish their system with a high floor, complete player, that will project in the top six for most of his career.
8. Los Angeles Kings -BRANDT CLARKE, Barrie, OHL
Pick by J. Amaulli from krakenchronicle.com
The Los Angeles Kings selected defenseman Brandt Clarke eighth overall in the mock draft. Once regarded as the consensus top pick in this draft class, finding Clarke at the 8 spot feels like a gift. He dropped in some rankings after spending this past season in Slovakia, but put together strong enough campaigns in the OHL to warrant top-10 or even top-5 consideration.
He has produced solid offensive numbers while holding steady in his own end, and could be a major asset for a Kings team that is lacking in right-handed defense prospects. With the team going very forward-heavy in recent draft years, landing Clarke in this spot bodes well for their future on defense.
–Jay Amaulli
9. Vancouver Canucks —KENT JOHNSON Michigan, NCAA
Pick by Z. Lalani of thecanuckway.com
According to Elite Prospects, Johnson possesses high hockey IQ that is evident in his creativity, precision and agility on the ice. A high-octane, offensively-driven goalscorer and playmaker, Johnson is known for dazzling the crowd with highlight-reel plays and dekes that appear effortless. He is able to score goals at will with his quick, yet accurate wrist shot, and has all the tools to transform into a dangerous, point-producing top-six forward in the NHL. Given his intelligent puck-handling skills and natural ability to score, as well as his obsession and dedication to his craft, it seems that Johnson would be the perfect addition to Vancouver’s young core moving forward.
–Z. Lalani