26 BECK E T T.COM
15 Ryan Suzuki, C,
Barrie (OHL)
Habs picked up his
brother, Nick, in Max Pacioretty
trade. Ryan is a better playmaker
with superior passing ability and
on-ice vision.
16 Spencer Knight, G,
USNTDP
Knight is worthy of
breaking the “no goalies in the first
round” rule. Boasts size (6-foot-3)
and technique along with undeni-
able athleticism. Could be
a superstar.
17 Raphael Lavoie, C,
Halifax (QMJHL)
The 6-foot-4,
200-pound forward is a proven
point producer. Had a terrific run
in the playoffs, scoring 20 goals
and 32 points in just 23 games.
18 Alex Newhook, C,
Victoria (BCHL)
The Stars need to rebuild
down the middle. Newhook is a
dynamic scorer (102 points in 53
games), and plays the game fast, just
the way coach Jim Montgomery likes.
19 Vasily Podkolzin, RW,
Vitaz Podolsk (Russia)
Before the season,
Podkolzin was viewed as a potential
top-three pick. Now, he’s the player
most likely to slide. Terrific physical
gifts, but plays a selfish game. A
likely boom or bust pick.
20 Moritz Seider, D,
Mannheim (Germany)
A 6-foot-4, 185-pound
blueliner who can do it all. Uses
his size to full effect in the cor-
ners and down low, and has the
skill to lead the breakout.
21 Connor McMichael, C,
London (OHL)
Led a good Knights
team in scoring. Crafty playmak-
er, responsible defensively.
22 Bobby Brink, RW,
Sioux City (USHL)
Reliable net-front
presence and a wicked, NHL-cali-
ber shot. Needs to work on
his skating. Reminds some of
Kevin LaBanc.
23 Phillip Tomasino,
C, Niagara (OHL)
Isles need to restock
at center and at this point,
Tomasino is arguably the BPA.
Creates chances off the rush and
drives the play at a high pace.
24 Nils Hoglander, LW,
Rogle (Sweden)
High-end skill makes
up for lack of size (5-foot-9, 185).
Played an enegetic and edgy
game as a rookie in the SHL.
Viktor Arvidsson 2.0?
25 Patrik Puistola, LW,
Taapara (Finland)
The Caps haven’t
taken a forward in the first round
since 2014. That streak will end
here. A dazzling puckhandler who
can break a defender’s ankles,
but needs to work on his skating.
Good middle-six option.
26 Thomas Harley, D,
Mississauga (OHL)
Flames have taken just
three D in last three drafts. This
big blueliner turned into a minute-
muncher for the Steelheads. Can
handle the physical play and move
the puck quickly.
27 Brett Leason, C,
Prince Albert (WHL)
Third time’s the charm
for Leason, who was passed over
twice in the draft. A big horse
who made a name for himself
with Team Canada at the World
Juniors. Could step into the lineup
right away.
28 Nicholas Robertson,
LW, Peterborough (OHL)
His numbers don’t
jump out at you, but scouts love
his potential. When he’s on the ice,
the offense is usually running and
gunning.
29 Samuel Poulin, LW,
Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
A big, smart, two-way
forward with decent offensive
upside. Potted eight goals in 10
playoff games.
30 Robert Mastrosimone,
LW, Chicago (USHL)
Scouts rave about his
compete level and ability to create
plays. Has an NHL-ready shot and
works hard to find open ice. Needs
to improve skating and defense,
but the foundation is in place.
31 Alex Vlasic, D,
USNTDP
The B’s need offense,
but since Zdeno Chara can’t play
forever (can he?), they’ll tab this
6-foot-6 behemoth. He’s a project,
but already skates well and makes
excellent decisions with the puck.
2019 NHL MOCK DRAFT