2019 NHL Mock Draft: Do New Jersey Devils go with Kaapo Kakko?
player. 94. . Forward. Lethbridge (WHL). Dylan Cozens. 3
This is when the 2019 NHL Draft gets interesting. You can pencil in Hughes and Kakko as the top two picks. The third pick, however, is where there’s a significant dropoff in talent. You go from the “elite” tier to the secondary “not quite elite” tier. If a team really loves Bowen Byram, they could trade up to ensure they get the best defenseman in the draft.
As great as Byram is, he doesn’t fit on the Chicago Blackhawks. They’ve restocked their cupboard with some impressive defensive prospects in the past two drafts. What the Blackhawks really need is another top center. Cozens is the best bet.
His skill and skating are both top notch. Cozens was one of the most dominant forwards in the WHL during his draft year. His 1.24 points per game is the highest for all under 18 skaters in the WHL and ranked third among all eligible 2019 prospects from Canadian juniors.
On top of his skill, Cozens has size on his side (he’s 6-foot-2) and a frame that should fill out very nicely. He’s also a great 200-foot player who can dominate in all three zones. Cozens should be Chicago’s top center once Jonathan Toews is ready to relinquish that title. Until then, he’ll be a heck of a second line center. Cozens could be their next captain as well, as his leadership is off the charts.