2020 NHL mock draft: Detroit Red Wings add much-needed talent

Picks 1 Through 8

The Detroit Red Wings won the lottery and they were being run by Tony Ferrari. Tony is the associate editor and head of North American Scouting at Dobber Prospects.

“The pick is a no-brainer for whoever gets the first overall selection. Lafrenière will be able to step into the NHL next season and have an Auston Matthews-level impact immediately. Park him on a line with Larkin and Mantha and Detroit will have a legit top-line for their rebuild.”

Anaheim ultimately got some lottery luck, striking the second overall selection in our mock lottery. Anaheim was run by Samuel Tirpak, who is the head scout and writer for Oh My Hockey, as well as the Slovakia and the Czech Republic scout and writer for Dobber Prospects.

“Best center in the draft. Hands down has the highest upside in the draft and Anaheim gets their future superstar.”

The person running Ottawa was Manny Benevides, who is a contributor for Brotherly Puck, as well as co-hosting the Brotherly Pod podcast on BPW Radio.

“Stützle has an excellent vision with tremendous playmaking ability. He is going to fit right in as a premiere offensive talent on an Ottawa Senators team that can use someone with his vision and creativity.”

“Drysdale will join Chabot, Brannstrom and Bernard-Docker as the backbone of the Senators for years to come. The smooth-skating Drysdale is the best defenseman in the draft and the Sens cannot look past the skill set that he will deliver. Excellent puck-mover with great agility.”

The person running Los Angeles is Spencer White. Spencer is the managing editor and senior writer at Overtime Heroics’ hockey branch, as well as being a contributor at Puck Authority.

“Raymond enters the draft as one of the most skilled players. He brings skill and intensity to what’s already considered the best prospect pool in the league. As he progresses through the top Swedish league, he’ll likely be ready by the time the Kings are.”

Vinnie Parise did the picks for the New Jersey Devils. Vinne is a FanSided contributor at Pitchforked Puck as well as a contributor for FanSided’s DaWindyCity, where he talks about all things Chicago.

“Make that five Ottawa 67’s prospects in New Jersey’s system. He is a great young player who looks to join an up-and-coming young core.”

Buffalo was being run in this mock by Ted Brown. Ted’s a writer for Puck Authority, Last Word On Puck, and Philly is Flyer.

“One of the most offensively skilled forwards in this draft class. Holtz recorded 16 points in 35 SHL games, which is impressive for a young player in a tough league.”

Montreal was run by Jacob Lariviere. Jacob is a senior writer for Overtime Heroics’ hockey branch and is also a contributor for FanSided’s SenShot, which covers all things Senators.

“Montreal’s focus going into this draft is getting defensemen. Sanderson, I believe, was the best defenseman available at number 8. He has amazing potential, and just imagine a d-pair of Sanderson and Shayne Gostisbehere.”

Picks 9 To 16

Minnesota is being run in this draft by Lake Martin. Lake is the site expert at FanSided’s Gone Puck Wild, which covers all things Minnesota.

“Perfetti has a scoring touch that will develop in a few years. After passing on the undersized Caufield last season, they’ll take their chance with Perfetti now.”

“A young goal-scoring winger to try and compliment the pass-first centermen that they have drafted with first-overall picks [Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier].”

The Jets were run by Frederik Frandsen in this mock. Fred is a Wild contributor at Overtime Heroics.

“He is the perfect fit for the Jets down the middle, where he can become a key part of the top-six and give a huge boost down the middle.”

Chicago was run in this draft by Kevin Braeunle. Kevin is a contributor for FanSided’s Blackhawk Up, which covers all things Blackhawks.

“Askarov will be the heir apparent to Corey Crawford. Chicago has no top goalie in their system to replace the 34-year-old Crawford, but Askarov changes that.”

The person behind the Rangers selections is Rick Warman. Rick is a senior writer for Overtime Heroics and is also the draft prospects and Canucks prospects writer for FanSided’s The Canuck Way.

Rick selected, at 13th overall, Dawson Mercer. His reason behind that selection: “Mercer is one of the most underrated prospects available and has a very high hockey IQ. The versatile forward can play both center and wing and has outstanding playmaking abilities.”

“Zary is a center who has a good combination of size and skill. Will serve to complement Stutzle in the Sens future.”

Columbus was run by Frederik Frandsen as well.

“For me, the Jackets don’t have a lot of weaknesses and it made it somewhat easy to pick what I thought was the most skilled guy on the table. Holloway is the perfect fit within the top 6.”

The Coyotes were run by me.

“Jan Mysak is a fairly underrated prospect who I have ranked 12th in my overall draft rankings. Arizona has plenty of centers down the middle, and Mysak’s ability to be a lethal goal-scorer and take the role of a playmaker will fit in well with the centers that Arizona will deploy with him.”

Picks 17 To 24

Nashville was run by Chad Minton. Chad is the site expert for FanSided’s PredLines, which covers all things Predators.

“The Preds need to replenish their offensive scoring forwards. They’re pretty thin on wingers, and Jarvis has the chance to be one of the better pure offensive scorers in the class.”

“Depth on defense in the organization is a big need and Schneider hopes to be a big part of that one day soon.”

“Decided to double down on centers because the Wild have really lacked quality center prospects until Khovanov and Beckman, so elected to hedge a bet and take a second prospect at center and build depth there.”

The Edmonton Oilers were run by Jeremy Ridgwell. Jeremy covers the Maple Leafs for both Overtime Heroics and FP Coverage. “Guhle is a two-way defenseman with good skating, a hard shot and imposing size.”

Kevin Braeunle also ran Florida in this mock.

“I originally wanted a d-man here for Florida but the guys I was eyeing up already went and I did not want to reach for a few other guys. Looked at it as ‘best player available scenario.’ Amirov has the complete package, is skilled offensively, works hard, and has a great hockey IQ.”

“You know what you’ll get with him in all 3 zones. Skating is not an issue. Provides well for Florida’s forward depth. Kind of guy that takes you places when you need a bit more depth in your second or even third line when making a run.”

Frederik Frandsen also picked for the Stars in this mock. With the 22nd pick, he decided to take winger Noel Gunler out of Lulea in the SHL. Here’s his reason for the pick: “The Stars have a lot of depth when it comes to the backend, so getting a forward was a must. With Gunler left at 22 it was a perfect match.”

“LaPierre has elite vision and playmaking ability and is a top-15 talent. Injury and concussion concern definitely hurt his draft rankings.”

The Golden Knights were run by Ted Brown as well. “Excellent skater, accurate passer, good puck skills, and there is enough to work with defensively that can be improved over time. Lots of potential if it all comes together.”

Picks 25 to 31

Sam Tirpak also ran Carolina in this mock. “Jacob Perreault is, in my opinion, one of the most talented players in this draft. Super great shot and has mobility and offensive drive to be an absolutely great 2nd line right wing scoring option for Carolina. Plus, Carolina has seen a lot of him since he is teammates with Jamieson Rees, who they picked in a previous draft.”

James Lacovone ran the Flyers in this mock. James is a contributor for Puck Prose, as well as being featured on HW Radio and the Angry & Negative podcast.

“Zion Nybeck is a player with very high upside and would be an exceptional pick this late in the first round. He’s maybe flown under the radar a bit with more talented offensive players from Sweden potentially going earlier. Nybeck has everything, great work ethic, plays hard, grinds the wall, good in close, nice shot, shifty speed, fantastic penalty-killer, works defensively and sets up teammates.”

The Capitals were run by Gordon Munro in this mock. Gordon is an Oilers and NHL Draft writer for Overtime Heroics.

“Khusnutdinov is a high-ceiling center who will undoubtedly inject talent and excitement into Washington’s aging core.”

The Sharks were run by Alex Langlois in this mock. Alex is a regional scout for the Thorold Jr Blackhawks and Espanola Express, as well as working for the Kingston Frontenacs.

“Hirvonen is a two-way center that can slot up and down the lineup and will help with the Sharks prospect depth.”

Ted Brown also ran the Avalanche in this mock. “Superb physical tools with some decent offensive upside. Decision making needs some tweaking but nothing that isn’t fixable.”

I ran the Blues in this mock as well. “O’Rourke is a very well-rounded defenseman with leadership qualities. Pietrangelo may not return next season, so they address their defense for the future of the team. Could be the heir to Pietrangelo’s throne, so-to-speak.

“Selection of Barron for Anaheim at 31st overall was a no-brainer for me. I like Barron a lot. He is a physical two-way defenseman from a program that the Ducks have a history with and know. He had a rough season caused by blood clots and other issues. But ultimately, he is on the right path to becoming a stable top-4 defenseman for an organization that needs a young top-four defenseman.”

Picks 32 through 40

“Chromiak is an exceptional complementary player. Not only did he excel while playing with the high IQ, high skill Shane Wright, but he also boosted the scoring rate of the young phenom. Chromiak’s skating, offensive IQ, and creativity allow him to play with stars. He may not be the catalyst but he makes his linemates better in all facets of the game.”

“Was hoping Barron would fall a bit farther but knew Florida needed a defenseman. I thought Cormier could even go late round 1. He’s everything you want in a modern NHL d-man. Has the hockey IQ and skating ability needed to succeed in the NHL.”

“Great offensive talent but can also play a fairly nice two-way game. Played solid minutes as a 16-year-old in the QMJHL and continued to prove himself. He’s effective and loves joining the rush as well. Can get out of his own zone.”

“Peterka is a speedy forward that can add some much needed ‘umph’ to a Sharks line up that’s not getting any younger. It’s time for the Sharks to start adding to their prospect pool and Peterka is a good start.”

“With Lukas Reichel, the Los Angeles Kings add to what’s already lined up to be the best forward prospect pool in the league. It makes sense for the organization to load up during one of the deepest forward drafts to date.”

“Reichel brings a different dimension to the team though. Along with his offensive upside, he has good defensive skill also. He could slot in the Kings middle-six for years to come, and his development path makes it look like he’ll be NHL-ready once the Kings are.”

“I think the best way to build through the draft is to pick as many centers as possible and Tyson Foerster is the complete package. Great goal-scorer and also has super good playmaking abilities. I think Anaheim would like him as a pick in the early second round and he adds needed depth.”

Chad Minton back on the clock as the Predators here in round 2, and he decides to address the blueline, taking Topi Niemela, a right-handed defender from the Finnish Liiga. His reason for the pick: “Nice offensive game, decent size and has always played above his age group.” Niemela recorded 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points in 43 games at Finland’s highest level of hockey.

Ted is right back at it again with a Sabres selection, and though he was kicking tires for a trade back, elects to stay put. He selected center Brendan Brisson of the Chicago Steel in the USHL. His reason for this selection: “Brisson is a cerebral center, line driver, and he plays a sound game defensively with a quick, active stick.”

I finally got a chance to make a selection for a team I cover in this mock. As for my selection of Robins, I know what you’re probably thinking. I just released an article saying he was projected to go in the third round, why would I trade Killorn for an earlier pick when I could have waited? That’s because Robins isn’t considered a third-round prospect by very many people.

There was a very real chance he would not have been available at 57th, so I jumped at the opportunity to get him earlier. Robins brings a strong offensive arsenal and a reliable defensive game. He is very speedy and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the corners. As the roster is currently constructed, he can fill in as a future second line winger.

“With a D corps already stacked with Brent Burns, Erik Karlsson, and Marc-Eduard Vlasic, this will give time for Mukhamadullin to develop and become a top-4 defenseman for the Sharks in the future.”

Picks 41 Through 48

Gordon Munro also took care of the Calgary Flames. “He’s a highly-skilled defenseman, he’s a fast skater, and he put up great numbers to back that up, as he was almost a point-per-game in the top Swedish junior league. To further that point, he had better production than Tobias Bjornfot the previous year, and he was a first round pick.”

“I know point production isn’t everything but he has a higher ceiling and I think the pick made sense, like the Flames, considering they’ve taken both Oliver Kylington and Rasmus Andersson under Brad Treliving. So I don’t think they’d shy away from taking a higher ceiling player. Just look at some of the other picks they’ve made in recent years as examples as well.”

“Simontaival is a smallish winger who can grow into a very good offensive threat. He’s smart offensively. Carolina also really likes Finnish players and he is one of those who would be in the top 20 or top 25 if he was a bit taller. He has some holes in his game, but he is a nice high upside prospect.”

“With their depth at defense, I knew I needed to start stockpiling some forwards. There is a lot to like in Bordeleau’s game offensively, he’s got a great shot and can make tough passes thanks to his vision. He is also a quick and shifty skater that possesses a high hockey IQ.”

“Although he isn’t the biggest player he is tough to knock off the puck. I think he is a great player for the Blackhawks given his offensive upside and will help boost their forward depth.”

“Carolina said they wouldn’t go for defensemen in round 1, but to get a defenseman as good as Villeneuve is in the 2nd round is a very good move. Puck moving two-way defenseman who needs a bit of time but when he is on his game, he is really good. Carried defensive responsibilities for Jeremie Poirier on that pairing. It would be a smart pick for any team in the 40 to 50 range.”

“A bit on the smaller side, Greig plays a feisty game, is a good forechecker and has an awesome blend of skill and peskiness. He is an irritant to opponents but beloved by his teammates.”

Spencer Teixeira represented the Maple Leafs in this mock. Spencer is a contributor at FanSided’s Editor In Leaf and The Northside Ca.

“A truly complete package, Savoie is an exceptional offensive player with a mature and calculated game.”

“He’s another highly skilled player with great offensive abilities, great skating and a very high ceiling. Along the same lines as Andrae, Calgary has taken guys like Jakob Pelletier, Ilya Nikolayev, and Dillon Dube. So they’re not afraid to take these sort of boom-or-bust players.”

“I went for the best player available and took a massive project defenseman. Poirier has the tools to succeed in the NHL one day, but his defensive game is a massive question mark, which is not good for a defenseman. However, the Kings are in a position to take that chance and develop Poirier into an NHL player. Although he is on many ‘do-not-draft’ lists, Poirier is still a first-round talent.”

Picks 49 To 56

“Preds have some moderate defensive talent in their prospect pool, but Niemela looks like a pure defensive-minded defenseman who is an excellent skater who has continued to get better in every league he’s played in.”

Gordon ran the Islanders in this mock.

Here’s his explanation for the selection of Pytlik at 50: “He has good size, skill and skating ability. I’m not as familiar with his game as some others but I feel like he fell and I looked at your list and saw he was at 26th and figured I’d snag him at 50.”

“The Wings get one of the most raw skilled forwards in the draft. With a legitimate shot at being a top-20 talent from the draft class, Pashin brings a boatload of skill and energy. The Wings are swinging for the fences and they get a fastball down the middle.”

“For Kleven, I wanted another defenseman for a few reasons. D-depth at this round, Kleven at 52 was attractive, and Florida has more forwards stockpiled in their system then quality defenseman. Then after going with an offensive defenseman in Cormier I wanted someone who could play a more sound defensive game.”

“Kleven has great NHL size in which he skates fairly well given this large frame. He plays a nice physical brand as well which is something you love with a guy of that stature. He plays well in his own zone and is still rounding out his game and will continue to grow into his size. Potential shutdown defender. Could pair well with an offensive guy like Cormier in the future.”

“Neighbours is the type of player you can throw on any line and it will work. Plays a great 200-foot game. After going back-to-back defensemen, I knew I needed to go with a forward next. Neighbours plays with an edge and skates well. A menace on the fore-check. Nothing flashy or overwhelming about his game, but a reliable guy that can get under the skin of opponents.”

Fred on the clock for the Jets in round two after taking Anton Lundell in the first. With this pick, he takes Roby Jarventie for the Jets, another Finnish forward. Jarventie is a left winger for Ilves in Liiga. Fred’s reason behind the selection: “For me, he was the best player on the board. A strong offensive player with a lot of upside to his game.”

“Surprised he fell this far. Excellent shot and plays a good two-way game. Plays a fearless game and can play on both special teams units. Skates well and knows how to play on the other side of the puck. Has good vision too. I know I went with two centers here for the Hawks in the second round but center depth is always good. Plus, I also believe [the previous selection] Bordeleau could play some wing.”

“Sourdif is a player who could thrive in the NHL. He makes all the necessary plays at the right time, hard-working two-way player with great awareness offensively as well as defensively. Can play both wing and center, as well as throw a big hit or two. He’s the type of player missing from the Flyers current roster.”

Picks 57 To 62

Cotton isn’t the most talked about and he is in his second year of draft eligibility. However, he improved by leaps and bounds from last season to this season. He went from 11 points in 54 games to 67 points in 63 games. His defensive game is reliable but still needs work. His skating needs refinement, but he’s overall still a smooth skater.

However, he’s a good facilitator in the offensive zone and has power play upside. Plus, looking at the Lightning’s right side, they have Erik Cernak, Kevin Shattenkirk, Jan Rutta, Zach Bogosian, Luke Schenn and Cal Foote.

About half of those guys are likely gone sooner rather than later. That side clearly needs some improvement, and Cotton, though a bit of a reach, certainly fits that description. Not to mention, his big improvement over 1 season gives me a glimmer of hope that he could be a boom-or-bust player, and the Lightning have a good history with draft picks taken after round 1.

“Benning possesses a high-level offensive game which he flaunts consistently. Benning has a good drive thanks mostly to a shifty and smart transition game that allows him to quickly and creatively find the open man. That being said, there are usually some significant lows to a player with such influential highs, and Benning is no exception.”

“The tendencies that allow him to be such a great offensive player also take away from his ability to defend at a high level, which has a tendency to make players like Benning appear worse then they are, similar to Tyson Barrie and Jake Gardiner.”

“With Ozzy Wiesblatt, the LA Kings once again go to strengthen their forward group. Wiesblatt is a great player at creating offense and is good on defense as well. With him, they get someone who’s projected to be a middle-six forward, arguably a first-round talent, late in the second round. His development path makes it look like he could be NHL-ready as or even before the Kings are.”

Tony has taken three forwards in Alexis Lafreniere, Martin Chromiak and Alex Pashin to this point. He continues that trend by taking yet another forward in Juuso Maenpaa. His reasoning behind this pick: “The Red Wings continue to add skill to their prospect pool. They get the creative winger who has put up numbers everywhere he goes. Their prospect pool upfront has been lacking high-end skill and they remedy that within the first two rounds of the 2020 Draft”

“Theodore Niederbach is a center who will more than likely transition to the wing in the NHL. He has top-six upside and is something the Flyers currently lack in their prospect pool. Theo possesses outstanding passing skills and is extremely creative with the puck. I had him as a player that could’ve gone in round 1 so I was pretty happy to get him at 61.”

I got to select for the Boston Bruins.

With the core of Marchand, Bergeron and Krejci on their last legs, they certainly can use all the help they can get. They drafted John Beecher out of the USNTDP last season, so I dipped back into that pool once more. Also like Beecher, Smilanic is an excellent skater.

He is a hard-working forward, who possesses a scoring touch that could compliment David Pastrnak really well. He’s also extremely efficient in the defensive zone, which is key, as he could be one of the main guys to help replace Bergeron in the future. Overall, this seemed like a very Boston Bruins-esque selection, it just seemed right.