2020 NHL mock draft: Detroit Red Wings add much-needed talent
By Kyle Pereira
Picks 17 To 24
player. 151. . Forward. Nashville Predators. Seth Jarvis. 17
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.”
18. player. 85. . Defenseman. New Jersey Devils. Braden Schneider
“Depth on defense in the organization is a big need and Schneider hopes to be a big part of that one day soon.”
98. . Forward. Minnesota Wild. Mavrik Bourque. 19. player
“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.”
player. 148. . Defenseman. Edmonton Oilers. Kaiden Guhle. 20
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.”
. Forward. Florida Panthers. Rodion Amirov. 21. player. 97
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.”
119. . Forward. Dallas Stars. Noel Gunler. 22. player
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.”
New York Rangers. Hendrix LaPierre. 23. player. 95. . Forward
“LaPierre has elite vision and playmaking ability and is a top-15 talent. Injury and concussion concern definitely hurt his draft rankings.”
William Wallinder. 24. player. 942. . Defenseman. Vegas Golden Knights
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.”