The Anaheim Ducks have quite a few needs, but none of them is more pressing than their blueline. And when you look at the Ducks prospects, I don’t see any top-notch defensive prospects. That’s why I believe they’re going with Jamie Drysdale. He has a lot of upside on offense and though his defense could stand to be improved, I’m encouraged by his improvement during his draft year.
Marco Rossi is one of the most fascinating prospects in this draft. I’m not sure if he’ll stick at center, but wherever he plays, he has the potential to be a huge (pun intended because Rossi is 5’9″) impact player. Rossi is a very dangerous player whenever he’s on the ice and he knows how to use his lack of size to his advantage. The New Jersey Devils will happily take him.
This is my bold pick of the top 10. Most people have Anton Lundell just outside of the top 10. However, the Sabres need help at center and I think they value what he brings to the table. His defense is poetry in motion and he has every tool you want to see in a franchise center. There are some questions about his offensive upside, but I believe if the Sabres are smart with him, he might wind up being one of the top five players from this draft.
I cannot fathom a scenario in which Lundell falls past the Wild. The fit is too perfect and the Wild need centers. However, if Lundell is gone, I see the Wild going with Alexander Holtz, who has all the tools you want to see in a goal-scoring forward.
The Winnipeg Jets could use another defenseman in their prospect pool, but I think Jack Quinn will be impossible for the Jets to pass up on. He’s an outstanding goal scorer who has shown significant growth as a two-way forward. Quinn also does well when playing up-tempo.