Another NHL Draft has come and gone, and the Central Division didn’t disappoint. Some teams like the Chicago Blackhakws loaded up on high-end skill, while others dug deep for hidden gems.
Who did your Central Division team grab at the NHL Draft? From top prospects to diamonds in the rough, here’s a team-by-team look at all the big moves shaping the division’s future.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks draft class began with three first round picks, starting with Anton Frondell at No. 3. This centreman has got hands and speed, and he's going to be unstoppable, Vaclav Nestrasil (No. 25) this 6'6" winger has a ton of strong abilities offsensively and defensively, while Mason West (No. 29) another 6'6" forward with a strong shot,
Moving on, 66th overall pick Nathan Behm is a winger with a powerful shot and speed, similar to 98th overall pick and center Julius Sumpf. The Blackhawks then picked up some bigger bodies like 107th overall pick Parker Holmes, a 6'4" winger that uses his body to his advantage; Ashton Cumby at pick No. 162, a 6'5" defenseman who is physical; and Ilya Kanarsky at No. 194, a 6'3" goaltender with an impressive statline.
The Blackhawks had a good shot in the first round and did well picking up Frondell, but outside of that, they mainly gained size and didn't stray and try to add even more to their depth even with a ton of options available to them.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche draft class this year was a mixed bag of prospects, including guys like Francesco Dell'elce (No. 77), a defenseman who steps up offensively and isn't afraid to take a shot when he has a lane. Linus Funck (No. 118) is also a defenseman that can intercept. Nolan Roed (No. 214) a smaller center who can set up plays effectively.
The Avalanche didn't have a ton of picks this year, but they were intentional with the ones they had. Instead of opting for the same thing over again, they were able to pick up players with their own unique abilities.
Dallas Stars
The Stars drafted Cameron Schmidt (No. 94) a 5'8" winger who is fast with a good shot, Brandon Gorzynski (No. 126) a strong skater with physicality, Atte Joki (146) another physical forward with a good shot, Mans Goos (No. 158) a 6'5" goaltender who doesn't give the puck up, Dawson Sharkey (190) another physical forward, Charlie Paquette (No. 222) you guessed it -- he's a forward, and he's physical. The Stars solely went for physicality within forwards this year.
Nashville Predators
The Predators draft picks this year started off with fifth-overall selection Brady Martin. This forward isn't afraid to lay his opponents out while still being a smart player and skater. Later in the first round, Nashville drafted Cameron Reid 21st overall. This defender is good with his speed and skating. Several picks later, it was Ryker Lee (No. 26) a winger with hands and a ton of offensive ability, Jacob Rombach (35) this 6'6" defenseman makes room to get his offensive teammates set up,
Jack Ivankovic (No. 58) is a smaller goaltender but don't let his size underestimate him. Alex Huang (No. 122) a defenseman that's good on his feet and makes smart passes, Daniel Nieminen (No. 163) a defenseman that's a strong skater and physical. The Predators used their three first-round picks wisely and drafted players to add to their depth that will fit in well in Nashville targeting size, speed, and physicality in this draft class.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild's selections this year were Theodor Hallquisth (52) a defenseman who can easily read plays and pass the puck before opponents get an opportunity, Adam Benak (102) at only 5'8" he's got speed and hands to make up for what he lacks in size, Lirim Amidovski (121) a winger with fast pace and physicality, Carter Klippenstein (123) a physical forward that can set plays up, Justin Kipkie (141) a 6'4" defenseman that finds shooting lanes and takes the opportunities. The Wild went for players here that are fast, physical and capitalize on every chance they get.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues picked Justin Carbonneau (No. 19) a play-making winger with a large skill set, Mikhail Fyodorov (No. 147) who's got a wrist-shot he loves to use, and Love Harenstam (No. 179) a goalie is on the smaller side this year but he can move around in his crease with ease. Overall the Blues added a goalie to their depth and some shorter wingers that can shoot and set up plays.
Utah Mammoth
The Utah Mammoth's selections were Caleb Desnoyers at No. 4 overall, a highly-skilled center that makes setting up plays look easy, Desnoyers will fit in well with Utah's up-and-coming roster. Max Psenicka (No. 46) is a 6'5" defenseman that's physical and quick while able to help out offensively. Stepan Hoch (No. 78) is a taller winger can get plays started the moment the pucks turns over and get's things going.
Yegor Borikov (No. 110) will find lanes for himself and make way for his teammates to get lanes as well. Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko (No. 142) is a goaltender who loves a good glove save, while Ludvig Johnson (No. 174) is a defenseman that isn't afraid to help out offensively, Reko Alanko rounded out the draft at No. 182, and he is a 6'5" defenseman that isn't afraid to use his size to his advantage.
The Mammoth are definetely adding the right things to their depth with this years draft class, picking up size, a goalie and some playmakers.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets picked up Sacha Boudienne at 28th overall, a defenseman who makes himself open. Next up was Owen Martin (No. 92) a forward with a strong defensive mindset, followed by Viktor Klingsell (No. 156) a shorter playmaking winger. Edison Engle (No. 188) is a defenseman who can snag the puck right off opponents sticks, and finally, Jacob Cloutier (220) another short winger who likes to use the boards. The Jets didn't get a ton of size in this years draft but went for players who do their job and are defensive, even among forwards.