Happy Saturday, folks. We are almost a full year removed from 2019-20's opening puck drop, and the league has finally crowned its champion. Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Lightning on their much-deserved win. 

With the season officially over, we can now turn our attention to the ever-so anticipated, and much overdue NHL Entry Draft. This has blossomed into one of the more interesting drafts of all time, for a few reasons. Aside from the fact that this draft is nearly impossible to get a solid gauge on a concrete ranking, there could also be a significant amount of recency bias heading in, thanks to it being pushed back nearly four months. European and KHL seasons ran as scheduled. As such, players such as Anton Lundell, Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz (just to name a few) have been able to offer sample sizes as to how they have been developing. At this age, four months can be significant.

So, without further adieu, I have decided to (finally) take a stab at a Mock Draft. I have been following this draft class, especially those projected in the first two rounds, fairly closely, and have a decent gauge on where things could go. Before I get started, let me state that this draft left me with many tough decisions. I do not think I have seen the same mock draft twice, and mine will be no different. Here is basically how my tiers stacked up to others:

• Picks 1-3: The consensus picks – Choose your order.
• Picks 4-11: The meat of the draft – Generally the same contestants, but a different order every time.
• Picks 11-25: The great debate – Filled with a solid group of players who could fall or jump in any direction.
• Picks 25-31: The gambler’s zone – Some of these players may fall outside the first-round, some may sneak in. Place your bets.

Please find me on Twitter @hall1289 to let me know how I did, as I am sure mine does not reflect yours on the dot. Or even close to it.

1. New York Rangers – Alexis Lafreniere, LW, QMJHL

No large explanation here – Highly skilled. Highly versatile. Consensus number one pick.

2. Los Angeles Kings – Quinton Byfield, C, OHL

Large body with high offensive upside. Has everything in his toolkit to become the best player in this draft class. Rumors have floated that the Kings are interested in other players here, but for me, the pros far outweigh the cons to make this a simple pick.

3. Ottawa Senators – Tim Stutzle, LW, DEL

He has smooth hands, high offensive IQ, terrific skating abilities, and a competitive edge to his game. He is able to play both on the wing and up the middle, but his tremendous speed serves much better on the wing blowing past defenseman. Terrific upside with heavy fantasy implications.

4. Detroit Red Wings – Lucas Raymond, RW, SHL

While many believe they select a centerman, I cannot justify passing on a dynamic winger such as Raymond. His toolkit is extensive, sitting as one of the more complete players among the entire class. He plays well in all three zones and holds a high offensive ceiling. He is a winger that you can build a franchise around and feel good about doing so.

5. Ottawa Senators – Marco Rossi, C, OHL

I would not argue selecting a defender, or even a goaltender with this pick. However, Austrian sensation Marco Rossi is a potential game-breaker and one that allows you to solidify your future top line for years to come (along with Stutzle). He is a tremendous offensive threat, with elite-level hands and creativity with the puck. He is undersized (5-9) but uses his low center of gravity to his advantage. He has what it takes to become an elite player at the NHL level.

6. Anaheim Ducks – Jamie Drysdale, RD, OHL

The Ducks boast a strong pipeline in regards to their forward group, making a capable right-handed rearguard an easy decision at six. Although he has slightly dropped in rankings as the year has progressed, Drysdale continues to show top-pairing upside. He makes smart decisions with the puck and can dictate the play himself. He not only fills a large hole within the organization but also serves as the best available option at that position. Consider this a win.

7. New Jersey Devils – Alexander Holtz, RW, SuperElit

The Devils have boosted their depth up the middle over the past few years, and this time around, they add a prolific goal scorer on the wing. Holtz is the definition of a trigger man and carries a tremendous shot, both heavy and pin-point accurate. He has the potential to become a powerplay beast and should thrive in a position next to a creative talent such as Jack Hughes. He may not be as complete of a player as fellow Swede Lucas Raymond, but his offensive upside is something that can be held with high regard. Enjoy your potential 40-plus goals, New Jersey fans.

8. Buffalo Sabres – Cole Perfetti, C, OHL

Formerly referred to as "goal-Perfetti" for his terrific scoring ability, the Saginaw Spirit forward took strong steps in his overall offensive game last season. He took a much different path to his 111 OHL points by providing 74 helpers. Although he has been putting in the work to grow in this department, his skating is known to be somewhat lackluster, at least in terms of a top-ten prospect. However, he brings far too much intelligence and offensive upside to overlook. If, and when he is placed among the strong top-six in Buffalo, elite-level production is not out of the question.

9. Minnesota Wild – Anton Lundell, C, Liiga

Mature. Reliable. Underrated. This describes Lundell's game to a tee. He is a strong 200-foot player with sneaky offensive talents. At just 19-year-old, he has been named alternate captain of HIFK (Liiga), which just reiterates his mature composure. There is potential for him to become a great complement to the high-flying winger, Kirill Kaprizov on the club's top line down the road. This is a very safe, very "Minnesota" pick and fans should enjoy a certain familiarity as his game somewhat mimics that of former captain Mikko Koivu.

10.  Winnipeg Jets – Jake Sanderson, LD, USDP

Winnipeg has a list of lost defenders over the past couple of years. Not to worry, Jake Sanderson, son of former NHL forward Geoff, is here to save their top-four. Despite Drysdale edging him out by a hair on most rankings, the 6-foot-2, two-way rearguard is an excellent pick at 10. His skating is elite, and he compares to the best of them in regards to his defensive game. While his statistical numbers may not jump out at you, he has shown that he can quarterback a power play and set the tone offensively. All indications point towards him developing into a sturdy, top-pairing, minute crunching NHL defender. 

11. Nashville Predators – Yaroslav Askarov, G, VHL

Full disclosure – I was very tempted to have the Senators select him at five. I really was.

The young netminder is one of the most intriguing prospects. Not only does he sit as the lone goaltender ranked in the first round, but also falls into a variety of spots, all depending on who you ask. For me, his talents are undeniable, and I even could see him fall as early as five (as mentioned). The Predators had/have high hopes for Jussi Saros, however, with Askarov still a few years away from contesting for a spot, there is a perfect opportunity to have him develop overseas. At 18 years old, he just recorded the first shutout of his young four-game KHL career and shows all signs of being an elite talent. Add another young Russian to the mix of the league’s elite.

12. Florida Panthers – Dawson Mercer, RW, QMJHL

The Panthers have struggled to find full potential in a list of hopeful prospects as of late, and are in need of a safe middle-six player. For me, that player is Dawson Mercer. The native of Newfoundland is somewhat low-risk, as his versatile play should transition well into a solid pro-career. He is a consistent producer in both the goals and assists departments and plays a smart, silky, Swiss-army-knife style game. While I do not foresee him developing into a high-end producer, he should provide a nice piece of depth behind heavy hitters such as Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov. 

13. Carolina Hurricanes – Jack Quinn, RW, OHL

The Hurricanes could have benefitted from a prospect such as Askarov but will have to settle for the next best option. That option being Jack Quinn. Expecting him to replicate the 52-goal production he had in the OHL last year is a reach, but his goal-scoring ability is a clear strong suit. In all honesty, his true offensive upside is hard to pinpoint, as his jump from 32 to 89 points over two OHL seasons is a significant rise. With that being said, he is worth the "risk", and if he replicates that same production over the course of the 2020-21 campaign, it’s an obvious steal.

14. Edmonton Oilers – Seth Jarvis, RW, WHL

Portland Winterhawks Seth Jarvis is a personal favorite of mine and I do believe he is a solid pick anywhere from 10-15. He is a swift skating, tenacious forward, and a highly offensive threat in tight. He creates most of his chances off the rush, combining his foot speed with terrific hands and respectable shot. He may be a few years away from realizing his full NHL potential, but once he does, fits in perfectly with the high flying style that the Oilers enjoy.

15.  Toronto Maple Leafs – Braden Schneider, RD, WHL

With the Leafs high octane forward group, I feel that a right-handed, two-way rearguard is just what the doctor ordered. It may not be a flashy pick, but I do feel it is the right pick for the white and blue. While he can certainly chip-in on the scoresheet by joining the rush and utilizing his good shot from the backend, it’s his defensive game that truly separates him. He shows strong positioning, smart decision making and can lay his body out for some booming hits. 

16. Montreal Canadians – Jacob Perreault, RW, OHL

The Habs could add goal-scoring to their roster, and luckily, goal scoring is in his blood. In fact, 40-plus at the NHL level is by no means out of the question. His shot is heavy, and his deceptive skating ability makes him even more of a threat. He is a pure shooter, but questions surround his work ethic away from the puck. Nonetheless, his offensive upside is what will keep him at the top-end of the draft.

17. Chicago Blackhawks – Connor Zary, C, WHL 

He is a tenacious, hard-working pivot who enjoys getting himself into the tight areas to produce. He plays a strong 200-foot game while being consistent in all three zones and tops it off with a high level of offensive touch. Loves to compete. A very good pick midway through the first. 

18. New Jersey Devils – Rodion Amirov, LW, KHL

As if Adding Alexander Holtz wasn't enough, the Devils also snag a very strong prospect, worthy of boom-or-bust potential. Amirov is a certified two-way winger, with middle-six offensive potential. He has strong defensive zone coverage and should be a nice compliment to a growing offensive top-nine.  

19. Calgary Flames – Dylan Holloway, C, NCAA

Holloway had a respectable debut season with the University of Wisconsin, playing alongside former draft standouts Alex Turcotte and Cole Caufield. He is considered a powerful centerman, with a crisp shot. He is strong with the puck on his stick and can create offense in a variety of fashions. 

20. New Jersey Devils – Kaiden Guhle, WHL

Two forwards deep, it's time for the Devils to add a strong defender to their prospect pool. This pick is Kaiden Guhle – a versatile rearguard with great size. While he is by no means the most talented player on the backend in regards to offensive ability, he has a great toolkit, with his defensive game at the forefront of that. Overall, he holds the potential to become a consistent top-four down the road. 

21. Columbus Blue Jackets – Mavrick Bourque, C, QMJHL

The Blue Jackets are in need of explosive, high-end point-producers, which, of course, is not always on the menu this deep into the first-round. However, the Blue Jackets may have found a keeper at 21 and are proud to scoop up Mavrik Bourque. He has great hands and an even better shot, which he can release from anywhere. He adds a great element to a power-play unit, something that will be a much-welcomed attribute. This is an easy pick and a potential steal.

22. New York Rangers – Jan Mysak, RW, OHL

The Rangers are suddenly loaded with talent, which now includes their number one selection, Alexis Lafreniere. At 22, the Rangers select Jan Mysak, who joined the Hamilton Bulldogs midway through last season (from the Czech Republic), producing 25 points in 22 matches. He thinks at a high level, showcases soft hands, and has a great release. He plays the game with patience and when mixed in the right environment has the potential to grow into a consistent middle-six player.

23. Philadelphia Flyers – Noel Gunler, RW, SHL

Gunler provides another avenue for further offense to an already strong forward prospect group. His release is among the top in this class, and he has a nose for finding the right areas. While he is a terrific scorer, his two-way game and work ethic away from the puck is often criticized. If he can work on his publicly noted flaws, which maturity should help with, there is potential for this to be a very nice pick in the 23 spot.

24. Washington Capitals – John-Jason Peterka, LW, DEL

Peterka possesses high-end speed, which he can utilize both with and without the puck. Despite his 5-10 frame, he has a nose to drive the net and a strong work ethic. He is still a few years shy of finding his full potential but is a worthy gamble for any team willing to take that bet. I thoroughly enjoy his game as his engine rarely runs out.

25. Colorado Avalanche – Tyson Foerster, C, OHL

As if the Avalanche power-play needs any help, but that is just what they will get with the sharpshooter, Tyson Foerster. He is a heavy goal-scorer, poised to collect at any level that he plays. The Avalanche are not worried about his mediocre skating, as his strong character and smart game offensive game make him an easy selection here.

26. St. Louis Blues – Helge Grans, RD, SuperElit

Aside from last year’s Hobey Baker winner, Scott Perunovich, the Blues are somewhat lacking on the backend. Grans is a solid prospect and provides a strong offensive upside. He is a good skater and can handle the puck well. His projected time of arrival may be a little longer than others in this round, but the in has the luxury of being patient. Also, being a right-handed shot goes a long way.

27. Anaheim Ducks – Hendrix Lapierre, C, QMJHL

If you follow draft prospects closely, you know that this pick could be either one of the (if not the) steals of the draft. However, the risk vs reward is very real. When healthy, Lapierre holds elite skill sets, those of which could land him in the top-ten of this draft. Unfortunately, he has suffered a history of concussions, three in 10 months to be more specific. Yet, his vision is elite and can thread the needle as good as any. A sure gamble, but the Ducks hold solid depth of the middle to fall back on should things go sideways.

28. Ottawa Senators – Emil Andrae, LD, SHL

The Senators locked in two extremely strong candidates upfront early on, and should now rush for a presence on the backend. While there are still some very nice prospects available, I personally like HV71's Emil Andrae here. He is undersized but doesn't play like it. He is strong at both ends of the ice and is a fluid skater with smooth hands to boot. With Thomas Chabot locked in as their top-tiered rearguard, the 5-9 blueliner can transition into a future second-pairing defender with no pressure of overextending his potential. 

29. Vegas Golden Knights – Lukas Reichel, LW, DEL

That's right. I have all three top-tiered German players selected in the first round, and it feels so right. Reichel is a solid winger. Not necessarily elite in any area, but strong in many. He had a great rookie season in the DEL last season with 24 points in 42 matches and looked confident playing amongst men. It's a strong year for Germany, to say the least.

30. Dallas Stars – Brandan Brisson, C, USHL

He is heading into his freshman year with the University of Michigan, so he is a few years from seeing any pro action. However, once ready, he brings a high level of finishing capabilities. He is highly regarded for his two-way play, as well as his effectiveness on the man advantage. Has the potential to grow into a strong second-line pivot.

31. San Jose Sharks – Marat Khusnutdinov, C, MHL

The Sharks are in a  tough spot right now and could use help in almost all areas of their roster. At this point, they can go with the best option available, which as always, is up for debate. While they are decent up the middle already, Khusnutdinov is a very strong addition with terrific two-way capabilities. He is still likely a few years away in terms of development, but perhaps once he is ready, brings a versatile game.

Enjoy the draft!