Welcome back to The Journey, where we follow hockey prospects and their paths to the NHL, providing fantasy predictions and analysis along the way.

Before we recap a hectic first round of this year's draft, I want to thank everyone that reached out with kind words about my article last week; it was greatly appreciated!

This year's NHL Draft was filled with surprises, big trades, death stares, and the usual boos (sorry Bettman). After two years of virtual drafts, the Montreal crowd welcomed the league back with a phenomenal turnout.

Since it was such a rollercoaster of a day, I thought, why not try to recap and grade each first-round selection (inspired by former Journey writer Hadi Kalakeche). These grades will be a mix of the upside I see in the prospect, whether the pick was a reach, steal, or just about right, and how they fit overall in the organization.

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1. Montreal Canadiens – Juraj Slafkovský, LW, TPS, Liiga (B+)

To some, this was a surprise right off the bat; to others, they saw this coming. Montreal started off the draft with a bang by selecting the 6-4 Slovakian winger. It is definitely a risk passing on players like Wright, Cooley, and Nemec, but Slafkovský is their guy, and they stuck to that. Although able to create chances purely due to his size, there is more to his game. Slafkovský has an underrated pair of hands and uses that in combination with his size to drive the net, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He is a very raw player, but if Montreal can develop him properly, they have a top-six power forward winger for the long term.

2. New Jersey Devils – Simon Nemec, RD, HK Nitra, Slovakia (A)

I think no matter what, the Devils were going to come out of this draft as winners. They were either going to get a perfect winger to pair alongside Jack Hughes, another top-tier centerman to add behind their already elite crop, or get one of two elite right-handed defense prospects as they did with their selection. Nemec is by far my favourite defenseman in the draft, and I think his upside is through the roof. He is creative, has great awareness on the ice, very mobile, and can move the puck efficiently. Just for a bonus, Byron Bader's model has Victor Hedman as Nemec's top comparable in terms of production. Everything about this kid screams a future star, and I think the Devils did really well here. I kept them at an A over A+ because they didn't technically go best player available in my eyes, but I completely understand the rationale behind their pick.

3. Arizona Coyotes – Logan Cooley, C, U.S. National U18 Team, USDP (A-)

It seems that even with Wright falling, the Coyotes were always set on Cooley. He is a high-end offensive threat with some of the best skating speed in this draft class. He is shifty and dynamic with the puck while never breaking stride. He could still work on his east-to-west mobility but overall, he is an above-average skater. Cooley is by far one of the best passers in the draft. His ability to draw in defenders allows him to make sneaky passes, opening up opportunities for his teammates. Overall, the Yotes made a great pick, but with my top-rated player still on the board, I could not put them above an A-.

4. Seattle Kraken – Shane Wright, C, Kingston Frontenacs, (A+)

When the Kraken sat down at their draft table, they probably didn't expect they would be leaving the first round with Shane Wright. But to their and many others’ surprises, Wright fell from first down to the fourth overall pick. The Kingston Frontenacs captain has been compared to elite talents such as Patrice Bergeron, John Tavares, and Mika Zibanejad, but I think he's unique in his own right. He possesses an unorthodox but efficient shot while being an effective two-way centerman. Yes, he lacked some "explosiveness" this past season in the OHL, but he also missed a full year of development due to the pandemic. I think Seattle was fortunate to have Wright fall into their laps, but they also went best available player. Hence, they receive an A+. Also, getting to watch Matty Beniers and Wright be a 1-2 punch for the next decade together is going to be a ton of fun.

5. Philadelphia Flyers – Cutter Gauthier, C/LW, U.S. National U18 Team, USDP (B)

I think Gauthier is going to be a great player in the NHL, but when an elite talent like Jiricek is still on the board, I don't know how you can pass on him. Gauthier is excellent on both ends of the ice. He uses his 6-2 frame along the boards to win puck battles and begin transitioning up the ice. He loves to drive the puck to the net while possessing efficient puck protection skills. Gauthier will fit very nicely in Philly, and fans will love him. However, Jiricek would have been the better selection here.

6. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Chicago) – David Jiricek, RD, HC Plzeň, Czechia (A+)

The second-best defensemen on my board went sixth to Columbus, which I think is an excellent pick. Jiricek is a highly active defenseman who maneuvers the blueline like no one else. He is a fluid skater and moves efficiently in each and every way. As good as Jiricek is offensively, he is just as solid in his own end. He works well under pressure and remains calm in all situations. Columbus already possesses an excellent prospect pool, and this pick improved it even more.

7. Chicago Blackhawks (from Ottawa) – Kevin Korchinski, LD, Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL (B+)

Arguably the most prominent risk versus reward player on the board, Korchinski is an intriguing prospect. He possesses excellent passing and puck handling ability but lacks defensive awareness. His off-the-puck positioning is a massive flaw, and his below-average skating lets him down when trying to make up for his mistakes. I like the swing from Chicago to pick one of the best puck-moving blueliners in the draft, so I will still give it a B+, but with Pavel Mintyukov still on the board, this could turn sour down the line. 

8. Detroit Red Wings – Marco Kasper, C, Rögle BK, SHL (A)

When you look at what Steve Yzerman has done since becoming general manager of the Red Wings, Kasper seemed like an obvious choice. He is an incredibly physical two-way centerman who possesses a high level of competitiveness, playing every shift like it's the most important yet. Kasper is a top-level net front threat due to his tendency to drive the net and close-quarters scoring ability. He could still use some work on his shooting and overall puck abilities, but he fits perfectly in what Detroit is trying to build and should be a solid 2C down the line.

9. Buffalo Sabres – Matthew Savoie, C, Winnipeg Ice, WHL (A)

Buffalo definitely got more entertaining with this pick. Savoie oozes with skill. With his speed caused by such a heavy number of crossovers and his stickhandling ability, he is challenging to dispossess when he gets moving. He has a wicked wrist shot that is effective in motion and at a standstill. He lacks in overall hockey sense at times, but for a player with as much upside, as he holds, Buffalo made the best possible choice with Savoie.

10. Anaheim Ducks – Pavel Mintyukov, LD, Saginaw Spirit, OHL (A)

Mintyukov is a premier offensive defenseman. Producing just under a point per game for Saginaw this past season, he uses his elite passing and puck skills to cut open defenses from his own blueline. He uses the give-and-go style to his advantage and is effective in transition. Mintyukov is still rough around the edges in his own zone, but he is not a total liability. With top-four plus power play upside, this is a great pick for the Ducks in improving their blueline.

11. Arizona Coyotes (from San Jose) – Conor Geekie, C, Winnipeg Ice, WHL (C)

After trading up with San Jose, the Coyotes took the first reach of the draft in my eyes. Geekie is a highly effective two-way forward that can play in those late minutes while defending a lead or be a crucial penalty killer. His below-average skating lets him down and is what really limits his upside at the moment. I think he will be a solid middle-six playmaking centerman who is excellent defensively, but when you have other forwards on the board, such as Frank Nazar and Jonathan Lekkerimaki, there are better picks to make when trading up.

12. Columbus Blue Jackets – Denton Mateychuk, LD, Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL (A)

Just because they could, Columbus added Mateychuk to their already excellent pick in Jiricek. Two blue-chip prospects on the back end within ten picks. Mateychuk creates and facilitates the play better than any other blueliner in the draft. He moves the puck up the ice in more ways than one making him a weapon in transition. He has lapses at times with his defensive zone positioning but is still at an average level for his overall defensive skills. Columbus grades high with this pick due to his overall upside.

13. Chicago Blackhawks (from New York Islanders) – Frank Nazar III, C/RW, U.S. National U18 Team, USDP (A+)

I saw Nazar as high as #2 on some boards and as low as the mid-twenties on others. According to some, he has the highest upside in the draft class due to his offensive brilliance and constant motor. Is he smaller than others? Sure. But size tends to matter less every single year. Nazar will run your team's transition game and not look back. If he continues down the path he's on, he should have no issues becoming a top-line forward, whether that's on the wing or down the middle. Chicago made an excellent decision to trade up here.

14. Winnipeg Jets – Rutger McGroarty, C/RW, U.S. National U18 Team, USDP (B)

McGroarty is one of my favourite prospects in the draft, but this was a slight reach by the Jets. I projected him to be available in the mid-twenties, so to see him taken in the mid-teens was a surprise. McGroarty is a bull on the ice who is a great all-around player, but he lacks heavily in his skating. He should be a fine middle-six contributor at the NHL level as long as he can fix his below-average skating.

15. Vancouver Canucks – Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, Djurgårdens IF, SHL (A)

The Canucks seemed to be ecstatic when Lekkerimarki was still on the board at #15. The 5-11 Swedish winger is a goal-scoring threat. He possesses an NHL-ready shot but has exceptional puck skills to keep the opposition guessing. Although he lacks in the physicality category, he has immense upside and should not have any issues creating space for himself at the big-league level.

16. Buffalo Sabres (from Vegas) – Noah Östlund, C, Djurgårdens IF J20, J20 Nationell (A-)

Ostlund is a dynamic playmaking center that is excellent at solving problems that may arise during play. He has excellent all-around puck skills and passing ability, which makes him and his linemates stand out when he is on the ice. At 5-11 and only 165 lbs, he lacks in physicality, but he can improve that. His creativity is not something you can teach, and this pick makes Buffalo instantly deeper at the pivot.

17. Nashville Predators – Joakim Kemell, RW, JYP, Liiga (A+)

Although the Predators went into this draft looking to address their prospect pool on the blueline, they could not pass up a top ten talent like Kemell all the way at 17th overall. The Finnish winger has an elite shot and is great at sustaining pressure in the offensive zone. He will get involved in every play possible and make himself known to the opposition. With such a highly skilled player on the board, the Preds front office made the right choice on picking the best available player instead of focusing on positional needs. Therefore, they receive an A+.

18. Dallas Stars – Lian Bischel, LD, Leksands IF, SHL (B-)

Big man goes boom. At least, that is what I think Dallas was thinking with this pick. Bischel stands at a whopping 6-5 and 225 lbs. He arguably has the best frame in this entire draft. However, the upside is questionable. He does not stand out in one category, good or bad. He is an average skater who defends decently well and isn't a pylon in the offensive zone but he certainly does not drive play. I see him as a physical bottom pair defenseman, which is not great compared to some of the names still on the board at this point.

19. Minnesota Wild (from LA)  – Liam Öhgren, LW, Djurgårdens IF J20, J20 Nationell (A)

Minnesota is doing Minnesota things. Ohgren is a production machine, scoring 58 points in just 30 games this past season. He plays at a rapid pace in all facets of his offensive game and possesses an excellent shot. He can take every play in stride and never hesitates to create a scoring opportunity. Ohgren lacks a lot of awareness in his own zone and sometimes effort but projects to be a top-six goal-scoring winger.

20. Washington Capitals – Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW, Omskie Krylia, MHL (A)

Like Kasper to Detroit, this pick just made sense. Miroshnichenko was at one time a top-ten talent, but due to health issues, he fell on draft boards. Those issues have seemed to clear up, and the Capitals took advantage of him falling. He is an excellent puck handler and is also very sneaky. He preys on unexpecting opposition to find scoring space. There is some risk attached due to past health concerns, but as of right now, the Capitals are laughing all the way to the bank.

21. Pittsburgh Penguins – Owen Pickering, LD, Swift Current Broncos, WHL (A-)

Pickering is an elite defenseman on the puck. Whether that is on the breakout, through transition, or in the offensive zone, he finds ways to be active in the play and to support his teammates. His skating is average, but it doesn't hold him down from advancing the play. Pickering's defense is solid but nothing special. He does do well to read and anticipate plays, however. He has the qualities of a two-way top-four defenseman at the NHL level. Pittsburgh can give him a few years to develop, and it should not feel like they need to rush him to the pro level.

22. Anaheim Ducks (from Boston) – Nathan Gaucher, C, Québec Remparts, QMJHL (C+)

Gaucher is the definition of a safe pick. He is a heavy forechecker and a nifty playmaker. He is also reliable in his own end and uses his ability to steal pucks off opponents efficiently. The reason for the C+ is I don't see a player who can drive a line. At least not yet. I personally would have gone with Owen Beck from Mississauga, who is similar in being a "safe" pick but has a bit higher of a ceiling.

23. St. Louis – Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, U.S. National U18 Team, USDP (B+)

Snuggerud projects to be a big two-way winger, but he is also an underrated offensive driver. He has great playmaking and puck handling skills which make him a threat on zone entries. He is one of the best retrieval forwards in this class and is known for being a massive support in his own zone. Snuggerud may not turn out to be a top-six high-scoring winger, but at minimum, he should turn out to be an all-situations type middle-six forward.

24. Minnesota Wild – Danila Yurov, RW, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, KHL (A+)

Will Minnesota ever miss on a pick again? At this rate, I'm not sure. Judd Bracket and his scouting staff get another gem in Yurov, who slipped way further than he should have due to the Russian factor. Yurov is easily a top-ten talent. His mix of plus-level skating and tenaciousness in the offensive zone makes him a nuisance to play against. At 6-1, he has a solid physical frame too, and has already shown he isn't afraid to use it. Minnesota will hope to get Yurov over to North America sooner rather than later because if his development goes according to plan, the Wild got a steal here at #24.

25. Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto) – Sam Rinzel, RD, Chaska High, USHS-MN (B)

Rinzel is interesting to me. I don't know a ton about him, as he spent most of his season playing high school hockey, but some seem to think he has a game filled with upside. At 6-4, he is a physical beast on the blue line while having raw offensive abilities with his playmaking and puck handling. However, he was said to be awful defensively at times. His advanced analytics say he was near the bottom of the charts in terms of entry defense. Rinzel seems to be a long-term project for the Blackhawks, but he has the upside to be a gem this late in the first round.

26. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary) – Filip Mesar, RW/C, HK Poprad, Slovakia (A-)

After taking his fellow compatriot first overall, Montreal decided to dip back into the pool of Slovaks and select Filip Mesar. Mesar is a swift, quick, and smooth skater. He uses his crossovers as often as possible, and you notice it in his acceleration. Mix that in with his creative puck skills, and he projects as a top-six winger. At just 5-10, 174 lbs, he is a little undersized, but unlike some other smaller players, you really notice it. He can sometimes be overpowered much too quickly, especially on the net front. He is another risk-versus-reward type player, but I think there is less risk than others.

27. San Jose Sharks (from Carolina) – Filip Bystedt, C, Linköping HC J20, J20 Nationell (B)

Bystedt is a 6-4 power forward centerman who has puckhandling skills yet lacks in his skating speed. This pick was a bit of a reach by the Sharks but to trade back from 11th overall, gain assets, and get a guy they obviously covet was solid asset management. Bystedt is a long-term project for the organization but could one day be a brute force third-line centerman at the NHL level.

28. Buffalo Sabres (from Florida) – Jiri Kulich, C, HC Energie Karlovy Vary, Czechia (A)

Continuing their run of centermen, Buffalo takes one of the best all-around players available with their last first-round pick. Although a center now, Kulich will more than likely end up as a winger in the big leagues. He has a motor constantly going. His reliability in his own end makes him so effective when matched up against elite players. Kulich has elite situational awareness and hockey sense through the roof. He started to shoot the puck more near the end of his season, so that will be a trend to keep an eye on heading into next year. Buffalo had one of the best first rounds, and their farm system is littered with high upside forwards.

29. Arizona Coyotes (from Edmonton) – Maveric Lamoureux, RD, Drummondville Voltigeurs, QMJHL (C-)

Big man goes boom, part two. Once again, Arizona decided to trade up in the draft, and once again, they reached. Lamoureux is a 6-7 physical defenseman who is excellent defensively but lacks offensive flair. He is a reliable puck mover but not a play driver. Lamoureux can become a reliable NHL defenseman just off of his defensive abilities, but Arizona did not need to trade up for a player of his caliber.

30. Winnipeg Jets (from New York Rangers) – Brad Lambert, C/RW, Pelicans, Liiga (B+)

Oh, what a fall from grace for Brad Lambert. At one point in time, it was the Lambert and Wright show for the 2022 Draft. But consistency and production concerns led to Lambert continuously falling down draft boards. However, Lambert remains one of the most dynamic offensive threats in this group of prospects. He is a smooth skater with brilliant stick handling. The Jets swung on the upside with their second pick of the first round. I think the sooner they can get complete control of Lambert's development, the better chance he has at reigniting the flame that once was.

31. Tampa Bay Lightning – Isaac Howard, LW, U.S. National U18 Team, USDP (A-)

The Iceman. Howard is a player filled with swagger on and off the ice. He possesses an elite shot and is a brilliant skater. His release is rapid, and he meshes well with a playmaker down the middle. His red flags stem from his defensive game. Howard has a tendency to turn over the puck in bad spots, which lets him down in comparison to all the hard work he does in the offensive zone. There will be question marks about how his skill set will translate to the pro level until he actually proves it can. Perfect fit in the Tampa organization, however.

32. Edmonton Oilers (from Colorado) – Reid Schaefer, LW, Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL (D+)

I thought Edmonton was a lock to take sharpshooter Jagger Firkus but instead went with the power forward in Schaefer. They did well to trade back for their guy and get some assets out of it, but there were much better options on the board. Schaefer is average to below average in all categories. Even with his 6-3 frame, I have seen others use their physicality more efficiently. He has a solid shot, but even then, Edmonton could've done a lot better here.

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