The NHL Entry Draft is right around the corner. Unlike the hype of "Taylor vs. Tyler" from last year, there is no clear cut #1 draft pick amongst the group. While there is still plenty of talent in this year's draft, the number one pick could be any of the few top rated picks. The NHL's central scouting has both North American and European skaters ranked seperately, and TSN has them listed together. It looks like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Adam Larsson have staked their claims as the number one ranked skaters in North America and Europe respectively. Will either one of these players be taken first overall, or will it be someone like Landeskog or Huberdeau? We'll find out on Friday. With that in mind, let's take a look at the teams in the top 5 and what they need to address right now.
1: Edmonton Oilers
Their second year in a row leading the dance, and while they have plenty of young fowards now, they still lack a legitimate top line center as well as a top shutdown defensemen. Obviously they can have their pick of the litter. What Edmonton really needs to decide is who can have the most immediate impact on the team. While a player like a Nugent Hopkins or a Huberdeau have number one center potential, my main concern with them right now is their size. RNH comes in at 6'0" and 164 pounds and Huberdeau is 6'1" 170 pounds. With a team like Edmonton, who lacks depth down the middle, these players won't have time to develop and mature physically. Instead they would be thrown to the wolves early on and take a beating. Certainly having them play another year of juniors or down in the AHL is a possibility, but the Oilers need help now. They could always go with Mika Zibanejad, the 6'1" 192lbs center from Sweden or Shane Couturier (6'4" 197lbs). Odds are they will go with RNG, but if they choose to address their defensive woes, Adam Larsson will be the number one pick in this year's draft.
2. Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are over flowing with centers, so the odds of them going after another centerman are probably low. They will look to add to depth to their wings or defense. Swedish born Gabriel Landeskog seems the best choice. Already a solid two way player, he has been compared to former Kitchener Rangers product Mike Richards, Landeskog comes in with decent size (6'1" 207lbs) and a scoring touch. He also has the ability to bang with the best of them if need be. Only reason I don't see him being a first overall pick is due to the Oilers depth on the wing. However their is the task of attempting to replace Adam Foote on the blue line. While definitely a cause for concern, the Avalanche aren't too thin in the back to have to use their first round pick on a player like Larsson (if available) and look for them to address their offensive deficiencies first.
3. Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a team who are simply looking to get the best player available. Assuming RNG goes first and Landeskog or Larsson goes second, the Panthers will look to get whoever they think will be the best for them. Look for them to draft Huberdeu if available or defenseman Dougie Hamilton. If he doesn't have a name made for hockey, I don't know who does. GM Dave Tallon was the architect behind the Stanley Cup winning Chicago Blackhawks, and certainly he's bringing his formula down to Florida with the same goals in mind.
4. New Jersey Devils
Draft lottery winners, the New Jersey Devils will not be turning down their first round draft pick this year. The Devils had one of the strongest 2nd half runs last season, and will look to build on that success. While they are currently coachless, the Devils still have GM Lou Lamoriello and "In Lou We Trust." The Devils are looking for a player who can become a top 6 center to replace either Patrick Elias or supplant Travis Zajac at the number one spot. The Devils will also look to pick up a puck moving defenseman. Some mock drafts have Couturier going to the NJ, and he would certainly add a nice physical presence down the middle. The knock on Larsson's game is that his foward skating isn't the best, making him an inconsistent puck carrier. Nathan Beaulieu could also be on their radar. Lou also has a knack for trading up or down if he sees something he likes, or dislikes. The Devils will be one of the more interesting teams to watch.
5. New York Islanders
Garth Snow again has a lottery pick and the Islanders once again look to be on the cusp of making some waves, but have to stay injury free. Look for last year's pick Nino Niederrieter to crack the line up next year, but until then look for the Islanders to follow the Panthers plan and simply draft the best player available. Looking at their roster, they have a solid crop of young fowards. I'm expecting them to target a defenseman, but as stated before whoever is the best player available.
With a draft class like this, plenty of solid players but few legtimate impact players, this will be a time to address depth and holes in the line up. Looking at the top ranked skaters, there are only a few who seem ready to make the jump right to the NHL. There are also plenty of rumors flying around, there seems to be a desire for teams to enter the top 10 or possibly top 5 via trades. Hopefully this Friday will be more interesting than the trade deadline. Thankfully the draft usually delivers. I'm sure we'll be watching.
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