The first round of the NHL draft provided viewers with one surprise after another on Friday evening. Following up a Stanley Cup Final in which size and physicality once again stole the spotlight from speed and skill, general managers made it clear that physical tools are back in style.
With all the debate around whether Chicago would select either center Alex Turcotte or defenseman Bowen Byram third overall, they immediately shook up everyone’s draft board by taking Kirby Dach. The chaos reached a climax with the sixth overall pick when Detroit chose German blue-liner Moritz Seider. A symphony of off-the-board picks followed until the very end.
A highly unpredictable first round sets up a very interesting day two of the draft. There are several highly skilled players still available, increasing the possibility of trades; something that was anticipated to be in abundance on Friday. This article will highlight some of the best players still available heading into day two of the draft.
Arthur Kaliyev, LW, Hamilton, OHL: While being one of the most prolific scorers in the draft, Kaliyev found himself without a suitor in round one. Concerns about his compete level and pace of play seem to have hurt his stock, but consider that only five players have scored more than 50 goals in an OHL season before turning 18 in the past two decades: Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Jeff Skinner, Alex DeBrincat and Arthur Kaliyev.
Nils Hoglander, LW, Rogle, SHL: Touted as having some of, if not the best hands in the draft, Hoglander will provide an enticing option for teams picking at the top of the second. He stands at 5’9 and has been described as a “fire hydrant” when trying to knock him off the puck. While he doesn’t possess blazing speed, he is an elusive skater and can dangle in stride. A skilled playmaker, Hoglander is one of the many talented forwards remaining in the second round.
Bobby Brink, RW, Sioux-City, USHL: Brink willed his way into first round consideration with his outstanding play this past season, impressing at every level he played at. Issues with his skating stride and lack of size (5’8, 165lbs) have raised some red flags. An elite hockey sense and fantastic passing ability along with a good, effective shot should be enough to see Brink have his name called before too long on day two.
Raphael Lavoie, C/RW, Halifax, QMJHL: Lavoie’s stock soared as he went bonkers during the Mooseheads’ run to the league final, putting up 17 goals and 27 points in 17 playoff games. His nearest teammate had only 15 points in that span. At 6’4, he skates well, possesses a great shot and looks to have all the tools of a potential star power forward. His decision making and consistency have been questioned, making him an interesting risk-reward selection.
Nicholas Robertson, LW, Peterborough, OHL: Another dynamic 5’9 winger, Robertson is also one of the youngest players in the draft. He possesses a terrific shot, among the best in the class and generates a ton of them. While he doesn’t possess blazing speed, Robertson is described as an explosive skater with incredible pace that can make highlight reel plays deking, passing and shooting the puck. Although he may sometimes try to do too much, that skill level is tough to pass up at this point in the draft.