1. Nail Yakupov (RW)
Why He's So Good: Nail has been proving himself for the past two seasons, and I wouldn't be surprised if Edmonton picks him first overall. He has plenty of talent, and he'll most likely make a big impact in the NHL.
NHL Comparison: Pavel Bure
2. Mikhail Grigorenko (C)
Why He's So Good: He's such an outstanding player, he's not the flashiest, but he knows how to shoot and pass better than most of the people in the draft. Another player that'll do well in the NHL.
NHL Comparison: Joe Sakic
3. Morgan Rielly (D)
Why He's So Good: Morgan definitely knows how to get points, but he also knows how to hold his own ground. He's an amazing player, and he's still growing. He will be NHL material in 2 years or so.
NHL Comparison: Dan Boyle
4. Ryan Murray (D)
Why He's So Good: When he's on the ice, you can tell. He can get points, but when the other team gets the puck, he can rush back at great speeds to stop the rush. Another player who you may see in the NHL in the upcoming years.
NHL Comparison: Scott Niedermayer
5. Cody Ceci (D)
Why He's So Good: One of the fastest players in the entire draft, as well as one of the biggest. He may not be NHL ready yet, but maybe one or two more years of training is all he'll need until he'll be ready.
NHL Comparison: Dustin Byfuglien
6. Mathew Dumba (D)
Why He's So Good: This draft is FILLED with great defenceman, and Mathew is definitely one of them. He's not the fanciest player, but he's a well rounded player overall. He's not the best defenceman, but I don't think anyone would be disappointed if they got him.
NHL Comparison: Kristopher Letang
7. Tomas Hertl (C)
Why He's So Good: Not many international prospects really showed off their skills this year, but one person I noticed who did really well was Tomas. He didn't really get noticed until this year, but man did he do amazing, getting plenty of points and even hits!
NHL Comparison: Pat LaFontaine
8. Jacob Trouba (D)
Why He's So Good: Jacob really showed off his skills on multiple occasions, and the fact that so many people know about him, even though he's not in the CHL, really shows his impact.
NHL Comparison: Chris Chelios
9. Malcolm Subban (G)
Why He's So Good: By far, the best goalie in the years draft class, and while he still has some room for improvement, I feel he has the potential to be a great goaltender, possibly even a starter in the NHL.
NHL Comparison: Chris Osgood
10. Alex Galchenyuk (C)
Why He's So Good: Such an amazing player, and will most likely be in the NHL in a year or two. He would be much higher on the list if it wasn't for him missing most of this season. This brings up possible problems such as injury plagued seasons and more training required to get back on track, but he most likely won't disappoint.
NHL Comparison: Steven Stamkos
11. Filip Forsberg (C)
Why He's So Good: A very talented player that knows his way past defenders and the goaltender. His speed his excellent, his passing is superb, and his shooting is brilliant. He's just an awesome player all around.
NHL Comparison: Peter Forsberg (Oh come on, I had too.)
12. Pontus Aberg (LW)
Why He's So Good: Imagine this guy with Filip! Filip can pass, and Pontus can score. He also has outstanding speed, so any team looking for a goal scoring winger, should definitely consider this guy.
NHL Comparison: Henrik Zetterberg
13. Dalton Thrower (D)
Why He's So Good: Not only is he a great player, he's probably the toughest prospect in this entire draft! He may need more training than the other players on this list, but I think it'll be worth it.
NHL Comparison: Shea Weber
14. Anton Slepyshev (LW)
Why He's So Good: For such a young player, he definitely can shoot. He may not be as skilled as Ovechkin or Malkin when they were that age, but if he just trains for about 2 years, he may just be good enough for NHL time.
NHL Comparison: Sergei Makarov
15. Teuvo Teravainen (LW)
Why He's So Good: He may be small, but he certainly knows how to put the puck on the net. He would make a great player on any team looking for a depth player or even a first liner in the next few years.
NHL Comparison: Pavol Demitra
16. Derrick Pouliot (D)
Why He's So Good: Derrick is amazing at puck handling and he is extremely fast too. He needs a little work on his shot and hitting capabilities, but even still, he's a great defenceman, and with a little training, he will be more than NHL ready.
NHL Comparison: Zach Bogosian
17. Matt Finn (D)
Why He's So Good: Many people were surprised with Matt's recent success, and honestly, so was I, but in the end, he was realized as one of the fastest and most talented defencemen in the entire draft.
NHL Comparison: P.K Subban
18. Radek Faksa (C)
Why He's So Good: He's very strong for a 2-way centre, and he's also one of the best point earners. He needs a bit of extra training for his speed, but if he can fix that, he will almost certainly get a chance in the NHL.
NHL Comparison: Petr Sykora
19. Griffin Reinhart (D)
Why He's So Good: Griffin is an overall great player. He may not have the most points as a defenceman, and he may not have the most shots blocked, but if you need a good defenceman with little flaws, this guy is perfect for that role.
NHL Comparison: Dion Phaneuf
20. Brendan Gaunce (C)
Why He's So Good: Brendan is considered a great leader with amazing vision, and a brilliant shot, and I would have to agree. He really can show his skills well. I'd say 3 years is all he'll need before he's ready.
NHL Comparison: Steve Yzerman
What did you think of the list? Leave your opinions down below!
