Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - After two long years dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and conducting meetings and other gatherings with prospects and scouts virtually, the NHL Draft is finally making a return to an in-person format in 2022.
Just before the 2019-20 NHL season, the league had announced plans for the 2020 NHL Draft to take place at the Bell Centre in Montreal. For obvious reasons, the City had to wait its turn to host the annual extravagenza.
This draft will also hold some special meaning for Montreal Canadiens fans, as the team will select first overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. The Canadiens ended up with the first selection after finishing the 2021-22 season with the worst record in the league, and also having some luck on their side in the NHL Draft Lottery.
At the start of the season, it was considered a lock for forward Shane Wright to go off the board as the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. However, that mindset shifted as the year went on with Wright's production dipping, and a number of other prospects climbing the ranks.
As for the Buffalo Sabres, the team sits in an interesting spot heading into Round 1 of the draft with three picks in the top-28 selections. Buffalo holds on to their original pick in this year's draft, currently ninth overall, while also obtaining a pair of other picks in the trades of Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart. The Sabres hold the 16th overall pick from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the Eichel deal, while also controlling the 28th pick from the Florida Panthers in the Reinhart trade.
Who ends up going No. 1 in the 2022 NHL Draft? What prospects could become future Sabres players once Thursday's first round is all said and done?
Let's see out how the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft could play out on Thursday night in Montreal with my NHL Mock Draft:
***For this exercise there will not be any potential mock trades that could happen in the first round.
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1.) Montreal Canadiens
SELECTION: Shane Wright - Center - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
While there's been chatter that the Canadiens may not lean towards Wright with the No. 1 overall pick, it's hard to deny just the pure potential the center brings to the table once he hits his ceiling in the NHL.
Wright impressed the hockey world just before the COVID-19 pandemic, as he ended up becoming just the seventh player in Canadian Hockey League history to earn exceptional status at the age of 15. However, his impressive rookie season was cut short by the pandemic, and he ended up only playing in the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship with Canada the next year.
Expectations were high on Wright heading into the 2021-22 season, but he disappointed many, at first, with a slow start out of the gate with the Frontenacs. However, when all was said and done this year, Wright managed to net 32 goals and register 62 assists for 94 points in 63 games. In 11 playoff games, Wright was able to put up 14 points (3+11).
While this past season was not exactly a good display of his two-way capabilities, the 18-year-old has been highly regarded for his play at both ends of the ice. With his dynamic playmaking abilities and strong play on the puck, Wright has already drawn some comparisons of being the next Patrice Bergeron, who has recently set the standard of what a premier two-way center should look like in the NHL.
It certainly is possible for Wright to be able to jump into the Canadiens' lineup come the season opener this fall, while it's also possible another season in Kingston may not be a bad option either. Nonetheless, Wright should be exactly what the Canadiens are looking for in a franchise center, as the team hopes to start a new chapter in Montreal.
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2.) New Jersey Devils
SELECTION: Juraj Slafkovsky - Left Wing - TPS (Liiga)
The prospect that took the hockey world by storm this season may make a strong case to go No. 1 overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, but it certainly does not feel like he will have to wait long to hear his name called in Round 1.
Slafkovsky brings so much to the table with his combination of size, strength, speed, shot and smarts on the ice. The Slovakian winger stands at a whopping 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, and really came along nicely playing with TPS Turku of the Finnish Liiga this year.
During his 31-game stint with the top professional division in Finland, Slafkovsky showed some promise along the way with five goals and five assists for 10 points. In 18 playoff games, Slafkovsky continued to impress and improve with seven points (2+5), helping TPS to a second place finish.
It was at the international level where Slafkovsky shined and saw his stock rise to whole new levels.
During the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, Slafkovsky scored a remarkable seven goals in seven games played, leading the tournament in scoring overall and earning himself the honor of Olympic MVP. He also helped carry Slovakia to an improbable bronze medal in the tournament.
While the Slovaks ended up just short of another medal at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. Slafkovsky continued his dominance with three goals and six assists for nine points in eight games.
While Slafkovsky has one year remaining on his contract with TPS, according to Elite Prospects, him joining the Devils will only help New Jersey get that much closer to finally putting everything together and breaking through. Imagine Slafkovsky playing on the wing with either Nico Hischier or Jack Hughes for several years to come.
That should be a doozy.
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3.) Arizona Coyotes
SELECTION: Logan Cooley - Center - U.S. National Team Development Program
Cooley is, arguably, the best playmaking forward in the 2022 NHL Draft class, as he possesses the speed, creativity and vision that will likely make him a top-flight center in the NHL.
The 18-year-old sees the game at a different level, as he never stops his feet when he takes flight offensively. Cooley impressed this season with a combined 111 points (40+71) in 75 games playing with the U.S. National Team Development Program.
At the IIHF U18 World Championship, Cooley was a stand out player with three goals and seven assists for 10 points in six games. He was named to the tournament's All-Star roster and named the tournament's Best Forward, but it resulted in a silver medal finish against Sweden.
Cooley is set to join the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers this upcoming season as a freshman, and will hope to be able to perfect his game a bit more against stiffer competition in college. If he can show some more strength in his game, while also putting up the production, he may be able to help the Coyotes in Arizona sooner rather than later.
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4.) Seattle Kraken
SELECTION: Simon Nemec - Defense - HK Nitra (Slovakia)
Nemec is, arguably, the most complete defenseman of the 2022 NHL Draft class, and will help kickstart a fresh look for the prospect system of the Kraken going forward.
The Slovak defenseman is not the biggest of bodies at 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, but he is so smooth on his feet from the blue line with the ability to make a play in the offensive end, and then recover quickly when things break down heading the other way.
When it comes to his offensive production, the 18-year-old held up extremely well playing professionally in Slovakia this season with a goal and 25 assists for 26 points in 39 games. In addition, he helped Slovakia earn a surprising bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing with an assist in seven games.
Although there will be some needed growth to his overall game going forward, the Kraken would have a solid piece on their blue line that could develop into a top-pairing defenseman after a few solid years of development and growth.
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5.) Philadelphia Flyers
SELECTION: Cutter Gauthier - Center - U.S. National Team Development Program
Flyers fans will fall in love with the style of play Gauthier brings to the game of hockey.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds, Gauthier is not only a physical force to deal with, but he's also extremely gifted offensively with good speed and skating, while also having a knack for the net. With the U.S. National Team Development Program this season, Gauthier combined for 53 goals and 40 assists for 93 points in 76 games played.
Where Gauthier thrives is with the puck on his stick and a full head of steam heading towards the net, similar to a Chris Kreider with the New York Rangers. If he's got the upper hand on a defender, it's very hard to stop him.
It'll be interesting to see how the Flyers develop Gauthier, as the team attempts to rebuild on the fly. He's committed to play with Boston College as a freshman this fall, and a couple of seasons playing at the collegiate level will not hurt his development at all.
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6.) Columbus Blue Jackets
SELECTION: David Jiricek - Defense - HC Plzen (Extraliga)
There's a lot to like about Jiricek's game on the back end, as he may be one of the more complete defensemen in this year's draft class.
Jiricek stands tall at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, but offers a lot more than just his size and physical stature. He skates well and moves around both ends of the ice to make him a reliable player at both ends. He may not possess a strong shot yet, but he manages to find ways to get the puck to the net.
In his own end, Jiricek has a good reach and stick to be able to break up plays as they're developing, and also get an upper hand when engaging in puck battles.
Although Jiricek missed a portion of the 2021-22 season due to a knee injury sustained at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, he still projects to be a solid asset in this draft class. He would also make for another great addition to the Blue Jackets' defensive group down the road.
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7.) Chicago Blackhawks
SELECTION: Joakim Kemell - Right Wing - JYP (Liiga)
After a very impressive draft year playing in the Finnish Liiga, Kemell enters this year's draft as one of the best wingers available at the top of the class.
Despite only standing at 5-foot-9 and 176 pounds, Kemell has proven that he can stick with the best-of-the-best in Finland's top professional level. The 18-year-old has a great shot to his arsenal, scoring 15 goals and registering eight assists for 23 points in 39 games with Jyväskylä.
Not only is his offensive production impressive, he's shown the ability to stand up with some of the more experienced players in the league, staying strong on pucks and using his vision to get himself involved in a play one step ahead of everyone else.
The addition of Kemell will help, as he becomes a starting point of the rebuild going forward in Chicago. The Blackhawks are expected to start unloading more pieces to acquire younger assets for later down the road.
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8.) Detroit Redwings
SELECTION: Marco Kasper - Center - Rogle BK (SHL)
Kasper just smells like a Steve Yzerman pick for the Red Wings at eighth overall.
The Austrian-born forward already possesses a strong power game down the middle, as he has spent the past two seasons playing in Sweden with Rogle BK's program. In 46 games at the SHL level during the 2021-22 season, Kasper managed to net seven goals and add four assists for 11 points.
Kasper already stands at 6-foot-2 and 187 pounds, and is only expected to grow stronger and mature more physically as he gets more ice time in Sweden. Many Red Wings fans will be happy if his name is called at this stage of the NHL Draft.
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9.) Buffalo Sabres
SELECTION: Jonathan Lekkerimäki - Right Wing - Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Lekkerimäki is, arguably, the best finisher available in the 2022 NHL Draft with his explosive and accurate shot from the wing.
While there's maybe more to be desired from his defensive side of the game, Lekkerimäki really made waves this season with a 35-point campaign (20+15) in 26 games with Djurgårdens' junior Under-20 team. At the Swedish Hockey Level with the parent club, Lekkerimäki continued to impress with seven goals and nine points in 26 games.
Where Lekkerimäki really flashed his potential was when playing with Sweden at the IIHF U18 World Championship in Germany, where he potted five goals and added 10 assists for 15 points in just six games. He would earn a spot on the tournament All-Star roster, while also helping Sweden to a gold medal win over the United States.
Not only is Lekkerimäki's shot one of, if not, the best shots in the draft this year, his presence in the offensive zone completely flies under the radar with his ability to creep into scoring positions, seemingly, undetected. He sees the ice well in the opposing end, and can also be a puck distributor when needed.
Next season is likely going to be a good year for Lekkerimäki's development, as he gets a chance to play in the second-tier professional league in Sweden, where he will be able to gradually grow his game playing alongside teammates Liam Ohgren and Noah Ostlund, while playing against competition that is equal or less than what he experienced in his draft year.
After another year or two playing in Sweden, Lekkerimäki will get his fair shot in North America, with the hopes of making the NHL roster following his first year in Rochester.
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10.) Anaheim Ducks
SELECTION: Kevin Korchinski - Defense - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
The Ducks have a plethora of choices with this pick, and they elect to go with one of the more dynamic offensive defensemen available in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Korchinski is a very mobile defender from the blue line, as he's not afraid to jump into a play to make something happen, or even take the puck to the net and create a scoring chance for himself. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Korchinski lit up the Western Hockey League this past year with an incredible 61 assists and 65 points in 67 games.
Adding Korchinski to the blue line will only make the Ducks stronger on the back end going forward. He could be a nice guy to potentially pair with the likes of Jamie Drysdale going forward.
11.) San Jose Sharks
SELECTION: Pavel Minyukov - Defense - Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
12.) Columbus Blue Jackets
SELECTION: Matthew Savoie - Center - Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
13.) New York Islanders
SELECTION: Brad Lambert - Center - Pelicans (Liiga)
14.) Winnipeg Jets
SELECTION: Conor Geekie - Center - Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
15.) Vancouver Canucks
SELECTION: Liam Ohgren - Left Wing - Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
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16.) Buffalo Sabres
SELECTION: Frank Nazar - Center - U.S. National Team Development Program
Although size is not a strength of his game at 5-foot-10 and 181 pounds, Nazar is extremely gifted offensively with a combination of speed, stick handling, and a keen sense of where plays are developing on the ice.
During his draft year playing with the U.S. National Team Development Program, Nazar combined to produce an impressive 70-point campaign (28+42) in 56 games with the U18 Team. While playing in the United States Hockey League, Nazar continued his success with 35 points (15+20) in 24 games.
During the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship this year in Germany, Nazar played well with nine points (3+6) in six games, helping the U.S. to a silver medal finish.
The Sabres would be able to track Nazar's development well going forward, as he's committed to join the University of Michigan this fall as a freshman. Nazar would be another excellent addition down the middle for Buffalo, and his falling to 16th overall would be an excellent development for Adams.
17.) Nashville Predators
SELECTION: Danila Yurov - Right Wing - Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)
18.) Dallas Stars
SELECTION: Denton Mateychuk - Defense - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
19.) Minnesota Wild
SELECTION: Jiri Kulich - Center - HC Karlovy Vary (Extraliga)
20.) Washington Capitals
SELECTION: Jimmy Snuggerud - Right Wing - U.S. National Team Development Program
21.) Pittsburgh Penguins
SELECTION: Rutger McGroarty - Center - U.S. National Team Development Program
22.) Anaheim Ducks
SELECTION: Noah Ostlund - Center - Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
23.) St. Louis Blues
SELECTION: Ryan Chesley - Defense - U.S. National Team Development Program
24.) Minnesota Wild
SELECTION: Lian Bichsel - Defense - Leksands IF (SHL)
25.) Toronto Maple Leafs
SELECTION: Nathan Gaucher - Center - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
26.) Montreal Canadiens
SELECTION: Isaac Howard - Left Wing - U.S. National Team Development Program
27.) Arizona Coyotes
SELECTION: Jagger Firkus - Right Wing - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
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28.) Buffalo Sabres
SELECTION: Maveric Lamoureux - Defense - Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
First thing that comes to mind with Lamoureux is his size at an astounding 6-foot-7 and 198 pounds as an 18-year-old. He's able to use that size to his advantage when playing a physical style of play, when allowed to.
While many that size may look awkward when they skate, Lamoureux is actually a very fluent skater with good speed to generate offensive chances from the blue line.
The right-shot defenseman certainly has the upside to be a two-way force to be reckoned with on the back end, he remains to be a bit of a project. While he managed 24 points (4+24) in 54 games with the Voltigeurs this past season, he was also a minus-30 on a Drummondville team that struggled defensively.
This is where the Sabres have the luxury of, potentially, reaching on a certain player they really like on their board without it being too far of a reach.
29.) Edmonton Oilers
SELECTION: Owen Beck - Center - Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
30.) New York Rangers
SELECTION: Filip Mesar - Center - HK Poprad (Slovakia)
31.) Tampa Bay Lightning
SELECTION: Ivan Miroshnichenko - Left WIng - Omskie Krylia (VHL)
32.) Arizona Coyotes
SELECTION: Owen Pickering - Defense - Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
Also be sure to check out Josh Schmit's mock draft ahead of Thursday night's first round of the 2022 NHL Draft:
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