NEWARK, N.J. -- The next generation of NHL stars takes the stage at Sunday's NHL draft. Insider's Grant Sonier and a special guest, former Maple Leafs scout Dave Starman, break down every first-round pick and where the prospects from this loaded draft class fit into each team's pipeline.
Follow us on Twitter (@NHLDraftBlog) for additional insights throughout the night.
MORE NHL DRAFT CONTENT:
Final Mock Draft | Top 50 Prospects
1
Nathan MacKinnon
Colorado Avalanche
TEAM: Halifax (QMJHL)
HT: 6-0
WT: 182
POS: C
Pick analysis: MacKinnon is the pick and it's not hard to see why. Even among his peers at the top of his draft he stood out. MacKinnon has been my No. 1 choice from Day 1 and I have never wavered from that position. His dynamic speed and quickness are suited for the NHL and he will make an immediate impact next season. Elite qualities also include his vision, puck skills and competitiveness. A surefire star in the waiting. -- Grant Sonier
Team analysis: For the Avs, I think he'll contribute more on the offensive side than the defensive side. To get separation he plays under control. Well coached at Shattuck St. Mary's in all areas of the game, I'm looking for him to develop an edge. At times he reminds me of Derek Stepan. They had previously discussed using him at center and moving Ryan O'Reilly to the wing. We'll see if they stick with that plan. -- Dave Starman
2
Aleksander Barkov
Florida Panthers
TEAM: Tappara (Finland)
HT: 6-2
WT: 205
POS: C
Pick analysis: This is not a surprise when you think how ready this big center is. People will question the players passed over, but the franchise needs a big center. His ability to play a 200-foot game and add offense gives them an opportunity to match him with Jonathan Huberdeau for an excellent first line. This Finnish player has similarities to Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings. He is an excellent, complete player. -- Sonier
Team analysis: The first big center off the board. The key is to find him a RW who can score, because he can create. Probably not a full-time NHLer next year, but he could be a franchise player. Needs to develop an explosive 1-2-3 step for better acceleration to be an elite NHL center. -- Starman
3
Jonathan Drouin
Tampa Bay Lightning
TEAM: Halifax (QMJHL)
HT: 5-11
WT: 185
POS: LW
Pick analysis: Drouin is perhaps the most gifted offensive player in this draft from a standpoint of passing and shooting. The combination of him with Steven Stamkos has the chance to be magical. His hockey sense and underrated compete level makes him an elite breakout candidate. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Reminds people of Joe Sakic. Great vision, gets pucks where they have no business being with his passing. Has swagger and inner arrogance, in a good way, which makes him hard to play against. Size is an issue, but confidence can overcome it. -- Starman
4
Seth Jones
Nashville Predators
TEAM: Portland (WHL)
HT: 6-3
WT: 210
POS: D
Pick analysis: The Preds will feel they just got the top player in this draft class and have a history of drafting D-men. This elite skating American has all the tools to be a dominating top-two defensemen. He is still growing and his game will translate over time to prove worthy of this 4th overall pick. His athletic abilities are off the chart with mobility on the forefront. -- Sonier
Team analysis: His game has really evolved since his U-17 year in Ann Arbor. He plays under control, he's more consistent, takes fewer risks, makes better reads and plays like a man. He's an NHL defenseman next season. -- Starman
5
Elias Lindholm
Carolina Hurricanes
TEAM: Brynas (Sweden)
HT: 5-11
WT: 181
POS: C
Pick analysis: Lindholm brings a complete game with a combination of high-end skill and solid defense. He has a chance to make an immediate impact next season, but I expect him to play one more season in Sweden. He is as smart without the puck as he is with it and he gives the Canes excellent depth at the center position moving forward. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Hands and hockey sense are both assets. Scouts really love his hands. And he's got a goal-scorer's touch. He's still a little bit away, but he's got franchise player capability. His defensive game is my biggest concern, but that can get fixed. If he makes the Canes' roster next season it will have to be in a top-six role because that's really all he's been. -- Starman
6
Sean Monahan
Calgary Flames
TEAM: Ottawa (OHL)
HT: 6-2
WT: 186
POS: C
Pick analysis: Monahan gives the Flames exactly what they need with size and skill down the middle. He has an excellent skill set to go along with a high hockey IQ. He played on a poor team in the OHL and his stock looked like it was falling, but on his own merits he is a standout prospect. He feels he is ready next season and the Flames are just the team to give him an opportunity, being one of the weakest in the NHL. -- Sonier
Team analysis: He was Calgary's guy all along. They've loved him since the combine. He brings much-needed size and he's the second big center off the board. He won't dominate in a flashy way, but he will behind the scenes. Good to go for the Flames this fall. He was an offensive force on a bad team. -- Starman
7
Darnell Nurse
Edmonton Oilers
TEAM: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
HT: 6-3
WT: 189
POS: D
Pick analysis: It's been quite a few drafts since the Oilers selected a D-man with their first pick and in Nurse they are getting an elite battler. He has excellent athletic ability and could end up being an top shutdown D who eats minutes. His skating and grit are very attractive and while it is too high for me personally, I see the appetite for the Oilers in selecting this OHL star. I feel he will need a few years before he is ready to pull on an NHL jersey. -- Sonier
Team analysis: He's a monster. He could be a meaner Chris Pronger. He comes from a family of football players and loves the physical game. Plays a lot like Shea Weber, though maybe not that level of offensive skill. Tremendous PKer and really dependable in his own end. He'll be the defensive complement they need to offset the more offensive-minded youngsters like Justin Schultz. First time he lays out a Flame, he'll be a folk hero. -- Starman
8
Rasmus Ristolainen
Buffalo Sabres
TEAM: TPS (Finland)
HT: 6-3
WT: 205
POS: D
Pick analysis: The Sabres get a hulking D-man with true grit and a big-time shot from the point. He plays the game with a nasty edge and I think he'll grows more into his big body. His skating needs a slight improvement. He is the type of player you can build around and the Sabres are in need of building blocks. -- Sonier
Team analysis: The second big, right-shot defenseman off the board. Scouts loved his defensive play, among the highest-ranked of all prospects in the draft. Projected two-way defenseman, but not NHL-ready for next season. I love his playmaking and uses his size and strength, his compete level is off the charts. And like Grant mentioned, he has a bomb of a shot. He'll be a nice building block for the Sabres going forward. -- Starman
9
Bo Horvat
Vancouver Canucks (from NJD)
TEAM: London (OHL)
HT: 6-0
WT: 194
POS: LW/C
Pick analysis: Horvat climbs to the top 10 and this is not that much of a surprise because he is a strong two-way player with underrated offensive skill. He is professor-like in the defensive zone, which adds to his offensive game as he transitions once he gains puck possession. I have said all along he is ready to play next season if need be. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Follows the trend of big centermen coming off the board. He's a projected second-line center in the Ryan Kesler mold. He's strong physically and really good on the power play. He has a little of his old coach in him in Dale Hunter. And he's tremendous in the circle. I could see him in a Manny Malhotra type of role, winning faceoffs and taking minutes on the PK. -- Starman
10
Valeri Nichushkin
Dallas Stars
TEAM: Chelyabinsk (Russia)
HT: 6-4
WT: 196
POS: LW
Pick analysis: Nichushkin is a monster of a winger who possesses size and straight ahead speed that will fit nicely in the NHL. The knock on his game has been a question about his hockey sense with the puck, but he is good enough individually to have an impact, provided he continues his willingness to go hard to the net. The talk coming into the draft was he could be a wild card pick. Some scouts suggest he is the best player in this class, proving just how deep this draft is. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Plays the off wing as a left-shooting, right-winger. That means he'll have a long stick with the puck in traffic, which shows me Dallas trusts his hands and his skill. I trust any pick Jim Nill makes. He's as smart as any guy in the league. Nicushkin has a knack for big goals and he'll probably end up being 6-foot-5, 225 pounds when he fills out. That's Lindros-esque. -- Starman
11
Samuel Morin
Philadelphia Flyers
TEAM: Rimouski (QMJHL)
HT: 6-7
WT: 200
POS: D
Pick analysis: If there is one player in this draft that fits the Flyer mould, Morin is it. He is 6-7 and loves to drop his gloves and his qualities extend beyond there. He has an excellent range of skating to defend with a solid stick and plays within himself when it comes to puck decisions. He has a chance over time to play in the top four and perhaps eventually top-two. -- Sonier
Team analysis: He's like a meaner version of Jared Tinordi. He'll remind Flyers of Brad McCrimmon, probably a No. 3 or 4 D in time with a left shot. Plays in his own end with potential for 150 PIMs. Not a pick made for offense, but defense is what Philly needs most. -- Starman
12
Max Domi
Phoenix Coyotes
TEAM: London (OHL)
HT: 5-9
WT: 193
POS: C/LW
Pick analysis: Max Domi is nothing like his father, Tie, the former NHL tough guy. In fact, he's the most skilled puck player in this draft. He is small but weighs in at 198 pounds and is very strong on the puck, which allows him to win one-on-one battles. He is the type of player who loves to have the puck on his stick and while his body language needs to improve, I see him maturing over time into a star player. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Phoenix GM Don Maloney and London bench boss Dale Hunter were linemates playing junior hockey in London. There's a strong connection there. Domi has a scorer's touch, plays bigger than his size and is a legit top-six forward. He's got a quick release with a heavy shot, and he's accurate. He just gets pucks on goal. Highest marks are for his play under pressure.-- Starman
13
Josh Morrissey
Winnipeg Jets
TEAM: Prince Albert (WHL)
HT: 5-11
WT: 182
POS: D
Pick analysis: Morrissey is a small, dynamic skating D-man who is a QB type. The Jets will hope he develops into another Tobias Enstrom. His competiveness and hockey sense are elite. While this is high for me in this draft I can see why this staff likes this player. It is a big mountain to climb at his size, but I would not bet against him. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Skilled offensive defenseman, with a left shot, excellent hockey sense and skating ability. Among the top power-play guys in the draft. He's got decent size, but he's not overly physical. Really good discipline. He will be the yin to Jacob Trouba's yang. If they play together, he makes Trouba's shot that much more dangerous by creating additional space. -- Starman
14
Alexander Wennberg
Columbus Blue Jackets
TEAM: Djurgarden (Sweden)
HT: 6-1
WT: 174
POS: C
Pick analysis: Wennberg is an extremely mature player who plays both ends of the game with a high level of compete and intelligence. He is still growing into his 6-1 frame and will need at least another year to be ready for the NHL. He consistently makes excellent decisions with the puck and when stronger he will win the necessary battles to make him a solid contributor. One side note to his offensive play: I believe he does not get nearly enough credit in that area of his game and has a chance to put up numbers. -- Sonier
Team analysis: How about that, another big center ... A two-way player that tracks as a scorer. Probably a second-line center down the line. Really high compete level that pairs with excellent decision making. He'll need some more seasoning, so he's more a part of the future than the win-now present for the Jackets. But he could be an important piece to that puzzle. And Jackets hockey ops president John Davidson loves his skilled Europeans. -- Starman
15
Ryan Pulock
New York Islanders
TEAM: Brandon (WHL)
HT: 6-1
WT: 211
POS: D
Pick analysis: Yet another D-man for the Islanders after they used all of last year's picks on the blue line, making it eight straight defensemen taken. Pulock's shot is dimensional and will be used as a PP weapon. He is very strong for his size and has a very good compete level to defend. After a year of battling injuries he could surprise a lot of people sooner rather than later. -- Sonier
Team analysis: The Isles continue to stockpile that blueline with good, young defensemen. Pulock is a PP guy with a big shot. He's smart and a team leader. I think he's going to be a legit top-4 defenseman in time. That stable is full of young horses though, with Travis Hamonic on the ice now and Griffin Reinhart on his way. -- Starman
16
Nikita Zadorov
Buffalo Sabres (from MIN)
TEAM: London (OHL)
HT: 6-5
WT: 230
POS: D
Pick analysis: Zadorov, for me, is a complete steal for the Sabres at 16. He has a chance to become a true shutdown D who makes people pay a price every single shift. His skating and range are exceptional for being 6-5 and 240 pounds. He is willing to fight and hit and in time could become a fan favorite. He needs time to figure out his puck game, but is certainly not devoid of puck skills. -- Sonier
Team analysis: The Sabres have added almost 13 feet of defensemen in this draft. He's a nice combination of mean and skilled. He's got a big shot and generates a lot of scrambles. He's a good skater for a big man, which will accelerate his development. -- Starman
17
Curtis Lazar
Ottawa Senators
TEAM: Edmonton (WHL)
HT: 5-11
WT: 193
POS: C
Pick analysis: This speedy forward can play center or wing and has tremendous character. That fits in with the type of player Ottawa likes to select. Very willing to fight in defense of teammates, and he can produce goals as well. He is powerful for his size and plays a big two-way game with passion. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Almost a point-per-game player, he has top-six capability. He has all the offensive tools you want. He can score big goals, win draws, play in the playoffs and take care of his own end. Lazar needs some seasoning, so don't slot him into the Ottawa lineup yet. I say another season in junior, and one or two in the AHL. -- Starman
18
Mirco Mueller
San Jose Sharks (from DET)
TEAM: Everett (WHL)
HT: 6-3
WT: 184
POS: D
Pick analysis: Mueller is a Swiss D-man who is a terrific skater and makes an excellent first pass. He came to North America and accepted the challenges and by the end of the season he was a team leader. He makes very good decisions under pressure and at times makes the game look easy. He has the ability to slow the game down with composure. His size is attractive and over time he will fill out to be very strong, to go along with his competitive nature. -- Sonier
Team analysis: He could be a steal for San Jose. He's a big, two-way defenseman who can skate, compete and play strong in his own end. He's consistent, smart with the puck and hard to get around. He'll lead the next generation of Sharks D-men when Dan Boyle hangs it up. -- Starman
19
Kerby Rychel
Columbus Blue Jackets (from NYR)
TEAM: Windsor (OHL)
HT: 6-1
WT: 200
POS: LW
Pick analysis: Son of former NHLer Warren Rychel, Kerby reminds me of Tomas Holmstrom, who plays a complete grit game. He has the chance to play in the top six but is very capable of playing a checking role for the Blue Jackets. He will fight but has underrated scoring touch, especially in tight around the net. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Puck skills and hockey sense are his biggest attributes. A high compete level stands out, and he's a playmaker. He's got an uncanny knack for finding open linemates. He also knows how to use his defensemen offensively. -- Starman
20
Anthony Mantha
Detroit Red Wings (from SJS)
TEAM: Val d'Or (QMJHL)
HT: 6-4
WT: 205
POS: LW
Pick analysis: Mantha is a 6-4 scoring machine, netting 50 this past year in the QMJHL. He has an excellent release to his shot and has the understanding of how to get open and find lanes in the offensive zone. He will need to grow up and form a more consistent overall game. In time I believe he will overcome those shortcomings. His overall hockey sense is excellent and the potential to score in the NHL is high. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Confidence in his puck skills and skating serve him well. He is definitely a playmaker. Physical play and his compete level were a concern. However, give him three years in Detroit's system and he'll be exactly what they want. -- Starman
21
Frederik Gauthier
Toronto Maple Leafs
TEAM: Rimouski (QMJHL)
HT: 6-5
WT: 210
POS: C
Pick analysis: The Leafs select a true junior hockey rookie and acquire a 6-5, smooth skating center who has tons of upside to be a big two-way forward. I have had difficulties seeing Gauthier going high in this draft because he needs to develop more activation to his game, but he deserves a lot of credit for overcoming a broken jaw and playing through the remainder of the season. He ended it with a solid performance for Team Canada in the U-18s, helping them win gold in April. -- Sonier
Team analysis: I knew they were going to take a forward. They wanted size up front, particularly a big center, and got exactly what they wanted. Will this kid push Joe Colborne down the road? -- Starman
22
Emile Poirier
Calgary Flames (from STL)
TEAM: Gatineau (QMJHL)
HT: 6-0
WT: 168
POS: LW
Pick analysis: Poirier is an excellent, hard-working forward who gets knocked down in this draft class mainly because of his awkward skating style, which takes too much criticism. He has an excellent stick and in-tight skills, showing a knack to score goals. His character is very high. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Compete level, skating and puck skills make him attractive. Huge scoring improvement this year, doubling his goal total. A point-per-game player. Goes to the dirty areas and takes hits to make plays. Calgary is building a solid base with hits picks this draft. -- Starman
23
Andre Burakowsky
Washington Capitals
TEAM: Malmo (Sweden)
HT: 6-1
WT: 178
POS: LW
Pick analysis: Burakowsky is a goal-scorer with world class puck skills and overall elite talent. His skating is very good, but needs to learn to compete without the puck and to develop more overall compete to his game. If the learning curve continues, I have always said he is one of the most talented players in this draft class. He will likely stay in Sweden for one or two seasons to improve his game before being ready for the show. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Great locker room personality with fast hands and fast feet. Projects as a top-6 forward. He's offensive minded, though not a big scorer. He'll need time to develop though, as Grant mentions, but his skating is where it needs to be to take the next step. There could be a secondary scoring role for him with the Caps down the line. And they've had some success with Europeans in that role. -- Starman
24
Hunter Shinkaruk
Vancouver Canucks
TEAM: Medicine Hat (WHL)
HT: 5-11
WT: 174
POS: C
Pick analysis: Shinkaruk is a gifted offensive forward with a real good stick and scoring touch. He is not big in stature and needs to learn to compete more. Not shy to compare himself to current NHL players when evaluating himself. If he is going to match his upside, he needs to find more battle in his game and show a willingness to go into the dirty areas to be that scorer. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Off-the-charts hockey sense. It's like he has a second brain. He can play two positions and doesn't confuse the roles of each when he switches places. Also owns an excellent work ethic and is strong on his edges. I love his versaility as a player and he is in sick shape. -- Starman
25
Michael McCarron
Montreal Canadiens
TEAM: U.S. National Team (USHL)
HT: 6-5
WT: 258
POS: C/RW
Pick analysis: McCarron is an elite-sized forward and fills a need for the Habs to get bigger up front. This is high for me at this point in the draft, but I understand the need for a big player. His skill set is average for me and I do not see top-6 upside, even though he scored on the big stage at the World U-18s for the U.S. He will bring an edge and grit to the Canadiens with a willingness to pressure the puck and finish checks. -- Sonier
Team analysis: He'll be an NHL player for sure. Needs to fine tune his game and develop more consistency. Montreal needed to add size and McCarron certainly has that. I spoke with him the other day and he was massive. I asked, "Where do you end?" He reminds me of Brandon Saad in terms of playing a hard game with skill. He's a project, but he's committed to Western Michigan and would thrive under Andy Murray for three years. -- Starman
26
Shea Theodore
Anaheim Ducks
TEAM: Seattle (WHL)
HT: 6-2
WT: 182
POS: D
Pick analysis: I had him ranked in the second round (No. 37 in my Top 50), but I like the player because he brings offense from the defense position. He has size and skating and loves to join the rush. His decision-making defensively and when under pressure are in question, but he has a dynamic upside to produce. The Ducks have plenty of firepower up front with the likes of Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan and Ryan Getzlaf, so adding punch to the back end with Theodore makes sense. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Central Scouting loved his offensive play, ranking him No. 11 in North America. He's put up lots of points without many PIMs, playing with discipline and tempo. He is inertia defined -- when he's in motion he keeps on moving. He'll add to that young base that includes Emerson Etem, Kyle Palmieri and Cam Fowler. -- Starman
27
Marko Dano
Columbus Blue Jackets (from LAK)
TEAM: Bratislava (SLV)
HT: 5-11
WT: 183
POS: C/RW
Pick analysis: Dano is an excellent skilled forward who last season played in the KHL and get somewhat lost in the shuffle. Playing in his age group, he is a world class player with high compete to go with his skill level. Not big in size but very strong, he has excellent balance to win one-on-one battles. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Central Scouting loved his hockey sense and compete level. Not a big scorer and not overly physical, which is the concern, as well as playing in his own end. The Jackets need to make their first-rounders count, so it will be interesting to see how he develops over time. -- Starman
28
Morgan Klimchuk
Calgary Flames (from PIT)
TEAM: Regina (WHL)
HT: 5-11
WT: 180
POS: LW
Pick analysis: Klimchuk is a skilled forward who is a proven scorer in junior, but not big in size. More of a follower than a leader for me and while he has had success in his career, I think he'll need to be more willing to get dirty and take a hit to make a play. He does have a solid work ethic and in time could grow into a third-line player. -- Sonier
Team analysis: His best attribute is his competitiveness. He's a point-per-game player who is skilled and smooth offensively. Plays like he owns the puck with great protection skills. Really good work ethic with a team-first attitude. When players make jumps up the board, it's usually because an organization is focused on him. Calgary has identified him as filling a need. The question is how long it takes him to get there. -- Starman
29
Jason Dickinson
Dallas Stars (from BOS)
TEAM: Guelph (OHL)
HT: 6-1
WT: 180
POS: C
Pick analysis: Dickinson has excellent skating and a solid overall skill set to go along with decent size. His best shift is world class and, for me, he would have been a much higher pick if he played a more consistent game shift in and shift out. He needs a lot of physical development, but that should be the least of Dallas' worries, as time will take care of that. -- Sonier
Team analysis: Good hands in traffic, he goes to the net hard on a consistent basis. Defensively responsible, he's a really good skater. Jim Nill has earned the benefit of the doubt and that fact alone has to reflect well on the Stars' two first-round picks. If Nill believes in you, that's a high compliment. -- Starman
30
Ryan Hartman
Chicago Blackhawks
TEAM: Plymouth (OHL)
HT: 5-11
WT: 187
POS: C/RW
Pick analysis: Hartman plays in Plymouth, where the Hawks' head scout lives and the American forward was born and raised in Illinois. He's a star with the American world junior team and perhaps the biggest character player in this draft. He has the ability to make plays and to play a greasy game all at the same time. When he gets stronger he will find a way to not only play but to move up the roster especially when games get bigger and more intense. -- Sonier
Team analysis: This pick fits perfectly for both the player and the team. He became multi-dimensional in the U.S. program under Danton Cole by playing both wings. He was moved to the middle in Plymouth to become a well-rounded player. He'll block shots, plays in your face and as a result has had some injuries. But he doesn't let it affect his play. While Chicago has a need down the middle behind Jonathan Toews, Hartman will need seasoning. -- Starman