[CanuckJohnny]

2016 NHL Entry Draft Preview

Projected Top Ten Picks:

C Auston Matthews (SUI, 80gp, 27-38-65, +5)
The consensus number one pick played in Europe against men and looked eminently capable and often dominant. His calling card is his elite shot and offensive mind, finding open spots in the defense and beating goalies with his quick release and deadly accuracy.

RW Matthew Tkachuk (WHL, 66gp, 41-52-93, +5)
Tkachuk brings an all around offensive package, creativity and playmaking, good skating and an aggressive and physical style. He's the kind of player you win with in the playoffs, his motor never stops and he goes to all the hard areas.

RD Charlie McAvoy (NCAA, 43gp, 8-23-31, E)
McAvoy plays an incredibly mature two way game, defending at an elite level by being in the right place at the right time and eliminating options from the offense. He also has a physical edge and a crisp, NHL level first pass. He can log a lot of minutes and has untapped offensive potential as well.

RD Adam Fox (HS, 67gp, 8-52-60, +5)
An offensive defenseman, Fox doesn't stand out physically but is a good skater and tireless hockey player who has an incredible offensive mind. His hockey IQ in the offensive zone sets him apart even without any eye popping tools. He works well with teammates and can read the ice like a book and run a PP1 with ease and confidence.

C Pierre-Luc Dubois (QMJHL, 66gp, 34-33-67, +2)
With size and skill, Dubois is the kind of pivot every GM wants on his top line. He plays with a blend of power and finesse but is frustratingly streaky at times. His effort in his own end is somtimes questionable but his ability to find open ice and control the puck and the play in the offensive zone is not.

LW Patrik Laine (FIN, 56gp, 20-24-43, -2)
A pure sniper, Laine won't blow you away with his defense or skating but his shot and his ability to get open and get that shot off is second only to Auston Matthews in this year's draft class. He had success playing in Finland against men and scouts are excited to see what the 6'5" winger can do on North American ice in a year or two.

LW Alex DeBrincat (OHL, 65gp, 48-38-86, -2)
A prolific goal scorer, DeBrincat uses his quickness, stickhandling and skill to find holes in the defense and create scoring chances. There are some questions about how his game will translate to the NHL with his diminutive frame (5'7") but he hasn't been hindered by his height thus far in his hockey career.

RW Tage Thompson (CIS, 43gp, 19-32-51, -9)
A bit of an unknown to start the year, Thompson flew under the radar a bit, playing in the Canadian university league. He has the size and reach that GMs love and is great at screening goalies or beating them from distance with a seeing eye shot. He's such a big, skilled hockey player that it's hard to imagine he won't be able to find success at the NHL level.

C Logan Brown (OHL, 68gp, 24-38-62, +9)
Logan Brown has the intangibles that coaches look for and his steady two way play saw him shoot up draft boards this year despite his relatively pedestrian scoring numbers. Make no mistake, he can chip in offensively and was almost a point a game in his draft year in junior, but his calling card is his defense and two way acumen. Just a well rounded hockey player, lower ceiling than the rest of this group but a high floor and a safe pick.

G Carter Hart (WHL, 24gp, 2.10gaa, .930sv%, 17w)
An elite goalie prospect who hardly lost a game this season in junior and played well in the world juniors, Hart should be an NHL starter in time. He has a well rounded and technically sound game and a great glove hand.