Smith is a safer pick in that regard, but still owns top-of-the-lineup offensive upside. While Matvei Michkov is tempting here, there are obviously a lot of questions surrounding him, in terms of when he’ll be able to come over to North America. That team included potential Olympic selections for 2026. Columbus Director of Pro Scouting Josef Boumedienne knows him from serving as assistant GM for Sweden’s national team. The Blue Jackets need a center and he’s one of the best in the draft. In other years, Carlsson could have been a No. Columbus Blue Jackets: Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (SHL).(Selection by Sirius draft analyst Russ Cohen) His overall game is superb and he can be one of the NHL’s most dangerous players around the net in the near future. Anaheim is starting to collect an impressive group of young centers. That will give the Ducks time to figure out how to best use their collection of quality young players. Anaheim Ducks: Adam Fantilli, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)įantilli is opting to return to the University of Michigan next season.(Selection by Chicago Hockey Now’s Nate Brown)
Bedard is expected to jump start the rebuild and help Chicago exit faster than what looked like a long process. The Blackhawks are getting arguably the most anticipated player since Connor McDavid went to the Edmonton Oilers in 2015. One of the two sure-fire picks of the draft. Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL).
