Final 2022 NHL Mock Draft
We’re just hours away from the NHL Draft and our group has conducted our Final Mock Draft.
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out our free NHL Draft Guide for everything you need these next two days. Our analysis of each of these players can be found inside.
1. MTL - Shane Wright | F, Kington (OHL)
2. NJ - Juraj Slafkovsky | LW TPS (Liiga)
3. ARI - Logan Cooley | C, US U18 (NTDP)
4. SEA - Simon Nemec | D, HC Nitra (Slovakia)
5. PHI - Cutter Gauthier | F, US U18 (NTDP)
6. CBJ - David Jiricek | D, HC Plzen (Czechia)
7. OTT - Matt Savoie | C, Winnipeg (WHL)
8. DET - Jonathan Lekkerimäki | RW, Djurgårdens (SHL)
9. BUF - Frank Nazar | C/RW, US U18 (USDP)
Curtis - Grabbing Nazar at 9th overall would be a huge win for the Sabres. While it’s possible he could slide to 16, it’s not worth taking the chance of losing him and the upside he possesses. With blazing speed and agility, Nazar would add quickness to a roster that is evolving into a dangerous and attacking style of play.
Walt - Nazar may very well be the ideal player for the Sabres at 9th overall (maybe even 16th overall). He’s an instant “ceiling raiser” for any prospect pool and may very well be the most exciting player outside of the projected top-5.
10. ANA - Denton Mateychuk | D, Moose Jaw (WHL)
11. SJS - Joakim Kemell | RW, JYP (Liiga)
12. CBJ - Noah Östlund | C, Djurgårdens J20 (J20 Nationell)
13. NYI - Kevin Korchinski | D, Seattle (WHL)
14. WPG - Conor Geekie | C, Winnipeg (WHL_
15. VAN - Liam Öhgren | LW, Djurgårdens J20 (J20 Nationell)
16. BUF - Danila Yurov | RW, Stalnye Lisy (MHL)
Austin B - Yurov has all the tools you want to see in an NHL prospect. He has a strong work ethic, great puck skills, and an elite IQ. Whenever he’s on the ice he knows exactly how to put himself in the best possible position to succeed. He has the skills to become a top-six forward who makes a strong impact at both ends of the ice.
Joe - Entering the season, Danila Yurov was thought of to be a potential top-three pick, but his stock fell due to factors far beyond his control. He is a great prospect and a very complete player. The speed and skill are there and he competes hard. There really is no question that Yurov is one of the most talented players in the draft but he will slide because of the Russian factor which will be amplified.
Walt - The Sabres have not been afraid to dip into the Russian prospect pool for their draft selections in the Kevyn Adams era. I think a Danila Yurov selection is one that can pay off big time considering his ceiling as a prospect.
17. NSH - Pavel Mintyukov | D, Saginaw (OHL)
18. DAL - Marco Kasper | C, Rogle (SHL)
19. MIN - Jiri Kulich | C, Energie Karlovy Vary (Czechia)
20. WSH - Lian Bischel | D, Leksands IF (SHL)
21. PIT - Rutger McGroarty | C, US U18 (USDP)
22. ANA - Isaac Howard | LW, US U18 (USDP)
23. STL - Owen Pickering | D, Swift Current (WHL)
24. MIN - Jimmy Snuggerud | F, US U18 (USDP)
25. TOR - Ryan Chesley | D, US U18 (USDP)
26. MTL - Ivan Miroshnichenko | LW, Omskie (VHL)
27. ARI - Nathan Gaucher | C, Quebec (QMJHL)
28. BUF - Lane Hutson | D, US U18 (USDP)
Curtis - Hutson is an electrifying left-shot defenseman who is offensively gifted and skates extremely well.
Playing for the US U18 team this past year, Hutson's height is the biggest roadblock from him being a locked-in 1st-round pick. Reportedly bringing in doctors to the combine to confirm he is still growing, Hutson has some of the highest upside of all the fringe 1st/2nd round players.
29. EDM - Reid Schaefer | LW, Seattle (WHL)
30. WPG - Jagger Firkus | F, Moose Jaw (WHL)
31. TBL - Brad Lambert | F, Pelicans (Liiga)
32. ARI - David Goyette | C, Sudbury (OHL)
Follow our draft analysts: