2016 NHL Mock Draft: Coyotes draft Auston Matthews

It’s quite likely that if the Edmonton Oilers have a draft pick this high, they will trade it for an established defenseman. Look for them to pursue Sami Vatanen, Hampus Lindholm, or Kevin Shattenkirk. If they decide to keep their pick, their best bet is to go after the most established defenseman in the draft who also has the highest ceiling: Jakub Chychrun.

Chychrun cemented his status as a top five draft pick with an extremely strong World Juniors. He has been producing consistently for the Sarnia Sting over the past two seasons. Jakub Chychrun, who holds a dual citizenship in both the United States and Canada, is a two-way defenseman who is as productive offensively as he is steady in his own zone. Basically, he’s what the Oilers need: a potential top pairing defenseman.

There’s a legitimate discussion to be had regarding if the Oilers should trade this pick or not. Chychrun isn’t a sure thing like Vatanen, Lindholm, or Shattenkirk. After years of mediocrity, one can’t blame the Oilers if they’d rather have the established defenseman and perhaps that might be the best decision for them. They can’t go wrong with Chychrun though. He has the potential to make the kind of immediate impact that Aaron Ekblad did in 2014-2015.

Next: #5: Winnipeg Jets