2016 NHL Mock Draft: Coyotes draft Auston Matthews
Matthew Tkachuk. 5. player. 30. . Wing/center. London Knights (OHL)
After losing Andrew Ladd, the Winnipeg Jets need to grab some more skilled forwards. The versatile forward Tkachuk is a wonderful fit. He could stick at center and potentially be an elite one at that, but even if he doesn’t, he’s skilled enough to be an excellent wing. Tkachuk’s combination of playmaking and scoring should make him a high-end NHL player.
He draws comparisons to Brendan Gallagher and Brad Marchand because he is a skilled player who plays with a bit of meanness in his game. Tkachuk has steadily done a better job of channeling the agitator within him.
He plays a strong two way game and Tkachuk, much like Marchand, has a natural nose for the net. His finishing ability needs to improve, but once it does, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him be a 30 goal scorer in his prime. Tkachuk has the tools necessary to be a consistent 20 goal scorer.
Tkachuk has a nice pedigree as he is the cousin of current NHL players Jimmy Hayes (Bruins) and Kevin Hayes (Rangers). He is also the son of Keith Tkachuk. The Tkachuk bloodline has been passed on to Matthew Tkachuk. Much like his father, he takes pride in outskating and outworking everyone on the ice.
Next: #6: Columbus Blue Jackets