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2018 NHL mock draft: Post-NHL draft lottery

By Derek Grochowski

PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals controls the puck in front of Jack Hughes #43 of the USA Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Andrei Svechnikov; Jack Hughes
PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals controls the puck in front of Jack Hughes #43 of the USA Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Andrei Svechnikov; Jack Hughes /
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BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: General manager Pierre Dorion spaks at the podium during round one of the 2016 NHL Draft at First Niagara Center on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: General manager Pierre Dorion spaks at the podium during round one of the 2016 NHL Draft at First Niagara Center on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /

22. Ottawa Senators (from Pittsburgh Penguins): C Bo Groulx 

Bo knows how to shoot. Bo knows how to play defense. Bo doesn’t know how to skate. That is a little harsh, but when breaking down Bo Groulx’s game, his skating is his weakness. He is not a bad skater but he needs to work on his acceleration. He has a tremendous shot that is both powerful and accurate. Bo has a strong understanding of his defensive responsibilities as well. Rarely is he caught out of position. He can even make some passes in key spots when needed.

In 68 games this season, Groulx totaled 55 total points with 28 goals. He also picked up 100 penalty minutes. He was on a talented Halifax Mooseheads team this season and he was a major contributor. Looking at just the stat sheet does not tell the entire story of Groulx. He made a lot of important plays that need to happen throughout a game to get the win. He has good size at six-foot-one and 190 pounds, and he likes to use it. For as talented as he is offensively,, he does not shy away from the physical play.

As an organization, Ottawa needs help just about everywhere. This is a veteran team with not a ton of youth in the lineup. The Senators will grab a big piece of the puzzle with the fourth overall pick but it is important they cash in on these secondary picks as well. Bo Groulx is not only a smart pick at 22, but it is a safe pick. In a worst-case scenario, Groulx develops to a fourth-line center that could give you some offense. It is likely he will project into a second-line center that compliments high scoring wingers.

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