2018 NHL mock draft: Eastern Conference teams

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GATINEAU, CANADA – DECEMBER 1: Joe Veleno #9 of the Saint John Sea Dogs skates against the Gatineau Olympiques on December 1, 2017 at Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Laplante/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) /

12. New York Islanders (from Calgary) – Joe Veleno

The John Tavares situation could very well make an impact on what the Islanders do at the draft. If they don’t have him signed before it, they should make it a priority to at least try and and find an eventual No. 1 center.

Like Tavares, Veleno was granted exceptional status to enter the CHL a year early. He was actually the first to be given that recognition in the QMJHL. He was part of a Saint John Sea Dogs team that won the QMJHL Championship in 2017. However, things didn’t go so well for him at the start of the season. He was eventually traded to the Drummondville Voltigeurs. A scout told The Hockey News in their Draft Preview issue this about his early-season struggles,

"“He was putting a lot of pressure on himself in Saint John. It was probably the best scenario for him to go…. He still needs to shoot more, but that’s not him – he’s a playmaker. He works his butt off every game.”"

That work ethic will help anybody make it to the NHL quicker. He plays a 200-foot game and could be one of biggest steals of the draft.

Veleno could be another great addition to the Islanders young forward core. With Matthew Barzal and Anthony Beauvillier already in tow, Veleno would be a good pick regardless of whether or not Tavares leaves.

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