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NHL mock draft: Final projections for every first-round pick

By Derek Grochowski

BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 5: Rasmus Dahlin #8 of Sweden in play against Canada during the Gold medal game of the IIHF World Junior Championship at KeyBank Center on January 5, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. Canada beat Sweden 3-1. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 5: Rasmus Dahlin #8 of Sweden in play against Canada during the Gold medal game of the IIHF World Junior Championship at KeyBank Center on January 5, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. Canada beat Sweden 3-1. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /
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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 14: Girigory Denisenko #14 of the Russian Nationals skates up ice against the Finland Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 14, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Russia defeated Finland 4-0. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Girigory Denisenko
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 14: Girigory Denisenko #14 of the Russian Nationals skates up ice against the Finland Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 14, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Russia defeated Finland 4-0. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Girigory Denisenko /

18. Columbus Blue Jackets – LW Girigory Denisenko

The Columbus Blue Jackets cannot get over the first round hump. After taking a commanding two-game lead on the Washington Capitals the Blue Jackets fell apart and lost in six. One of the reasons this happened was their offense fell off and they were not as productive. Grigori Denisenko is a left wing prospect from Russia who is an offensive producer at every level. The Blue Jackets have young defenseman who are first class. Outside of that their offense is constructed of inconsistent point producers. The way that Denisenko can coordinate an offense while he is on the ice makes him a perfect fit for the Blue Jackets.

Denisenko is more than an offensive driver he is a human wrecking ball. He certainly is not the biggest prospect in the draft but he plays like it. His aggressive style of play is what makes him unique and will certainly catch the attention of the teams picking in the second half of the first round. Having that level of skill with the edge he plays with will get him drafted earlier than he probably should be on a pure talent level. Yes, he has talent with the puck but there are others who can do the same things. He is dangerous all over the ice but no different than some of the people who will be drafted after him. It is the fact he is so aggressive that teams will love him.

The aggressiveness is great and sets him apart but at times he needs to tone it down. He will get himself caught way out of position to make the big hit. This puts his team in a tough spot and causes more goals against than it should. The other thing that comes with playing with a high level of aggression is bad penalties. Denisenko is guilty of taking those penalties, and a lot of them too.

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