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2019 NHL Mock Draft: Kings land talented Russian winger Podkolzin

By Simon Vacca

PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Vasili Podkolzin #19 of the Russian Nationals follows the play against 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 *** Vasili Podkolzin
PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Vasili Podkolzin #19 of the Russian Nationals follows the play against 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 *** Vasili Podkolzin /
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For now, all eyes are on Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko. But Vasili Podkolzin — currently projected to be drafted third overall — would serve as a top-notch consolation prize for any NHL franchise.

With the Stanley Cup playoffs on the not-so-distant horizon, speculation envelops an increasingly fascinating subject — the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Unsurprisingly, the eyes of many remain focused on the two most touted players available in June: American center Jack Hughes and Finnish winger Kaapo Kakko. Both individuals continue to top mock rankings, making strong cases for the first overall selection.

Yet the beauty of this year’s prospect pool lies in its depth. For proof of this reality, one need look no further than Vasili Podkolzin.

At 17 years old, the 6’1, 190-pound winger certainly has the tools to serve as an elite forward in the NHL, offering an ability to marry an astute sense of offensive awareness with effective defensive responsibility on a seemingly nightly basis. Better yet, his capacity to act as a competitive force against more experienced players makes the young Russian a prime consolation prize among the sport’s rebuilding franchises. And if the rest of the season is to pan out in a manner that is comparable to the present moment, an organization like the Los Angeles Kings ought to ensure that Podkolzin remains at the forefront of its radar going forward.

Our March 12th mock draft — considered in conjunction with the league’s reverse standings — is as follows.

  1. Colorado Avalanche — Jack Hughes (C)
  2. Detroit Red Wings — Kaapo Kakko (RW)
  3. Los Angeles Kings — Vasili Podkolzin (RW)
  4. New Jersey Devils — Dylan Cozens (C/RW)
  5. Anaheim Ducks — Kirby Dach (C)
  6. Vancouver Canucks — Peyton Krebs (C)
  7. Chicago Blackhawks — Trevor Zegras (C)
  8. Edmonton Oilers — Bowen Byram (D)
  9. New York Rangers — Matthew Boldy (LW)
  10. Buffalo Sabres — Alex Turcotte (C)
  11. Florida Panthers — Philip Broberg (D)
  12. Colorado Avalanche — Alex Newhook (C)
  13. Arizona Coyotes — Victor Soderstrom (D)
  14. Minnesota Wild — Cole Caufield (RW)
  15. Philadelphia Flyers — Cam York (D)
  16. Dallas Stars — Moritz Seider (D)
  17. Montréal Canadiens — Matthew Robertson (D)
  18. Buffalo Sabres — Ryan Suzuki (C)
  19. Ottawa Senators — Arthur Kaliyev (LW)
  20. Vegas Golden Knights — Bobby Brink (C)
  21. Carolina Hurricanes — Connor McMichael (C)
  22. Nashville Predators — Nils Hoglander (LW)
  23. Pittsburgh Penguins — Raphael Lavoie (C/RW)
  24. New York Rangers — Thomas Harley (D)
  25. New York Islanders — Jakob Pelletier (LW)
  26. Washington Capitals — Brett Leason (C)
  27. Los Angeles Kings — Ville Heinola (D)
  28. Anaheim Ducks — Anttoni Honka (D)
  29. Calgary Flames — Spencer Knight (G)
  30. Boston Bruins — Nicholas Robertson (C/LW)
  31. New York Rangers — Nolan Foote (LW)

News and notes:

  • No. 1 — As per a three-team deal, the Colorado Avalanche are set to receive the Ottawa Senators’ first-round pick.
  • No. 18 — The Buffalo Sabres will receive the St. Louis Blues’ first-round selection. The Sabres shipped Ryan O’Reilly to the Blues for three forwards and two draft picks.
  • No. 19 — The Ottawa Senators shall get the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first-round pick as part of the deal that sent center Matt Duchene to Ohio.
  • No. 24 — The New York Rangers will acquire the Winnipeg Jets’ 2019 first-round selection as part of the Kevin Hayes trade.
  • No. 27 — The Los Angeles Kings shall receive the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-rounder as part of the Jake Muzzin deal.
  • No. 28 — The Anaheim Ducks are set to receive a first-rounder from the Buffalo Sabres as part of the Brandon Montour trade.
  • No. 31 — The New York Rangers will acquire a conditional first-round selection from the Tampa Bay Lightning if the latter win the 2019 Stanley Cup (and a second-round pick if they do not). Since the Lightning currently hold the most points in the NHL, the draft order has tentatively considered them Stanley Cup champions.

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The 57th NHL Entry Draft shall take place in Vancouver, British Columbia on June 21 and 22. Be sure to check back for more updates.

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