NHL Mock Draft: Let’s break down how the Top 10 picks will go
By Simon Vacca
As we await the outset of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, let’s try to determine which players will be selected using the first ten picks of round one.
In just a matter of hours, the National Hockey League will undergo its yearly reconceptualization, as the 2019 Entry Draft is set into motion in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. With that, a vast array of opportunities emerge for each of the sport’s franchises, as the stars of the future await the tell-all moment that will forever alter the course of their young lives.
At the forefront of matters is an expansive debate over the New Jersey Devils’ first overall selection. Jack Hughes, a center for the U.S. National Development Team, is often regarded as the favorite to be landed at No. 1. The 18-year-old has occupied the talk circuit of the hockey world for several years and is widely regarded as one of the sport’s finest talents to emerge in recent seasons.
Yet contrasting opinions loom large. Kaapo Kakko, a winger of HC TPS (Finnish Liiga), has also been hailed by scouts for quite some time. The forward’s ability to boast elite creativity — primarily informed by top-end hockey IQ — ensures that the 18-year-old is a lock to go no less than second overall.
Whatever the case, expect tomorrow to serve as a watershed moment. This season’s pool is particularly deep — a prospect that entails enormous responsibility for the league’s administrative bodies.
For the final time, let’s unpack FanSided’s Mock Draft — with a focus on the first ten picks of the 2019 class.
10. Vancouver Canucks — Alex Newhook
DOB: Jan. 28, 2001 (age 18)
Position: C
Shoots: L
Team: Victoria Grizzlies — BCHL
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 190 pounds
The belief among many is that the Vancouver Canucks should opt to draft a defender. Nevertheless, the possibility of GM Jim Benning exploring other pieces looms larger than ever, particularly because of the top-heavy nature of the 2019 class of forwards.
At the forefront of this list is Alex Newhook of the Victoria Grizzlies. Boasting a consistent résumé underlined by speed and skill, the 18-year-old is widely known for his high compete level, as well as an ability to usher forth a solid two-way game on a fairly consistent basis. As such, look for Vancouver’s administrative body to weigh all of its options going forward.