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2020 NHL Entry Draft: First round recap

By Mike Zawisza

QUEBEC CITY, QC - OCTOBER 18: Alexis Lafreniere #11 of the Rimouski Oceanic skates prior to his QMJHL hockey game at the Videotron Center on October 18, 2019 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Mathieu Belanger/Getty Images)
QUEBEC CITY, QC - OCTOBER 18: Alexis Lafreniere #11 of the Rimouski Oceanic skates prior to his QMJHL hockey game at the Videotron Center on October 18, 2019 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Mathieu Belanger/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

6. Anaheim Ducks – D Jamie Drysdale, Erie Otters (OHL)

Anaheim is in a position where pretty much anything here would help their extremely depleted prospect pool. Even still, Jamie Drysdale was probably the top-ranked defenseman in this draft and his skating ability and hockey sense should make him a great chip as the Ducks transition into a slow, painful rebuild.

7. New Jersey Devils – RW Alexander Holtz, Djurgardens (Superelit)

The Devils add to their already outrageous crop of young forwards. Hischier, Hughes and now add Holtz in a couple of years. Center-heavy already, the Devils get a speedy, scoring winger who wants the puck on his stick at all times. For a team that struggles to score, this is a big get.

8. Buffalo Sabres – RW/LW Jack Quinn, Ottawa 67s (OHL)

Sabres get some much-needed scoring talent at eighth overall. Jack Eichel has made it well known that he’s tired of the way things are going in Buffalo and rookie GM Kevyn Adams looked to amend that with this selection. While they could have gone with Perfetti or Rossi, Quinn is still one of the best scorers in the draft. Don’t be shocked to see the two Jack’s skating alongside each other in short order.

9. Minnesota Wild – C Marco Rossi, Ottawa 67s (OHL)

The Minnesota Wild had been seen as a potential landing spot for goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, but with the Sabres passing on Rossi, they made the right choice in selecting the best player available. Rossi is small, but he doesn’t play that way. He’s a power skater with a boatload of skill and has shown himself to be a magician with the puck.

10. Winnipeg Jets – C/LW Cole Perfetti, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

The Wild and Jets may have gotten the best value at their respective picks in the entire draft. Ranked in the top five by many, Perfetti slid all the way to 10 — and the Winnipeg Jets must be thanking their lucky stars. With 111 points in his second year of juniors, Perfetti is a steal at 10 and should find himself lighting the lamp in the NHL in short order.

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