2020 NHL Entry Draft: First round recap
By Mike Zawisza
21. Columbus Blue Jackets – RW Yegor Chinakhov, Avangard Omsk (KHL)
Another “off the board” pick (the crew at NBCSN didn’t even seem to know who he was), Chinakhov is off to a great start in the KHL with five goals and seven points in just 12 games. The Russian winger is a goal-scorer, end of the story. While he was probably a second-round talent, the Blue Jackets clearly had him pegged as their guy at 21. If he can continue his scoring pace in the KHL, Columbus may wind up proving a lot of prognosticators wrong.
22. Washington Capitals (from Calgary from NYR via Carolina) – C Hendrix Lapierre, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
There are definite injury concerns with Hendrix Lapierre. He had three head and neck injuries in a span of one season. However, if he’s able to stay healthy, he should be an amazing grab for the Capitals at 22. A top-10 talent had he not been hurt, Lapierre can light it up on offense and would be a great addition to a potent — albeit aging — Capital offense.
23. Philadelphia Flyers – C Tyson Foerster, Barrie Colts (OHL)
After much clamoring from their fanbase, the Flyers drafted a pure scorer and sniper. Foerster is a big boy, standing a bit over 6’1” and weighing 194 pounds. He’s got one of the best shots in the draft and should fit in nicely with the young Flyers core. There are some questions about his stride, but he’s drawn comparisons to Corey Perry — another player who had scouts concerned about his skating.
24. Calgary Flames – C Connor Zary, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
After moving back not once, but twice, the Calgary Flames finally got their guy at 24. Zary is a solid pick for a Calgary team that is kind of at a crossroads. They need to decide if they’re going to go all in on taking the next step, or if they’re going to try a rebuild/retooling. Either way, Zary is a safe prospect that brings a nice scoring punch and a responsible two-way game.
25. Colorado Avalanche – D Justin Barron, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Similar to Hendrix Lapierre, there are some medical questions surrounding Barron, but at 25 it’s good value. He can skate well, is solid in his own end and brings some size. He’s not going to need to be “the guy” on the blueline in Colorado — that’s Makar’s job — but he should fit in nicely as a potential fourth or fifth defenseman.