9 – Detroit Red Wings: Tom Willander, D/Rogle
Previous Pick: Matthew Wood
While the Detroit Red Wings have one of the best defensemen in the league with Moritz Seider, they’re not drafting for need here. Instead, I’m going with a pick that could evoke an ultimate defense-first identity with the Red Wings. And that makes for a scary thought of Seider and Willander playing on the same rotation.
10 – St. Louis Blues: Zach Benson, LW/Winnipeg Ice
Previous Pick: Oliver Moore
There’s always that one projected top five pick who is vulnerable of falling. And in this case, it’s Buffalo Sabres 2022 first round pick Matt Savoie’s teammate, Zach Benson. Fortunately for Benson, his freefall stops with the St. Louis Blues in this scenario.
11 – Vancouver Canucks: Colby Barlow, RW/Owen Sound Attack
Previous Pick: Axel Sandin Pellikka
While I can still see the Vancouver Canucks going with Axel-Sandin Pellikka, Colby Barlow is one of those larger, raw talents who may entice a team to draft him well before the eleventh pick. That said, the Canucks scoop him up with little hesitation.
12 – Arizona Coyotes: Dalibor Dvorsky, C/AIK
Previous Selection: Ryan Leonard
As previously mentioned, the Coyotes need to attract talent that will draw interest to the desert. Dvorsky’s younger age (just turned 18) coupled with the fact he already looks like a seasoned veteran out there with his overall size tells me that he will be an instant hit with the fans ready to follow his career from Europe to North America.
13 – Buffalo Sabres: Quentin Musty, LW/Sudbury Wolves
Previous Selection: Quentin Musty
Once again, I got the Buffalo Sabres going with the local boy. And while defense will still be a pressing need, snagging someone with power forward potential like Musty may add an immediate edge to the organization’s elite prospects pool.
While this mock draft looks dramatically different from its two predecessors, the Buffalo Sabres snagging both the best player on the board (in my eyes, at least) has not changed. Look for Musty or a similar talent to don a blue and gold jersey tomorrow evening.
(Statistics and prospect information provided by Elite Prospects Draft Guide and EliteProspects.com)