The draft is a mere three weeks away. Rankings have already been released (check them out here), and now ESNY’s official mock draft is in session.
Here are projected first-15 selections:
Jack Hughes was given an unexpected run for his money by Kaapo Kakko, but I can’t see Ray Shero passing on the American superstar. Hughes has been touted as the stud of this year’s draft for so long, and he still looks like he could be a franchise player. While Kakko stole the headlines at the IIHF World Championships, Hughes impressed as well. By adding the USDP product, the New Jersey Devils would boast quite the one-two punch down the middle with Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes.