Mock Draft Overview

I don’t know if it is because the Stanley Cup Playoffs are running a little bit later into the Summer, or if time is just getting away from me, but I can’t believe that the NHL Draft is coming up so soon. On June 30th, hundreds of young hockey players dreams will come true and they will be one step closer to the NHL. As I surf through mock draft and player rankings, I see so many different scenario’s and just become eager to see how the day plays out.

June 22, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; General view of the stage and draft board order as commissioner Gary Bettman announces the third overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft at CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

For right now, I decided to analyze one specific set of mock drafts. Adam Kimelman, Mike Morreale, and Steven Hoffner all participated in a “mini-mock draft” highlighted on NHL.com.

The three hockey guru’s only picked for the first 14 teams, and as you all know, Columbus has the number 14 pick (just one of three). Each one had Jones and MacKinnon going one and two, Kimelman had Aleksander Barkov being picked third, where Morreale and Hoffner both had Jonathan Drouin. I can’t see Drouin dropping past third, he is such a dynamic, and exciting player.

On to the number 14 pick, lets take a look at who each of the guru’s picked for the Columbus Blue Jackets:

Kimelman: With the 14th pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets select…Mirco Mueller, defensemen from Everett of the Western Hockey League. Mueller is a 6’4″, 185 lbs, left handed defenseman from Switzerland. With 6 goals, and 25 assists for 31 points this season, Mueller is described as being great on his feet, and has slotted well in the 1st defensive pairing in Everett. Kimelman describes one reason why he likes this pick for the Blue Jackets…

"could be reunited in Columbus with Everett defense partner Ryan Murray"

[NHL.com]

June 22, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ryan Murray is selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2012 NHL Draft at CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Morreale: With the 14th pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets select…Ryan Pulock, defensemen from Brandon of the Western Hockey League. Pulock is a 6’1″, 211 lbs, right handed defensemen from Canada. Pulock has a slightly more effective offensive game (compared to Mueller), scoring 14 goals, and adding 31 assists for 45 points this season. He is described as a player who can play in any capacity, is proficient on the power play, and can unload from the point. Morreale explains why he likes Pulock as the 14th pick for the Blue Jackets…

"offers one of the best shots of the entire draft; enjoys a physical game"

[NHL.com]

Hoffner: With the 14th pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets select…Ryan Hartman, winger from Plymouth of the Ontario Hockey League. Hartman is a 5’11”, 190 lbs, right handed winger from the United States. Hartman was part of the USA World Junior team who brought home the gold this year. Ryan plays an aggressive two way game, and is one of those players who you don’t want to play against. During his season with the Plymouth Whalers, he scored 23 goals, and assisted on 37 goals, for 60 points. Hartman is described as a solid two way player, who puts in 100% every shift, and plays much bigger than he really is. Hoffner has this to say about his pick for the Blue Jackets…

"GM Jarmo Kekalainen might see elements of one of his former players, Blues captain David Backes"

[NHL.com]

With what is being called a deep draft, any three of these players would be a great option for the Blue Jackets and could each bring a specific skill needed for Columbus. It will all depend on who is available and when. That is what’s so great about the draft, it is unpredictable.

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