133rd overall: Gabriel Eliasson, D/HV71
If the Blue Jackets want to land a physically imposing blueliner with a later pick, there isn’t anyone better than Gabriel Eliassaon. Still just 17, and with a birthday in September, Eliasson stands at 6’6, 207 lbs, and who knows how much more he will grow over the next few seasons?
Like Will Skahan, don’t expect Eliasson to be a scorer, but he will bring physical play and an intimidation factor to the ice. This is the type of player who should thrive off of the North American game, and it won’t be long until he makes the trip. If the Blue Jackets land him in the later rounds, keep an eye on who would be a steal if he fell this far.
165th overall: Edvin Nilsson, D/HV71
To end this mock draft, I went with yet another blueliner, but this one carries a different build than Gabriel Eliasson. Edvin Nilsson is under six feet tall and 183 lbs, but he’s got two-way ability that will only continue to improve.
He, too, will get a head start on the North American game, so it won’t be long until he grows used to the style of play and performs at a high level in the US and Canada. He’s got the potential to put up a half-point per game in the early stages of his North American journey, and that could foreshadow something remarkable in time.
(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)