Dobber Mock Draft - 2018

[finnys_fanatsy]

Axe and teh Oilers are on teh clock

[Axeman33]

Peter Chiarelli, Keith Grezky, Todd McLellan, Daryl Katz and his goofy looking son all head to the stage where Peter Chiarelli steps to the mic and under a speckle of boos announces that the Oilers are pleased to select

From Assat, Jesperi Kotkaniemi

The Finnish player is a goal-scorer, a playmaker, a powerplay quarterback and a penalty killer. We say all the time that players can perform in “all situations”, but that is particularly true about Kotkaniemi. When it comes to scoring goals, his quick release is his greatest attribute. Not unlike Auston Matthews, he has the ability to carry the puck into unlikely scoring areas, and then beat the unsuspecting goalie with a quick wrist shot.

He is a skilled puck-handler and he uses his stickhandling to buy himself time while looking for teammates. When playing internationally against guys his own age, he has show the strength necessary to carry the puck through traffic, particularly through the neutral zone.



kotkaniemi.jpeg

[Zorro]

I thought the Oilers traded their first rounder to the Jets for Tyler Myers??

Ohhhhh wait, that's still to come..

[Axeman33]

I thought the Oilers traded their first rounder to the Jets for Tyler Myers??

Ohhhhh wait, that's still to come..

Actually Chiarelli said in an interview he's keeping the pick. Truth. Afraid of the upcoming Expansion draft apparently.

[Shift Disturber]

Well crap, Axe, the Oilers really threw a wrench into my plans. Can't blame you for taking the BPA though.

Trying to think like an NHL GM, and not like a fantasy GM, at the #11 and #12 spots the NY Islanders select C Joe Veleno and D Bode Wilde. Speed and versatility, along with fulfilling organizational needs, is the reasoning behind these picks. Veleno is a potential top 6 centre that the Islanders lack in their organization, while Wilde brings a complete package of speed, grit, and offense that will see him as a fixture in the Islanders top 4 for years to come.

[Axeman33]

Well crap, Axe, the Oilers really threw a wrench into my plans. Can't blame you for taking the BPA though.

Trying to think like an NHL GM, and not like a fantasy GM, at the #11 and #12 spots the NY Islanders select C Joe Veleno and D Bode Wilde. Speed and versatility, along with fulfilling organizational needs, is the reasoning behind these picks. Veleno is a potential top 6 centre that the Islanders lack in their organization, while Wilde brings a complete package of speed, grit, and offense that will see him as a fixture in the Islanders top 4 for years to come.

I hear ya. The Islanders right before me pooched my plans to snag Bouchard too. Kotkaniemi was the BPA though, you are right.

[finnys_fanatsy]

Dallas... Philly ...Florida...

Btw This is very difficult with big thumbs and a smart phone but keep it up

[Daydream Nation]

Oilers got great value there.

[donpaulo]

I think NYR go with Kotkaniemi but thats just one guys opinion

[Axeman33]

I think NYR go with Kotkaniemi but thats just one guys opinion

I dont expect him to be there for the Oilers at 10 either, but if he is I sure hope they take him.

[Shift Disturber]

I dont expect him to be there for the Oilers at 10 either, but if he is I sure hope they take him.

Yeah, it would be an interesting situation for them. Really you'd think they would look at Ty Smith in this spot, especially if Bouchard is gone by #10, which is likely. Kotkaniemi is a left-shooting forward, which is something they don't really need. It would be difficult for the Oilers to pass him up, but at the same time they'll take some flak for it and by golly he better turn out.

[Axeman33]

Yeah, it would be an interesting situation for them. Really you'd think they would look at Ty Smith in this spot, especially if Bouchard is gone by #10, which is likely. Kotkaniemi is a left-shooting forward, which is something they don't really need. It would be difficult for the Oilers to pass him up, but at the same time they'll take some flak for it and by golly he better turn out.

The Oilers need help everywhere but down the middle right now. I realize Kotkaniemi is a center but played wing all this year so it's not like he cant play the wing in the NHL either. Also, can you really have too many centers? Either way, as I say, I dont expect him to be there at 10 but for the purpose of this draft, I am drafting the BPA and that is Kotkaniemi.

[Bazz]

The Oilers need help everywhere but down the middle right now. I realize Kotkaniemi is a center but played wing all this year so it's not like he cant play the wing in the NHL either. Also, can you really have too many centers? Either way, as I say, I dont expect him to be there at 10 but for the purpose of this draft, I am drafting the BPA and that is Kotkaniemi.

To me he’s the wild card of round one. I was kind of shocked when I opened the prospect guide where I picked Dobson is where they mocked him at. #5 to Arz

[donpaulo]

NHL teams are built up the middle and there is a bit of a soft area at pivot this draft

[Jouko-Pouko]

The Stars are shocked to see Ty Smith still available and run to the podium to select him with the 13th overall selection.