TRAIKOS ’ TOP 10
1 NY Rangers: Alexis Lafrenière, LW ( Rimouski, QMJHL)
With Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider on the left side, New York would be better off with a centre. But there’s no way they are passing on a winger as talented as Lafrenière.
2 Los Angeles: Tim Stutzle, C/ LW ( Mannheim, Ger.)
Slotting the offensively skilled centre behind Anze Kopitar gives L. A. the kind of one-two punch that could make them a Stanley Cup threat again.
3 Ottawa: Quinton Byfield, C, ( Sudbury, OHL)
The 6- foot- 4, 215- pound centre, who has drawn comparisons to Evgeni Malkin and Ryan Getzlaf, is everything that the Senators need in order to progress into the final stages of their rebuild.
4 Detroit: Cole Perfetti, C ( Saginaw, OHL)
GM Steve Yzerman will be seeing a lot of himself in Perfetti’s game, which is built around a Mensa- level hockey I. Q. and maturity level that should make him a future captain.
5 Ottawa: Jamie Drysdale, D ( Erie, OHL)
Putting Drysdale, who scored 47 points in 49 games this season, on a pairing with Thomas Chabot should make life easier on whoever is in net for the Senators.
6 Anaheim: Marco Rossi, C (Ottawa, OHL)
The CHL’S leading scorer would be a welcome addition to a team that didn’t have a 30-goal scorer or anyone who cracked the top-100 in points.
7 New Jersey: Yaroslav Askarov, G ( SKA-St. Petersburg, KHL)
Thirty years ago, the Devils selected Martin Brodeur with the 20th overall selection. It worked out pretty well. So why not take another goalie who has Vezina Trophy winner written all over him?
8 Buffalo: Jake Sanderson, D ( USA- U18)
The Sabres could use a top- line winger to play with Eichel. But the team just as badly needs a top-pairing defenceman to play alongside Rasmus Dahlin.
9 Minnesota: Lucas Raymond, LW, ( Frolunda, Swe.)
Very few — if any — have Raymond going lower than eighth overall. But if the winger, who battled injury this season, is still there, the Wild will be very happy.
10 Winnipeg: Alex Holtz, RW ( Djurgarden, Swe.)
If the Jets are going to trade Patrik Laine (and they probably shouldn’t), then they better draft someone who can put the puck in the net.