GET SET FOR A BIZARRE NHL DRAFT

COVID-impacted season made it tougher for teams to judge prospects

The thing that scout Mark Seidel misses the most is being at the rink.

That's where the most information on draft-eligible prospects is gathered. Not just in watching the games in person, but in talking to other scouts, general managers and agents over a bad cup of coffee. It's a piece of the puzzle that COVID-19 took away in a year where some prospects were forced to play limited games overseas and others simply didn't play at all.

No wonder Seidel and many other scouts wrote their lists in pencil this year — and kept an eraser handy.

“I don't have any real feel,” said the chief scout for North American

Central Scouting. “Usually I have an idea as to who guys like. But it's bizarre. After the 12th pick, it's anyone's guess.”

With that in mind — and with erasers in hand — here's a look at which players could end up being selected at the top of Friday's NHL draft:

1. Buffalo: Owen Power, D, Michigan (NCAA)

With Jack Eichel's future in doubt, don't be surprised if the Sabres take a long, hard look at Matthew Beniers. At the same time, with Will Borgen lost to Seattle and Rasmus Ristolainen also on his way out, it might make even more sense to surround No. 1 overall pick Rasmus Dahlin with another franchise defenceman. “There's a sizable gap between him and the rest,” said Seidel. “Is he a slam-dunk No. 1? Yeah, but it's Buffalo. You never know what they're going to do.”

2. Seattle: Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan (NCAA)

Following Wednesday's expansion draft, Yanni Gourde looks like he'll be the Kraken's No. 1 centre, followed by Jared McCann and Brandon Tanev. That's not exactly a position of strength. So it makes sense that Beniers would end up in Seattle. “We have him at seven, but I'd be real shocked if he doesn't go two or three,” said Seidel.

3. Anaheim: William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens (Sweden)

Only Detroit scored fewer goals than the Ducks last season, so you have to think that injecting some offence into the rebuilding roster is a top priority. “William Eklund has the most upside of any player in this draft,” said Seidel. “He's got a chance to be the best player. ”

4. New Jersey: Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton (WHL)

One of the reasons why No. 1 overall pick Jack Hughes has yet to become a franchise centre is because the Devils lack wingers who can finish off a play. Guenther should help in that regard. He had 12 goals in 12 games with the Oil Kings this year and led the team in goal-scoring last season. “He's a shooter, 100 per cent,” said Seidel “He's going to score a lot of goals.”

5. Columbus: Brandt Clarke, D, Barrie (OHL)

While Patrik Laine could use a centre to get him the puck, an even bigger need for the Blue Jackets could be on the back end now that Seth Jones is reportedly on his way out. 6. Detroit: Simon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda (Sweden)

The six-foot-four Edvinsson patterns his game after fellow countryman Victor Hedman, whom GM Steve Yzerman watched develop while in Tampa Bay. “He's so big and he can skate really well,” said Seidel.

7. San Jose: Kent Johnson, C, Michigan (NCAA)

The six-foot-one, 167-pound Johnson has the potential to be something special. “Kent Johnson has a lot of untapped offensive ability,” said Seidel.

8. Los Angeles: Jesper Wallstedt, Lulea (Sweden)

Could Wallstedt, whom NHL Central Scouting lists as the topranked international goalie, be Jonathan Quick's successor?

9. Vancouver: Luke Hughes, D, U18 (NTDP)

Selecting the younger — and much bigger — brother of Quinn as a future defence partner would make perfect sense.

10. Ottawa: Mason McTavish, C, Peterborough (OHL)

Seidel compares the son of former NHLer Dale McTavish to Ryan O'Reilly. “He's known as a pure goal-scorer who at times can be a little lazy,” said Seidel. “But at the under-18s, you saw a whole different player.”