NHL DRAFT PREVIEW - PICKS 6-10

Jared Rotenberg

Just outside of the top 5, there are still a plethora of talented prospects still on the board, patiently waiting to hear their names called up at the NHL draft. Which players will be selected within the 6-10 range? Well, continue reading to hear all of my predictions for how this year’s NHL draft will unfold.

Columbus Blue Jackets - David Jiricek - Defense

With the 6th overall pick in this year's NHL draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets have the opportunity to select defensive-defenseman David Jiricek. With the level of potential this defenseman from Czechia has, I do not believe the Blue Jackets will pass on the opportunity to add this player into their currently offense-heavy prospect pool. Jiricek, standing at 6’3”, thrives in his own zone, on the defensive end of the ice. He is big and strong, a phenomenal skater and puck handler, who is also very physical. While he is described by scouts as a defensive defenseman, don’t doubt his ability to carry the puck up and blast a cannon slap shot from the point.

His skillset should make him incredibly desirable at this position of the draft, and I struggle to envision him slipping further than the top 10. He is currently playing for HC Škoda Plzeň of the Tipsport Extraliga, in which he put up 11 points in the 29 games he played. One reason I do see him falling to 6th overall, rather than being selected earlier, is because he is currently playing overseas in Czechia, which has larger ice than the size of a standard North American ice rink. The transition to smaller ice tends to be a big adjustment for prospects to make, and for this reason he likely won’t be ready for the NHL right away. However, Jiricek has certainly shown enough defensive talent for him to be regarded as a top 10 prospect in this year's NHL draft, likely being the second defenseman taken off the board.

Ottawa Senators - Joakim Kemell - Right Wing

With the 7th overall pick in this year's NHL draft, I believe the rebuilding Ottawa Senators will be running up to the podium to select Finnish sniper Joakim Kemell. He is one of the shorter prospects in this year's draft, standing at only 5’9”. However, with his quick hands, creativity, and phenomenal shot, he is surely one of the most desirable prospects heading into the draft. The Ottawa Senators have been a rebuilding team for the last few years, and the addition of a speedy sniper will be huge in their quest to become a competitive team once again.

This season, playing for JYP Jyväskylä of the Liiga, Joakim Kemell put up 15 goals, 8 assists, and a total of 23 points in the 39 games he played. Considering he was playing in a men’s league as an undersized winger, this level of production is very impressive. As well, he put up solid numbers in the many international tournaments he participated in, which has thus shot him up the scouting rankings. His size may make for a more challenging adjustment to the NHL, however with his skill and talent, especially in terms of his sniping ability, the Senators should surely be patient with him, and make this high risk, high reward selection.

Detroit Red Wings - Brad Lambert - Center / Right Wing

Onto the 8th overall pick, I believe this is where highly touted, yet polarizing Finnish prospect Brad Lambert will be selected. A few years ago when projecting the 2022 NHL draft, Lambert was right there behind Shane Wright as one of the top prospects. However, with a disappointing season this past year, as well as some flaws arising in his game, he has fallen down the draft rankings dramatically, with plenty of debate as to whether or not he will even remain a top 10 pick in this upcoming draft. Still however, despite his disappointing numbers this season playing in the Liiga, I believe Steve Yzerman, GM of the Detroit Red Wings, won’t be scared off, and will select Brad Lambert based on the elite skill set and potential he possesses.

Lambert is a dynamic skater, gifted puck handler, great playmaker, and an elite offensive forward. His skating ability and foot speed also lends itself well on the defensive end of the ice, as he has been regarded by some scouts as an underratedly skilled defensive forward. He has tons of skill and ability, but there are also major risks with this player, which is the reason he is so polarizing.

The main problems with Lambert’s game are based on his questionable vision, hockey IQ and decision-making, which do need work in order for him to live up to his potential. Furthermore, despite being skilled offensively, he does have somewhat of a weak shot, which he certainly does need to improve. He is very much a boom or bust prospect, and he is not without his risks, but with the skills he does have, I very much believe that the rebuilding Red Wings will take a chance on the speedy forward, who has shown a boat load of potential for greatness.

Buffalo Sabres - Cutter Gauthier - Left Wing / Center

At 9th overall, I believe the Buffalo Sabres will add 6’3” USDP winger and centerman to their ever growing prospect pool, with the selection of Cutter Gauthier. He is one of the most highly touted power forwards at this year's NHL draft, with elite skating, a quick and powerful shot, as well as a strong defensive game. His size and creativity should lend itself incredibly well to the NHL level, and the rebuilding Sabres would surely be left licking their lips if presented with the opportunity to select Cutter Gauthier.

This season for the USDP’s U18 team, he put up 34 goals, 31 assists and a total of 65 points in the 54 games he played. As well, for the USNTDP juniors team, he put up 19 goals, 9 assists and 28 points in the 22 games he played. His strong production and outstanding two-way game as a power forward should make him a surefire pick within the top 10 of this year's NHL draft, and if available with the 9th overall pick, I’d be shocked if the Sabres don’t scoop him up.

Anaheim Ducks - Conor Geekie - Center

Rounding out the top 10 of this year's NHL draft, I believe the Anaheim Ducks will add to their already incredible pool of talent, by selecting WHL centerman Conor Geekie. Geekie has incredible size, standing at 6’4”, and for this reason he is regarded as a strong player with a great reach, who is also very skilled defensively. He is an exceptional passer and playmaker, has great hockey IQ, and as well has an incredibly quick and dangerous wrist shot.

He is a very strong overall player both offensively and defensively, and for this reason he should certainly be a desirable centerman at this year's NHL draft. This season he put up 24 goals, 46 assists and 70 total points in the 63 games he played for the Winnipeg Ice of the WHL. With his size and phenomenal production, as well as his two-way playing style, the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks should gladly select Conor Geekie if available, in order to further their quest of becoming a playoff caliber team.