NHL Mock Draft 2009: Will It Be John Tavares or Victor Hedman?

The NHL Draft is set to take place Friday, June 26.  While the previous night's NBA draft will get most of the attention, this year's hockey draft is just as intriguing with several top-level prospects available.

Here's a 2009 NHL Mock Draft. Every effort has been made to avoid the Kurtenblog's stellar list of Top 10 NHL Draft phrases. Some phrases are just unavoidable, however. (What can I tell you, I don't have a high Hockey IQ):

1. New York Islanders: John Tavares, C, London (OHL)

Sure, the Islanders have made plenty of mistakes. The Isles signed goalie Rick DiPietro to a hundred-year contract and owner Charles Wang has said that he regrets buying the team. But the Isles won't screw things up this year. They'll take the safest pick in the draft and go with Tavares, the best goal-scorer in the draft.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning: Victor Hedman, D, Modo (SEL)

The easiest pick in the draft. If the Isles pick Tavares, you go with Hedman. If they pick Hedman, you go with Tavares. Who says you can't be a NHL General Manager? The hulking defenseman may not put up numbers like Tavares, but he could be the backbone of a team's blueline for years, a cross between Chris Pronger and Zdeno Chara.

3. Colorado Avalanche: Matt Duchene, C, Brampton (OHL)

A solid two-way player who can shoot and move the puck, it's hard not to compare him to Avalanche legend Joe Sakic.

4. Atlanta Thrashers:  Evander Kane, C, Vancouver (WHL)

Kane nearly led the Vancouver Giants to a WHL championship. He may not be the biggest guy, but he plays bigger than his 6-1, 180-pound frame would indicate. He's got speed and grit and might be a Jarome Iginla-type.

5. Los Angeles Kings: Brayden Schenn, C, Brandon (WHL)

The Leafs want to draft Brayden so they could snag both Schenn brothers. Like Luke Schenn, Brayden is feisty and strong on the puck.

6. Phoenix Coyotes: Dmitry Kulikov, D, Drummondville (QMJHL)

Wherever the Coyotes play next year, they'll need help on defense. They might look at Jared Cowen, but don't be surprised if they go for Kulikov, a solid puck-moving defenseman.

7. Toronto Maple Leafs: Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, LW, Timra (SEL)

Who knows what Brian Burke will do? Burkie has a history of draft day deals and the Leafs GM has openly said he wants to see John Tavares in Leafs colors. If he doesn't pull off a big deal, he may just settle for Paajarvi-Svensson the speedy Swedish winger who shone during the 2009 World Juniors. I would like to see this happen just to watch Leafs booster and noted xenophobe Don Cherry pronounce Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson.

8. Dallas Stars: Jared Cowen, D, Spokane (WHL)

The Stars would love to get the big 6-5, 220-pound defensive bruiser, a guy that will no doubt remind Stars fans of Derian Hatcher.

9. Ottawa Senators: Nazem Kadri, C, London (OHL)

With Dany Heatley on the trading block, the Sens are looking to rebuild. Kadri is a nice player, who can produce offensively and contribute defensively.  He's not the biggest guy so don't be surprised if his stock drops come draft time.

10. Edmonton Oilers: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Leksand (Allsvenskan)

If he's still available, the Oilers will likely pull the trigger on this big defenseman with great wheels.  

11. Nashville Predators: Scott Glennie C Brandon (WHL)

Glennie played with Brayden Schenn for much of the year and held his own with the high-end pick. He's a speed demon, who can blow by defenders. If he improves his finishing, he could be a real goal-scoring threat.

12. Minnesota Wild Zack Kassian  RW Peterborough (OHL)

Possibly the most ornery player in the draft.  He knows how to hit and get hit. Also has decent enough hands to make plays. This year's version of Milan Lucic.

13. Buffalo Sabres John Moore, D, Chicago (USHL)

A solid passer and playmaker who could quarterback an offense.  

14. Florida Panthers: Ryan Ellis, D, Windsor (OHL)

Don't be surprised if the Oilers pick Ellis since new coach Pat Quinn is a fan. If he's still around, the Panthers will take Ellis who has a hockey IQ (first Kurtenblog cliche of the day).

15. Anaheim Ducks: Jacob Josefson, C, Djurgarden (SEL)

A great all-around player who makes his teammates better. Might be a good fit for a solid Ducks team.

16. Columbus Blue Jackets: David Rundblad, D, Skelleftea (SEL)

Columbus has a terrible power play and they hope that Rundblad may ultimately direct traffic in the offensive zone when the Jackets have the man advantage.

17. St. Louis Blues: Jordan Schroeder RW USA U-18

A nice little guy who can make plays, sort of like Blues players Paul Kariya and Andy McDonald. Don't be surprised if he goes higher, but his size should mean that he sinks to the middle of the draft.

18. Montreal Canadiens: Louis LeBlanc C Omaha (USHL)

The Habs might be tempted to take LeBlanc just because he hails from Quebec. Regardless of his birthplace, LeBlance might be a good fit due to his great hands and solid decision-making.

19. New York Rangers Chris Krieder C  Andover (MA - HS)

A guy with speed and versatility. Will be able to contribute offensively and kill penalties.

20. Calgary Flames: Carter Ashton LW Wethbridge (WHL)

A big guy with all the tools. It still remains to be seen if he can find a way to translate his size and skill to the NHL.

21. Philadelphia Flyers: Nick Leddy, D, Eden Prairie (USHS)

Leddy is not exactly a classic Broad Street Bully. He's more of a Brian Campbell-style defenseman, who is fast and can move the puck.  

22. Vancouver Canucks: Kyle Palmieri, RW, USNTDP

Some teams will be scared off by his size, but Palmeri is still one of the strongest players in the draft. He could be another Ryan Kesler or Alex Burrows, two tireless workers that are fan favorites in Vancouver.

23. New Jersey Devils: Ryan O'Reily, C, Erie (OHL)

Showed a lot of grit leading his junior team. Had decent point totals and love to kill penalties. The kind of guy the Devils love.

24. Washington Capitals: Landon Ferraro, RW, Red Deer (WHL)

Landon's dad Ray Ferraro played in the NHL for years and was known as the "Little Ball of Hate." Say hello to Little Ball of Hate 2.0--a fiery competitor who is not afraid to get his hands dirty.

25. Boston Bruins: Calvin de Haan, D, Oshawa (OHL)

The Bruins have a ton of depth. If they need help, it's at the blueline. De Haan is a guy who is unusually calm and collected for his age. The Bruins could take their time and really nurture de Haan into a solid defenseman.

26. New York Islanders (via San Jose): Jeremy Morin, LW, USNTDP

If the Islanders pick John Tavares, then they may also go for Morin, another sniper who could give the Islanders a lethal offensive punch (if Charles Wang and Garth Snow somehow manage to not find a way to not screw it all up)

27. Carolina Hurricanes: Jordan Caron, RW, Rimouski (QMJHL)

A big guy who likes to cycle the puck.

28. Chicago Blackhawks:  Peter Holland, C, Guelph (OHL)

His work ethic has been questioned, but his skills haven't. Maybe playing with a roster full of young players who play the game the right way will light a fire under him. If not, the Hawks have plenty of young talent and won't be afraid to move him.

29. Detroit Red Wings: Tim Erixon, D Skelleftea AIK (SEL)

Son of former NHLer Jan Erixon, Tim has been a solid player in the Swedish Elite League. Lord knows that the Wings have had success picking quality Swedish players. Why stop now?

30. Pittsburgh Penguins: Stefan Elliott, D, Saskatoon (WHL)

An offensive defenseman who could someday take over for Sergei Gonchar.