It’s playoff time for 16 NHL teams in search of a Stanley Cup, but for the other half of the league the next event is the 2022 NHL Draft.
Bottom-dwellers such as the Canadiens, Kraken and Coyotes put themselves in a prime position to snag potential franchise player Shane Wright. While the Canadiens finished with the worst record, they’re not guaranteed the No. 1 pick. The NHL Draft Lottery will determine who gets the top pick in the draft.
MORE: When is the 2022 NHL Draft? Date, time, TV channel, top prospects
Along with the end of the NHL season is playoffs for Canadian major junior leagues, European leagues and the IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship. These last contests of the season allow players to make one final lasting impression on scouts ahead of the draft in July.
There’s some shifting that has happened throughout the entirety of this mock draft in comparison to our last one that came after the NHL trade deadline, with players rising and falling all over.
Here’s The Sporting News’ post-trade deadline NHL Mock Draft.
NHL Mock Draft 2022 2.0
1. Montreal Canadiens: Shane Wright, C, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Wright hasn’t been overly impressive in his draft year, but he’s still the consensus No. 1 pick. He finished eighth in the OHL in regular-season scoring with 94 in 63 games, adding six points in four games in the postseason. However, he’s still an excellent playmaker who will join a very promising forward group in Montreal with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki.
2. Arizona Coyotes: Juraj Slafkovsky, LW, TPS (Liiga)
Slafkovsky’s stock keeps on rising. After recording just 10 points in 31 regular-season games with TPS, the 18-year-old registered seven points in 17 postseason games. He grabbed people’s attention with his seven goals and tournament MVP at the 2022 Winter Olympics. He’s a big, power forward with slick hands and great release. Slafkovsky is by far my favorite player in this year’s draft, and the Coyotes should jump all over the chance to take him.
3. Seattle Kraken: Simon Nemec, D, Nitra (Slovak Extraliga)
Nemec continues to impress and solidify himself as the top defenseman available in this year’s draft. He’s a steady blueliner who ended the regular season with 26 points in 39 games with Nitra of the Slovak Extraliga, adding 10 points in 13 playoff games, helping Nitra to the finals. The Slovakian is a steady option on the blue line, with the ability to contribute in both ends.
4. Philadelphia Flyers: Logan Cooley, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
Cooley is arguably the best two-way center in this year’s draft. The University of Minnesota commit has 70 points in 48 games with the U.S. U18 national team, including seven points in four games so far at the IIHF Ice Hockey World U18 Championship. He’s a smaller center (5-10) but he covers that with his smart decision-making. The Flyers lack depth down the middle; Cooley is the answer, especially if he drops this far.
5. New Jersey Devils: Matthew Savoie, C, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
There’s no denying Savoie’s goal-scoring ability. His speed/shot combination makes him dangerous whenever he’s in the offensive zone. As a rookie in the WHL, he was seventh in the league and first among first-year players with 90 points in 65 games. Savoie’s listed as a center, but there is speculation he’s better suited to play wing at the NHL level. Given that the Devils already have Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes down the middle, flanking Savoie on one of the wingers makes the most sense.
6. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Chicago Blackhawks): Joakim Kemell, RW, JYP (Liiga)
There’s a lot to like about Kemell. He has an extremely active stick in both ends and a strong ability to handle the puck. His release makes him an excellent weapon on the power play. Kemell’s ability to draw penalties reminds me a lot of Tim Stützle. In his first season in Finland’s Liiga, he had 15 goals and eight assists in 39 games, and he just potted four goals in three games at the U18 Worlds, including a hat trick against Canada.
7. Ottawa Senators: David Jiricek, D, Plzen (Czech Extraliga)
Jiricek had his season cut short when he suffered a knee injury at the 2022 World Juniors in December, requiring surgery to fix some ligaments. With that said, he’s still considered the top defenseman by Central Scouting and ranked as the No. 4 skater out of Europe. The Czech defenseman is an offensive threat along the blue line with a bomb of a shot. He had 11 points in 29 games with Plzen of the Czech Extraliga before the injury. Had he played a full season, there’s a chance he would have been the first blue liner off the board, but with his draft stock taking a slight hit, the Senators take advantage and snag him at No. 7.
8. Detroit Red Wings: Frank Nazar, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
I had Nazar as a fringe top-10 candidate in the last mock draft, but he’s the real deal. The USNTDP product is so creative with the puck, and his ability to find teammates and create scoring chances is uncanny. He stands out on a U18 team loaded with talent, with 65 points in 53 games. Nazar is mainly a distributor, but his ability to score can’t be disregarded, with 20 goals this season. He has had an excellent showing at the U18 Worlds with six assists in four games.
9. Buffalo Sabres: Danila Yurov, RW, Magnitogorsk (KHL)
There are still concerns about whether Russian prospects will be allowed to come to North America given the situation in Ukraine. Yurov is one of those players. However, with the Sabres owning three first-round picks, they can afford to take the risk by selecting the talented winger. Though he’s pointless in 21 games in the KHL, he’s playing an extremely limited, bottom role with Magnitogorsk. Yurov put up 36 points in 23 games with the club’s MHL team in Russia’s major junior league. He plays hard and fast and comes with an excellent, well-rounded skill set.
10. Anaheim Ducks: Cutter Gauthier, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
Gauthier is as complete a player as you will find in this draft. He plays a strong 200-foot game and with his 6-3 frame, he is great along the wall when it comes to puck battles. He has flown under the radar on the NTDP team, overlooked for the likes of Cooley and Nazar, but he popped at the U18 worlds with two goals and five assists in four games. The Boston College commit had 60 points in 51 games with the national program.
11. San Jose Sharks: Pavel Mintyukov, D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
The top-rated North American defenseman by Central Scouting, Mintyukov is a two-weapon on the blue line. His skating and poise with the puck allow him to jump up in the play and create chances off the rush. The Russian defenseman exploded this season for 62 points in 67 games as a rookie in the OHL, numbers he never put up while playing his youth hockey over in Russia. The Sharks lack prospects on the blue line and use their pick on Mintyukov.
12. Columbus Blue Jackets: Brad Lambert, LW, Pelicans (Liiga)
In my opinion, there’s no player more polarizing in this draft than Lambert. You watch him play and he’s fast, slick and constantly feels like a threat on offense. But the numbers aren’t there. After just six points in 24 games with JYP, he switched back to his old team, Pelicans, in hopes of more production, but he managed just four points in 25 games. Lambert followed that by going pointless in three playoff games. His five points in two games at the World Juniors in December speak to his potential, which is why I think the Blue Jackets should gamble on him at No. 12.
13. New York Islanders: Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, Djurgårdens IF 20 (J20 Nationell)
Lekkerimäki is the top Swedish prospect for this year’s draft. The center split time between Djurgårdens IF’s professional SHL team and its junior hockey team in the J20 Nationell. Along with Liam Öhgren and Noah Östlund, the three have made up for a dominant line with Djurgårdens. Lekkerimäki’s a natural goal scorer, with a deceptive release and knack for finding scoring areas. He recorded 20 goals in 26 games with the J20 team, along with three goals and seven assists in four games at the U18 Worlds. The Islanders need more offensive-minded players; Lekkerimäki is a great fit.
14. Winnipeg Jets: Conor Geekie, C, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
Geekie (6-4, 205 pounds) is an imposing figure on offense. His size makes it tough to play against him along the wall. However, though he’s built like a power forward, his style more emulates a playmaker. The younger brother of NHL forward Morgan Geekie had 24 goals and 46 assists this season with Winnipeg, good for 70 points in 64 games. He’s added four points in as many games so far in the WHL playoffs. Geekie’s stay in Winnipeg extends with the Jets using their pick on him in the first round.
15. Vancouver Canucks: Isaac Howard, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
The U.S. U18 national team leader in points is not any of the three members selected above — it’s Howard. The offensive dynamo has 77 in 57 games. He is an all-offense weapon with a lethal shot and a knack for finding a way into prime scoring areas. Howard has grabbed scouts’ attention at the U18 tournament with five goals and two assists in four games to lead the U.S. in scoring. The University of Minnesota commit is boosting his stock at the perfect time. And if he’s still available at No. 15, the Canucks would be smart to take advantage.
16. Buffalo Sabres (from Vegas Golden Knights): Denton Mateychuk, D, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
After selecting the talented forward Yurov at No. 9, the Sabres address the blue line and take Mateychuk at No. 16. A strong two-way defender, he registered 64 points in 65 games with Moose Jaw this season, adding an additional five assists in four playoff games so far. He possesses good vision that he uses on the breakout to get the puck up ice and he can eat up minutes. Mateychuk is listed at 5-11 so he’s a smaller defenseman, but he uses his stick to break up passes in his own zone quite well. He was named the WHL’s East Division Defenseman of the Year.
17. Dallas Stars: Rutger McGroarty, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
Another somewhat controversial player in this year’s draft is McGroarty, a native of Nebraska. He’s a hard-nosed, physical center who plays with intensity, but the skating has been the hot topic. Some scouts feel his awkward skating mechanics are a major red flag; others feel that he can be developed. While there are some questions with his skating, there are none when it comes to other assets of his game, such as his IQ, passing and scoring ability. The shot stands out above everything else as McGroarty is able to load up and find the back of the net with such ease. He put up 31 goals in 51 games with the U18 national team and six goals in four games at the U18 Worlds.
18. Nashville Predators: Gleb Trikozov, LW, Omskie Yastreby (MHL)
I’ll admit it: I didn’t have Trikozov in the first round of my last mock draft. Huge mistake. After investing more time into scouting his play, he’s the real deal on offense. The Russian winger is bubbling with raw talent, boasting a heavy, hard shot and excellent vision. He lit up the MHL, Russia’s top junior league, with 45 points in 35 regular-season games, but the real selling point has been his postseason play. Trikozov has 18 points in 13 playoff games, including 10 goals.
19. Los Angeles Kings: Kevin Korchinski, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
I don’t think there’s another player who has raised his stock more over the past month or so than Korchinski. I had him going at No. 31 last time, but I don’t think there’s a chance he’s still around by then. Korchinski is a premier two-way threat who loves to have the puck on his stick and bring it up the ice with his superb skating ability. He posted 14 assists in his final nine regular-season games, finishing third in the WHL in assists with 61. He has followed that with nine points in four games during the playoffs with Seattle. An already extremely deep prospect pool in L.A. gets even deeper with the addition of Korchinski.
20. Pittsburgh Penguins: Marco Kasper, C, Rögle (SHL)
The forward from Austria is a very intelligent player down the middle. Kasper doesn’t have flashy dekes or an insanely hard shot, so don’t expect him to light up a scoresheet. But he is big, strong and consistent, driving to the net with the puck to create opportunities in the offensive zone. He never shies away from the chance to lay a big hit as well. His skating is so fluid and is what stands out the most. While Kasper had 11 points in 46 games during the SHL regular season, he recorded six points in 13 playoff contests. The Penguins are going to eventually need to replace Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin at center in the next few years; Kasper could be that guy.
21. Washington Capitals: Seamus Casey, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
Casey has been one of the top defenseman at the national program, possessing elite puck-handling skill and vision. He has the tools to become a mobile, puck-moving defenseman in the NHL. Casey is also right-handed, which makes him appealing to take. He’s not big (listed at 5-10, 161 pounds) so he’ll need to add some weight before making it to the show. The University of Michigan commit had 22 assists in 45 games for the program, while also registering six points in four games at U18 Worlds.
22. Edmonton Oilers: Filip Mesar, RW, Poprad (Slovak Extraliga)
Mesar is the third Slovakian projected to go in the first round, and the name of the game for him is speed. The kid can flat-out fly with the puck through the neutral zone. I don’t think Mesar is getting the proper recognition he deserves considering the league he plays in and his size (5-10). I think that falls to the advantage of the Oilers. With their speed down the middle already established with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Mesar gives them that option on a wing.
23. Anaheim Ducks (from Boston Bruins): Liam Öhgren, C, Djurgårdens IF J20 (J20 Nationell)
The second member of the Djurgårdens IF club is Öhgren. He’s an extremely well-rounded player with a great toolkit and already boosts NHL size (6-1, 180 pounds). He is a solid facilitator on offense, a dangerous shooter and intelligent on defense. In 30 regular-season games at the J20 Nationell level, the Swede had 58 points. In the playoffs, he registered six points in six games. At the U18 tournament, he has five points in four games.
24. St. Louis Blues: Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, USA U18 (NTDP)
Snuggerud might not get as much shine as some of his fellow U.S. U18 teammates, but he is still one heck of a player. His shot is what stands out the most. The future University of Minnesota forward can get a shot off from multiple angles, finding ways into the back of the net. On the year, Snuggerud posted 59 points in 56 games, including five points in four games while competing at the U18 Worlds.
25. Tampa Bay Lightning: Jiri Kulich, C, HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czech Extraliga)
Another player I originally did not have going in the first round, Kulich has made it impossible to ignore him with this play recently at the U18 Worlds. He’s popped off for eight goals in four games to lead all skaters at the tournament. Playing in Czechia’s professional league, he had just 14 points in 49 games, but didn’t get nearly as much ice time as he’s seeing with Czechia’s national teams. He has a knack for getting himself into open areas either to make a quick pass or shoot when in the offensive zone. Kulich’s stock is on the rise and rightfully so.
26. New York Rangers: Owen Pickering, D, Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
With Pickering’s Swift Current team failing to make the playoffs, he was one of the few 2022 draft eligible WHL players at the U18 Worlds, where he had two assists in four games. While the team disappointed, it was hard not to notice the defenseman. He was one of the few bright spots for the team, playing a physical game while also jumping up in the play. He’s extremely mobile for a defenseman of his size (6-5), with better vision than most blue liners his age.
27. Minnesota Wild: Noah Östlund, C, Djurgårdens IF J20 (J20 Nationell)
The third member of Djurgårdens IF’s junior program projected in the first-round, Östlund is a reliable, two-way center. He’s quick and plays with intensity, constantly in a race for loose pucks along the wall. I think given his size (5-11 and 163 pounds), he’s not regarded as highly as other players for this draft. He dished out 33 assists in 32 games with just nine goals in the regular season for Djurgårdens IF J20, but exploded for five goals in as many games during the playoffs. Östlund also has seven points in four games at the U18 Worlds.
28. Toronto Maple Leafs: Calle Odelius, D, Djurgårdens IF 20 (J20 Nationell)
Yep, we’ve got another player from Djurgårdens IF going in the first round. Odelius is the third-highest-ranked European defenseman by Central Scouting. He wasn’t projected to be a first-round pick heading into this season, but he’s played his way into the conversation. Odelius has never been known for his offense, but he broke out for 30 points in 43 games this season. The Swedish defenseman has brilliant skating and puck-handling ability. Toronto needs defenders; it should snag him if he falls here.
29. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames): Ivan Miroshnichenko, C, Omsk Krylia (VHL)
Miroshnichenko’s free-fall ends at No. 29. Once considered to be a fringe top-10 selection, Miroshnichenko is not only in the group of Russian players who may be stuck in their home country, but he also might miss all of next season after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He had 16 points in 31 games in Russia’s VHL before the diagnosis. He’s a terrific skater and shooter with plenty of offensive upside. The Habs have their golden goose in Shane Wright and can afford to take a risk here by grabbing Miroshnichenko.
30. Arizona Coyotes (from Carolina Hurricanes): Ryan Chesley, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
Last mock draft I discussed how Chesley was touted as being a strong defender who likes to jump up in the play, yet the results on offense weren’t there. Well after a slow start, he’s finally getting on the scoresheet. After just five points in his first 30 games this season, he recorded 22 in his past 26. The University of Minnesota commit has five points in four games at the U18 Worlds. In his own zone, Cheshley can close gaps, play hard in the corners and be trusted not to cough the puck up. With back-to-back picks here, Arizona uses its first one on the American blue liner.
31. Arizona Coyotes (from Colorado Avalanche): Owen Beck, C, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
The third pick in the first round for the Coyotes goes to Beck, a center with an extremely high hockey sense. He’s able to calculate his next move and get ahead of opponents, while using his anticipation without the puck to get in open areas. While Beck owns an average shot, his hands and skating are upper-echelon. In 68 regular-season games, Beck posted 51 points with Mississauga. He’s got three points in four playoff games so far.
32. Buffalo Sabres (from Florida Panthers): Elias Salomonsson, D, Skellefteå AIK J20 (J20 Nationell)
Salomonsson’s stock continues to fall. Once considered a potential top-10 candidate in the 2022 NHL Draft, Central Scouting has dropped the Swede to the No. 21-ranked European skater and No. 6 defenseman. His play has been careless and inconsistent at times, with his poor decisions causing him to get burned in his own zone. It’s surprising considering how strong he performed as a 16-year-old at the U20 level in Sweden. His skillset still screams “first-round talent” and for Buffalo who already made two first-round selections, they can take a gamble on Salomonsson.
When is the 2022 NHL Draft?
- Dates: July 7-8
- Start time: TBA
The draft spans the course of two days. On Thursday, July 7, the first round will take place, with representatives from all teams selecting the first 32 picks in Montreal.
On Friday, July 8, the remaining picks in Rounds 2-7 will be selected.
Where is the 2022 NHL Draft?
- Venue: Bell Centre
- City: Montreal
The Bell Centre, the home of the Montreal Canadiens, will be the location of the 2022 NHL Draft.
This is the first time since 2009 that Montreal will host the draft. In total, it is the 27th time the city has been the home of the annual event.
Montreal was supposed to host the draft in 2020, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic the event was held virtually.
When is the 2022 NHL Draft Lottery?
- Date: May 10
- Start time: 6:30 p.m. ET
May 10 is the date that has been set for the draft lottery. It will be conducted remotely with NHL GMs and front office personnel in their home cities.
The NHL Draft is set for July 7.
NHL Draft lottery odds 2022
Here is how the NHL lottery odds system is broken down. The rankings are determined by going backward in the standings, so the team that finishes worst is first.
| TEAM FINISH | CHANCE AT No. 1 PICK |
|---|---|
| No. 1 | 25.7% |
| No. 2 | 12.1% |
| No. 3 | 10.9% |
| No. 4 | 9.7% |
| No. 5 | 8.5% |
| No. 6 | 7.6% |
| No. 7 | 6.7% |
| No. 8 | 5.8% |
| No. 9 | 5.4% |
| No. 10 | 4.5% |
| No. 11 | 3.1% |
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