New York Islanders: 2019 NHL Mock Draft 1.0

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CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 23: Gabriel Vilardi walks to the stage after being selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Kings during the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Picks 1-5

Pick Analysis. C. Jack Hughes. 1. Scouting Report. . 67

It’s the Jack Hughes sweepstakes, and right now the Los Angeles Kings look to be in a prime position to land the stud center. Hughes is ranked 1st overall by HockeyPospects.com, Future Considerations, ISS Hockey, and McKeen’s Hockey. Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, and Jack Hughes down the middle is a scary thought.

. Kaapo Kakko. 94. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. RW. 2

The Blackhawks are in a bit of a rebuild after they fired Joel Quenneville who won this team three Stanley Cups. Adding Kaapo Kakko to the mix should be a great start to that new era of Blackhawks hockey. Kakko has 17 points in 24 games in Liiga.

Pick Analysis. . 3. C. Dylan Cozens. 99. Scouting Report

Dylan Cozens plays his hockey in the WHL. It’s his second full season in the league and he has 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 28 games. Cozens is the second-ranked prospect by McKeen’s Hockey.

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. . 4. 104. C. Kirby Dach

Kirby Dach is an offensive machine this year in the WHL. He has 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in 29 games. He’s described as an offensive first center and it’s pretty clear how he received that title.

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. RW. . Vasili Podkolzin. 5. 85

Vasili Podkolzin is a Russian winger with all the qualities you’d want in a draft prospect. Playing for the Russia U18 team in the International Junior Tournament Podkolzin has 15 points (10 goals, 5 assists) in eight games.