Whether it be the Phoenix Coyotes going off the board to take a Blake Wheeler or the Los Angeles Kings selecting Thomas Hickey seemingly out of nowhere, one’s mock draft can be wrecked quicker than Nathan MacKinnon can do a lap around the rink.

Sill, inevitably it is difficult to hold back and not go through the futile process of creating a NHL mock draft. This year’s edition of the Memorial Cup has generated an enhanced buzz around the NHL draft with the multitude of high end 2013 eligible prospects playing substantial rolls on three of the four squads.

The NHL Draft Drawing took place on Monday, April 29, 2013 for the 14 non-playoff teams. The entry draft will be held on June 30th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with all seven rounds occurring on the same day this year.

[Click here for odds, how the lottery works and results]

Notes:

This is not an attempt to rank prospects. This is mere a guesstimate at what teams might choose if they were to draft today based on weighing out best player available with team need and past experiences at the draft table, with an obvious dose of influence from my personal thoughts.

For much more information on the NHL entry draft, including rankings, be sure to check out our live updated draft home page: 2013 NHL Entry Draft Guide – The Next Ones

updated draft home page: As well, check in with the 2013 NHL Draft Prospect Index to easily locate in depth articles on this year’s draft class.

2013 NHL Mock Draft – The Next Ones Memorial Edition: The Picks

Nathan MacKinnon

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/185 lbs

Position: C

Team: Halifax (QMJHL)

How much will the Jones/MacKinnon/Drouin showdown mean to scouts? Says @Mackinnon9 "At the end of the day, we're pretty different players… — Willy Palov (@WillyPalov) May 18, 2013

Maybe the best blueliner prospect since Chris Pronger, Popeye’s son seems almost destined to singlehandedly revamp the Avs’ less than stellar defense corps. Avalanche Hall of Famer Joe Sakic now the executive vice-president of hockey operations even had a hand (albeit small) in Jones’ early development.

That’s precisely why they, in typical Avalanche fashion, go against popular opinion and draft the explosive game-breaker MacKinnon 1st overall.

2. Florida Panthers

Seth Jones

Ht/Wt: 6′ 4″/205 lbs

Position: D

Team: Portland (WHL)

Nathan MacKinnon,Jonathan Drouin will do their best to keep up with Seth Jones.1-2-3 top prospects for NHL draft. pic.twitter.com/AvZzPQ0EAh — Gene Principe (@GenePrincipe) May 16, 2013

Panthers shocked Jones available as they had hoped MacKinnon would develop into their explosive NHL sniper like cross-state rival Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning. GM Tallon contemplates Drouin, but decides on the tower of power Seth.

Jonathan Drouin

Ht/Wt: 5’11″/185 lbs

Position: LW

Team: Halifax (QMJHL)

Drouin playoff MVP. Some big names have won it in the past http://t.co/lkS2X5aTQ0 — Jamie Tozer (@station_nation) May 11, 2013

The Next Ones Draft Rankings has had the dynamic winger with astronomical skills and hockey IQ ranked #1 since January. Yzerman and crew ecstatic to get the most purely talented player in the draft. Drouin makes everyone on the ice better. How many goals can Steven Stamkos muster playing with Jonathan? He’s also the newly crowned Human Hockey Highlight Film.

Aleksander (Sasha) Barkov

Ht/Wt: 6′ 2″/209 lbs

Position: C

Team: Tappara (FIN)

Highly touted Sasha Barkov hurt shoulder in SM-liiga playoffs, needs surgery, rehab may take five months: http://t.co/JEficW3XY1 — Jouni Nieminen (@OnsideWithJouni) April 2, 2013

As long as he gets clear bill of health, Sasha is the obvious choice for David Poile and staff. He has had an impressive season in Finland’s top men’s league (SM-Liiga) given it is his first year of draft eligibility, finishing 9th in league scoring.

Darnell Nurse

Ht/Wt: 6′ 4″/190 lbs

Position: D

Team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Aleksander Barkov and Darnell Nurse will skip the fitness testing portion of the 2013 NHL Draft Combine http://t.co/H5wWp5AcWh — Future Considerations (@FCHockey) May 17, 2013

The Flyers seem the perfect fit for nephew of former Eagles QB Donovan McNabb – will they trade up to secure him from the Canes?

Sean Monahan

Ht/Wt: 6′ 2″/186 lbs

Position: C

Team: Ottawa (OHL)

Flames first round targets: Sean Monahan – http://t.co/4GLUdtg5bw — Kent Wilson (@Kent_Wilson) May 16, 2013

He seems to stay out of all the draft limelight and may not be the sexy pick Flames fans had hoped for, but Calgary might have finally found their a true franchise center.

7. Edmonton Oilers

Nikita Zadorov

Ht/Wt: 6′ 5″/230 lbs

Position: D

Team: London (OHL)

Barkov or Monahan, Nurse or Zadorov: Who will the #Oilers draft in 2013? http://t.co/hG88pqEpJ0 — David Staples (@dstaples) April 24, 2013

The colossal blueliner with ever-evolving skills and decision-making will be another key piece in the eventual Oilers evolution into an elite NHL team.

Ryan Pulock

Ht/Wt: 6′ 1″/210 lbs

Position: D

Team: Brandon (WHL)

Draft prospect video 6 NA skater Ryan Pulock(D) 6’1 211 http://t.co/JF9aTPoNYQ slapshot clocked at 102 at Wheat Kings competition — CBJ Prospects (@CBJProspects) March 29, 2013

The Jason Pominville trade reinforced the prospect foundations. Pulock stock seems to be dipping in some rankings, but Sabres envision his absolute cannon of a shot terrorizing opposing netminders to go with his all around game.

Elias Lindholm

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/190 lbs

Position: C

Team: Brynäs (SWE)

Speaking of the draft, 3 guys I hope the #NJDevils end up with (should get one) are: Frederik Gauthier, Sean Monahan, or Elias Lindholm. — Carlos Figueiredo (@SpeakoftheDevs) April 29, 2013

Lamoriello and staff can’t believe their luck as the Swedish prospect who draws the inevitable Peter Forsberg comparison falls in their lap with the number nine selection.

Hunter Shinkaruk

Ht/Wt: 5’11″/175 lbs

Position: LW/RW

Team: Medicine Hat (WHL)

https://twitter.com/kirk_reynolds/status/334378292499062785

Shinkaruk is an elite offensive forward with outstanding instincts and skating ability. The Stars get the potential game-breaking forward they covet. Hunter gets picked by the team he grew up cheering for.

Rasmus Ristolainen

Ht/Wt: 6′ 4″/205 lbs

Position: D

Team: TPS (FIN)

ISS Top 30 Roundup

#10 Rasmus Ristolainen

Every bit as NHL ready as Jones. Very mature & reliable defender who can do a bit of everything. — ISS Hockey (@ISShockey) March 28, 2013

Rasmus is a poised, two-way blueliner who is close to NHL ready. Flyers hoping Chris Pronger and Kimmo Timonen can somehow have a positive impact on his development on and off the ice.

Valeri Nichushkin

Ht/Wt: 6′ 4″/202 lbs

Position: LW

Team: Chelyabinsk (RUS)

A top 10 or even top 5 talent; Russian Roulette Factor mostly responsible for Mikhail Grigorenko-like fall on draft day. He also had an underwhelming World Junior U18s.

Max Domi

Ht/Wt: 5’10″/190 lbs

Position: C

Team: London (OHL)

It was purty. RT @neatebuzzthenet: Memorial Cup: Max Domi check on Shane McColgan: http://t.co/dlYbBdkxx5 via @YouTube — Mike Farwell (@farwell_ohl) May 18, 2013

Tie could only dream of the offensive skillset his son Max possesses. Winnipeg would embrace the talented forward.

Curtis Lazar

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/190 lbs

Position: C

Team: Edmonton (WHL)

Curtis Lazar – The Next Ones: 2013 NHL Draft Prospect Profile http://t.co/7mebWdBw1c #THW — The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) March 4, 2013

The Blue Jackets go with the Edmonton Oil Kings forward, snatching up Lazar. Lazar has consummate pro player written all over him. In 4 to 5 years, people may be left wondering why he went even this low in the draft.

Bo Horvat

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/200 lbs

Position: C

Team: London (OHL)

Bo Horvat scores #OHL Championship Goal for @GoLondonKnights with less than 1 second to play and win 2nd straight Robertson Cup #OHLPlayoffs — OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) May 14, 2013

Horvat’s impressive play this year has had him rising the draft ranks; his offensive output may have been underestimated – the rest of the package he brings to the ice each and every game is very enticing. He’s a true ice warrior with a penchant for playing his best when it matters most.

Adam Erne

Ht/Wt: 6′ 1″/195 lbs

Position: RW

Team: Quebec (QMJHL)

Erne is an adaptable, offensive physical forward with a thirst to improve his knowledge of the game and a good work ethic. The Sabres get a good one as part of the package which came back from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Jason Pominville. Erne already quite familiar with Sabres’ prospect Mikhail Grigorenko.

Anthony Mantha

Ht/Wt: 6′ 4’/190 lbs

Position: LW

Team: Val-d’Or (QMJHL)

https://twitter.com/Jerome_Berube/status/32166600139984076

In a surprising development, the Red Wings do not look to Sweden for this pick. Mantha has many weapons with which he can dissect goaltenders. Once he truly figures out how to utilize his size, he’ll be even more of a force to contend with.

Alexander Wennberg

Ht/Wt: 6′ 1″/190 lbs

Position: C

Team: Djurgardens IF (SWE)

http://t.co/XjymQcv3NG Roundup

#15 Alexander Wennberg @wenniss

Total package: size, skating ability, offensive upside & physical game. — ISS Hockey (@ISShockey) May 2, 2013

Versatile, excellent skating ability and extremely smart, fits in well with the Swedish contingent in Ottawa.

Morgan Klimchuk

Ht/Wt: 5’11″/175 lbs

Position: C

Team: Regina (WHL)

https://twitter.com/HoboJoethe34/status/335939138689830913

Klimchuk is a elusive player who has an elite shot. He plays a very smart all-around game. Fear not his sub-6’ height Blue Jackets fans; Klimchuk can more than handle the physical rigors of the game.

Frederik Gauthier

Ht/Wt: 6′ 5″/210 lbs

Position: C

Team: Rimouski (QMJHL)

Rimouski's Frederik Gauthier, No. 8 on CS final N.A. rankig, plays all-round gm well beyond his yrs. http://t.co/dU7JNM4Unc #2013nhldraft — Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) May 15, 2013

Sharks hope towering centreman can learn from franchise centre Joe Thornton.

Ht/Wt: 6’1”/176 lbs

Position: G

Team: Halifax (QMJHL)

Zach Fucale and Drafting A Goaltender in the First Round http://t.co/9wCLy4R8Mt #hockey #THW — The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) May 17, 2013

While I wouldn’t be caught drafting a netminder in the first round, the Leafs feel they have a future franchise goalie in Fucale.

Kerby Rychel

Ht/Wt: 6′ 1″/200 lbs

Position: LW

Team: Windsor (OHL)

His skating is one of very few questionable aspects of his game; his passion and goal-scoring are certainly not. He’s the second forward in the first round to be the son of a former NHL enforcer – his father was Warren.

Robert Hagg

Ht/Wt: 6′ 2″/205 lbs

Position: D

Team: MODO (SWE)

Robert Hagg is a focused defender, then he'll execute a beautiful end-to-end rush, showing another dimension of his game. — Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) January 3, 2013

Swedish defender is an all-around blueliner who has been touted as this year’s defenseman from Sweden who gets taken a lot higher than projected. His stock has recently taken somewhat of a dip after a subpar U18s, but the potential and combination of size and skill is just too enticing.

Valentin Zykov

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/210 lbs

Position: LW

Team: Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

https://twitter.com/CBJProspects/status/321242865919459329Don’t be fooled by Zykov’s nationality; he plays a North American brand of hockey. He is one of the biggest risers this season amongst the various draft rankings with a great season in the QMJHL. The Canucks help replenish their prospect coffers.

Josh Morrissey

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/185 lbs

Position: D

Team: Prince Albert (WHL)

The Flames sit through nineteen agonizing picks hoping hometown kid slides to them in this slot. Morrissey is a scintillating skater with tremendous offensive ability. He also possesses very good defensive acumen and does not shy away from physical play.

Laurent Dauphin

Ht/Wt: 6′ 0″/167 lbs

Position: C

Team: Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

@flippers27 player of the game in gold medal championship. Laurent Dauphin player of game at CHL top prospects. — Ian Pulver (@ianpulver) April 28, 2013

The Bruins nab the star of the CHL Top Prospects game; Dauphin also showed his big game ability with a key goal in Team Canada’s 3-2 win over USA to win the gold medal at the World Junior U18s.

Ian McCoshen

Ht/Wt: 6′ 2″/207 lbs

Position: D

Team: Waterloo (USHL)

McCoshen can play the role of shutdown defenseman, but also possesses first-rate offensive upside as shown by an outstanding season in the USHL. The Boston College recruit is a poised player and can play a physically menacing game.

The Habs hope they get a defenseman who can evolve into a similar presence to now New York Rangers blueliner Ryan McDonagh – the one who got away in the notorious Scott Gomez trade.

Ryan Hartman

Ht/Wt: 5’11″/185 lbs

Position: RW

Team: Plymouth (OHL)

http://t.co/XjymQcv3NG Roundup

#28 Ryan Hartman @RHartzy18

Integral part of Whalers all year. Intensity/physical-edge on display at U18s. — ISS Hockey (@ISShockey) May 12, 2013

Ryan is a definite “Hart” and soul player, doing whatever it takes to win. He was an absolute force for Team USA at the 2013 World Juniors in Ufa, Russia. Hartman is one of those guys you hate to play against.

Andre Burakowsky

Ht/Wt: 6’2”/176 lbs

Position: LW

Team: Malmo (SWE)

Top 2013 draft prospect Burakowsky may leave for the CHL next season per @MrMadhawk: http://t.co/1yZX4sXmwa — Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) April 8, 2013

Flames think they’ve struck gold this late in the draft with the talented winger who is a tantalizing combination of speed, good hands, a good shot and subsequent savvy scoring ability. He’s had a tough year, but ended off his hockey season with 4 goals in 5 games in the World Junior U18s.His father, Robert, suited up for the Ottawa Senators for 23 games in the 1993-94 campaign.

J.T. Compher

Ht/Wt: 6’0”/184 lbs

Position: Center

Team: US-NTDP

Team USA's JT Compher talks about going for gold against Canada at the 2013 #U18 WJC #U18MWC… http://t.co/dO4jFjmYGw — Hockey's Future (@HockeysFuture) April 27, 2013

No one will be questioning Compher’s will to win when he finally suits up for the ‘Hawks. Combine that with his skill level and Chicago has added yet another key cog to keep the franchise at or near the top over the coming seasons.

The Blackhawks considered a number of options with this last pick of the first round including: rock solid blueliner Steve Santini, diminutive but dynamic Nic Petan, mammoth defenseman Samuel Morin, scintillating skating defenseman Madison Bowey, and offsensive puck-moving defenseman Shea Theodore.

***

First Round Notes:

#16 – Sabres obtained the Wild’s 2013 1st round pick, 2014 2nd round pick, G Matt Hackett and LW Johan Larsson in exchange for Jason Pominville and a 2014 4th round pick.

#19 – Blue Jackets obtained Rangers’ 2013 1st round pick, Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon and Artem Anisimov for Rick Nash, Steve Delisle and a conditional 3rd round pick (If Rangers make it to Cup finals, Blue Jackets keep pick).

#23 – Blue Jackets obtained Kings’ 2013 1st round pick (Blue Jackets decided not to use the pick in 2012) and Jack Johnson for Jeff Carter.

#25 – Flames obtained Blues’ 2013 1st round pick, D Mark Cundari and G Reto Berra for D Jay Bouwmeester. The 2013 1st round pick could morph into a 2013 4th round pick and 2014 1st round pick if the Blues miss playoffs this year (a.k.a. Bouwmeester curse)

#29 – Flames obtained Penguins’s 2013 1st round pick, Kenneth Agostino and Ben Hanowski in exchange for Jarome Iginla.

*New Jersey must surrender their 1st round pick either in 2013 or 2014 as a punishment for circumventing the salary cap in the infamous Ilya Kovalchuk contract. (They also gave up their 2011 3rd round pick as well as $3 million.)

_________________________________________

Email: CRalph@TheHockeyWriters.com

Twitter: @ChrisRalphTHW