*Note: Order below based on standings through games played March 22

Kimelman's Draft

1. Connor McDavid, C, Erie (OHL) The top talent in this year's draft class, the 6-foot, 175-pound forward finished third in the OHL in scoring with 120 points and tied for fourth with 44 goals despite playing 21 fewer games than the league leader. A generational talent.

2. Jack Eichel, C, Boston University (H-EAST) The 6-2, 196-pound forward has dominated against older competition as a college freshman, leading the NCAA in points, assists and plus/minus. He's also excelled in important games, winning MVP of the Hockey East Tournament.

3. Noah Hanifin, D, Boston College (H-EAST) The 6-2, 203-pound college freshman has been considered the best draft-eligible defenseman all season and nothing he's shown to this point has changed any opinions. Can carry the puck and make smart decisions in the offensive end but also skates well enough to be reliable in the defensive zone.

4. Dylan Strome, C, Erie (OHL) Ended the regular season with a flourish to win the OHL scoring title. Showed versatility by moving to the wing to play with McDavid. Excelled on his own, with 14 goals and 29 points in 20 games McDavid was out injured and during the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship. Also can kill penalties.

5. Mitchell Marner, C, London (OHL) His size won't impress but his skill certainly does. With his size (5-11, 155), skill set and London pedigree, it's easy to compare Marner to the Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane.

6. Ivan Provorov, D, Brandon (WHL) Led Western Hockey League rookies in scoring and was fourth among all WHL defensemen with 61 points in 60 games. Outstanding offensive skills and high hockey IQ, and can play strong in both ends of the ice. Strong attention to detail and work ethic.

7. Mikko Rantanen, RW, TPS (FIN) The 6-4, 209-pound power forward led all under-21 players in Liiga, Finland's top professional league, in scoring this season. Scouts love his skating, especially for a player of his size. Physical play doesn't bother him, which means he could make a quick adjustment to North American hockey. Was Finland's best player at the WJC with a team-high four goals.

8. Pavel Zacha, C, Sarnia (OHL) He made a seamless transition from the Czech Republic to North America this season. Scouts have raved about the 6-3, 210-pound forward's high-end skill, competitiveness and skating. He also is responsible defensively and can play physically.

9. Zachary Werenski, D, Michigan (BIG10) The speedy puck mover has had a solid freshman college season. Scouts love his 6-2, 206-pound frame and left-handed shot. On the big stage for the United States at the World Juniors he never looked out of place.

10. Lawson Crouse, LW, Kingston (OHL)

At 6-4 and 211 pounds, a traditional power forward who skates well, has soft hands and knows how to use his body to protect the puck. Also showed his versatility by excelling in a fourth-line energy role for Canada at the World Juniors.

11. Matthew Barzal, C, Seattle (WHL) Injuries prevented the talented playmaker from fully displaying his skills this season. When healthy he's a dynamic offensive performer -- he had 57 points in 44 games -- and has shown he can be a standout when playing with better players.

12. Timo Meier, RW, Halifax (QMJHL) The 6-1, 209-pound forward has been overshadowed by linemates at different times, from Nikolaj Ehlers in Halifax to Kevin Fiala with Switzerland at the WJC to McDavid at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, but scouts know how good he can be: A strong skater with good hockey sense, very good in 1-on-1 situations.

13. Kyle Connor, LW, Youngstown (USHL) Smart, skilled forward able to use his speed in all areas of the ice. Can make elite plays at top speed because of outstanding vision. Leads the United States Hockey League in scoring and will continue his development at the University of Michigan next season.

14. Thomas Chabot, D, Saint John (QMJHL) A skilled, all-around defender who has raised his stock as the season has gone on. The 6-1, 180-pound defenseman is a smooth skater able to carry the puck out of trouble, join the rush and get back in the defensive zone.

15. Brandon Carlo, D, Tri-City (WHL) Already 6-5 and 196 pounds, Carlo relies on his size, skating and athleticism to be a shutdown defender. He likely won't be a big contributor offensively, but his 25 points this season were double what he had last season in fewer games. His all-around play earned him a spot on the U.S. team at the World Juniors.

16. Oliver Kylington, D, AIK (SWE-2) Smart, highly skilled two-way defenseman. A strong skater who can join the rush while using his skating to recover defensively in transition. Missed playing for Sweden at World Juniors because of an injury. At 6-foot and 180 pounds, will need time to develop, but has the skill set to make it worth the wait.

17. Nicholas Merkley, C, Kelowna (WHL) Outstanding playmaker won't dominate with his physical gifts, but high hockey IQ raises the level of the 5-10, 191-pound forward's all-around game. Showed willingness to take the puck to the net and create in tight spaces. Led Kelowna with 90 points in 72 games.

18. Daniel Sprong, RW, Charlottetown (QMJHL) Speedy forward led talented team with 39 goals and 88 points in 68 games. Strong playmaker with shifty hands and great 1-on-1 skills. At 6-foot and 180 pounds still needs to get stronger and add a bit of grit to his game. But offensive skills will be what gets him to the next level.

19. Jansen Harkins, C, Prince George (WHL) The 6-foot, 177-pound forward works hard and is effective all over the ice. High hockey IQ helps him read plays in the defensive zone. Skill set would make him a good fit on a Barry Trotz-coached team.

20. Jakub Zboril, D, Saint John (QMJHL) Two-way defender is a potential top-unit power-play quarterback, with a strong point shot that has proven to be hard and accurate. At 6-foot and 184 pounds he won't intimidate with his size but showed a willingness to play physical this season.

21. Evgeny Svechnikov, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL) The 6-2, 199-pound forward showcased top-end offensive skills in his first North American season and shows promise for more. A strong skater and creative with the puck.

22. (From PIT) Paul Bittner, LW, Portland (WHL)

The 6-4, 204-pound power forward still has room to grow. Skates well for his size, has good hands and does well along the walls and in the corners. Willing to be the first on the forecheck and retrieve pucks, and also knows how to use his frame to protect the puck and create plays.

23. (From NYI) Travis Konecny, C, Ottawa (OHL)

Great work ethic and intensity make up for his lack of size (5-9, 174). Gifted offensively with elite puck skills, strong hockey sense and a dynamite release.

24. (From CHI) Jordan Greenway, LW, USA U-18 (USHL)

At 6-4 and 222 pounds Greenway is tough to move off the puck and can dominate on plays along the boards. He'll need time to refine his game but his upside is worth a first-round chance.

25. (From NSH) Colin White, C, USA U-18 (USHL)

Considered one of best skaters in the draft class, and is tough to knock off the puck once he gets it on his stick. The 6-foot, 183-pound forward can use his speed to create chances or break up plays in the defensive zone.

26. (From STL) Jacob Larsson, D, Frolunda Jr. (SWE-JR)

A puck-moving, offensive-minded defender with good size (6-2, 191). Makes a good first pass out of the zone and can skate the puck out of trouble if necessary. Has played well enough to earn time in the Swedish Hockey League.

27. (From TBL) Jake DeBrusk, LW, Swift Current (WHL)

Hard worker willing to grind out plays in the tough areas of the ice. The 5-10, 174-pound forward will take the puck to the net to create chances but is smart enough to find quiet places on the ice for scoring opportunities. Had 42 goals in 72 games on team that barely made the playoffs.

28. Nicolas Roy, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

At 6-4 and 195 pounds he still can get bigger and stronger. Knows how to protect the puck and is tough to knock off his skates. Willing to play both ends of the ice. Could be a giant reward for a patient team.

29. Brock Boeser, RW, Waterloo (USHL) Two-way power forward had solid USHL season with 30 goals and 56 points in 50 games but excelled against stepped-up competition at Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup and World Junior A Challenge. The 6-foot, 191-pound forward has well-regarded shot and can hold onto the puck to create plays. Also solid in defensive end.

30. (From NYR) Ryan Pilon, D, Brandon (WHL)

Solid all-around defender with the ability to chip in offensively at the next level because of a quick, accurate shot. Hockey IQ comes from his uncle, former NHL defenseman Rich Pilon.

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