NHL.com released a pair of mock drafts yesterday and the in both Mike G. Morreale’s and Adam Kimmelman’s the Sharks took a center. They have San Jose slated to take 22nd in the upcoming draft (lol they’ll be picking 30th, obviously).
Here’s what Morreale had to say about Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack.
Suzuki (5-11, 187) has 56 points (23 goals, 33 assists) and a plus-28 rating in 43 games, all improvements from the 20 goals, 38 points and minus-15 he had in 63 games last season as an OHL rookie. He’s versatile, has high-end hockey sense and vision and is a gifted passer and underrated finisher.
Doug Wilson loves him a good center and despite the London, Ontario native’sthe London small size that’s a very solid scoring rate for a 17 year old. The balance in his scoring is also a plus as he can both hit the back of the net and distribute the puck, something the Sharks would like to see more of in the organization.
Kimmelman has San Jose picking Halifax native Shane Bowers. Here’s his writeup.
There’s a need for young defensemen but Bowers (6-1, 183) is too talented to pass on. He’s a strong skater, gifted playmaker and effective in all three zones. He patterns his game after Jonathan Toews, and like Toews will take the college route to develop his game next season, at Boston University.
The Sharks certainly have some history drafting Terriers, and his size is likely a plus for Wilson. Still, Bowers has 24 points in 33 games in the USHL, a weaker league, and if I had my choice I’d much rather draft Suzuki. What do you think of the mock drafts?
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