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2022 NHL First Round Draft Picks live with analysis

Here we go, the 2022 NHL Draft from E2G Sports.  Here is the First Round with Glenn Kaplan’s Scouting Reports

1)Montreal Canadiens: Juraj Slafkovsky

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 218 lbs

Last Amateur Club: TPS

League: Finland

Age: 18

Stats: 31 games, 5 goals, 5 assists, plus/minus 1. 18 playoff games, 2 goals, 5 assists, 1.

Scouting Report: He has a ton of upside and has a big body presence and will get in the dirty areas. Slafkovsky is projected to be a Top 2 pick in the upcoming 2022 NHL Draft and can become an elite goal scorer.

NHL Comp: Jaromir Jagr.

The reaction to Juraj Slafkovsky's name was INCREDIBLE. It was a WWE level shock pop. — Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) July 7, 2022

2)New Jersey Devils: Simon Nemec

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 192 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Nitra

League: Slovakia

Age: 18

Stats: 39 games, one goal, 25 assists, plus/minus rating 13. 19 postseason games, five goals, 12 assists, plus/minus rating 2.

Scouting Report: Nemec is projected to be the top defenseman taken in the 2022 NHL Draft. He is a great two-way player and Simon Nemec can pass the puck with ease and is an excellent skater as well.

NHL Comp: Cale Makar

With the second pick in the 2022 #NHLDraft we are proud to select defenseman Simon Nemec. Welcome to Jersey!#DevilsDraft | @verizon pic.twitter.com/fTBLa8aDzJ — New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 7, 2022

3)Arizona Coyotes: Logan Cooley

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 174 lbs

Last Amateur Club: USA U-18

League: NTDP

Age: 18

Stats: 24 games played, 13 goals, and 23 assists, plus/minus rating of 19.

Scouting Report: A strong two-way forward, who is excellent in the face-off circle and continues to get better. He will be playing collegiate hockey next year at the University of Minnesota.

NHL Comp: Jack Hughes

Logan Cooley is the first American off the board at the 2022 #NHLDraft going to @ArizonaCoyotes! Congrats, Logan! 👏 pic.twitter.com/o0FGdODqee — USA Hockey (@usahockey) July 7, 2022

Two trades. Canadiens trade D Alex Romanov and fourth-round pick to Isles for 13th pick. — Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) July 7, 2022

Trade 2: Montreal trades picks 13 and 66 to Chicago for Kirby Dach. — Mark Scheig (@markscheig) July 7, 2022

4)Seattle Kraken: Shane Wright

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 191 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Kingston

League: OHL

Age: 18

Stats: 63 games played, 32 goals, and 62 assists, plus/minus rating of 23. Playoff Stats: 11 games played, three goals, and 11 assists. plus/minus rating of 4.

Scouting Report: A dynamic playmaker with a sniper’s release and it is very difficult to stop him. He is also a very effective two-way forward and projected to be the number one overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.

NHL Comp: Patrice Bergeron

The Seattle Kraken select Shane Wright at fourth overall. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/hpcJvjGPYH — TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 7, 2022

5)Philadelphia Flyer: Cutter Gauthier

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 189 lbs

Last Amateur Club: USA U-18

League: NTDP

Age: 18

Stats: 22 games, 19 goals, 9 assists, plus/minus 14.

Scouting Report: He will be attending Boston College to play college hockey in the fall. Gauthier is a very strong defensive player on the penalty kill and despite scoring goals, he needs to be wiser with his slot selection but the talent is there.

NHL Comp: Anders Lee.

🔶 WELCOME TO PHILLY! 🔶 With the fifth overall pick in the 2022 #NHLDraft, we have selected Cutter Gauthier. Draft Central: https://t.co/4YhMBPHz2X Live Blog: https://t.co/NQEfwX9eYc pic.twitter.com/wQ9ozn2zHq — Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) July 7, 2022

6)Columbus Blue Jackets: David Jiricek

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 176 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Plzen

League: Czrep

Age: 18

Stats: 29 games, five goals, six assists, and a plus/minus rating of even.

Scouting Report: Skating is the name of his game and he can also get shots through traffic.

NHL Comp: Erik Karlsson

With the sixth overall pick in the 2022 #NHLDraft, the @BlueJacketsNHL select David Jiricek! pic.twitter.com/CpMwPtfSDP — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 8, 2022

7)Chicago Blackhawks: Kevin Korchinski

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 185 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Seattle

League: WHL

Age: 17

Stats: 67 games, 4 goals, 61 assists, plus/minus rating 36. Playoffs: 25 games, 6 goals, 13 assists, plus/minus rating 6.

Scouting Report: Korchinski has a wicked left-handed shot, but his playmaking is electrifying. He has solid height for a defenseman and Kevin Korchinski is going to make someone happy with his offensive playmaking ability on the power play and on the rush from the back end.

NHL Comp: Victor Hedman

NEW: Blackhawks select D Kevin Korchinski with the 7th overall pick. Yet another defensive prospect. He's 6'2", 185 lbs. Very offensive guy. Scored 65 points in 67 games for WHL Seattle last season. — Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) July 8, 2022

8)Detroit Red Wings: Marco Kasper

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 183 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Rogle

League: Sweden

Age: 18

Stats: 12 games played, six goals and seven assists, plus/minus rating of 2 in the junior league. In the HL league in Sweden, he played in 46 games and scored seven goals, and recorded four assists, plus/minus rating of -10.

Scouting Report: He’s a big center who controls the puck well. Marco Kasper is slick and agile and can make things happen.

NHL Comp: N/A

@AllThingsDET Hey there Katy… Since it's NHL draft Eve, wanted to see what if the Wings took Marco Kasper at #8 spot, would you dig that pick?? — DJ Puck (@DJLoons) July 7, 2022

9) Buffalo Sabres: Matthew Savoie

Height: 5’9″

Weight: 175 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Winnipeg

League: WHL

Age: 18

Stats: 65 games played, 35 goals, and 55 assists, plus/minus rating of 54. Playoff stats: Eight games played, six goals, and recorded four assists, plus/minus rating of 10.

Scouting Report: He is very skilled, very quick, and is very intense with his battles. Savoie has the offensive high-end ability.

NHL Comp: N/A

With the ninth overall pick in the 2022 #NHLDraft, the @BuffaloSabres select center Matthew Savoie from the @WHLWpgICE in @TheWHL. #Sabres — WGR 550 (@WGR550) July 8, 2022

10)Anaheim Ducks: Pavel Mintyukov

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 192 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Saginaw

League: OHL

Age: 18

Stats: 67 games, 17 goals, 45 assists, plus/minus rating of -14.

Scouting Report: He can over pursue the puck sometimes and be turnover prone. However, when Pavel Mintyukov is on his game, it is very dangerous and Mintyukov has a very high upside after his breakout season in the OHL.

NHL Comp: Kris Letang (left-handed version)

#NHLDucks keep their pick at No. 10, select defenseman Pavel Mintyukov. Well, that's a change for organization. — Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) July 8, 2022

San Jose Sharks trade #11 to the Arizona Coyotes  for 27, 34, 45

11)Arizona Coyotes: Conor Geekie

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 196 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Winnipeg

League: OHL

Age: 18

Stats: 63 games, 24 goals, 46 assists, plus/minus rating 46. 10 postseason games, three goals, six assists, plus/minus rating 4.

Scouting Report: He has great long-term potential and could be a potential reach in the 2022 NHL Draft. Conor Geekie has a big physical size down the middle and his offensive potential is what scouts are praising about him.

NHL Comp: N/A

7. Brad Lambert

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 175 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Pelicans

League: Finland

Age: 18

Stats: 25 games, two goals, and two assists, plus/minus rating -6. Playoffs played in three games and scored no goals and recorded zero assists. Plus/minus rating of -1.

Scouting Report: He’s a dynamic offensive threat, combining his high-end skating ability with his offensive instincts. Brad Lambert is very dangerous when he has the puck and can pass to open teammates and thread the nettle.

NHL Comp: N/A

Conor Geekie out of Winnipeg of these WHL is another big center who could be on the #CBJ board. The brother of NHL player Morgan Geekie, Conor also says he’s an accomplished curler. pic.twitter.com/pBJ83gcd5b — Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) July 6, 2022

12)Columbus Blue Jackets: Denton Mateychuk

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 192 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Moose Jaw

League: OHL

Age: 17

Stats: 65 games, 13 goals, 51 assists, plus/minus rating 20. Playoffs, one goal, nine assists, plus/minus rating -2.

Scouting Report: He’s always up in the play and can also get very aggressive. Mateychuk also can be his own worst enemy sometimes with too many turnovers but coaches will like Denton Mateychuk’s risk ability.

NHL Comp: Brent Burns (left-handed version).

The #CBJ have drafted defenseman Denton Mateychuk with the No. 12 overall pick in the NHL draft. ➡️ 5-10, 188 ➡️ Moose Jaw (WHL) ➡️ No.-14 ranked NA skater by NHL Central Scouting ➡️ 13-51-64 in 65 games games with the Warriors this season pic.twitter.com/IysGj71ioV — Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) July 8, 2022

13)Chicago BlackHawks: Frank Nazar

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 175 lbs

Last Amateur Club: USA U-18

League: NTDP

Age: 18

Stats: 24 games played, 15 goals, and 20 assists, plus/minus rating of 26.

Scouting Report: He will be playing college hockey at the University of Michigan next year. Nazar is a versatile forward who plays the game of hockey game at a very high pace.

NHL Comp: N/A

Frank Nazar was my No. 7-ranked player for this draft. He is one of the fastest, most dynamic players in this draft. He's not big, but he's tenacious and the motor doesn't stop. — Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) July 8, 2022

14)Winnipeg Jets: Rutger McGroarty

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 200 lbs

Last Amateur Club: USA U-18

League: NTDP

Age: 18

Stats: 25 games, 15 goals, 18 assists, plus/minus 24.

Scouting Report. He will be attending the University of Michigan to play college hockey in the fall. McGroarty is very skilled and projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming 2022 NHL Draft and could be one of the most polished players in this draft.

NHL Comp: Jake Guentzel.

#14: The @NHLJets select Rutger McGroarty McGroarty has been on the radar for a while, thanks to his excellent youth hockey career and an early stint with the NTDP’s under-18s when he was still in his under-17 year: https://t.co/Ifs0YmuHWs — The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) July 8, 2022

15)Vancouver Canucks: Jonathan Lekkerimaki

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 165 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Djurgarden

League: Sweden

Age: 17

Stats: 26 games, 20 goals, 15 assists, plus/minus rating 18.

Scouting Report: The kid loves to score goals. He is a complete water bug.

NHL Comp: Oliver Wahlstrom

FIN F Joakim Kemell (7) and SWE F Jonathan Lekkerimaki (8) falling way out of the Top 10. Both good offensive/goal-scoring forwards. WPG with pick No. 14 up next. — Bobby Margarita (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 8, 2022

16)Buffalo Sabres: Noah Ostlund

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 163 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Djugarden Jr.

League: Sweden-Jr.

Age: 18

Stats: 32 games, 9 goals, and 33 assists, plus/minus 30.

Scouting Report: He is a very good playmaker. Ostlund won’t be much of an NHL goal scorer but will be very effective with his game when he reaches the next level in hockey though also.

NHL Comp: Henrik Sedin.

Buffalo takes Noah Ostlund at No. 16 — Paul Hamilton (@pham1717) July 8, 2022

17)Nashville Predators: Joakim Kemell

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 171 lbs

Last Amateur Club: JYP

League: Finland

Age: 18

Stats: 39 games, 15 goals, 8 assists, plus/minus rating of -13.

Scouting Report: He had a shoulder injury that slowed him down after a hot start to the season overseas.

NHL Comp: Drake Batherson

Our pick is in! With the 17th overall pick in the 2022 #NHLDraft, the Nashville Predators have selected Joakim Kemell from the Liiga's JYP pic.twitter.com/kEY5yZYKjJ — Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) July 8, 2022

18)Dallas Stars: Lian Bichsel

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 212 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Leskand

League: Sweden

Age: 18

Stats: 11 games, three goals, four assists, plus/minus rating -1.

Scouting Report: He has great puck control according to the advanced analytics and can also block shots and is willing to sacrifice his body. Bischel is projected to go in the later first round because of not getting enough games in last year and Lian Bischel could be a steal.

NHL Comp: Ivan Provorov

Not that anyone asked but Stars pick Lian Bischel is 18 years old at 6’5, 225 is going to be a monster. — John Riche 🇺🇦 (@JohnRiche) July 8, 2022

19)Minnesota Wild: Liam Ohgren

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 187 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Djugarden Jr.

League: Sweden-Jr.

Age: 18

Stats: 30 games, 33 goals, 25 assists, plus/minus 41.

Scouting Report: He has very high offensive upside with his capability of scoring goals and also passing the puck. Ohgren’s hockey IQ is off the charts and dominated play in his league this season.

NHL Comp: Gabriel Landeskog

At No. 19, the #mnwild select Liam Ohgren, a left wing from Djurgarden. Director of European scouting Richard Persson was on the stage, so that was the hint — Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 8, 2022

20)Washington Capitals: Ivan Miroshnichenko

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 185 lbs

Last Amateur Club: OMSK Krylia

League: Russia-2

Age: 18

Stats: 31 games, 10 goals, 6 assists, plus/minus rating -9.

Scouting Report: He was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma and will potentially miss all of next season as well. Miroshnichenko was projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming 2022 NHL Draft, but we will see where he gets drafted now and if someone rolls the dice on him. The most important thing is that he makes a full recovery in order to live a normal life.

NHL Comp: N/A

With the 20th pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals are proud to select Ivan Miroshnichenko!#CapsDraft pic.twitter.com/PlK4vwUtuI — Washington Capitals (@Capitals) July 8, 2022

21)Pittsburgh Penguins: Owen Pickering

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 180 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Swift Current

League: WHL

Age: 18

Stats: 62 games, nine goals, 24 assists, plus/minus rating -29.

NHL Scouting Report: Pickering has climbed up draft boards from the start of the season. He will be a late first or an early second-round pick and also, Owen Pickering has potential offensively but the defense needs work.

NHL Comp: Justin Schultz (left-handed version)

Newly re-signed Penguins defenseman Kris Letang – accompanied by his son Alexander – announced Pittsburgh’s first-round pick. “The Pittsburgh Penguins are proud to select Owen Pickering.” The defenseman was the 15th-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. — Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) July 8, 2022

22)Anaheim Ducks: Nathan Gaucher

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 207 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Quebec

League: QMJHL

Age: 18

Stats: 66 games, 31 goals, 26 assists, plus/minus 30. Five playoff games, two goals, and three assists, plus/minus 2.

Scouting Report: He lacks a ton of offensive upside. Nathan Gaucher will be more of a two-way centerman in the NHL as a third or a fourth-liner and can also kill off penalties.

NHL Comp: Teddy Blueger

Blues are on the clock at No. 23 overall. At No. 22, Anaheim has selected C Nathan Gaucher of the Quebec Remparts – a teammate of Blues' prospect Zachary Bolduc. — Jim Thomas (@jthom1) July 8, 2022

23)St. Louis Blue: Jimmy Snuggerud

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 186 lbs

Last Amateur Club: USA U-18

League: NTDP

Age: 17

Stats: 26 games, 6 goals, 20 assists, plus/minus rating 15.

Scouting Report: He has committed to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota next season. Snuggerud has a strong shot that he isn’t afraid to use and has high IQ for the game of hockey.

NHL Comp: Frank Vatarno

Blues have selected forward Jimmy Snuggerud, a forward with the US Natiional Team Development Program. — Jim Thomas (@jthom1) July 8, 2022

24)Minnesota Wild: Danila Yurov

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 178 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Magnitogorsk

League: Russia

Age: 18

Stats: 23 games, 13 goals, 23 assists, plus/minus rating 22. Playoffs, two games, one goal, zero assists, plus/minus rating 1.

Scouting Report: He is a very strong skater. Yurov is very good at protecting the puck and is a great play-maker.

Danila Yurov. Minnesota Wild. What a first round by Judd Brackett. #mnwild pic.twitter.com/q5Enz7GEug — Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) July 8, 2022

25)Chicago Blackhawks: Sam Rinzel

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 180 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Chaska

League: HIGH-MN

Age: 17

Stats: 27 games, nine goals, 29 assists, plus/minus rating 22.

NHL Scouting Report: He will be attending the University of Minnesota next season. Rinzel is NHL ready out of high school and Sam Rinzel also has a very big skating frame about him.

NHL Comp: Josh Manson

To sum up today (so far!): Blackhawks traded: Alex DeBrincat Kirby Dach No. 38 Blackhawks acquired: No. 7 Kevin Korchinski (D) No. 13 Frank Nazar (C) No. 25 Sam Rinzel (D) No. 39 No. 66 Petr Mrazek Third-rounder in 2024 — Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) July 8, 2022

26)Montreal Canadiens: Filip Mesar (RW) PopRad (SVK)

It's hard as hell to find a center in the late first round, but if anyone in that group can be a Top-6 pivot, it's Filip Mesar, a skilled, Fiala-esque forward who has the guts and smarts to stick down the middle.https://t.co/9AjHsXqjto — Tony of the USS 10KRinks.com (@OhHiTony) July 7, 2022

27)San Jose Sharks: Filip Bystedt

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 205 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Linkpoig Jr.

League: Sweden-Jr.

Age: 18

Stats: 40 games, 16 goals, 33 assists, plus/minus 23.

Scouting Report: He has great size and terrific edgework, His shot speed is what allows him to score, but Bystedt will need to improve on his shot release in the NHL.

NHL Comp: N/A

With the No. 27 pick in the 2022 NHL draft, the San Jose Sharks have selected Filip Bystedt from Linköping HC in Sweden. — Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) July 8, 2022

28)Buffalo Sabres: Jiri Kulich

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 172 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Karlovy Vary

League: CZREP

Age: 18

Stats: 49 games, nine goals, five assists, plus/minus rating 7. Three playoff games, zero goals, and one assist, plus/minus 0.

Scouting Report: He is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Kulich has tremendous upside.

NHL Comp: N/A

With the 28th overall pick in the 2022 #NHLDraft, the @BuffaloSabres select Juri Kulich!#LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/aqY3adSSaA — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 8, 2022

29)Arizona Coyotes from Edmonton via trade: Maveric Lamoureux

Height: 6’7″

Weight: 199 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Drummondville

League: QMJHL

Age: 18

Stats: 54 games, four goals, 20 assists, plus/minus rating of -30. Playoffs: four games, zero goals, and one assist, plus/minus rating of -4.

NHL Scouting Report: He can check players with ease with his size. Maveric Lamourex needs to polish his offensive game but will be a serviceable defenseman in the NHL and teams will be happy with Lamourex.

NHL Comp: Aaron Ekblad

Maveric Lameroux. My god. And I thought the best hockey name had already been drafted. — Incredible Post-Bubble Hockey Insights & Analysis (@unrealNHLtakes) July 8, 2022

30)Winnipeg Jets: Brad Lambert

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 175 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Pelicans

League: Finland

Age: 18

Stats: 25 games, two goals, and two assists, plus/minus rating -6. Playoffs played in three games and scored no goals and recorded zero assists. Plus/minus rating of -1.

Scouting Report: He’s a dynamic offensive threat, combining his high-end skating ability with his offensive instincts. Brad Lambert is very dangerous when he has the puck and can pass to open teammates and thread the nettle.

NHL Comp: Matthew Barzal

Mark my words… Brad Lambert will be the best player to come out of this draft#nhldraft2022 #Fin — Brady Piercey 🧡 (@brady_piercey) July 7, 2022

31)Tampa Bay Lightning: Isaac Howard

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 182 lbs

Last Amateur Club: USA U-18

League: NTDP

Age: 18

Stats: 27 games, 11 goals, 26 assists, plus/minus rating 18.

Scouting Report: He is an excellent forward who is gifted with his offensive instincts. Isaac Howard is committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for next season for collegiate hockey and is developing his game to be a more complete hockey player.

NHL Comp: N/A

Issac Howard was quoted as his favorite player being Nikita Kucherov because he is “wicked smart”. 😂 — Bolts Jolts (@BoltsJolts) July 8, 2022

32)Edmonton Oilers: Reid Schaefer

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 213 lbs

Last Amateur Club: Seattle

League: WHL

Age: 18.

Stats: 66 games, 32 goals, 26 assists, plus/minus rating 29. Playoffs, 12 games played, 5 goals, 9 assists, plus/minus rating 10.

Scouting Report: Schaefer is a hit-or-miss player. There are various times when he isn’t noticeable on the ice.

NHL Comp: N/A

Looks like Oilers will get what they wanted here: dumping Kassian's salary and now drafting Reid Schaefer. — Mark Spector🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@SportsnetSpec) July 8, 2022

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