2020 NHL Draft Results

Round 2

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: October 7, 2020.

32. Detroit Red Wings: William Wallinder, D, Modo Hockey (Elitserien) C+ Grade
    
    
    I mocked Wallinder to Detroit at 32 at one point before restudying his tape. I did not like what I see when rewatching his film, but you can't fault Detroit too much for taking Wallinder here because he has huge upside and it's not the worse pick Detroit could have made.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 192 William Wallander has the playmaking, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, hockey IQ, speed, skating, agility, stick handling, ability to play on the power play, and ability kill penalties that you want a defender to have. He's gritty, hits hard, and gets in your face showcasing his toughness without being too domineering about it like a schoolyard bully. This defenseman from Sweden plays hard, but also carries a very calm level-headed demeanor that you want your defenseman to have. He received an A+ grade in skating despite being big and physical.
    
    
    
    The drawback is he has the worst shot of any defender in this years draft in terms of both shooting power and shooting accuracy. Being the fourth best defender on Modo Hockey also doesn't help. One Youtuber, called him a four year project.
    
    
    
    He has the upside to be a first line defender in the NHL if you remain patient with him. Detroit is hoping he lives up to his potential.
    
    
    
33. Ottawa Senators: Roby Jarventie, LW, Ilves (SM Liiga) D Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 185 lb Roby Jarventie has the playmaking of a passer who generates assists as will. He also has the wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, and slap shot accuracy you want an NHL player to have. He's very gifted offensively. Jarventie needs to improve defensively if he ever wants to crack a top 6 of an NHL lineup. Roby Jarventie is gifted enough offensively to develop into a good third line left winger in the NHL, but Ottawa will use him as a fourth line left winger unless Ridly Greig flops. Even though I got a third round grade on him, some NHL teams will have a second round grade on Roby Jarventie because he's the best winger Ilves had since Roope Hintz, who has had success with the Dallas Stars. I guess Ottawa had a second round grade on Jarventie. Ottawa can make him their fourth line left winger behind Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stuztle, and Ridly Greig at some point.
    
    
    
    
    
34. Buffalo Sabres: John-Jason Peterka, LW, EHC Munchen (DEL) A- Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 192 lb John-Jason Peterka can play left wing, center, or right wing with his versatility. He is raw, but has A grade potential on both offense and defense.
    
    
    
35. Los Angeles Kings: Helge Grans, D, Malmo Redhawks (Elitserien) A Grade
    
    
    The 6-3 192 lb Helge Grans is the top prospect on the Malmo Redhawks. He's a two-way defender known for his passing and ability to defend the neutral zone while dominating on the power play as a quarterback who creates scoring chances. Displays great vision, elite passing, and offensive awareness to be a top 3 offensive defenseman in this draft.
    
    
    
    His shooting and decision making when he does not have the puck need to improve in order for Grans to make the transition to the NHL even though the ceiling to be a first line defender down the road is there. He's a second line defender who anchors the second line on the Malmo Redhawks, but he anchors Malmo's top line on the power play. Grans is a great power play specialist, and if he improves defensively, he could be a dynamo on the Los Angeles Kings.
    
    
    
    As long as Drew Doughty is there, he will not have to anchor the top line. If you keep him on Malmo and the AHL for five years and develop him, he may be ready to succeed Drew Doughty. Great pick by the Kings that warrants an A grade.
    
    
    
    
    
36. Anaheim Ducks: Sam Colangelo, RW, Chicago Steel (USHL) B Grade
    
    
    The Anaheim Ducks grab a winger to add to their system. The 6-2 205 lb Sam Colangelo was a line 2 right winger and line mate with line 2 center Sean Farrell.
    
    
    
    Sam Colangelo can skate anywhere on the ice at forward. He's versatile enough to play left wing, center, or right wing with his versatility. Being a second line right winger that plays like a power forward seems to be his strength. His superb vision, skating, and hockey IQ is why most other mocks have him going ahead of teammate Mathieu De St. Phalle. Despite playing on the second line with the Chicago Steel, he seems like someone with the upside to be a first line winger in the NHL. Anaheim already drafted Jacob Perreault to be the line 1 right winger of the future in the first round of this draft so Colangelo can be a second line right winger behind him if he makes it to the NHL.
    
    
    
    Sam Colangelo had 28 goals, 30 assists, 58 points, and a +32 +/- ratio in his only season with the Chicago Steel. Sam Colangelo accepted a scholarship to Northeastern.
    
    
    
37. Minnesota Wild: Marat Khusnutdinov, C, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL) C Grade
    
    
    The Hurricanes get the SKA Saint Petersburg's best skater in this draft here. Marat Khusnutdinov played for Vityaz Podolsk's Under 18-Team in Russia before playing with SKA Saint Petersburg in the MHL.
    
    
    
    The 5-9 165 lb Marat Khusnutdinov had 13 goals, 25 assists, and 38 points in 2019-2020 in the MHL. I've seen him mocked in the late first round so Minnesota reaches for a player with no KHL experience in the second round which is why the Wild got a C grade here.
    
    
    
    
    
38. San Jose Sharks: Thomas Bordeleau, C, USNTDP (USHL) B Grade
    
    
    San Jose takes the first player from the USNTDP since Jake Sanderson was drafted fifth overall by Ottawa. The 5-9 179 lb Thomas Bordeleau finally put together a signature season. Thomas Bordeleau had 16 goals, 30 assists, and 46 points in 47 games with the USNTDP Under 18 Team. He was the center on that team with Luke Tuch and Ty Smilanic as his wingers on their first line. Bordleau had 7 goals, 11 assists, and 18 points in the USHL.
    
    
    
    He entered the preseason with a B grade from NHL Central Scouting while his teammates had A grades. Despite this, some scouts have Bordeleau being the first of the forwards on USNTDP to be drafted. Those scouts believe Bordeleau has a better shot to crack the first round than Tuch or Smilanic.
    
    
    
39. Minnesota Wild: Ryan O'Rourke, D, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) A+ Grade
    
    
    Minnesota chose to draft the top defenseman left on the board in the second round. I'm looking at Ryan O'Rourke as a great prospect for the Minnesota Wild to develop here.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 181 Ryan O'Rourke was the first round pick for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. Ryan O'Rourke had 8 goals, 14 assists, 22 points, and a +8 +/- ratio during his rookie season in 2018-2019 when he anchored the second line as a rookie. Ryan O'Rourke had 7 goals, 30 assists, 37 points, and a +16 +/- ratio in 54 games on the first line. He is someone that Minnesota can develop for the future as a two-way defenseman. Having experience on both the left and right side of the defense will make it easy for the Wild to plug this guy into their lineup.
    
    
    
    
    
40. Winnipeg Jets: Daniel Torgersson, RW, Frolunda Indians (Elitserien) F Grade
    
    
    The 6-3 205 lb Daniel Torgersson is versatile enough to play both left wing and right wing. He dominated in the SuperElit league with 44 points, but had 0 points in 6 SHL games. Torgersson could be a great AHL winger on a top line or a fourth line winger in the NHL if he continues to develop.
    
    
    
41. Carolina Hurricanes: Noel Gunler, RW, Lulea HF (Elitserien) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 176 lb Noel Gunler is versatile enough to play right wing or left wing. He has one of the better shots in this draft class. If Gunler falls in this draft it will be due to character concerns since some teams are questioning his attitude in interviews. Carolina got a steal though as they used this draft to get two future right wingers in Seth Jarvis and Noel Gunler with both wingers being versatile enough to play right wing or left wing.
    
    
    
    Noel Gunler has the has the playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, hockey IQ, speed, skating, agility, and stick handling. He's a playmaker that can do everything you want a line 1 game changer to do on tape. He can do well on the power play or dominate as a penalty killer. He's a line 1 winger on Lulea HF.
    
    
    
    
    
42. Nashville Predators: Luke Evangelista, LW, London Knights (OHL) B+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 165 lb Luke Evangelista played both left wing and right wing on the London Knights top line. That versatility may get Luke Evangelista drafted in the first or second round to be quite honest. Nashville grabs Evangelista in the second round.
    
    
    
    Luke Evangelista had 23 goals, 38 assists, 61 points, and a +15 +/- ratio in 2019-2020. He has outperformed teammate Antonio Stranges, who received an A grade from NHL Central Scouting back in November.
    
    
    
43. Florida Panthers: Emil Heineman, LW, Leksands IF (Elitserien) C Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 185 lb Emil Heinaman is a left winger that led Leksands IF U20 SuperElit team in goals with 26. He passes effectively, displays wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, and defends well on tape. He has 2 assists in the SHL in the Elitserien league and there are guys in Sweden that have SHL experience with 0 points in the SHL that are projected to get picked higher. I got a third round grade on Emil Heinaman and believe he could be a draft day steal in due time.
    
    
    
    
    
44. Ottawa Senators: Tyler Kleven, D, USNTDP (USHL) C Grade
    
    
    Ottawa gets Tyler Klevin with this pick as a defenseman to develop for the future. Tyler Klevin entered the season as the top USHL prospect, but Jake Sanderson and Luke Hughes did so well that Klevin got demoted to the second line on USNTDP. Klevin is another reach by Ottawa, but he's a player I had an early third round grade on which is why Ottawa gets a C grade for taking a solid player over a good player that warrants a B grade or a great player that warrants an A grade.
    
    
    
45. Los Angeles Kings: Brock Faber, D, USNTDP (USHL) D+ Grade
    
    
    I had Brock Faber going to Tampa Bay in the third round. This would be a C- grade in most cases just based on value. Los Angeles gave Detroit their second rounder from Vancouver and their fourth round pick just to move up to this spot to take Brock Faber.
    
    
    
    Los Angeles drafts Brock Faber here. Some have him graded higher than Eamon Powell. Powell was in NHL Central Scouting's top 50 and Faber was not. Los Angeles reaches here.
    
    
    
    
    
46. Chicago Blackhawks: Drew Commesso, G, USNTDP (USHL) A+ Grade
    
    
    Chicago is looking at two goalies as potential successors to their current starter Corey Crawford if they cannot land Yaroslav Askarov. The first goalie, I heard they were profiling was Nico Daws from the Guelph Storm. Drew Commesso is the other goalie. The report I heard is that Chicago would take one of those two goalies in the second round, even though I had fourth round grades on both goalies. Chicago ended up taking Commesso over Daws here in the second round.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 181 lb Drew Commesso had 2.01 goals against average and a .917 save percentage in 11 USHL games. Commesso is going to Boston University where 2017 first round pick Jake Oettinger played goalie. Chicago stuck to their board which is why they get another A+ grade here.
    
    
    
47. Montreal Canadiens: Luke Tuch, LW, USNTDP (USHL) A Grade
    
    
    Montreal takes Luke Tuch as a developmental player for the future. Luke Tuch was the line 1 left winger on the USNTDP Under-18 Team as well as the USHL squad. He had 15 goals, 15 assists, and 30 points on the Under-18 Team. Tuch had 8 goals, 6 assists, and 14 points in 19 USHL games on the top line. Luke Tuch plans on enrolling into Boston University this fall where he will continue to develop. Tuch may be able to develop first line player in the NHL if he spends the next four years at Boston University improving offensively and fixing his defense. Montreal can develop Luke Tuch for the future here.
    
    
    
    
    
48. Montreal Canadiens: Jan Mysak, RW, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL) A+ Grade
    
    
    The Montreal Canadiens draft the top prospect from the Czech Republic in the 2020 NHL Draft. The 6-0 176 lb Jan Mysack had 3 goals, 4 assists, and 7 points in the Extraliga league in the regular season along with 5 goals, 4 assists, and 9 points during the Extraliga Playoffs showing immense promise for a sixteen year old in 2018-2019. Mysack got promoted form the HC Verva Litvinov's U16 Team, to U18 Team, to U20 team at the age of fifteen before making the official Extraliga team roster late in the season last season in his rookie season. He did so well that the Hamilton Bulldogs selected him in the CHL Import Draft where he had 15 goals, 10 assists, and 25 points in 2019-2020.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 176 lb winger is mainly a right winger. He's versatile enough to play left wing, center, or right wing. He was a line 1 forward on the same line with Arthur Kaliyev in his first year with the Hamilton Bulldogs. You have to admire how Jan Mysak plays aggressively winning face offs on offense regardless of where he lines up and how he checks like a defender.
    
    
    
    He's also great with shooting power as he has the wrist shot power and slap shot power. His passing and skating is phenomenal as this playmaker can make things happen. Jan Mysak did well on special teams when it was a power play or penalty killing.
    
    
    
    His shooting accuracy and decision making needs to improve as far as offensive and defensive awareness goes. This goes for both wrist shot accuracy and slap shot accuracy. He deserves to be a first round pick for working his way up to the top line on the Hamilton Bulldogs so quickly.
    
    
    
    Jan Mysak was a guy I had a top 25 grade on. Montreal got a huge steal in the second round.
    
    
    
    NHL Prospect Center posted a film cut of Jan Mysak on their Youtube channel. You can watch it below.
    
    
    
    
    
    
49. Calgary Flames: Yan Kuznetsov, D, Connecticut D Grade
    
    
    Calgary reaches for a late third round pick. The 6-3 207 lb Yan Kuznetsov is the top defenseman in the NCAA. He's a solid developmental propspect for the Calgary Flames.
    
    
    
50. Detroit Red Wings: Theodore Neiderbach, C, Frolunda Indians (Elitserien) C- Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 172 lb center had 15 goals, 33 assists, and 48 points in the SuperElit, but did not play in any SHL games making him rawer than Torgersson. Elite Prospects has a first round grade on Neiderbach even though he's never played an SHL game. Future Considerations, Craig Button, and Bob McKenzie all have an early third round grade on the Frolunda Indians center. Worst case scenario, the Red Wings get an AHL center. Best case scenario, Neiderbach plays up to his potential and develops into a back 6 center in the NHL.
    
    
    
51. Pittsburgh Penguins: Joel Blomqvist, G, Oulun Karpat (SM Liiga) A+ Grade
    
    
    The Pittsburgh Penguins get Joel Blomqvist, one of two prospects who shares the same birthday as me here. The other prospect that shares the same birthday as me is Landon Collins who has done pretty well in the NFL. I love this pick for Pittsburgh. The 6-1 205 lb Joel Blomqvist has great footwork and upper body strength. Joel Blomqvist knows when to be aggressive and when to be calm. He follows the puck having the vision and hockey IQ of a starting goalie.
    
    
    
    He needs to do a better job finding the puck though. Dominated on Oulun Karpat's Under 20 Team, but struggled against pros in the Liiga league in Finland. Blomqvist is a project, but does display the upside to be a starting goalie in the NHL and Pittsburgh can draft him here in the second round to compliment Tristan Jarry at some point down the road. If Jarry cannot stay healthy the potential to replace him in five years is there.
    
    
    
    
    
52. Carolina Hurricanes: Vasili Ponomaryov, LW, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) A Grade
    
    
    The 6-0 170 lb Vasili Ponomaryov is from Russia. Vasili Ponomaryov has the versatility to play left wing, center, or right wing. He had 18 goals, 31 assists, and 49 points in his rookie season in the QMJHL after being the ninth overal pick in the 2019 CHL Import Draft. He did well enough to work his way up to the first line.
    
    
    
    I saw him go in the late first round in one mock. He provides very good value for the Carolina in the second round. His tape looked good when he was on the ice with line shifts.
    
    
    
    NHL Prospect Center posted a film cut of Vasili Ponomaryov on their Youtube channel. Even though he played center on Shawinigan and filled in for Mavrik Bourque on the top line for a game, he's not great at winning face offs so he may be a better fit for the wing because of this.
    
    
    
    
    
    
53. Philadelphia Flyers: Emil Andrae, D, HV71 (Elitserien) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-9 183 lb Emil Andrae was team captain of Smaland before working his way up to HV71. Andrae is now the first line defender that anchors HV71's blue line which helps his draft stock considering his height. He also played on the second line ahead of William Wallinder on Sweden's Under 20 Team at the World Junior Championships. Philadelphia got a steal here.
    
    
    
    
    
54. Detroit Red Wings: Cross Hanas, LW, Portland Winterhawks (WHL) C- Grade
    
    
    Detroit reached for Cross Hanas here. The 6-1 165 lb Cross Hanas only had 22 points as a rookie in 2018-2019. Cross Hanas had 22 goals, 27 assists, 49 points, and a +20 +/- ratio in 2019-2020 on the WHL's best team. Hanas fell from the top fifty to the end of the third round because he's a fourth line left winger on the Portland Winterhawks. The upside to be a second line player and top 6 forward is there. He's very raw though and needs a lot of development.
    
    
    
55. San Jose Sharks: Tristen Robins, RW, Saskatoon Blades (WHL) B- Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 174 lb Tristen Robins is versatile enough to play left wing, center, or right wing. Tristen Robins is a two-way forward. Robins had 33 goals, 40 assists, and 73 points. Elite Prospects and McKeen's Hockey both had a second round grade on him. I guess San Jose also had a second round grade on Robins.
    
    
    
    
    
56. Tampa Bay Lightning: Jack Finley, C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL) A+ Grade
    
    
    The Tampa Bay Lightning get the best prospect on the Spokane Chiefs here in second round. The 6-5 207 lb Jack Finley had 19 goals, 38 assists, 57 points, and a +32 +/- ratio in 61 games in 2019-2020 as a first line center. He's also a top 50 prospect on NHL's Central Scouting list. His ceiling is huge because he's younger than most prospects in this draft as he was 13 days shy of being ineligible for this draft class. He inspired guys like Kailer Yamamoto and Ty Smith to play better the very first day he became a member of the Spokane Chiefs back in 2017.
    
    
    
    He is now 6-6 213 lbs after initially being projected at 6-5 207 lbs. Imagine Brayden Point ins a 6-6 body, that's exactly what Finley is as he's my favorite WHL prospect Tampa Bay has drafted since Point.
    
    
    
57. Boston Bruins: Mason Lohrei, D, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) A Grade
    
    
    The 6-4 201 lb Mason Lohrei was a first line defenseman on the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL. He will return to Green Bay in 2020-2021 despite being 19-years-old before enrolling into Ohio State in 2021-2022.
    
    
    
    In 48 games, Mason Lohrei had 8 goals, 29 assists, 37 points, and a +5 +/- ratio. Great pick by the Boston Bruins hoping to find a replacement for Torey Krug here.
    
    
    
    
    
58. Toronto Maple Leafs: Roni Hirvonen, C, Assat (SM Liiga) A+ Grade
    
    
    Roni Hirvonen was born on January 10th same day as me and the first draft prospect since Landon Collins to share a birthday with me. Frank Sinatra Jr., George Foreman, and my mother are all born on January 10th as well. He's the only player from the first round of my mock draft to be picked here.
    
    
    
    The point is Roni Hirovonen is the ideal fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Also Hirvonen had a career high 3 goals, 2 assists, and 5 points in a contest back in 2018. The 5-9 163 lb Roni Hirvonen had 5 goals, 11 assists, and 16 points in 2019-2020.
    
    
    
    He's a very fast flashy skater with great speed, explosiveness, and athleticism despite being undersized. He has the passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, vision, and hockey IQ that you want a player to have.
    
    
    
    That's probably why some teams have a first round grade on him. He's just as versatile as Jesperi Kotkaniemi since he can play left wing, center, or right wing on Assat's first line just like the former third overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Toronto is stacked at center, but goes with the best player on the board in Hirvonen to groom for the future. If Hirvonen can add some muscle and show teams that most of his goals aren't from short-range he could be a special player in 2-3 years.
    
    
    
    NHL Prospect Center posted a film cut of Roni Hirvonen on their Youtube channel. You can watch it below.
    
    
    
    
    
    
59. New York Rangers: William Cuylle, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL) C Grade
    
    
    New York gets another winger for depth here. New York has not drafted a center yet who has the upside to play on their top line, and they got this pick despite giving up their third rounder to move up for Braden Schneider. Cuylle only had 42 points in 2019-2020 after going from 26 goals in 2018-2019 to 22 goals in 2019-2020 so New York can take their time with this winger despite him having an A grade from NHL Central Scouting, because he's a third line left winger with the celing to develop into a first line winger. New York will only need him as a third line left winger with Alexis Lafrenierre and Artemi Panerin on the top two lines at left wing.
    
    
    
    
    
60. Ottawa Senators: Yegor Sokolov, RW, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) A Grade
    
    
    The 6-4 240 lb Yegor Sokolov had 46 goals, 46 assists, and 94 points. I thought I had him in my seven round mock. Regardless, Ottawa got their future line 1 right winger here. He may need two more years on Cape Breton, but something tells me he's the guy that will develop into Ottawa's first line right winger.
    
    
    
61. Tampa Bay Lightning: Gage Goncalves, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL) C Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 170 lb Gage Goncalves is a two-way forward. He's versatile enough to play left wing, center, or right wing with his versatility.
    
    
    
    Gage Goncalves had 33 goals, 38 assists, 71 points, and a +32 +/- ratio in 2019-2020. He's talented, but not the best player on the Everett Silvertips which is why this pick got a C grade.