2022 NHL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 5

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: July 7, 2022.

130. Montreal Canadiens: Topi Ronni, C, Tappara (SM Liiga)
     
     
     The 6-2 179 lb Topi Ronni had 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points, and a +2 +/- ratio on Tappara in Liiga formerly known as SM Liiga. He's considered the best overall player from the 2022 NHL Combine that fell to the fifth round. Montreal grabs him as a fourth line center after Tappara won it all in SM Liiga in 2021-2022.
     
     
     
131. Arizona Coyotes: Jace Weir, D, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
     
     
     The 6-2 183 lb Jace Weir had 5 goals, 20 assists, 25 points, and a +14 +/- ratio in 2021-2022. He also had 2 assists in 10 WHL Playoff games with the Red Deer Rebels. Jace Weir is one of the players left from the 96 players that got invitations to attend the 2022 NHL Combine. Jace Weir has a consensus fourth round grade, making him a superb value pick early in the fifth round.
     
     
     
     
     
132. Seattle Kraken: Cameron Whitehead, G, Lincoln Stars (USHL)
     
     
     The 6-3 170 lb Cameron Whitehead was one of only three goalies to get an invite to the 2022 NHL Combine joining Tyler Brennan and Topias Leinonen in Buffalo where the 2022 NHL Combine took place. Cameron Whitehead had a .892 save percentage and a 3.19 goals against average in 31 USHL starts. Cameron Whitehead also has a hockey scholarship to Northeastern.
     
     
     
     Neither Phillip Grubauer or Chris Driedger thrived in Seattle after Grubauer left Colorado to join the expansion team Seattle Kraken. Meanwhile the Avalanche won a Stanley Cup without Grubauer. One more goalie to develop for the future, could be added in Seattle.
     
     
     
133. Philadelphia Flyers: Gavin Hayes, RW, Flint Firebirds (OHL)
     
     
     The 6-1 177 lb Gavin Hayes is versatile enough to play left wing or right wing. Gavin Hayes had 19 goals, 30 assists, 49 points, and a +8 +/- ratio in 65 OHL regular season games as a rookie. Gavin Hayes also has 5 goals, 8 assists, and 13 points in 18 games during the 2022 OHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Gavin Hayes is gifted academically as he was named OHL Student Athlete of the week. He was drafted sixteenth overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He's exceeded my expectations since he's a player who earned an invite to the 2022 NHL Combine, but couldn't show up due to the Flint Firebirds still being in the 2022 OHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     
     
134. Buffalo Sabres: Luke Mittelstadt, D, Madison Capitols (USHL)
     
     
     There's still a few players players from the 2022 NHL Combine, eligible for this years draft. I don't have one of those players going to Buffalo though. Coincidentally, Buffalo is the hosting site of the 2022 NHL Combine.
     
     
     
     The 5-11 185 lb Luke Mittelstadt has the skill set of a two way defender. He's is fundamentally sound as a two-way defender. He knows how to check and take up space despite being only 16-years-old. He's a great playmaker and quarterback on the power play as well. Madison has a future first round pick on their hands if Mittelstadt continues to grow and develop as a player. He accepted a scholarship to Minnesota before changing his mind and choosing New Hampshire as his choice of College.
     
     
     
     Luke Mittelstadt had 28 points prior to getting drafted by the Madison Capitals. He got promoted to team captain on Eden Prairie HS and is the younger brother of Casey Mittelstadt, the Buffalo Sabres 2017 first round pick.
     
     
     
     Luke Mittelstadt was drafted second overall in the 2019 USHL Draft by the Madison Capitols. Luke Mittelstadt had a career year with 19 goals, 36 assists, 55 points, and a +2 +/- ratio in 2021-2022. He also had 5 goals, 4 assists, and 9 points in 14 games during the 2022 USHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     His play as a line 1 defenseman allowed the Madison Capitols to secure their first Eastern Conference Title in USHL history. Luke Mittelstadt can develop at New Hampshire and if he does well there, he could be signed to an AHL deal, and perhaps even an NHL deal down the road.
     
     
     
135. Vegas Golden Knights: Quinn Finley, LW, Madison Capitols (USHL)
     
     
     The Vegas Golden Knights draft Quinn Finley here since he's the best player from the 2022 NHL Combine still on the board. Quinn Finley was drafted first overall in the 2020 USHL Draft by the Madison Capitols.
     
     
     
     The 5-11 161 lb Quinn Finley has the versatility to play left wing, center, or right wing. Finley had 16 goals, 19 assists, and 35 points in 15 games. He's been skating since he was 3-years-old. His work ethic and experience speaks for itself. There was a good reason that Quinn Finley was the first pick in the 2020 USHL Draft.
     
     
     
     Quinn Finley has the playmaking, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, and slap shot accuracy to be a stud prospect. He is a fast skater. One thing he needs to improve is he needs to keep his knees straight when skating. This will allow him to glide onto the ice faster and skate with more precision, speed, burst, and acceleration. I wish fans could see him on Madison this year rather than in 2021-2022.
     
     
     
     Last year Madison got Luke Mittelstadt the younger brother of Casey Mitteldstadt. Now they got the top player in the 2020 USHL Draft.
     
     
     
     That's what I said about Finley leading up to the 2020 USHL Draft. Quinn Finley had 12 goals, 17 assists, 29 points, and a -3 +/- ratio in 2021-2022 as a first line left winger with the Madison Capitols in 39 regular season games. Quinn Finley also had 5 goals, 5 assists, and 10 points in 14 games during the 2022 USHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     
     
136. Ottawa Senators: Zakary Lavoie, RW, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
     
     
     The 5-10 163 lb Zakary Lavoie was drafted seventh overall in the 2020 OHL Draft. Zakary Lavoie is a natural goal scorer that compliments the centers on Ottawa quite well.
     
     
     
     Zakary Lavoie had a third round grade on my big board back in October. Zakary Lavoie had 23 goals, 21 assists, 44 points, and a +15 +/- ratio in 64 OHL regular season games in 2021-2022. Zakary Lavoie also had 4 goals, 4 assists, and 8 points in 10 games during the 2022 OHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
137. Detroit Red Wings: Spencer Sova, D, Erie Otters (OHL)
     
     
     The 6-2 185 lb Cameron Lund was one of four players from the 2022 NHL Combine still on the board. Lund was the first line right winger on the Green Bay Gamblers next to center Ryan Greene, Green Bay's first round pick in the 2019 USHL Draft.
     
     
     
     The 6-1 174 lb Spencer Sova was drafted eighth overall in the 2020 OHL Draft. Sova got texts from former Erie Otters like Dylan Strome and Alex Debrincat after getting drafted. He's a pretty complete two-way defenseman with an outstanding work ethic. I could point out that he's the first Capricorn to be drafted by the Erie Otters since Connor McDavid went first overall back in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection, but that sounds extremely corny because Sova's passion for the game and attitude speaks for itself.
     
     
     
     Spencer Sova had 9 goals, 19 assists, 28 points, and a -24 +/- ratio in 2021-2022. Spencer Sova had trouble making the transition to the OHL, but he's still got time to improve his game. At the very worst, he'll be a serviceable defenseman on the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL. He could be a difference maker in Detroit down the road if he does well with the Griffins.
     
     
     
     
     
138. San Jose Sharks: Zam Plante, C, Chicago Steel (USHL)
     
     
     Zam Plante was drafted by the Chicago Steel twelfth overall in the 2020 USHL Draft. The 5-7 130 lb Zam Plante won Bantam Player Of The Year. Chicago now has two more centers after losing their top two centers to the NCAA after the 2020 NHL Draft takes place. Obviously, I was high on Zam Plante during the 2020 USHL Draft.
     
     
     
     Zam Plante is now 5-9 161 lbs. Zam Plante hardly played with the Chicago Steel in the USHL. However he dominated at Hermantown High School with 24 goals, 40 assists, and 64 points leading Hermantown High School to a State Championship while winning High School hockey player of the year in 2021-2022.
     
     
     
     San Jose drafts the son of Derek Plante who played on the Buffalo Sabres in 1998-1999 only to be traded to the Dallas Stars, the team that beat the Sabres in the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals near the trade deadline. Coincidentally, San Jose drafts Derek Plante's son with a fifth round pick that San Jose got from the Buffalo Sabres. Zam Plante, the oldest of Derek Plante's three sons who all play hockey.
     
     
     
139. Anaheim Ducks: Jack Sparkes, D, St. Michael's Buzzers (OJHL)
     
     
     The 6-8 227 lb Jack Sparkes is the biggest player in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft as well as one of three players from the 2022 NHL Combine still on the board in the fifth round. Sparkes is also the top draft eligible prospect from the Ontario Junior Hockey League having 5 goals, 7 assists, and 12 points with the St. Michael's Buzzers in 2021-2022.
     
     
     
     Jack Sparkes has one more year of OJHL eligiblity left. He's got a hockey scholarship to Michigan State that begins in 2023-2024.
     
     
     
     
     
140. San Jose Sharks: Jordan Dumais, RW, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
     
     
     The 5-9 161 lb Jordan Dumais was the top right winger in the 2020 QMJHL Draft as well as one of two first round picks in that draft by the Halifax Mooseheads despite being listed as a second round prospect. Dumais deserves an A grade because he has the production of a first round prospect.
     
     
     
     Jordan Dumais had 47 goals, 78 assists, and 125 points in 52 games. His impact with Selects Hockey Academy speaks for itself. Now Dumais will go to a Halifax Mooseheads team with a proven track record for developing NHL prospects.
     
     
     
     He's raw, but has the upside to be the Kirill Kaprizov value pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. People forget, that Kaprizov, another guy who helped me win in Fantasy Hockey this year, was a 2015 fifth round pick prior to joining the Minnesota Wild as a rookie in 2020-2021 where he won the Calder Trophy for Rookie of The Year.
     
     
     
     Jordan Dumais had 39 goals, 70 assists, 109 points and a +7 +/- ratio in 2021-2022. Jordan Dumais also had 2 goals, 4 assists, and 6 points in 5 games during the 2022 QMJHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     San Jose drafted Timo Meier back in 2015. He played for the Halifax Mooseheads too.
     
     
     
141. New Jersey Devils: Fabian Wagner, C, Linkopings HC (Elitserien)
     
     
     The 5-11 170 lb Fabian Wagner is the only player from the 2022 NHL Combine still on the board in the fifth round. He did well on Linkoping HC Jr. with 12 goals, 26 assists, and 38 points, but struggled on Linkopings HC's SHL team with 0 points in 8 games.
     
     
     
     
     
142. New York Islanders: Mario Zalcik, G. JYP (SM Liiga)
     
     
     The New York Islanders grab a developmental goalie with their fifth round pick. Mario Zalcick was a guy I had graded as my second best goalie behind Tyler Brennan back in October.
     
     
     
     The 6-0 170 lb Mario Zalcik struggled with JYP's Under 18 and Under 20 Teams in Finland. Zalcik did so bad that he lost the starting goalie job on JYP's Under 18 and Under 20 Teams to Topias Leinonen, but I still think he's good enough to warrant a flyer at some point in the fifth round as a long-term project.
     
     
     
143. Ottawa Senators: Ludvig Jansson, D, Sodertalje SK (Allsvenskan)
     
     
     The 6-0 176 lb Ludvig Jansson had 2 goals, 3 assists, and 5 points, and a -9 +/- ratio in 47 games with Sodertalje SK in Allsvenskan. One NHL Draft simulator has a second round grade on him, so Ottawa can gamble on him in the fifth round here hoping to get a steal.
     
     
     
     
     
144. Vancouver Canucks: Elias Petersson, D, Orebro HK (Elitserien)
     
     
     Vancouver spent a 2017 first round pick on Elias Petersson. I questioned the pick at the time, but it was a fantastic selection. Also Petersson helped me win my first championship in Fantasy Hockey. There's another Elias Petersson in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, so Vancouver drafts him here.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 185 lb Elias Petersson had 1 assist in 17 games on Orebro HK in the SHL formerly known as Elitserien. He's a good project defenseman that Vancouver can draft for the future here.
     
     
     
145. Vegas Golden Knights: Kocha Delic, LW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
     
     
     The Sudbury Wolves drafted first line left winger Kocha Delic in the second round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection after selecitng first line center David Goyette in the first round.
     
     
     
     The 5-10 184 lb Kocha Delic is versatile enough to play left wing, center, or right wing. Kocha Delic had 17 goals, 29 assists, 46 points, and a +6 +/- ratio in 2021-2022 in 65 OHL regular season games with the Sudbury Wolves.
     
     
     
     
     
146. Nashville Predators: Miko Matikka, RW, Jokerit (KHL)
     
     
     Jokerit is no longer in the KHL thanks to Vladimir Putin's decision to infiltrate Ukrain. Still, it's unclear if Jokerit will return to their former league in SM Liiga where they played in Finland before joining the KHL. Let's discuss Miko Matikka before I piss off my readers for getting too political.
     
     
     
     The 6-3 187 lb Miko Matikka joins Kasperi Kulonummi who I mocked to Nashville in the fourth round here in the fifth round. Miko Matikka is a nice right wing prospect for depth to add to Nashville's prospect pool.
     
     
     
147. Dallas Stars: Jake Furlong, D, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
     
     
     Dallas gets a preseason third round player in the fifth round after getting the top defenseman on the power play at 18, a player with an 8/10 NHL ready grade in the second round, a preseason first round prospect in the third round, and a preseason second round prospect in the second round. Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill continues to dominate the 2022 NHL Entry Draft in the fifth round.
     
     
     
     The 6-1 177 lb Jake Furlong was the Halifax Mooseheads 2020 second round pick in the 2020 QMJHL Draft after Halifax Mooseheads GM Cam Russell got Marcus Vidicek an Jordan Dumais with his two first round picks. Russell got Jake Furlong twenty second overall with an early second round pick that year.
     
     
     
     Jake Furlong took over as the line one defenseman that anchored the blue line on the Halifax Mooseheads after Justin Barron, the Colorado Avalanche's 2020 first round pick left the team. Justin Barron is now on Montreal thanks to the Arturri Lehkonen trade, but Jake Furlong has done a nice job replacing Barron in Halifax.
     
     
     
     Jake Furlong had 4 goals, 38 assists, 42 points, and a +22 +/- ratio in 67 regular season games with the Halifax Mooseheads in his first season on the first line in the QMJHL. Jake Furlong had 4 assists in 5 games during the 2022 QMJHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     
     
148. Los Angeles Kings: Evan Konyen, RW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
     
     
     The Los Angeles Kings need as many wingers as possible. Evan Konyen was a first line right winger with the Sudbury Wolves. The Mars, PA native comes off the board here in the fifth round.
     
     
     
     The 5-10 169 lb Evan Konyen had 16 goals, 34 assists, 50 points, and a -3+/- ratio in 2021-2022. Evan Konyen was the Sudbury Wolves fourth round pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.
     
     
     
149. Washington Capitals: Logan Morrison, C, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
     
     
     The 6-0 180 lb Logan Morrison went undrafted in both the 2020 and 2021 NHL Entry Drafts. Something tells me he gets picked in the 2022 NHL Draft since he's had a career year this season.
     
     
     
     Logan Morrison had 34 goals, 66 assists, 100 points, and a +44 +/- ratio with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2021-2022. Logan Morrison had 17 goals, 22 assists, and 38 points in 19 games during the 2022 OHL Playoffs where the Hamilton Bulldogs have swept their first three opponents in the 2022 OHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     
     
150. Pittsburgh Penguins: Konsta Kapanen, LW, Kalevan Pallo (SM Liiga)
     
     
     The Pittsburgh Penguins draft Kasperi Kapanen's younger brother in the fifth round. Konsta Kapanen is a good value pick here.
     
     
     
     The 5-7 141 lb Konsta Kapenen finally earned a promotion to Liiga this fall. Like his older brother when he was draft eligible, he is playing men in Finland rather than boys his own age. He had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 6 games in Liiga. Konsta Kapanen could end up being the Alex Debrincat of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft in terms of overall value.
     
     
     
     Konsta Kapanen has the has the playmaking, sniping, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, hockey IQ, speed, skating, agility, and stick handling you want a winger to possess.
     
     
     
     This guy has an incredible shot as well as good hands. He's speedy, crafty, and works hard every shift. Back in October, I had a third round grade on Konsta Kapanen and said there's an outside chance he could go in the first round like his older brother. Pittsburgh has to be thrilled with getting Konsta Kapanen this late in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
     
     
     
151. Ottawa Senators: Brayden Schuurman, C, Victoria Royals (WHL)
     
     
     The 5-9 191 Brayden Schuurman had 29 goals, 25 assists, 54 points, and a -13 +/- ratio in 68 regular season games with the Victoria Royals in the WHL. Ottawa can gamble on Brayden Schuurman this late in the fifth round knowing they've addressed all of their needs.
     
     
     
     
     
152. St. Louis Blues: Elmeri Laakso, D, Saimaan Pallo (SM Liiga)
     
     
     The 6-1 185 lb Elmeri Laakso will finally earn a promotion to Liiga formerly known as SM Liiga where he'll play against men this season. Laakso was a first line player on all of Saimaan Pallo's junior teams against kids his own age prior to earning a promotion to Liiga this season where he scored 2 goals, 3 assists, and 5 points in 17 games despite a -10 +/- ratio.
     
     
     
     Elmeri Laakso loves to shoot the puck. Technique wise, he's got everything you want a shooter to do traits wise. He has the wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, and a great release too. This is a great defenseman for the St. Louis Blues to develop for the future. This is the best pick the Blues can make in the fifth round from a value standpoint since he could go as early as the second round.
     
     
     
153. Minnesota Wild: Michael La Starza, LW, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
     
     
     The 5-10 184 lb Michael La Starza had 11 goals, 13 assists, 24 points, and a -19 +/- ratio in 2020-2021. He was a third round prospect back in October, but falls to the Minnesota Wild in the fifth round of this mock draft.
     
     
     
     Michael La Starza had 8 goals, 14 assists, and 22 points with both the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHL and the Sioux Falls Stampede after being traded from Waterloo to Sioux Falls midseason. That means Michael La Starza had a total of 16 goals, 28 assists, 44 points, and a -12 +/- ratio in 32 USHL games in 2021-2022.
     
     
     
     Keep an eye on Michael La Starza throughout the season since he'll be heading to Boston University this Fall for further development. Michael La Starza will be able to develop more effectively by taking the NCAA route.
     
     
     
     
     
154. Anaheim Ducks: David Spacek, D, Sherbrook Phoenix (QMJHL)
     
     
     The Anaheim Ducks add a defenseman to bolster the blue line here. The 6-0 180 lb David Spacek is the son of former NHL player Jaroslav Spacek.
     
     
     
     David Spacek broke out with 12 goals, 38 assists, 50 points, and a +21 +/- ratio in 57 QMJHL regular season games. David Spacek had 2 goals, 11 assists, and 13 points in 13 games during the 2022 QMJHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     David Spacek has the has the playmaking, sniping, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, hockey IQ, speed, skating, agility, and stick handling you want a defenseman to possess. He was a first line defenseman on the Sherbrooke Phoenix last year. He didn't anchor the blue line, but his impact with the team speaks for itself.
     
     
     
155. Calgary Flames: Oskar Komarov, LW, Helsingfors IFK (SM Liiga)
     
     
     The 5-11 183 lb Oskar Komarov is versatile enough to play left wing, center, or right wing with his versatility. He's on the Helsingfors IFK Under 20 Team, but hasn't made the jump to Liiga yet. Oskar Komarov is also the younger brother of New York Islanders winger Leo Komarov. I had a third round grade on Oskar Komarov back in October.
     
     
     
     
     
156. Carolina Hurricanes: Jake Livanavage, D, Chicago Steel (USHL)
     
     
     The 5-10 157 lb Jake Livanavage had 3 goals, 42 assists, 45 poitns, and a a+13 +/- ratio in 61 USHL regular season games in 2021-2022. Jake Livanavage also had 3 assists in 3 games during the 2022 USHL Playoffs. Jake Livanavage also has a hockey scholarship to North Dakota.
     
     
     
157. Florida Panthers: Cole Spicer, C, USNTDP (USHL)
     
     
     The 5-10 175 lb Cole Spicer had 10 goals, 6 assists, 16 points, and a +5 +/- ratio in 2021-2022. Cole Spicer has a hockey scholarship to Minnesota Duluth.
     
     
     
     
     
158. Edmonton Oilers: Lennard Neileck, C, Augsburger Panther (DEL)
     
     
     The 6-2 183 Lennard Neileck finally did enough to earn a promotion to Augsburger Panther one of the professional hockey teams in Germany. Neileck played 3 games against men in DEL in 2021-2022. Edmonton drafts their first German skater since drafting Leon Draisaitl third overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
     
     
     
159. New York Rangers: Cedrick Guidon, C, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
     
     
     The 5-10 154 lb Cedrick Guidon has not grown an inch or gained a pound of muscle since being drafted tenth overall by the Owen Sound Attack in the 2020 OHL Draft. He was a top ten pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection two years ago. Cedrick Guidon had 30 goals, 29 assists, 59 points, and a +11 +/- ratio as a rookie in 2021-2022. Cedrick Guidon also had 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points in 7 games during the 2022 OHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     
     
160. Tampa Bay Lightning: Charlie Leddy, D, USTNDP (USHL)
     
     
     The 6-1 184 lb Charlie Leddy gives the Tampa Bay Lightning a defenseman to develop for the future after having 7 assists in 2021-2022 in the USHL. Charlie Leddy has been mocked as high as the third round on some big boards, making this pick a massive steal for the Tampa Bay Lightning near the end of the fifth round.
     
     
     
161. New York Rangers: Hugo Havelid, G, Linkopings HC (Elitserien)
     
     
     The 5-10 172 lb Hugo Havelid was the third best goalie in my three round 2022 NHL Mock Draft back in October when I had him graded out as a third round goalie. Hugo Havelid had a .920 save percentage and 1.82 goals against average in 28 starts on Linkopings HC's Under 20 Team going 21-7 in his 6 starts. He did well enough to earn a promotion to Linkopings HC in the SHL formerly known as Elitserien where he was a backup goalie for two games.
     
     
     
     New York traded their backup goalie to Colorado for this pick. The Rangers draft a developmental goalie here in the fifth round with their final selection in the fifth round. Hugo Havelid could be the answer down the road for New York as a backup goalie.