20. Winnipeg Jets – Philip Tomasino (C, Niagara IceDogs, OHL)
The Jets originally traded this first rounder to the New York Rangers when they acquired Kevin Hayes at the trade deadline. They then re-acquired it earlier this week when they sent defenseman Jacob Trouba to the Rangers in exchange for defenseman Neal Pionk and this pick.
They didn’t own a first rounder last season, but in recent years the first round has been very, very good to them.
In 2017 they took Finnish winger Kristian Vesalainen, who could boast a full-time NHL role next season. In 2016 they took Patrik Laine, in 2015 they took Kyle Connor, and in 2014 they took Nikolaj Ehlers.
That should be enough to tell you how the Jets are when it comes to drafting. After skipping the first round last season, I have them redeeming themselves and selecting another skilled forward in Philip Tomasino.
Tomasino is a hard-working centre who isn’t afraid to go into the dirty areas and has great hands and a solid offensive game.
He finished with 72 points in 67 games as well as six points in seven games for Team Canada at the U18 World Juniors. While Tomasino will almost certainly head back to the OHL for at least one more season, he could turn out to be a very good pick for the Jets should they pounce on him at 20th overall.