Mock Draft 2020 and the Toronto Maple Leafs Big Decision

11. Nashville Predators – Jack Quinn (RW)

Jack Quinn figured things out in a hurry and made scouts sit up and take notice. It was his most recent season’s play that will ensure he’s drafted in the top half of the first round. Quinn went from a 32 point (12 goals and 20 assists in 61 games) rookie season playing for the 67’s in the OHL to an 89 point campaign, playing just one game more. More importantly, Quinn put 52 pucks past opposing goalies proving that he has a fine scorer’s touch.

12. Florida Panthers – Braden Schneider (D)

There is a lot to like about Braden Schneider’s game. The 6’2″ defenseman for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL shook the arena with his physicality on the ice. He is a reliable defender who will often make the safer choice with the puck.

13. Carolina Hurricanes – Seth Jarvis (C/RW)

Seth Jarvis’s story is similar to Quinn’s. The 5’10” forward for the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL had 39 points in 61 games in his rookie year. The following year he exploded in production. In 58 games he tallied 42 goals and 56 helpers for a total of 98 points. He plays the game fast and forces defenses to do the same.

14. Edmonton Oilers – Yaroslav Askarov (G)

Yaroslav Askarov might be the most interesting player in the draft. He is by far the best goaltender but teams often like to shy away from netminders in the first round. With Askarov, the Edmonton Oilers get their goalie of the future. He’s likely two years away from being ready to play in the NHL, but when he does, his potential is high. Askarov had a goals-against-average of 2.45
and a save percentage of .920 with SKA-Neva St. Petersburg in the VHL this season.

15. Toronto Maple Leafs – Dawson Mercer (RW)

While the Leafs would love to find a defenseman in this draft, it would be hard for them to pass up on the talent of Dawson Mercer. He would be the perfect fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs. While Mercer will need seasoning before making the jump to the NHL, he has proved that he can score. Mercer had 24 goals this past season in the QMJHL playing for both the Drummondville Voltigeurs and Chicoutimi Saguenéens. He also added 36 assists.

More importantly, the 6’0″ winger showed that he is an even better playmaker than goal-scorer. Mercer makes smart and timely passes. The Toronto Maple Leafs won’t rely on him to lead the rush, instead he should fit in more as a complementary piece to one of the team’s already established stars. After a couple of seasons improving his game, Mercer has the potential to play anywhere on the Leafs top three lines.

16.  Montreal Canadiens – Rodion Amirov (LW)

The Montreal Canadiens might roll the dice and pick Rodion Amirov. He’s a 6’0″ winger from Salavat Russia with a high ceiling. Unfortunately, as previously noted on this site, scouts may be worried about how his game in junior translates to the pros.

17. Chicago Blackhawks – Hendrix Lapierre (C)

Hendrix Lapierre is a 6’0″ center who played for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the QMJHL. He has been a tough player to evaluate thanks to him missing time to injury. He actually had three concussions in 10 months. For the Blackhawks, Lapierre adds a skilled playmaker with good vision.

18. New Jersey Devils – Connor Zary (C)

Connor Zary is a point-producing 6’0″ center who played for the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL. His potential is spectacular. Zary is a smooth skater who can shoot and pass exceptionally well. This season for the Blazers, he accumulated 38 goals and 48 assists for a total of 86 points in 57 games.

19. Calgary Flames – Dylan Holloway (C/LW)

Dylan Holloway is the son of former NHLer Bruce Holloway. You’re excused for not knowing who that is. He played a total of two games in the league in 1985. Dylan is a two-way player with a dangerous clapper and will almost certainly surpass his father’s career totals in the NHL.

20. New Jersey Devils – Mavrik Bourque (C)

Mavrik Bourque was a highly trusted player in coach Ron Choules’s Shawinigan Cataractes lineup. He saw a lot of powerplay time which made sense because he always showed great poise with the puck to help his squad put points on the board. Bourque was better than a point-per-game player. He recorded 29 goals and 42 assists for a total of 71 points in 49 games.