Predicting the Top Five Picks in the 2020 NHL Draft

PETERBOROUGH, ON - MARCH 16: Quinton Byfield #55 of the Sudbury Wolves skates against the Peterborough Petes during an OHL game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on March 16, 2019 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The Wolves defeated the Petes 3-1. — Claus Andersen/Getty Images

With the 2020 NHL Draft coming up, let’s take a look at a Mock Draft of the Top 5 picks.

No. 1 – Alexis Lafrenière, Detroit Red Wings

VICTORIA , BC - DECEMBER 19: Alexis Lafrenière #22 of Team Canada high fives with fans prior to a game versus Team Switzerland at the IIHF World Junior Championships at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre on December 19, 2018 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Canada defeated Switzerland 5-3. — Kevin Light/Getty Images

After a stellar World Junior Hockey Championship for Canada back in January, Alexis Lafrenière solidified his status as the No. 1 pick in this year’s upcoming NHL draft. The 6’1” Center for the Rimouski Océanic has a combination of elite passing, scoring ability, and has a physical edge. Whoever ends up getting the first overall pick would be making a huge mistake if they select anyone other than the Quebec, Ontario native.

No. 2 – Quinton Byfield, Ottawa Senators

Also repping the red and white for Team Canada at the 2020 World Junior Hockey Championship, Quinton Byfield is a player that any team would love to have. Byfield has an unfair combination of size and skating ability, and has drawn comparisons to Pittsburgh Penguins’ superstar Evgeni Malkin. Byfield is only 17 years old and will be tearing up the league for years to come.

No. 3 – Jamie Drysdale, Ottawa Senators

HAMILTON, ON - JANUARY 16: Jamie Drysdale #4 of Team Red skates during the 2020 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game against Team White at FirstOntario Centre on January 16, 2020 in Hamilton, Canada. — Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Coming in as the best defenceman in the draft, Jamie Drysdale is an elite puck-moving defenceman with a lethal slapshot from the blueline. Drysdale was a key piece in Canada’s Gold Medal winning team at the 2020 WJHC, and whichever team drafts the Toronto native is set to get a stellar defenceman with incredible hockey IQ.

No. 4 – Tim Stützle, Los Angeles Kings

A native of Viersen, Germany, Tim Stützle is an elite scoring forward. Stützle is set to become only the 10th player currently playing in the NHL born in Germany. With the Los Angeles Kings projected to get this pick, Stützle is exactly the kind of player that team needs — a young forward who knows how to put the puck in the net. Stützle would really help the Kings with their rebuild.

No. 5 – Lucas Raymond, Anaheim Ducks

OSTRAVA, CZECH REPUBLIC - JANUARY 2, 2020: The Czech Republics Adam Raska (L) and Swedens Lucas Raymond in their 2020 IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship quarter-final match at Ostravar Arena. — Peter Kovalev\TASS via Getty Images

Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, Lucas Raymond has played the last several years in the Swedish Hockey League. Raymond is a speedy winger with a lethal shot and terrific skating ability. Lucas Raymond would be a great, young addition to the aging Ducks roster.