With the first overall pick, the Colorado Avalanche select…

1st: Colorado Avalanche – Nathan MacKinnon – The top forward is as good of center to come out of the draft in recent years.

2nd: Florida Panthers – Seth Jones – The potential cornerstone on defense the Panthers cannot pass on.

3rd: Tampa Bay Lightning – Jonathan Drouin – The slick, dynamic offensive threat blends well with Tampa’s other elite forwards.

4th: Nashville Predators – Aleksander Barkov – The big Finn has been competing against men the past two seasons and is ready to step in.

5th: Carolina Hurricanes – Valeri Nichushkin – The biggest bull in the draft has said he’s ready for NHL action and wants to prove it.

6th: Calgary Flames – Sean Monahan – The multi-dimensional pivot has the makings of a leader both on and off the ice.

7th: Edmonton Oilers – Nikita Zadorov – The draft’s biggest blueliner is a unique blend of mobility, strength and puck skills.

8th: Buffalo Sabres – Rasmus Ristolainen – The top European-based defenseman in the draft has a silky smooth stride and composure in spades.

9th: New Jersey Devils – Elias Lindholm – The all-round player can play both ends of the ice but is particularly controlling in the offensive zone.

10th: Dallas Stars – Hunter Shinkaruk – The Calgary kid can be explosive in the offense end and is one of the draft’s most natural goal scorers.

11th: Philadelphia Flyers – Darnell Nurse – The imposing, naturally-athletic defenseman with some offensive upside shows great positioning and a fondness for the physical stuff.

12th: Phoenix Coyotes – Max Domi – The small but outgoing forward’s great vision and puck handling ability surpass his father’s talents.

13th: Winnipeg Jets – Bo Horvat – The third London Knight to go in the draft plays a 200 foot game and has been clutch in pressure situations.

14th: Columbus Blue Jackets – Curtis Lazar – The hard-working center who has leadership qualities is a blend of talent and desire.

15th: New York Islanders – Anthony Mantha – The goal scorer is one of the draft’s most talented snipers but needs to find a consistent effort.

16th: Buffalo Sabres (from MIN) – Josh Morrissey – The dynamic defenseman is the best of the best when it comes to offensive blueliners.

17th: Ottawa Senators – Valentin Zykov – The Russian import is one of the most dangerous players in the draft from the blueline in.

18th: Detroit Red Wings – Andre Burakovsky – The creative offensive forward isn’t shy to add a dynamic element to his offensive attack.

19th: Columbus Blue Jackets (from NYR) – Alexander Wennberg – The Swedish standout is adept to both creating and finishing plays in the offensive zone.

20th: San Jose Sharks – Adam Erne – The natural goal scorer has questions about his ultimate upside but will be serviceable at the professional level.

21st: Toronto Maple Leafs – Ryan Hartman – The in-your-face forward isn’t shy to get under an opponent’s skin and has some offensive upside, too.

22nd: Calgary Flames (from STL) – Ryan Pulock – The well-rounded defenseman has a lot of offensive upside without sacrificing too much in the way of defense.

23rd: Washington Capitals – Frederik Gauthier – The most physically imposing prospect in the draft is a heady two-way leader.

24th: Vancouver Canucks – Robert Hagg – The well rounded defender is strong in his own end and has a big shot with some untapped offensive awareness.

25th: Montreal Canadiens – Kerby Rychel – The sniper has an NHL release and above average skating but needs to address work habits and intensity level.

26th: Anaheim Ducks – Morgan Klimchuk – The offensively gifted winger is a puck driven forward who has an incredible release when he’s ready to let go of the puck.

27th: Columbus Blue Jackets (from LAK): Mirco Mueller – The steady defenseman shows good fitness and agility which he uses in his two-way game.

28th: Calgary Flames (from PIT) – Connor Hurley – The youngest player in the draft has a mixed skill-set with strong skating and natural offense.

29th. Dallas Stars (from BOS) – JT Compher – The multi-talented center can play and excel in all situations.

30th: Chicago Blackhawks – Samuel Morin – The imposing defenseman is a rock in his own end and is continually developing his offensive game.