Mock draft part 2: The playoff also-rans make their picks
The conference finals are set after two wild rounds of NHL playoffs trimmed 12 of the 16 postseason contenders from the Stanley Cup race.
For every team other than the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning, attention turns to the offseason and opportunities to build a better team, starting with who they'll select at the upcoming draft.
The first 14 picks have already been made in this mock draft, but plenty of quality prospects remain for these playoff also-rans. The 2015 class is deep enough to offer intriguing possibilities late in the first round and beyond.
15. Calgary Flames - Kyle Connor, C, Youngstown (USHL)
Brian Burke's fingerprints are all over this pick: an exciting American prospect known for his work ethic as much as his prolific scoring. Connor led his USHL team in scoring by a sizable margin and is committed to the University of Michigan.
16. Edmonton Oilers (from Pittsburgh) - Thomas Chabot, D, Saint John (QMJHL)
The Oilers can address their blue-line needs with their second pick of the first round. Chabot and Sea Dogs teammate Jakub Zboril should be available, and both are the kind of reliable defensemen who project as the minute-eaters Edmonton desperately needs.
17. Winnipeg Jets - Jake DeBrusk, LW, Swift Current (WHL)
DeBrusk's game is defined by his willingness to battle in the corners and play deep in the opposition's zone, but his offensive instincts cannot be ignored. His 42 goals and 81 points led the Swift Current Broncos, and his blue-collar style is a perfect fit for Winnipeg.
18. Ottawa Senators - Evgeny Svechnikov, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
Svechnikov is a dynamic offensive talent who flew under the radar after leaving Russia to play Canadian junior hockey, recording 78 points in 55 games with Cape Breton. His combination of a 6-foot-3 frame with elite puck-handling abilities is offset by his lack of defensive instincts, which is the only thing holding him back.
19. Detroit Red Wings - Jakub Zboril, D, Saint John (QMJHL)
The Red Wings have had some success drafting from Quebec's junior league in recent seasons, and Zboril would likely continue that trend. Considered a low-risk, high-reward pick by many, the Czech blue-liner uses his sound positioning and a booming shot to be effective in all zones.
20. Minnesota Wild - Nick Merkley, C, Kelowna (WHL)
Merkley is one of the top playmaking talents available. He rarely scores, but he recorded 70 assists in 72 games with Kelowna and was even better while helping the Rockets to the WHL championship. The only reason he could be available at the 20th pick is his size.
21. Buffalo Sabres (from N.Y. Islanders) - Gabriel Carlsson, D, Linkoping J20 (Sweden)
Few teams would frown at the opportunity to draft the second-ranked prospects from North America and Europe in the same first round. The Sabres could be in that position after taking Jack Eichel second overall. Carlsson is a smart stay-at-home defenseman with plenty of room to grow into his 6-foot-4 frame.
22. Washington Capitals - Jeremy Roy, D, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
The Capitals might not have Mike Green in their lineup next season, so adding a gifted puck-mover like Roy to their lineup makes a lot of sense. Roy likely won't be ready to make the jump next season, but his speedy transition game should be a nightmare for opponents once he reaches the NHL.
23. Vancouver Canucks - Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Farjestad (Sweden)
It's time for the Canucks to consider what their team will look like when the Sedin twins retire, which is why Eriksson Ek is a good choice. While he's probably not ready to make the jump from Europe to the NHL, his ceiling is as high as most centers in the draft not named Connor McDavid or Eichel.
24. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Nashville) - Noah Juulsen, D, Everett (WHL)
The Maple Leafs would do well to add more competent defensive prospects to their depth chart. Juulsen is the kind of fearless, cerebral player Toronto is lacking on the blue line, and he could become a top-pairing option once he learns to simplify his game.
25. Winnipeg (from St. Louis via Buffalo) - Daniel Sprong, RW, Charlottetown (QMJHL)
Sprong has scored a lot at every level of competition and would have contended for a spot on Canada's World Junior team if it wasn't for a citizenship snafu. Originally from Amsterdam, he appears destined to become the first Dutch-born player to be drafted in the first round.
26. Montreal Canadiens - Filip Chlapik, C, Charlottetown (QMJHL)
Sprong's teammate Chlapik has emerged as one of the Czech Republic's top young talents. His great speed, excellent shot and advanced on-ice vision make him the kind of prospect Montreal would love to develop.