Ranking the top defensemen at the NHL Draft (10-6)
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Goaltenders: 10-6 | 5-1 | Defensemen: 20-16 | 15-11 | 5-1 |
Forwards: 20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1 |
10. Mitch Vande Sompel, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Vande Sompel's versatility makes him an intriguing prospect. He saw time at both defense and forward for the Generals, racking up 63 points in 58 regular-season games and adding 14 points in 21 playoff contests for the 2015 Memorial Cup champions.
He doesn't have the size of hybrid NHL skaters like Brent Burns or Dustin Byfuglien, but the 5-foot-10, 182-pound blue-liner has similar offensive gifts and a willingness to play in multiple situations, including the penalty kill.
"(Generals head coach) D.J. (Smith) has asked me to fill in certain roles and I've been open and welcome to that," Vande Sompel told Yahoo Sports last month. "It's been fun for me for me, I've been all over the place. The only position I haven't played is goalie."
9. Jacob Larsson, Frolunda, Jr. (Sweden)
The third-ranked European skater is a solid passer who makes smart decisions with the puck.
Larsson turned 18 in April, but he plays like a much more experienced defenseman.
"He plays a surprisingly mature game with good decisions both on the offense and defense," NHL director of European scouting Goran Stubb told NHL.com. "Good size and strength and a smooth mobile skater. Very quick first pass, makes smart plays and finds the open man well."
Larsson registered 19 points in 30 regular-season games for Frolunda's junior team and appeared in 20 contests for the senior club in 2014-15.
8. Brandon Carlo, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Carlo skates exceptionally well considering his 6-foot-5, 196-pound frame. The Colorado-born blue-liner has the size and skill to become a shutdown defender at the NHL level.
"He's a really good skater and has great mobility for a player his size," John Williams of NHL Central Scouting said.
"The reach and range are there. He handles the puck well and is one of the best guys I've seen this year at being able to pass off the boards to a teammate.”
Carlo represented the United States at the 2015 World Junior Hockey Championship along with fellow draft-eligible defenseman Noah Hanifin.
7. Oliver Kylington, Farjestad (Sweden)
Kylington split time between three club teams in 2014-15, where he displayed smooth skating and strong two-way play.
He was the top-ranked European skater in Central Scouting's midterm rankings, but finished at No. 6.
Kylington has earned praise for his hockey sense and passing skills. He posted 21 points in 21 games with Farjestad's junior team in 2013-14, but his offensive production declined in 2014-15.
6. Thomas Chabot, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Chabot is an offensively geared defenseman who plays an efficient game on both ends.
The Quebec-born rearguard has good size (6-foot-2, 180 pounds) and vision for a young blue-liner. He could be a steal for an NHL club looking for a smart, effective defenseman.
Chabot overcame a difficult rookie season in 2013-14 and a benching early in 2014-15 to post 41 points in 66 games in his second and final QMJHL campaign.