"Note: In light of news on Friday that the Florida Panthers' first-round pick the Blackhawks acquired in the Seth Jones trade is top-ten protected, I am going to leave it in the Blackhawks' possession for this mock draft even though the Panthers are tenth in the draft order. Florida is only .010 from being in 12th in the order and have more regulation wins (23) than the Kings (14) and Flyers (18) as of Feb. 5."
"2. St. Louis Blues - Keaton Verhoeff, RHD, North Dakota (NCAA) Verhoeff didn't play as big of a role as some hoped/expected at the World Juniors, but he performed okay. What he's going in the NCAA ranks is the basis for him being in the mix to be the top overall pick. He's a big (6-4, 212) right-handed defenseman who the Blues could build their blue line around for the future."
The NHL enters an Olympic dead period, prompting a fresh projection of the 2026 draft with two full rounds and only 31 first-round selections due to Ottawa forfeiting its pick. A trade protection detail leaves the Florida Panthers' first-rounder with the Chicago Blackhawks for this mock draft because the pick is top-ten protected and Florida sits close to dropping in the order. Top prospect Ivar Stenberg rises after a strong World Junior Championship performance. Keaton Verhoeff is projected early for his size and NCAA play. Gavin McKenna saw a legal charge withdrawn and has shown improvement since the World Juniors.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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