MiHockey’s 2015 NHL Draft Watch

By @MichaelCaples –

The 2015 NHL Draft is officially here, and that means it’s time for a new group of players to hear their names called and move one step closer towards the ultimate hockey dream.

MiHockey is keeping track of all the Michigan names selected by NHL member clubs, as well as the latest group of player selected by our hometown Detroit Red Wings.

Friday (Round 1)

No. 8 – Columbus Blue Jackets – Zach Werenski
Grosse Pointe, Mich. | University of Michigan Wolverines (B1G)

Werenski, who left the U.S. NTDP a year early to enroll at the University of Michigan as a 17-year-old, impressed in his first NCAA season. Draft projections have the Grosse Pointe native between No. 5-15 across the board, and the only Michigan native who might be able to pass him could end up being his future teammate (see below). Despite being the youngest player on the Wolverines’ roster, Werenski recorded 25 points in 35 games and finished with a +9 rating.

STORY: 2015 NHL Draft: Zach Werenski picked by Columbus Blue Jackets

No. 17 – Winnipeg Jets – Kyle Connor
Shelby Township, Mich. | Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

The reigning USA Hockey and USHL player of the year is the only other Michigan native projected to go in the first round of the NHL Draft, and he could end up passing Werenski. Connor, a Shelby Township native, recorded 80 points in 56 games for the Youngstown Phantoms this year, leading them to a regular-season title. Much like Werenski, Connor’s mock draft projections have him bouncing around the top 15 spots, as well. Connor is a University of Michigan commit, and depending on how the draft goes for both he and Werenski, they could both be huge contributors for the Wolverines in the fall.

STORY: 2015 NHL Draft: Kyle Connor selected by the Winnipeg Jets

No. 19 – Detroit Red Wings – Evgeny Svechnikov
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia | Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)

The Red Wings ventured into Russia for their first-round pick in 2015, selecting Evgeny Svechnikov. The winger – who checks in at 6-foot-2 and 199 pounds – played for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) during the 2014-15 season, racking up 78 points in 55 games. That was good for second among all QMJHL rookies. “He proved to be a very skilled skater, strong on the puck and a player capable of doing a lot of things well,” said NHL Central Scouting’s Troy Dumville. “He plays a physical game, doesn’t back away, is aggressive on the forecheck and finishes checks.”

STORY: Red Wings select Evgeny Svechnikov in first round of 2015 NHL Draft

Saturday (Rounds 2-7)

Stay tuned…