First off before getting into the 2022 NHL Draft, want to give a shoutout to the Colorado Avalanche for winning the 2022 Stanley Cup over the Tampa Bay Lightning. They showed up in this series when they needed to and totally deserve to lift the Cup. Just hope they don’t dent it, even more, when they are celebrating with their fans.
Now let’s get back to Stars business, currently, they have the 18th pick in the first round of the NHL Draft. Currently, writers don’t really have a narrowed-down pick for them at 18. Here are some of the picks hockey writers have mocked up for the Stars.
The Hockey Writers Peter Baracchini- Liam Ohgren LW Sweden
Peter Baracchini said in his article that the Wyatt Johnston selection in 2021 would be very hard to beat, but drafting Ohgren could top it. Ohgren is a super competitive player that plays at a fast pace. He has a super quick release on his shots which is something a team is always looking for.
My take on him is that he could be part of the Star’s future once he turns 21. I don’t see him coming over to Cedar Park just yet. I would keep him in Sweden to work on his craft and bring him over when he is close to being ready.
The Hockey News Ryan Kennedy- Pavel Mintyukov D Saginaw OHL
Ryan Kennedy said in his article that with the success of Stankoven and Johnston in CHL this past season, why not look at another Canadian Junior Hockey Prospect. The Stars can always use another defenseman and Mintyukov is one that excels at defense and offense.
My take is the only way I see the Stars taking a defenseman is if the Stars definitely know Klingberg has “both feet out the door.” Mintyukov would be a perfect replacement once he turns 20 and is eligible to sign an entry-level deal.
These are only two prospects that hockey writers have the Stars taking at 18 in this year’s NHL Draft. Now things could change if the Stars end up trading the pick. However, I see the Stars hanging on to the pick and drafting at number 18. Fans should be excited to see who will be in the 2022 Dallas Stars draft class.