2014 Draft: What Do Teams Need?

On June 27/28 all eyes will be on the 2014 NHL Draft at the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia and the big question to all experts will be who is going to be the first name called out by the Florida Panthers. All though there is huge speculation about which player it will, this is one event teams always need to think about carefully because they young men could well be the future of a franchise and will have to be chosen carefully- no one wants another Alexandre Daigle or Patrik Stefan after all! So as we analyse the top picks, which one will great;y benefit which team? Here I will look at the first six picks (partly to include Vancouver).

2014 NHL Draft Order

1. Florida Panthers
Sam Bennett: The Panthers badly need an offensive spark as their goal numbers have still remained dangerously low, something that number 2 pick Aleksander Barkov has so far failed to raise. So far 18 year old Ontario kid Sam Bennett has been listed as the top North American prospect in the NHL draft and his staggering record of 91 points in only 57 games playing for the Kingston Frontenacs solidifies his status as a can't miss prospect. Having him and Barkov man the first and second lines could significantly raise goal production and finally give fans in St Petersberg a reason to smile.

2. Buffalo Sabres
Sam Reinhart: This team had a dismal year last season which was capped when stars Thomas Vanek, Matt Moulson and Ryan Miller departed. This team needs a young and natural goal scorer to take them to another level and with Kootenay Ice centre, Sam Reinhart they have such a player to do this. So far in the WHL he has been tearing up the ice and last season racked up a sizzling hot record of 105 points from 60 games! It will be hard to choose between the two Sam's on display, but I think the Sabres will be wise to pick this one!

3. Edmonton Oilers 
Aaron Ekblad: Rather than focus on attack, the Oilers should instead focus on the increasingly high goals against number and a man who can stem that flow. With 18 year Barrie Colts D-Man, Aaron Eklad, the Oilers have a young man who is equally confident at the back as he is going forward and they will need that combination to boost their defensive roster! In the OHL he was one of the top scoring defensemen with 53 points and after a series of disappointing Number 1 offensive picks, this is one that can point them in the right direction.

4. Calgary Flames
Leon Draisaitl: Since the departure of Jarome Iginla, Calgary needs a fresh face that they can turn into the next on ice assassin. Germany centre Leon Draisaitl I feel is the man to do that as he has an impressive season for Prince Albert Raiders in the WHL with 105 from 64 games. Germany is not renowned for its hockey, but their players are always solid and commit and with this man, Calgary has a great canvas to paint its future on.

5. New York Islanders 
Kasperi Kapanen: Asides from John Tavares and Kyle Okposo, the Islanders don't have any other true stars of the team, particularly since a disgruntled Vanek left for Montreal! With youthful Finnish Centre Kasperi Kapenen, the Islanders have a player who could prove to be important to their future as he is a quick smooth player who can either play at centre or on the wing and is confident tackling tough areas. Also playing against harder opponents in the SM-Liiaga will make him NHL ready.

6. Vancouver Canucks
Michael Dal Colle:  So who is the best selection for my team? Well after due consideration I have selected on the 17 year old Oshawa Generals centre Michael Dal Colle has he seems to have a natural goal scoring instinct which is what this team needs and he is flexible at either left wing or centre which help support both the Sedins or the second line, will be invaluable to us! His 95 point season is one reason alone why our upcoming GM should call his name out.

I am prepared for a surprise come draft day (Vancouver trading Schneider to select Bo Horvat still hurts) but I know that each team has something for the future!