NHL draft tracker: First-round picks, prospect analysis

11:09 PM ET

ESPN staff

The 2022 NHL draft is finally here! From the first round all the way to pick No. 225, this page will be your home for tracking every selection, including notes on team fit for the 32 players taken in the first round from Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski.

The first night of the draft got off to an exciting start, as the Ottawa Senators acquired winger Alex DeBrincat from the Chicago Blackhawks for the No. 7 pick, No. 39 pick and a third-round pick in 2024.

Follow along as the draft unfolds:

More: Final mock draft
Prospect rankings
Biggest draft questions

Team: TPS (FINLAND) | Rank: INTS1
DOB: 3/30/2004 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 218 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 31 | G: 5 | A: 5

How he fits: Shane Wright was the de facto No. 1 pick for years leading up to this draft. Fans of teams looking to tank tweeted #PainForShane. But in the end, it’s the Slovakian winger who goes first overall. The 6-3 winger made a spectacular impression in international play at the Beijing Winter Olympics and the world championships. He’s not going to run over anybody despite his size; it’s his speed that makes him exceptional. This is a pick about what Juraj Slafkovsky can become, not for what he is. As one draft observer told me recently, he has “all the tools without the toolbox” at the moment. But his ceiling is high — high enough, it seems, for the Canadiens to opt not to do the Wright thing. — Wyshynski

Team: Nitra (SLOVAKIA) | Rank: INTS3
DOB: 2/15/2004 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 190 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 39 | G: 1 | A: 25

How he fits: With Slafkovsky off the board, the Devils passed over centers Shane Wright and Logan Cooley to select puck-moving defenseman Nemec. That’s back-to-back Slovaks in the top two picks, and they were 2022 Olympic teammates. Nemec is a right-handed defenseman who was considered one of the “plug-and-play” options in the top 10 for his NHL-readiness. He had six points in eight games at the world championship, and played three seasons as a pro in Slovakia. This is the fourth time in the past five years the Devils have drafted a defenseman in the first round after Luke Hughes (2021), Shakir Mukhamadullin (2020) and Ty Smith (2018). With Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer, the Devils may have believed they were set at center. With Nemec joining those young defensemen and star Dougie Hamilton, they’re solidifying the back end. — Wyshynski

The New Jersey Devils make Simon Nemec the newest member of the organization with the No. 2 pick.

Team: US U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: NAS2
DOB: 5/4/2004 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 174 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 51 | G: 27 | A: 48

How he fits: The Coyotes had their pick of centers in Wright and Cooley. They opted for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program product in Cooley, as Wright’s plummet continued. In the past, Cooley’s 5-10 frame might have been a hindrance. Not in today’s NHL. The strong two-way center cites Patrick Kane as an inspiration for his play, but admits he needs some work on his long-range shooting to hit that level of goal-scorer. The Coyotes need … well, everything. In Cooley, they get a player who has more offensive upside than Wright, according to many scouts. He had 75 points in 51 games this season. — Wyshynski

Team: Kingston (OHL) | Rank: NAS1
DOB: 1/5/2004 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 191 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 63 | G: 32 | A: 62

How he fits: Wright’s slide to No. 4 had to feel excruciating. For years, the Kingston Frontenacs center was projected to be this draft’s top prospect. He was just the sixth player to ever be granted exceptional status in the OHL and put up 39 goals and 66 points in 58 games as a 15-year-old freshman en route to winning rookie of the year.

After the COVID-19 pandemic cost him all of the 2020-21 season, he returned in 2021-22 with an underwhelming start that produced only 22 points in 19 games. He finished strong with 94 points in 63 games but many scouts (rightly) began predicting Wright had opened the door for others to unseat him as the consensus No. 1. That’s exactly what happened. New Jersey had the No. 2 and didn’t need another center; Arizona went with a different center at No. 3.

The Kraken finally pulled Wright off the board. While not a generational talent, Wright has the potential to develop into a No. 1 center. At 6-0 and 191 pounds, Wright possesses good size and is a strong skater who’s impressively elusive with quickness to beat defenders to pucks. Add to that excellent hockey sense, outstanding playmaking ability and finish around the net.

No doubt his slide down the draft board will motivate Wright when he does reach the NHL. And he’s likely closer to being NHL-ready than most No. 4 picks. That’s good news for the expansion Kraken, who can mold Wright into a franchise centerpiece. — Shilton

Team: US U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: NAS3
DOB: 1/19/2004 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 189 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 54 | G: 34 | A: 31

How he fits: Finally, some predictability! Gauthier was tabbed for the Flyers here in most mock drafts. He’s a 6-2 forward with an incredible shot release who played with Cooley on the development team. He drives the net well. He’s no slouch defensively, and knows how to use his frame to win puck battles along the boards. Also his name is Cutter and he’s a member of the Philadelphia Flyers, which just seems perfect for some reason. — Wyshynski

Team: Plzen (CZREP) | Rank: INTS4
DOB: 11/28/2003 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 189 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 29 | G: 5 | A: 6

How he fits: The Blue Jackets have to be happy Jiricek fell to them at No. 6. Some scouts considered him the best defender in this draft class, even over Nemec. Jiricek is another big, right-shot defender with a heavy shot and physical edge. The 18-year-old has offensive potential too, with five goals and 11 points in 29 games with Plzen HC last season. The Blue Jackets’ back end has needed a face-lift since losing Seth Jones in a trade prior to last year’s draft — and ironically, Columbus used one of the picks acquired in that move to bring in Jiriceck, who could become a blue-line cornerstone. — Shilton

Team: Seattle (WHL) | Rank: NAS7
DOB: 6/21/2004 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 185 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 67 | G: 4 | A: 61

How he fits: The first big mover on the draft board. Many felt that Korchinski would fall just outside the top 10, but his name was getting mentioned with frequency by draft insiders as someone who could rocket up the board. The Blackhawks acquired this pick from the Senators in the Alex DeBrincat trade, and used it on Korchinski, a 6-2 left-handed defenseman. He’s got a ton of offensive upside, as shown in his 65-point season in 67 games. The Blackhawks are in a teardown. Korchinski can be an important piece in building back up. — Wyshynski

Team: Rogle (SWEDEN) | Rank: INTS5
DOB: 4/8/2004 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 183 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 46 | G: 7 | A: 4

How he fits: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman got his man in Austrian skater Kasper, who was considered the top European center in this year’s draft class. Kasper, 18, cut his teeth last season in the SHL, and produced seven goals and 11 points against tough competition. He’s a high-motor guy who can excel in the cycle game and protects the puck well. Kasper’s offensive numbers may not jump off the page but what he lacks in flash he makes up for with good decision-making, defensive edge and competitiveness. Feels like a good fit for the Motor City — Shilton

Team: Winnipeg (WHL) | Rank: NAS4
DOB: 1/1/2004 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 175 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 65 | G: 35 | A: 55

How he fits: One of the most talented offensive players in the draft. He’s got a great combination of speed and skill and had 90 points in 65 games last season for the Winnipeg Ice. A terrific passer with a solid wrist shot while in stride, Savoie joins a growing collection of talented forwards to go along with potential franchise defenseman Owen Power on the back end. — Wyshynski

Team: Saginaw (OHL) | Rank: NAS6
DOB: 11/25/2003 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 197 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 67 | G: 17 | A: 45

How he fits: There was a lot of speculation that the Ducks would end up with Kevin Korchinski here. The Blackhawks took him at No. 7, so Anaheim went with the next highest left-side defenseman in Mintyukov. He’s a solid offensive defenseman, with terrific passing skills through traffic. His 62 points in 67 games for Saginaw last season included 45 assists. — Wyshynski

Team: Winnipeg (WHL) | Rank: NAS5
DOB: 5/5/2004 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 196 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 63 | G: 24 | A: 46

How he fits: Arizona would not be denied drafting Geekie. The Coyotes traded for San Jose’s No. 11 overall pick in exchange for picks No. 27, No. 34 and No. 45. Why not? Geekie is a great choice. The 6-3 center had 24 goals and 70 points in 63 games with the WHL’s Winnipeg Ice last season. He’s still a raw talent, but with great potential, possessing a unique skill set that has mixed size and speed to excellent returns in his junior hockey career. He’ll have a great sounding board in older brother Morgan, a center for the Kraken, when the time comes for his own transition to the pros. — Shilton

Team: Moose Jaw (WHL) | Rank: NAS14
DOB: 7/12/2004 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 188 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 65 | G: 13 | A: 51

How he fits: Interesting pick here for the Blue Jackets. Mateychuk wasn’t projected to go quite this high. But with Korchinski and Mintyukov off the board — and Columbus’ desire to go defense — Mateychuk was the choice. He loves to get involved in the play, sometimes so much so that it becomes a detriment in overcommitting. The key will be to figure out when to lead the rush and when to be more conservative. But that’s correctable. His defensive game is good and he has a high hockey IQ. The Columbus back end was gutted when the team traded Seth Jones and David Savard away in recent years. It looks a lot better now with David Jiricek and Denton Mateychuk ready to join Zach Werenski and Adam Boqvist. — Wyshynski

Team: US U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: NAS21
DOB: 1/14/2004 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 175 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 56 | G: 28 | A: 42

How he fits: Chicago plucked another U.S. national team development program player in Nazar. What the Detroit native lacks in size, he makes up for in tenacity, speed and agility. Nazar showed off his explosive potential popping in 28 goals and 70 points in 56 games, and was reliably relentless in every facet of his game. Nazar’s instincts stand out too, in the way he can feel and elude pressure from defensemen to create space. Nazar could develop into an impactful top-six skater for the Blackhawks as he continues adding strength and honing the skills in his repertoire. He’s similar in ways to the player Chicago traded away earlier in the day, Alex DeBrincat. The Blackhawks would be lucky to see Nazar grow into a similar kind of difference-maker. — Shilton

Team: US U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: NAS22
DOB: 3/30/2004 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 200 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 54 | G: 35 | A: 34

How he fits: The Jets selected McGroarty surprisingly high at No. 14. But there’s a lot to like about the Lincoln, Nebraska, native. On the ice, he plays a rugged power forward game that draws comparisons to Matthew Tkachuk. McGroarty brings leadership potential as well from captaining the USNTDP program. He pocketed 35 goals and 69 points in 54 games last season, which represented a significant jump in his development (19 points in 30 games) from the previous campaign. McGroarty’s combination of size, physicality and skill fits Winnipeg’s style. — Shilton

Team: Djurgarden (SWEDEN) | Rank: INTS6
DOB: 7/24/2004 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 165 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 26 | G: 7 | A: 2

How he fits: Lekkerimaki could have easily been a top-10 pick in this draft. He had 15 points in eight games to lead the under-18 world championship, including five goals. His shot is his greatest asset, and he uses it well on special teams, but he can also move the puck well. He had just 26 games of pro experience in his first SHL season, so he needs a little more time to cook. But his offensive ceiling is high. Huh, a Swedish prospect drafted by a front office that features Patrick Allvin and the Sedins? Go figure. — Wyshynski

Team: Djurgarden Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.) | Rank: INTS18
DOB: 3/11/2004 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 163 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 32 | G: 9 | A: 33

How he fits: Buffalo used the pick it acquired by trading Jack Eichel to Vegas on center Noah Ostlund. The 18-year-old lit it up with Djurgardens of the Swedish Jr. Hockey League last season, posting nine goals and 42 points in 32 games. He didn’t have the same success in a stint with Djurgarden’s top team, adding zero points in 11 games, a disparity that contributed to Ostlund being a somewhat polarizing prospect. He’s got great speed, agility and creative playmaking ability, but has gaps to fill in his consistency and reliability before making a jump to the pros. The skill is there though, which has to excite the Sabres. — Shilton

Team: JYP (FINLAND) | Rank: INTS2
DOB: 4/27/2004 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 171 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 39 | G: 15 | A: 8

How he fits: The wait is over for Kemell. I spoke with an NHL draft analyst who said the most shocking part of the first round was seeing this elite goal-scoring prospect tumble out of the top 10 — and continue to tumble all the way to No. 17 and the Predators. The reason: He’s 5-9 and plays on the wing. For all the talk about this becoming a “small man’s league,” the 2022 draft had a surprising emphasis on size. Kemell had 15 goals in his first pro season in Liiga. He’s got terrific hands and a dynamic offensive game, but how that projects to the NHL has been a mystery scouts have been trying to solve for a while. — Wyshynski

Team: Leksand (SWEDEN) | Rank: INTS9
DOB: 5/18/2004 | Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 216 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 29 | G: 1 | A: 2

How he fits: Bichsel has big potential — literally. The 18-year-old defenseman is already 6-5 and 216 pounds, and he plays a rugged game to match. Bichsel asserted himself well in the SHL last season with that punishing presence, which will make him a fan favorite in Dallas down the line. The Swiss native showcases good decision-making on the ice, uses his stick well and uses that frame to take away space from on-rushing forwards. Bichsel brings a powerful overall package for the Stars to hone as he develops. — Shilton

Team: Djurgarden Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.) | Rank: INTS8
DOB: 1/28/2004 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 187 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 30 | G: 33 | A: 25

How he fits: Ohgren and Noah Ostlund were the top Swedish center prospects in the draft. Ostlund was off the board at No. 16 to the Sabres, leaving Ohgren at No. 19 for the Wild. Ohgren is bigger and has a better all-around game. He’s more of a goal scorer than a playmaker. Ostlund was seen as having more upside, and hence went earlier. But the Wild add a center to their mix at the position that includes Marco Rossi. — Wyshynski

Team: Omsk (RUSSIA-2) | Rank: INTS11
DOB: 2/4/2004 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 185 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 31 | G: 10 | A: 6

How he fits: Now this is a spicy selection. Miroshnichenko is a 6-1 left wing built like a truck who can skate like the wind and loves to fire pucks with his rocket shot from the faceoff circle on the power play. Sound like any NHLer you know? But this pick has a lot more to it than mini-Ovechkin fantasies. Miroshnichenko had a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis earlier this year, but has completed his treatments and has returned to training. He’s also currently playing for Omsk Krylia in Russia’s VHL, which presents its own challenges given the state of diplomacy between the NHL and Russia. Maybe Ovechkin knows a guy that can help get him to Washington … — Wyshynski

Team: Swift Current (WHL) | Rank: NAS15
DOB: 1/27/2004 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 178 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 62 | G: 9 | A: 24

How he fits: The Penguins’ fittingly had one of their top defenseman — the newly extended Kris Letang — announce the selection of Owen Pickering, who could be anchoring the team’s blue line in years to come. A recent growth spurt helped Pickering rise to his current height of 6-4, and that long reach comes in handy. Pickering produced 33 points in 62 games last season for the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos to show off the mobility and offensive savvy complementing his sound defensive game. There’s room for Pickering to add to his explosiveness, strength on the puck and in using his body more to advantage, which will come in time. — Shilton

Team: Quebec (QMJHL) | Rank: NAS16
DOB: 11/6/2003 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 207 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 66 | G: 31 | A: 26

How he fits: Gaucher has some bite to him. The 6-3 center likes to forecheck, engages in physical battles and protects the pucks well. He also possesses the skill to slice through defenses and put up impressive numbers. Gaucher did that last season with QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts, producing 31 goals and 57 points in 66 games. The Quebec native is good all over the ice, boasts playmaking potential and is solid in transition. With some more seasoning, he should complement the Ducks’ established scorers and bring some strength and grit to the lineup too. — Shilton

Team: US U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: NAS11
DOB: 6/1/2004 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 186 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 59 | G: 24 | A: 39

How he fits: The Blues take the Minnesota kid right before the Wild have a chance to snag him. Snuggerud’s father Dave played 265 games in the NHL and represented the U.S. at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Jimmy Snuggerud’s claim to fame is goal scoring and he has a tremendous shot, but he offers much more than that with his 6-1 frame. Another 2022 draft pick from a deeply talented USNTDP squad. — Wyshynski

Team: Magnitogorsk (RUSSIA) | Rank: INTS7
DOB: 12/22/2003 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 178 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 21 | G: 0 | A: 0

How he fits: In the weeks leading up to the draft, there was a ton of speculation about where the two Russian players projected in the first round would end up. Ivan Miroshnichenko went to the Capitals at No. 20. Danila Yurov, the other top prospect, ends up going at No. 24 to the Wild. He’s a strong finisher with good goal-scoring instincts, one who sees the ice well and protects the puck. Had he gotten more minutes in the KHL, and with a different international relationship with Russia, Yurov could have been a top-10 pick. — Wyshynski

Team: Chaska (HIGH-MN) | Rank: NAS19
DOB: 6/25/2004 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 177 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 27 | G: 9 | A: 29

How he fits: Not to put too fine a point on the scope of the Blackhawks’ rebuild, but they used the 25th pick on a high school player. OK, Rinzel also played for the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL along with his 27 games with Minnesota’s Chaska High School Hawks. Rinzel is 6-4, a smooth skater and has a right-hand shot. But he’s a total project for a team that’s obviously thinking long term. — Wyshynski

Team: Poprad (SLOVAKIA) | Rank: INTS20
DOB: 1/3/2004 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 167 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 37 | G: 8 | A: 8

How he fits: The Slovakian NHL draft revolution continues! Mesar has two seasons of pro experience playing in the Slovak pro league, scoring 16 points in 37 games last season. He has a ton of playmaking ability and straight-line speed. He could use a bit more strength to avoid getting knocked off the puck, but you have to catch him to hit him. A bit of a reach, but one that makes sense as a high-ceiling prospect. — Wyshynski

Team: Linkoping Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.) | Rank: INTS17
DOB: 2/4/2004 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 187 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 40 | G: 16 | A: 33

How he fits: Another center with size goes in the first round. Bystedt was projected to be a late first-round selection due to his 6-2 frame. He has a strong all-around game at both ends of the ice and a better-than-average wrist shot. What he lacks now is using that size in the attacking zone, where he tends to play more on the periphery than around the net. Given his size, that needs to change at the next level. He’s got time, having played only 16 games as a pro in the SHL. — Wyshynski

Team: Karlovy Vary (CZREP) | Rank: INTS13
DOB: 4/14/2004 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 172 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 49 | G: 9 | A: 5

How he fits: Buffalo had three first-round selections on Thursday, and used them all on highly skilled forwards. Kulich spent the past season with Karlovy Vary HC (Czech Republic) and handled himself well, notching nine goals and 14 points in 49 games. Kulich’s real coming-out party was at the 2022 under-18 championship, where his nine goals led the field. He’s got some flash, a blistering one-timer and plays a responsible game. Sabres GM Kevyn Adams was clearly targeting a certain type of player with which to stock Buffalo’s cupboards. Kulich’s versatility and developing talent make him an intriguing player for the future. — Shilton

Team: Drummondville (QMJHL) | Rank: NAS20
DOB: 1/13/2004 | Ht: 6-7 | Wt: 197 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 54 | G: 4 | A: 20

How he fits: Oilers GM Ken Holland and Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong had a long conversation earlier in the draft, and perhaps this was the result: Arizona acquired this pick and used it on the towering Maveric Lamoureux. This 6-7 defenseman has surprising mobility, but is very much still a project. He shoots the puck a lot, but needs refinement in a lot of other facets of his game. Still, this is a good addition for a Coyotes team that can afford to wait on him. Perhaps even better news for the Arizona State University basketball team if they’re looking for a low-post presence in its scrimmages. — Wyshynski

Team: Pelicans (FINLAND) | Rank: INTS10
DOB: 12/19/2003 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 175 | Shot: R
Stats: GP: 49 | G: 4 | A: 6

How he fits: And just like that, the Brad Lambert Watch is over. The center was the wild card of the draft. At one point, he was a seen as a top-three pick. Then he struggled with JYP of Liiga, moved to the Lahti Pelicans and then struggled there too — four goals in 49 games in total between both teams. But his skill is incredible, especially his speed, which makes him aesthetically perfect for a team named the Jets, one imagines. If he can ever put the total package together, he has some elite facets to his game. But consistency has not been a virtue. His junior rights were recently acquired by WHL Seattle. — Wyshynski

Team: US U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: NAS9
DOB: 3/30/2004 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 182 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 60 | G: 33 | A: 49

How he fits: Howard finally came off the board at No. 30, a little later than maybe was expected for a player of his talent. The left winger was dynamic this past season, tallying 33 goals and 82 points in 60 games, and is generally good with the puck at both ends of the ice. Howard is deceptive on the ice, with a good burst of speed and finishing ability around the net. Plus, if the white suit he rocked at the draft was any indication, the kid’s got some personality to wield, too. And he’ll be bringing that swagger to Tampa Bay — on and off the ice. — Shilton

Team: Seattle (WHL) | Rank: NAS31
DOB: 9/21/2003 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 213 | Shot: L
Stats: GP: 66 | G: 32 | A: 26

How he fits: The first round ends with the Oilers, having moved down following Zack Kassian‘s trade to the Coyotes, selecting another big-bodied winger. Schaefer skates well, and goes to the net hard. He landed on the radar for a lot of teams after an outstanding season with the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds (58 points in 66 games) to go along with that physicality. Not a bad player to add to the forward prospect pool for the Oilers. — Wyshynski

Source