Seattle Kraken: 2022 NHL Mock Draft Compilation
Round 1, 4th overall
According to the mock drafts, there is an overwhelming favorite to go to the Seattle Kraken with the fourth overall pick. Slovakian defenseman Simon Nemec was the choice on two-thirds of them (10 of 15).
Nemec has all the qualities of a potential top pairing defenseman. A smooth skater and adept puck handler, Nemec does a great job of drawing defenders to him before either making a nifty move to get around or distributing the puck to an open teammate.
His defense is on par with his offense. Rarely is Nemec out of position. Additionally, he uses an active stick to break up passes.
He possesses a maturity well beyond his years. Even though he’s young, Nemec still held his own against grown men in the Czech Extraliga last season. At times he looks unflappable on the ice. He doesn’t get pressured into mistakes. That was one of the reasons why he was a member of the Czech team at the Olympics despite just turning 18-years-old.
Simon Nemec, RHD – HK Nitra (Slovakia)
Age: 18
Height: 6”1”
Weight: 195-pounds
2021-22 Stats: Regular Season – 39 games, 1 goal, 25 assists, +13, 20 PIM. Playoffs – 19 games, 5 goals, 12 assists, +2, 14 PIM. All international – 33 games, 2 goals, 18 assists.
Central Scouting Rank: Third-ranked International Skater, First-ranked International Defenseman
If you follow football or basketball, you’ve surely heard a quarterback referred to as a “field general” or a point guard labeled a “floor general” and those terms come to mind when watching Šimon Nemec. He is a mature, intelligent defender who always looks to be in control of what is happening on the ice.
Nemec sees the ice incredibly well, pushing play from the back end and breaking down defensive coverages with efficient puck distribution in the offensive zone… The young Slovak maintains strong gap control in defensive transition, uses his stick effectively to take away time and space, and is rarely caught out of position in defensive zone coverage. – Nick Richard, Dobber Prospects
Also receiving consideration were center Logan Cooley, USA U-18 (2), right wing Joakim Kemell, JYP (Finland) (2), and defenseman David Jiricek, Plzen (Check Republic).
Round 2, 35th, 49th, 60th, and 64th overall
Right now, the second round is very up in the air. In fact, only two of the 15 mock drafts we audited go that far. There are a few local players to keep an eye on.
As good of a story as it might be, without a huge trade back into the early-mid first round, Conor Geekie, Morgan’s brother, will be long gone by pick 35. And Francis isn’t going to trade down. However, they have a very good shot at landing defenseman Kevin Korchinski, left wing Reid Shaffer, and/or center Jordan Gustafson from the Seattle Thunderbirds in Round 2.
Related Story: Page 3 – First Round
Who do you think the Seattle Kraken will draft with the fourth overall pick? Let us know in the comments section below.