Round 5: Frans Haara, D/Skelleftea AIK J20
Frans Haara is one of the draft’s older prospects, and the right-handed defenseman is yet another pick in this mock who boasts great size. Further, his jump in productivity - 14 goals and 32 points in 32 regular contests in J20 Nationell factors him in as a decent value pick. He can also continue developing in Sweden’s SHL for the foreseeable future.
Round 7A: Anthony Romani, RW/North Bay
Versatility alone would make Anthony Romani a solid value pick so late in the draft, and 58 goals in 68 regular season games signifies that the 18-year-old would be a major steal if he falls this far. To be honest, I highly doubt he lasts until the seventh round this coming June, but if he does, Doug Armstrong has got to end the freefall.
Round 7B: Preston Lounsbury, C/Moncton Wildcats
Another older player, Preston Lounsbury just turned 19, and he brings moderate production - 57 points and 19 goals with the Moncton Wildcats. But he’s one of the most intelligent players in the draft class, and that’s always an outstanding trait to possess if you’re a late-round pick and everything else - productivity, size - clocks in as average.
(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)