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Kyle Connor (left) and Zach Werenski continue to earn rave reviews from NHL scouts and media members. (Photos by Michael Caples/MiHockey)
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NHL.com mock drafts: Connor and Werenski in top 13 in both

MiHockey Staff
Kyle Connor (left) and Zach Werenski (right) are both highly-touted prospects coming out of Michigan for the 2015 NHL Draft. (Photos by Michael Caples/MiHockey)
Kyle Connor (left) and Zach Werenski (right) are both highly-touted prospects coming out of Michigan for the 2015 NHL Draft. (Photos by Michael Caples/MiHockey)

 

By @MichaelCaples –

Before you know it, the NHL Draft will be here.

On June 26-27, a new group of talented youngsters will hear their names called by NHL teams in Sunrise, Fla. – and Michigan’s hockey audience can expect to hear two household names very early on.

Grosse Pointe’s Zach Werenski and Shelby Township’s Kyle Connor have both been touted as first-round draft picks in almost all mock drafts, but the latest two released by NHL.com may be collectively the best for the Michigan natives to date.

Werenski just completed his freshman season at the University of Michigan as a 17-year-old rookie, while Connor will be heading to Ann Arbor next fall.

NHL.com writers Mike Morreale and Adam Kimelman offered up their ‘Mock Draft 2.0’ today, and both Werenski and Connor appeared in the top 13 selections in both.

Morreale predicted Connor being selected at No. 7 overall by the New Jersey Devils (based off today’s NHL standings), saying the following:

The 6-foot-1, 177-pound University of Michigan recruit leads the United States Hockey League with 69 points; also has 29 goals, 22 power-play assists and seven game-winning goals. He has great quickness in tight spaces. Has elevated his game this season and makes things happen with the puck on his stick.

Meanwhile, Morreale has Werenski landing with San Jose three picks later:

The 6-foot-2, 206-pound freshman is the youngest player in NCAA hockey but plays like a four-year veteran. He leads Michigan defenders with 25 points and has 59 blocked shots. He can read situations as they come and can assess on the fly; has a big shot and can quarterback a power play.

For Kimelman, he has Werenski projected higher than Connor, with the big defenseman hearing his name called at No. 9 by Dallas:

The speedy puck mover has had a solid freshman college season. Scouts love his 6-2, 206-pound frame and left-handed shot. On the big stage for the United States at the World Juniors he never looked out of place.

Three picks later, Connor lands in Los Angeles, according to Kimelman:

Smart, skilled forward able to use his speed in all areas of the ice. Can make elite plays at top speed because of outstanding vision. Leads the United States Hockey League in scoring and will continue his development at the University of Michigan next season.

For those keeping score at home, both NHL.com writers say Connor McDavid will be drafted over NTDP alum Jack Eichel. Also, if the season ended today, the Red Wings would be drafting at No. 21 – Kimelman says they will take winger Evgeny Svechnikov out of Cape Breton of the QMJHL, while Morreale predicts they will take Jacob Larsson, a defenseman out of Sweden.