Kyle Woodlief, the chief scout and writer of Crimson Line Report, offers an evaluation of the 31 gamers taken within the first spherical of the NHL draft Tuesday, which is being held nearly. The primary spherical of the draft takes place at 7 p.m. (NBCSN) and Rounds 2-7 shall be accomplished Wednesday (11:30 a.m. ET). Of observe: the New York Rangers have the primary total choose, the Ottawa Senators have the most picks (12) within the draft and three groups have the fewest picks with 4 — the Arizona Coyotes, Winnipeg Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins. (USA TODAY additionally recapped all of the day’s information and rumors, together with these associated to trades.)

1. New York Rangers — LW Alexis Lafrenière. The clear-cut high total prospect on this yr’s class. Cemented his standing with an impressive world juniors efficiency, the place he overcame a knee damage to have a big impact each recreation he performed. Instinctively makes the appropriate play in each state of affairs. Lethal finisher who scores in each conceivable vogue and, if doable, is a good higher creator for his linemates. Sees the entire ice and is aware of the place all teammates and opponents are positioned. Comfortable arms and makes fabulous, jaw-dropping passes which are so imaginative they even shock his linemates. Can thread any needle, displaying contact on delicate saucers or firing crisp feeds on the tape as wanted. Along with the finesse, grinds it out bodily and finishes checks arduous. Wins battles and is relentless on the forecheck. If he doesn’t have the puck, he’ll go get it. Performs like a mature 10-year NHL vet.

2. Los Angeles Kings — C Quinton Byfield. Uncommon hybrid mixture of an influence ahead with the puck ability of a smaller, dynamic participant. He’s the large, extremely expert middle each workforce is in search of. Has all of the qualities wanted to excel: measurement, power, ability, skating, wonderful imaginative and prescient and anticipation. Makes use of his broad physique and lengthy attain to guard the puck and is unattainable to maneuver off it. Extraordinarily arduous to deal with down low – makes use of measurement/power to bull his means via checks. Creates a great deal of room for linemates by drawing defenders to him, then hits the open man. Heads-up passing performs in site visitors combining a finesse type with bodily dominance. Wonderful start-up from down low in his stance. Nice glide for such an enormous man. Underrated as a aim scorer with a depraved launch on a rocket wrister. Doesn’t want a lot house – will get harmful photographs away with males draped over his again. Could be overly crucial and get down on himself.

Middle Quinton Byfield might get an opportunity to study from one of many recreation’s finest facilities, Anze Kopitar, after being taken by the Kings.

Extra

3. Ottawa Senators (from San Jose) — Blazing skater who at all times performs at warp pace and makes performs at high gear. Can carry the puck round and over sticks; powerful to cease when he’s in full flight. World-class edges and acceleration. Can take over shifts and simply loses opponents with fast twists and turns. Has the flexibility to make one-touch performs, making quick puck motion selections earlier than the puck even reaches him. Passes have each snap and contact. Extra of a passer than shooter proper now, however his stick is at all times in place and able to shoot when puck comes his means. Lacks bulk proper now however has body – doesn’t actually matter as a result of no one can catch him. Performs on the wing along with his membership workforce; will seemingly be a middle long-term, however struggles with the defensive duties at middle.

4. Detroit Crimson Wings

5. Ottawa Senators

6. Anaheim Geese

7. New Jersey Devils

8. Buffalo Sabres

9. Minnesota Wild

10. Winnipeg Jets

11. Nashville Predators

12. Florida Panthers

13. Carolina Hurricanes (from Toronto)

14. Edmonton Oilers

15. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Pittsburgh)

16. Montreal Canadiens

17. Chicago Blackhawks

18. New Jersey (from Arizona)

19. Calgary Flames

20. New Jersey Devils (from Vancouver through Tampa Bay)

21. Columbus Blue Jackets

22. New York Rangers (from Carolina)

23. Philadelphia Flyers

24. Washington Capitals

25. Colorado Avalanche

26. St. Louis Blues

27. Anaheim Geese (from Boston)

28. Ottawa Senators (from N.Y. Islanders)

29. Vegas Golden Knights

30. Dallas Stars

31. San Jose Sharks (from Tampa Bay)

This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: NHL draft 2020: First-round picks, scouting studies for all gamers