Ranking the top forwards at the NHL Draft (5-1)

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Goaltenders: 10-6 | 5-1 | Defensemen: 20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1
Forwards: 20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 |

5. Pavel Zacha, C, Sarnia (OHL)

Pavel Zacha is still considered a top-10 selection following a season plagued by injury and discipline problems, which is a testament to his elite combination of size and skill.

The Czech native was suspended twice for his overzealous physical play and missed a month with an upper-body injury, finishing with 34 points in 37 games in his OHL debut. His uninspiring performance, while disappointing, didn't mask how good he could be at the pro level.

Zacha is an extremely quick skater who can outpace opponents through the neutral zone and his powerful, accurate shot is ready for the NHL. His puck-handling is almost as impressive as his ability to punish the opposition physically with his 6-foot-3 frame, and his tenacity should develop into an asset with the right guidance.

Zacha could be the steal of the draft if character concerns knock him out of the top 10.

4. Dylan Strome, C, Erie (OHL)

It's not easy to be noticed in the shadow of Connor McDavid, especially when you play a smart, technical game like Dylan Strome. But Strome made sure scouts couldn't look away by amassing 45 goals and an OHL-leading 129 points during the season, forcing his way into the conversation as a top-five pick.

Strome is the definition of a team player who sees the ice well enough to use his teammates effectively and make the right decision with the puck. He leads by example with his consistent work ethic at both ends of the ice and while he isn't the fastest skater, he has a powerful stride and can protect the puck while forcing his way into scoring areas.

Contrary to the narrative that he rode McDavid's coattails, Strome recorded 29 points in the 20 games McDavid missed due to injury and the World Junior Championship. He's earned his accolades and it won't be long until he finds a spot on an NHL roster like his brother, Ryan.

3. Mitch Marner, C/RW, London (OHL)

Mitch Marner is the most explosive offensive prospect in the draft outside of McDavid and Jack Eichel. He is arguably the best puck-handler available and his breakaway speed is only matched by his pinpoint passing and deceptive shot release.

Marner finished second in OHL scoring with 126 points while playing five fewer games than Strome and added 12 points in his first three playoff games, challenging McDavid for the postseason scoring lead until he was hurt in the second round in London's first game against Erie.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Marner's game is his willingness to play a grinding, physical, defensive game off the puck, delivering hits along the boards and skating just as hard in his own end as he does on the attack.

Marner is the type of player who wants to make a difference every second he's on the ice, and he has the tools to do it. He may not be McDavid or Eichel, but he's one heck of a consolation prize.

2. Jack Eichel, C, Boston University (NCAA)

Eichel probably disagrees with this ranking, but being second to McDavid doesn't change the fact Eichel is a generational talent who upended the NCAA as a freshman.

Boston University's hockey program was in rough shape, going 10-21-4 in the season before Eichel's arrival. Eichel put the Terriers on his back this season, carrying them to a conference championship and the Frozen Four final and becoming the first freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award since Paul Kariya.

Eichel raises the pace of play the moment he steps onto the ice with his incredible skating ability and quick hands. He sees the ice well and often attracts extra attention with his stickhandling before feeding an open teammate to create a scoring opportunity.

In any other year, Eichel would be the top pick

1. Connor McDavid, C, Erie (OHL)

In case you haven't heard, McDavid is good at hockey.

Really good.

Really, really good.

...

Enough said.