Adam Kimelman’s NHL.com Mock Draft

1. Toronto Maple Leafs — Auston Matthews, C, Zurich (SUI)

The Maple Leafs can end their search for a franchise center. Matthews (6-foot-1, 210 pounds) answered any lingering questions about who should go No. 1 with an outstanding performance at the 2016 IIHF World Championship (six goals, three assists).

2. Winnipeg Jets — Patrik Laine, RW, Tappara (FIN)

Laine already has NHL-ready size (6-4, 206) and talent, which he again showed by winning MVP of the World Championship with seven goals and five assists in 10 games. He should step into a top-six role next season.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets — Jesse Puljujarvi, RW, Karpat (FIN)

The talented playmaker can drive the offense with great speed and puckhandling skill. But the 6-3, 203-pound forward also has shown himself to be a responsible player in the defensive zone, and knows how to use his size and strength to win battles along the wall.

4. Edmonton Oilers — Olli Juolevi, D, London (OHL)

The Oilers find the defenseman they need to help transition the puck to their talented group of forwards. Juolevi also can carry it himself to create offense. He had no problem adjusting to the smaller North American rinks, and has room to add strength to his 6-2, 182-pound frame.

5. Vancouver Canucks — Matthew Tkachuk, LW, London (OHL)

General manager Jim Benning said he was looking for a top-line forward with the fifth pick, and Tkachuk has the skill to fill that role. The 6-1, 200-pound forward attacks the net in the offensive zone. He has the skill and strength to go there with the puck and the soft hands to tip shots and get to rebounds.

6. Calgary Flames — Pierre-Luc Dubois, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)

The Flames allowed the most goals in the League this season but would be hard-pressed to pass up a big (6-2, 201), skilled forward versatile enough to play all three forward spots. Dubois at left wing to clear room for Johnny Gaudreau must be an appealing thought to GM Brad Treliving.

7. Arizona Coyotes — Jakob Chychrun, D, Sarnia (OHL)

Chychrun has NHL size (6-2, 205) and an outstanding feel for the game. An all-around defenseman who can jump into the play or hang back and play strong in the defensive zone.

8. Buffalo Sabres — Alexander Nylander, RW, Mississauga (OHL)

The Sabres are solid through the middle of the ice with Ryan O’Reilly and Jack Eichel. Now it’s time to find them some scoring options on the wing, and that could start with Nylander (6-0, 180), a dynamic skater who excelled in his first OHL season.

9. Montreal Canadiens — Logan Brown, C, Windsor (OHL)

Two of the biggest needs for the Canadiens are big forwards and depth through the middle. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound Brown supplies both. He’s a Joe Thornton-esque playmaker more than a goal scorer, but there’s lots of room for him to grow his game, both skill-wise and strength-wise.

10. Colorado Avalanche — Mikhail Sergachev, D, Windsor (OHL)

The Russian-born left-shot defender showed skill and snarl in his first North American season. He has NHL-ready size (6-2, 205), and scored 17 goals in 67 games. He could step right into the Avalanche lineup next season.

11. New Jersey Devils — Michael McLeod, C, Mississauga (OHL)

The Devils scored the fewest goals in the League last season, so an offensive upgrade is in order. McLeod (6-2, 188) has great speed and showed this season he can set up linemates or finish plays at the net.

12. Ottawa Senators — Jake Bean, D, Calgary (WHL)

The offensive-minded left-shot defender led …

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