SenShot 2014 NHL Mock Draft Picks 11-15

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Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; A general view of the stage between picks during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

We wrap up the first half of the second round of my NHL Mock draft with those teams that were on the cusp of making the playoffs, as well as commencing with those who did qualify for the post-season but ended their hopes early.

#11 – Nashville Predators

Jan 24, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Nashville Predators head coach Barry Trotz on his bench against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Preds were fortunate enough to have Seth Jones, who was ranked either 1 or 1A last year depending on your point of view, fall into their lap at #4. They don’t have a top 10 pick this year, but a long term injury to Pekka Rinne kept them out of the playoffs.

The Predators cleaned house after the season, firing the only coach they have ever known in Barry Trotz, and the team will try to improve on the ice as well by adding some long-needed offense to the organization.

They can do that and also add some size to the forward ranks by selecting Brendan Perlini from the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL. Perlini scored 34 goals this season and is a large presence on the wing, at 6’3″ and 205 lbs.

#12 – Phoenix Coyotes

Dec 23, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Phoenix Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett watches play from the bench during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix was in the playoff hunt right until the end, before losing a battle with the Dallas Stars for the last wild card spot.

The Coyotes also need top end forward talent in the system, since they have been trying to bring in stop-gap measures from outside the organization without really re-stocking from the inside.

The man to key the Coyotes future development is Calgary Hitmen center/winger Jake Virtanen. Virtanen is the complete package of speed, power and is a pure sniper who can pull the trigger with a lethal shot. He might go earlier, but he would be a steal at #12 for Phoenix.

#13 – Washington Capitals

Jan 10, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals head coach Adam Oates (M) talks with Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (81) and Capitals defenseman John Erskine (4) on the bench against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Caps have a new head coach in Barry Trotz, which will bring about a different mentality if not a different system to the formerly free-wheeling Capitals. What Trotz will do with more offensive talent than he has ever had at the NHL level will be interesting.

The Capitals are top-heavy up front when it comes to prospects and the blue line is pretty thin. However, there is a guy out there that can bring even more flash and dash to the Capitals forward unit, and you just might have seen some of his work in a video from the NHL draft combine.

Sonny Milano is a winger from the U.S. National Under 18 team, and despite his lack of top end competition has puck skills that put most NHLers to shame and is a creative force. He will need a couple of years of seasoning before being NHL ready, but will continue the Capitals trend for thinking offense-first.

#14 – Dallas Stars

Apr 25, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Dallas Stars center Shawn Horcoff (10) celebrates with the bench after a goal by Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (not pictured) against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The Stars got into the playoffs on the last week of the season, largely on the backs of their two stars, Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn.

They hit a home run last season at #10 with Valeri Nichushkin, who made the team as an 18 year old and looks to be a burgeoning power forward. If they can find a similar talent this year it will go a long way to solidifying an annual trip to the post-season.

Kevin Fiala is a Swiss forward who played in Sweden, including notching 11 points in 17 games in the top league last year. He is a dynamic skater with offensive talent who projects to be a top 6 forward and could make the jump to North America next season, even if it is to play in the AHL.

#15 – Detroit Red Wings

Apr 26, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock (L) reacts on the bench during the third period against the Boston Bruins in game five of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Wings made the playoffs for an incredible 23rd straight season despite being pummeled by injuries to key players. The organization as a whole is a shining example of how to do things the right way, from top to bottom.

If there is one weakness in the Wings organization, it is size in the forward ranks. That can begin to be addressed with the selection of U.S. National Under 18 team winger Alex Tuch.

Tuch is a monster at 6’4″ and 215 lbs, and he can combine that size with grit and offensive potential. The Wings are getting older and their young players are dynamic and talented but not necessarily gritty. Tomas Tatar and Thomas Jurco fit that mold, and if they are the future of the Wings they will need support from a player with the size and toughness that Tuch will bring down the line.

Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The second half of the first round will kick off next, with the playoff teams that made early exits stepping to the podium. If you haven’t already done so, please check out Picks 1-5 and 6-10 from the links on the right.