Once Shane Wright goes off the board as the first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, nothing is certain. The remainder of the first round is far from predictable. If you were to ask 20 experienced NHL scouts to provide a first-round breakdown, you'd certainly get dozens of varied lists with differing opinions on almost every player. After Wright, the second tier of 5-6 players are the only first-round “guarantees.” One predictable portion of the opening round of the draft will be the absence of a goaltender. No netminder will earn consideration until much later in the event. The first round of the 2022 NHL draft could include players from as many as 10 nations, and has a depth of solid prospects with parity between picks 15-40, making this a draft that will be judged for its hits and misses for years to come.
The Athletic
Smaht Scouting
