The 2022 NHL Draft is fast approaching as all 32 teams look toward the future. It's a busy time for these franchises, as the league's legal tampering period and free agency begin shortly after the draft concludes.

The Montreal Canadiens hold the first overall selection in the draft after winning the league's draft lottery. It's the first time since the league instituted a draft lottery in 1995 that the winner also hosted the drafted.

How will the board shake out for those involved? Who will go No. 1 overall this year? Let's dive in and find out.

Final 2022 NHL Mock Draft

1) Montreal Canadiens: Shane Wright, C, Kingston Frontenacs

This selection isn't as likely as it was at the beginning of the year. However, Wright is still the best overall player in the draft and has the potential to be the next great Canadiens superstar.

The 18-year-old is an athletic kid with the physical tools to maintain balance over the puck. His wrist shot is his greatest weapon, a shot he's able to release with frightening quickness and in any situation. He is more than capable in the defensive zone and can push the play up the ice in transition.

Wright recorded 94 points for the Frontenacs in the regular season and 14 points in the postseason. Kingston fell to the North Bay Battalion in the second round of the OHL Playoffs.

The draft is in Montreal, which adds a layer to the pick. Getting this pick right in front of its supporters is crucial for the Habs. The fact Wright is widely accepted as the top player in this class may put extra pressure on the franchise to pick the 18-year-old.

2) New Jersey Devils: Juraj Slafkovsky, LW, TPS

The Devils are in an interesting position here. They have three NHL quality centers entering their primes in Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer. The team drafted highly-touted defenseman Luke Hughes last year, as well.

Rumor has it that the Devils are open to trading this selection. There are no trades in this mock, however, so that scenario isn't reflected here. What is reflected is a belief by many around the league that New Jersey needs to add size.

Slafkovsky is one of the bigger players in the draft, standing 6'4″ and weighing 218 pounds. Built like an NBA forward, the Slovakian prospect is also a skillful player. He's able to use his surprising finesse and smooth hands to fool defenders in his way.

Slafkovsky has had a successful 2021-22 season. He recorded nine points in five games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, leading Slovakia to a silver medal. Slafkovsky picked up seven points at the 2022 Winter Olympics as Slovakia won the Bronze. He became the youngest player to score at the Olympics and was named MVP of the tournament.

The 18-year-old has proven capable against not only his peers but against pro-level competition. He scored 10 points in 33 games for TPS this season in the Finnish SM-liiga.

The Devils are in a position to be able to take a more polished, NHL-ready prospect given the way their roster looks at this point. If they stick with the second pick, Slafkovsky should be the selection.

3) Arizona Coyotes: Logan Cooley, C, US NTDP

The Coyotes have quality depth on the wings. Clayton Keller has emerged as a potential cornerstone player. Behind him are Nick Schmaltz and Jan Jenik. Waiting in the wings is last year's ninth overall pick, Dylan Guenther.

However, the team direly needs help down the middle. Their only center with any real NHL experience is Alex Galchenyuk, who'll be a free agent this offseason.

Barrett Hayton, one of the team's former top draft picks, reached the NHL last season. Behind him, the Yotes played two college free agent signings down the stretch.

Cooley won't give them an experienced center, but he provides much-needed depth down the middle. And he has the potential to be a top-six forward in the league.

The 18-year-old played 51 games with the US National U18 Team in 2022 and lit up the scoresheet. He potted 27 goals and 75 points. Cooley also added 10 points in six games at the U18 World Juniors.

He is a high-skill and high-motor player who combines blazing speed with a hard-nosed attitude. He is a scout and coach's dream on the ice, and should easily go within the top three.

4) Seattle Kraken: Simon Nemec, RD, HK Nitra

Nemec is a candidate to go before this pick, potentially at the very top of the draft. However, he falls to the NHL's youngest franchise and is scooped up here.

After taking Michigan's Matty Beniers second overall last year, the Kraken will likely look to add a top-of-the-line blueliner. Nemec certainly fits the bill.

The 18-year-old, like his fellow countryman Slafkovsky, has experienced playing at a professional level. The HK Nitra star has played 112 games at a pro-level in his native Slovakia, recording 65 points. This past year in the playoffs, he recorded 17 points in 19 games.

He is a complete three-zone defender who can organize the play from the back. For his age, he has a rare combination of composure and deception that makes him a threat. He may not be a true game-breaking force offensively, but he's still a player teams need to monitor.

Nemec is the type of defenseman the Kraken can begin to build their future around. And that's precisely what this young franchise needs.

5) Philadelphia Flyers: Cutter Gauthier, C/LW, US NTDP

This is a pick that's a bit off the board, but recent chatter around the league indicates the Flyers may pull off the first big surprise of the draft.

That chatter also shows they like Gauthier, a versatile forward who possesses the ability to play down the left-hand side or kick inside at center.

The Boston College commit has worked hard to mold his game from simply putting pucks on the net. He's shown the ability and willingness to crash the net hard, fight for loose pucks, and create scoring chances for himself.

While not exactly the most menacing power forwards, his 6'3″ frame allows him to finish through his checks and help regain possession. Gauthier flashes a surprising amount of speed and displays decent enough vision on the ice.

This prospect is the type of player new head coach John Tortorella loves. It may be a bit higher than most expect, but don't be surprised if Gauthier lands here on Thursday.

6) Columbus Blue Jackets (via Chicago Blackhawks): David Jiricek, RD, HC Plzen

Another big defenseman with professional-level experience, Jiricek is a candidate to go higher than this as well. The Czechian international suffered a knee injury at the World Juniors in December. However, he hasn't lost a step.

The 18-year-old recorded 11 points in 29 games with HC Plzen in the Tipsport Extraliga this season. While not the greatest goalscorer, he contributes at both ends of the ice. He helps drive possession for his team as well.

The coaching staff with Plzen trusted the youngster. He averaged 18 minutes a game for the club this past season.

Jiricek possesses possibly the hardest point shot in the draft to go along with his contributions in the offensive zone. He is more of an imposing player than Nemec and thrives during transitional play.

The Jackets are still reaping the rewards for last year's Seth Jones trade, and Jiricek would certainly be one great addition to the farm system.

 7) Ottawa Senators: Joakim Kemell, RW, JYP

The Senators have a core of young stars, but they don't have a true superstar. Tim Stützle could become that, but there's a chance he doesn't reach true superstardom. In that case, adding a player like Kemell could be huge.

Ottawa loves to draft a certain type of player. They love hard-nosed players who have a complete 200-foot game and possess a special level of athleticism that allows them to shine. The Finnish product fits that bill to a tee.

The 18-year-old started hot in 2022 but cooled off as the season reached its conclusion. He recorded 15 goals and 23 points in 39 games in the SM-liiga. The club finished 13th in the league, sporting the worst goal differential in the league.

He put up a strong performance at the U18 World Juniors, especially in the medal round. He recorded six goals and eight points as Finland took the Bronze from Czechia.

Kemell fits what the Senators need, both now and in the future. It's a pick that simply makes sense.

8) Detroit Red Wings: Marco Kasper, C/LW, Rögle BK

This pick may raise a few eyebrows, but given the Red Wings' tendencies and ties to Kasper's club, it makes more sense.

Detroit has utilized Rögle to help develop its younger talent since Steve Yzerman took over as general manager in 2019. The 2022 Calder Memorial Trophy winner, Moritz Seider, developed his game at Rögle.

Two more Wings prospects, Theodor Neiderbach and William Wallinder will play for the Swedish outfit this season. It's a club that has gained a reputation for allowing younger plays an opportunity to shine. And it's a program Yzerman trusts.

Those around the league believe this may be too early for Kasper. However, people around the league also believed Seider went higher than he should've when he was drafted sixth overall in 2019.

Kasper's all-around offensive game is impressive. He's patient with the puck and uses his poise to remain calm while looking for an opening. He is also a complete 200-foot player, being able to contribute defensively.

The biggest thing going for the 18-year-old is his leadership abilities. Already at a young age, he has shown the ability to lead a team through his actions. And that ability is being recognized, as Kasper will captain the Austrian national team at next month's IIHF World Juniors.

Kasper may not be the most flashy or popular pick, but he fits everything Yzerman looks for in a prospect.

9) Buffalo Sabres: Matthew Savoie, C, Winnipeg Ice

Savoie is another player who could go higher than this on Thursday. The Sabres would be thanking their lucky stars if the board fell this way.

Savoie possesses an NHL-caliber shot, which is both pinpoint accurate and lightning quick. His quick hands allow him to beat defenders one-on-one, and his speed/explosiveness combination allows him to put defenders on their back foot.

Buffalo has enough talent on the wings in their pipeline. Savoie adds another level to their center depth and could be a top-line center if everything pans out.

10) Anaheim Ducks: Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW, Djurgårdens IF

While the NHL Draft typically sees three defensemen going top 10, the Ducks don't need to grab a defenseman here. They can pick up a quality blueliner with their second pick of the first round.

Here, the Ducks grab a scoring winger to pair nicely with their two top centers of the future, Mason McTavish and Trevor Zegras.

Lekkerimaki scored some beautiful goals this season and was paired on a line with two projected first-round picks. He also turned in an insane 15-point performance at the U18 World Juniors.

His quick catch-and-release method in shooting the puck makes him a threat anywhere in the offensive zone. If a goalie leaves an opening, Lekkerimaki will find it.

This is a player who you want to have the puck on his stick. And the Ducks would be wise to pick him up here.

11) San Jose Sharks: Kevin Korchinski, LD, Seattle Thunderbirds

Korchinski is a point-per-game defenseman who is a really smooth skater on the ice. He possesses impressive footwork to get by forecheckers, and his vision allows him to read and anticipate the game extremely well.

The 6'2″ defenseman is better as a defender in transition than he is defending in a zone. He is possibly the most balanced skater in the draft and will give it his all to affect the play regardless of the situation.

The Sharks have little in the way of top-line defensive prospects in their pipeline. Adding one here makes too much sense.

12) Columbus Blue Jackets: Frank Nazar, C, US NTDP

Nazar has come a long way this season, which has risen his stock quite a lot. Part of that is due to his quick wrist shot, which makes him a threat along the perimeter.

He is also extremely creative in the offensive zone. He uses the space available to him about as well as anyone in this draft. Nazar is one of the fastest skaters in the class, allowing him to breeze past defenders with ease.

The Jackets picked up Cole Sillinger in last year's draft and add another here. The Michigan commit has the potential to give Columbus two top-six centers to build around in the future.

13) New York Islanders: Brad Lambert, C/RW, Pelicans

Lambert is one of the most skilled players in the draft. There's an argument to be made that the 18-year-old is a top-three talent in this class. And yet, most expect him to fall.

Lambert is one of the best offensive forwards available and has the potential to be a superstar. He's a fearless player who has the skill and skating necessary to create opportunities for his teammates.

As glowing as the praise can be for Lambert, the red flags are just as eye-catching. The Finland native has been criticized for taking plays off and looking disinterested without the puck at his feet. A criticism Lambert feels is unjustified.

The Islanders stop his fall here for one reason: the new head coach on Long Island is Lane Lambert, Brad's uncle. There may not be a team who knows the player better than the Isles, and they could benefit from other teams choosing “safer” players.

14) Winnipeg Jets: Conor Geekie, C, Winnipeg Ice

The Jets could go for a defenseman here, but Geekie being here changes that. If it wasn't for a bit of a dip in production and a few less than desirable showings, he wouldn't be here.

Geekie is a big player, standing at 6'4″. And he has impressive body control that helps him keep control of the puck in the offensive zone. He's not easily bumped off the puck. He usually plays through those bumps and keeps the play alive.

While not a great skater, he skates well enough for his size. Geekie moves better at his age than his brother Morgan, who's with the Seattle Kraken, did at the same age. Conor also possesses a great shot that makes him a threat in the offensive zone.

The Jets grab a potential top-six player here that they likely didn't expect to still be available at this point.

15) Vancouver Canucks: Liam Öhgren, LW, Djurgårdens IF

Öhgren was one of Lekkerimaki's linemates this past season, and he is a player that just projects well into the future.

Djurgårdens were relegated to the second division of Swedish hockey, the HockeyAllsvenskan. On paper, this means Öhgren will play a bigger role next season in the final year of his contract. He also is put into a position to break out on the scoresheet.

Öhgren produced at a high level despite the team's demotion, and his powerful shot is a huge reason. He's a bigger and stronger player than his linemates, and he is more of a leader as well.

The Canucks need high-end forwards, and Öhgren would fit into the organization very well.

16) Buffalo Sabres (via Vegas Golden Knights): Danila Yurov, LW/RW, Metallurg Magnitogorsk

Yurov is a highly skilled player that should go higher, but likely won't. It's nothing to do with the player himself, just the situation he's in.

Yurov is contracted to the KHL. Given ongoing global events, there is uncertainty around Russian prospects based in Russia. Yurov is only a sure bet to be drafted as high as he is here because he's playing in Michigan, not Russia.

However, the 18-year-old is highly skilled. And could be a top 10 pick in a different world. He dominated in the KHL's minor league system but was held off the score sheet in 21 KHL games this past season.

That may also be held against him. The Sabres, however, have a strong enough prospect pool and a stockpile of draft picks to justify taking a risk here.

17) Nashville Predators: Pavel Mintyukov, LD, Saginaw Spirit

The Predators seem to want a defenseman here, and it's easy to see why. They've spent almost all of their recent top draft picks on forwards. The lone exception to this was when the Predators selected Yaroslav Askarov in the first round in 2020.

The team cannot immediately replace Filip Forsberg in this draft, so they look to the blueline. Mintyukov came over from Russia this past season and was impressive for a struggling Saginaw team.

He is a talented puck handler and shooter. He is a three-zone player who is eager to join the rush offensively. The 18-year-old Russian possesses the ability to quarterback a power-play if need be.

The Predators need depth on the blueline, and they find it in the Saginaw product here.

18) Dallas Stars: Ryan Chesley, RD, US NTDP

Chesley is not rated that highly among many in the media, but rumors have it that he is extremely well-liked among NHL evaluators.

He played top-pairing minutes with the US National Team Development Program in 2022. Those around the game have been aware of this kid for a long time.

Chesley will play college hockey at the University of Minnesota. He came to life at the U18 Worlds, impressing many after a bit of a slow start to the season. Chesley wore an A on his sweater, showing how the program viewed him through his time there.

The Stars have used a few of their recent high picks on forwards, so a defenseman here makes a lot of sense.

19) Minnesota Wild (via Los Angeles Kings): Isaac Howard, LW, US NTDP

There's an argument to be made that Howard is a top 10 talent in this class. However, many people around the game knock him down because of his size.

Many view him as being undersized. He stands 5'10”, which is taller than former star and current Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis.

That doesn't automatically mean Howard will be a success, but if a player is talented, draft him and worry about the rest later. The Wild, who acquired this pick in the Kevin Fiala trade recently, have a strong enough draft pool to justify taking a perceived undersized player here.

20) Washington Capitals: Denton Mateychuk, LD, Moose Jaw Warriors

Mateychuk very well could go higher than this, but the NHL Draft begins to be a little wonky in this 10-20 range, so the Moose Jaw star is available.

Mateychuk has slipped a bit in this mock, so the Capitals find his ceiling is too good to pass up on. The soon-to-be 18-year-old can direct the play and drive results on the ice. He has the potential to hold down a top-four spot in the NHL.

Washington has invested in the forward core in recent drafts. They go in a different direction for needed blueline depth here.

21) Pittsburgh Penguins: Rutger McGroarty, LW, US NTDP

The Penguins need an injection of life in their prospect pipeline. This pick won't vault their pool to one of the league's best, but it's a step in the right direction.

McGroarty is a leader. He was the captain of the US NTDP. He is an extremely charismatic player who certainly impressed in interviews back at the NHL Scouting Combine.

His hands and finishing touch help make him a threat on the ice. And he's able to accurately place his shot wherever he needs to create the best chance.

McGroarty has all the tools to become a true star in the league. He seems to have the off-ice characteristics down. The Penguins should be able to develop his skills on the ice just fine.

22) Anaheim Ducks (via Boston Bruins): Owen Pickering, LD, Swift Current Broncos

The Ducks grabbed a highly talented winger with their first pick, and grab their defenseman here.

Pickering is very much a project, but he has a higher ceiling than most give him credit for. He was productive on a Swift Current outfit that didn't produce a ton in terms of goals.

He possesses a hard shot from the point, and he can skate with the best. Pickering needs to add some muscle to carve out a role in the NHL, but the potential is definitely there.

23) St. Louis Blues: Seamus Casey, RD, US NTDP

St. Louis has invested in forwards a lot in recent drafts. Their top defensive prospect, Scott Perunovich, is likely to graduate from prospect status soon.

Casey is another quarterback on the power play. He is also incredible in transition, distributing the puck through the neutral zone with ease. A lot of what Casey can do on the ice looks so effortless.

The blueliner has committed to the University of Michigan, which is good for the Blues. Michigan has turned out a lot of highly touted prospects in recent years. Just last year, they had three players selected in the top five, and a fourth player picked who was committed to playing there this season.

Casey very well could fall out of the first round, but the Blues would be smart to pick up the 18-year-old Miami native here.

24) Minnesota Wild: Matyas Sapovaliv, C/LW, Saginaw Spirit

The Wild are back on the clock with their original selection in this draft. And while center is not a position of need, Sapovaliv is talented enough to justify the selection.

Puck possession is a strength of his game. Sapovaliv uses his body to shield the puck better than the vast majority of this class. He is more of a passer than a shooter, looking to create opportunities for others than taking them for himself.

The 18-year-old came over to the US for increased ice time and to fine-tune his game better. He succeeded in both regards. Fun fact: Sapovaliv was a teammate of future Hockey Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr in the Czechian second division.

25) Toronto Maple Leafs: Noah Ostlund, C, Djurgårdens IF

The Leafs get a player here that simply fits what they're looking for. Adding depth down the middle doesn't hurt, either.

Ostlund centered Lekkerimaki and Öhgren this past season. He is a two-way player who's adept in the faceoff circle and is a reliable penalty killer.

He is also a capable player at even strength. Ostlund is a playmaker, and he's to distribute the puck with ease. He's smooth in possession and can create chances extremely quickly if he regains the puck after losing possession.

Ostlund has two years on his contract, but if Djurgårdens are unable to gain promotion back to the SHL, the second year is voided. This gives Toronto a chance to evaluate him for a year and potentially bring him to North America sooner than expected.

26) Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames): Nathan Gaucher, C, Quebec Remparts

The Habs still stand to add another center even after selecting Wright first overall. For this draft pick, they didn't need to look very far.

Gaucher played his junior hockey with the Quebec Remparts. He is a strong kid who can impose himself on defenders one moment before flashing a nice finishing touch the next. He's also a French-Canadian kid who grew up just outside Montreal, so he more than fits in with the franchise.

This pick gives the Habs a clear 1-2-3 punch down the middle in Nick Suzuki, Wright, and Gaucher to build their future around.

27) Arizona Coyotes (via Carolina Hurricanes): Filip Mesar, LW/RW, HK Poprad

It's a rare sight that a draft prospect in any sport comes out to the media and says which teams he feels are the most interested in him before the draft itself. Yet, Mesar has done that, indicating the Coyotes and Tampa Bay Lightning are the most interested in him.

While the Coyotes select again in the first round, the Lightning pick right before them. Arizona avoids missing out on Mesar by simply taking him here.

28) Buffalo Sabres (via Florida Panthers): Jagger Firkus, RW, Moose Jaw Warriors

The Sabres would pick a defenseman here if Firkus wasn't available. His being available makes this first round a potentially special one for the organization.

He's another player slapped with the “undersized” label. And yet, he's always around the play. His size hasn't been a hindrance.

Firkus is a high-energy player who buzzes around the ice. Defenders have trouble taking the puck off of him, but when he doesn't have the puck, he plays with an aggression that causes issues for opposing teams.

Buffalo leaving this first round with three highly-rated offensive forwards allows them to add under-the-radar blueliners later on in the draft.

29) Edmonton Oilers: Jack Hughes, C, Northeastern University

The Oilers had success drafting college players last season, so why not go back to that well here? Hughes is not the flashiest prospect, but he doesn't need to be.

Hughes is a dream center. He improves his linemates, but he still creates chances for himself and doesn't waste many of them.

He should produce at a higher level next year at Northeastern. And he has a place as a decent middle-six center in the league.

30) Winnipeg Jets (via New York Rangers): Tristan Luneau, RHD, Gatineau Olympiques:

Luneau was a highly touted prospect not too long ago. He was selected first overall in the QMJHL Draft and seemed destined to be a star. Things haven't gone exactly that way.

That doesn't mean Luneau is a bad player. Far from it. He bounced back from a slow start by being a force down the stretch. He logged important minutes for Gatineau in all situations and usually matched up against the league's best.

After selecting Geekie earlier in this mock, the Jets bounce back and get their defenseman here. And they hope they can unlock the potential once seen in Luneau.

31) Tampa Bay Lightning: Owen Beck, C, Mississauga Steelheads

The Lightning grabs themselves a player that just screams “future Tampa Bay Lightning.” He pushes the tempo and wins his battles with his plus-speed and NHL-style game.

Beck can play on any line with any style of player and still be effective. Some around the game project him as a third-line center, but some are higher on him than that.

The Lightning can take a player like Beck here given their success as a franchise. If they unlock the higher ceiling some see in him, it's just another home run hit by this organization.

32) Arizona Coyotes (via Colorado Avalanche): Lane Hutson, LD, US NTDP

While many feel that Hutson could drop out of the first round, the Coyotes need a defenseman at this point in the draft. And Hutson is a talented hockey player.

Hutson is undersized, standing 5'8″. Most NHL defensemen are a lot taller than him. And a lot of his peers are, too. However, a lot of his peers can't do what Hutson can do.

Along with Chesley, Hutson was a go-to player for the national team development program. Also like Chesley, Hutson excelled on the powerplay.

Hutson is too talented to drop out of the first round. And the Coyotes should make sure he doesn't.