Mock drafting the first 10 picks in the NHL Draft with the Blackhawks taking a power forward

8. Seattle Kraken - Radim Mrtka, defense, Seattle (WHL)

Many have mocked Mrtka to the Kraken for a while now, and it still seems like these two are a match made in heaven. Seattle needs more right-shot defenders in their system and adding a player with the size and skill of Mrtka who is playing right in their backyard seems almost too good to be true.

This was Mrtka's first season in North America after coming over from Czechia, he tallied 35 points in 43 games for the Seattle Thunderbirds and showed great adaptability throughout the season. He is a big defender at 6-foot-6 and moves very well for someone his size. His puck moving ability took a step forward when coming to North America as he shows lots of untapped potential.

9. Buffalo Sabres - Jake O'Brien, center, Brantford (OHL)

The Sabres find themself in a position that they have been in for the last couple of seasons which is draft the best available player who has fallen this far. This year shows a similar pattern with their pick being Jake O'Brien.

O'Brien had an outstanding year for the Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) with 98 points in 66 games. He is a 6-foot-2 center who has dynamic puck skills and creativity that makes him a threat whenever the puck is on his stick. He brings an added amount of skill to a Sabres organization that is looking to take the next step toward playoff contention.

10. Anaheim Ducks - Kashawn Aitcheson, defense, Barrie (OHL)

Over the past few seasons, the Ducks have not been afraid to go against popular belief and shock people with their pick, this year is no different as they select Kashawn Aitcheson.

Aitcheson is arguably the hardest working player in the draft who plays an almost excessively physical and competitive game which has made his draft stock skyrocket. The smooth-skating defender had 59 points in 64 OHL games this season as he was a physical force for the Barrie Colts. His work ethic and physicality aligns well with the type of players the Ducks have been drafting which should make him fit right into the organization.