Brian Burke names his top six players for the draft, plus one wild card

The National Hockey League has announced that the 2020 NHL Draft will take place on October 6th, the latest in a long list of oddities created by the 2019-20 regular season shutdown due to COVID-19. While dozens of players will be selected during the draft, the focus, of course, is always on the top picks. Sportsnet analyst Brian Burke presented what he thinks are the top six picks in the NHL draft Saturday night, while also adding a wild card pick with four forwards, two defensemen and a goalie. Here are his choices:

#1 - Alexis Lafrenière

This one is a no-brainer. Considered by far the most talented player in the draft, there's no one else you would expect to see in this position. The French Canadian forward is set to become an elite winger in the NHL.

# 2 - Quinton Byfield

Byfield, from Newmarket, Ontario, impressed Burke with his skating. Some expect him to drop to third, but Burke doesn't share that opinion.

# 3 - Tim Stutzle

In the case of Stutzle, Burke cited the fact that he has been competing against men in the DEL. He also likes his toughness.

#4 - Cole Perfetti

Great vision, great player, great hands, great passer, said Burke.

Tied for #5 and #6: Jake Sanderson and Jamie Drysdale

Burke seemed unable to decide between the two young defenders, acknowledging his appreciation for both and complimenting both men on their skating abilities. “Drysdale is an elite skater, passer and a great person, but Sanderson is taller, good puck control."

His "wild card": Yaroslav Askarov

Burke stressed that no goaltender has been selected higher than 13th since 2013, but with Askarov in the mix, he thinks that that it could happen this year.

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