Redrafting the Top 10 of the 2020 NHL Draft

*2018 NHL Redraft*

*2019 NHL Redraft*

The 2020 NHL Draft was loaded with talent, but as always, hindsight is 20/20. With a few seasons in the books, some players have skyrocketed past their original draft positions, while others haven’t quite lived up to expectations. If the draft were held today, here’s how the top 10 picks would shake out.

1. New York Rangers – Tim Stützle (Original Pick: Alexis Lafrenière, 1st)

The Rangers originally took Lafrenière, but if they could do it over, Tim Stützle would be the no-brainer choice. The dynamic German forward has blossomed into a franchise center for Ottawa, showcasing elite skating, playmaking, and goal-scoring ability. He’s already established himself as one of the NHL’s brightest young stars.

2. Los Angeles Kings – Jake Sanderson (Original Pick: Quinton Byfield, 2nd)

The Kings stick with a high-upside player but pivot to defense with Jake Sanderson. While Byfield is still developing, Sanderson has already proven to be an elite two-way defenseman in Ottawa. His skating, defensive awareness, and offensive upside make him the kind of foundational blueliner every team covets.

3. Ottawa Senators – Lucas Raymond (Original Pick: Tim Stützle, 3rd)

With Stützle off the board, Ottawa grabs Lucas Raymond, who has become an integral piece of Detroit’s young core. A smooth-skating winger with elite vision and a lethal shot, Raymond would still be a fantastic pick for the Sens, even if they’d miss out on their franchise center.

4. Detroit Red Wings – Jamie Drysdale (Original Pick: Lucas Raymond, 4th)

Detroit originally went with Raymond, but in a redraft, they opt for Drysdale, an offensive-minded defenseman with elite skating ability. Injuries have slowed his development, but his ceiling remains incredibly high as a future top-pairing blueliner.

5. Ottawa Senators – Quinton Byfield (Original Pick: Jake Sanderson, 5th)

Byfield has had a slower start to his NHL career, but his recent breakout with the Kings proves he still has top-line potential. At 6’5” with elite skating and playmaking, he’d be a strong fit for Ottawa as a long-term center option behind Stützle (had they still drafted him at No. 3).

6. Anaheim Ducks – Dawson Mercer (Original Pick: Jamie Drysdale, 6th)

Mercer has been a revelation for the Devils, showcasing versatility, scoring touch, and defensive responsibility. He plays in all situations and has a relentless motor, making him an ideal building block for Anaheim’s rebuild.

7. New Jersey Devils – Alexis Lafrenière (Original Pick: Alexander Holtz, 7th)

Lafrenière has started to come into his own, but he hasn’t quite lived up to the generational hype. Still, his skillset is undeniable, and playing alongside New Jersey’s young stars would help him thrive in a way he couldn’t with the Rangers’ logjam on the wing.

8. Buffalo Sabres – Anton Lundell (Original Pick: Jack Quinn, 8th)

Lundell has become an excellent two-way center for Florida, giving Buffalo a strong, defensively sound middle-six pivot to support their high-end talent. He brings maturity, hockey IQ, and reliability—things the Sabres desperately need.

9. Minnesota Wild – Yegor Chinakhov (Original Pick: Marco Rossi, 9th)

This might seem like a reach, but Chinakhov’s elite shot and offensive instincts make him an intriguing selection here. He’s proven he can score at the NHL level, and in Minnesota, he’d add some much-needed firepower to their forward group.

10. Winnipeg Jets – Marco Rossi (Original Pick: Cole Perfetti, 10th)

While injuries and health issues slowed his development, Rossi has turned a corner and is finally looking like the top-six center Minnesota envisioned. Winnipeg, needing center depth, would gladly scoop him up here.

Notable Omissions

• Cole Perfetti (Original 10th Overall, Winnipeg) – Still a strong prospect, but others have leapfrogged him in development.
• Alexander Holtz (Original 7th Overall, New Jersey) – Good scorer but hasn’t fully broken out yet.
• Jack Quinn (Original 8th Overall, Buffalo) – Has been solid, but injuries have slowed his rise.

What do you think? Who should have made the top 10? Let us know in the comments!