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USAToday draft story by Kevin Allen

This year's draft is projected to be deep in talent, but there seems to be a real advantage to getting in the top four and landing either Jones, Finnish league center Alexander Barkov or forwards Jonathan Drouin or Nathan MacKinnon from Halifax (Nova Scotia) of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

"I think all four of them can play next year," [Craig] Button said. [...]

Barkov or MacKinnon would fill a definite need in Calgary.

"The Flames are screaming for a No. 1 center," Button said. "They haven't had a No. 1 center since they traded Joe Nieuwendyk (in 1995)." [...]

"Barkov is a complete two-way centerman," Button said. "Barkov reminds me of Ronnie Francis, and that's why I think he steps right into the league and starts contributing."

MacKinnon is an exceptional skater and scorer who plays center but could end up on the wing.

"He's a little bit like Jeremy Roenick," McGuire said. "He's a highflier, and he has skill. He can be physical. He's not afraid." [...]

But it's Jones who is drawing the rave reviews.

"He's the franchise defenseman every team is looking for," [Pierre] McGuire said. "His ability to one-time the puck is huge. He can really skate. He can log big minutes. He's not going to be intimidated." [...]

It would be best for a team to get in the top three, because there is a 41% chance a team outside the top three will win the lottery. If a team has one of the three worst records, it is guaranteed to get one of those four players.