NHL Mock Draft 2013: Columbus Blue Jackets select Max Domi with No.14 Pick

The annual SBNation NHL Mock Draft is upon us again, and with the first of three first round picks we couldn’t help but draft Max Domi of the London Knights 14th overall.

First, take a peek at who was taken with the first thirteen picks.

There are no surprises with the first five players chosen, order notwithstanding. The default pick of Sean Monahan to the Flames at 6…happened. Edmonton takes another forward in Elias Lindholm. Under most circumstances I’d chastise the Oilers for not taking the defenseman they should take, but Lindholm has the potential to be a steal. Buffalo, picking next, are the beneficiary of Edmonton’s continued run on forwards, taking Darnell Nurse. Hunter Shinkaruk and Rasmus Ristolainen round out the top ten, with Mirco Mueller, Bo Horvat and Kerby Rychel going in picks 11-13.

With the Jackets on the clock, our thoughts were on improving an organizational weakness- high end offense.

There were a handful of players available who could provide offensive punch, but none had the combination of creativity with the puck, bloodlines and willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win that Domi offered. He’s a dynamic offensive player, who while undersized, is exactly what the Jackets need.

To learn more, check out our Draft Prospect Profile on Domi.

If you look at the various mock drafts available out there, you’ll see Domi’s name all over the first round. He’s ranked 19th overall by NHL Central Scouting, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll be available with the 14th pick. With current CBJ prospect Josh Anderson a teammate of Domi with the London Knights, Jackets management will have had plenty of extra opportunities to get a feel for what Domi can offer while checking-in on Anderson.

This video clip is in the prospect profile, but it deserves a bump to the this post:

The Jackets would do well to add such a fantastic offensive player like Domi to the lineup. Stay tuned for our next pick in the SBNation Mock Draft- I absolutely love our pick at 19, and I think you will too.

How do you feel about our pick of Max Domi at 14th overall?