Arctic Ice Hockey’s 2013 NHL Mock Draft: Pick #9

Hey all! Welcome to another instalment of Arctic Ice Hockey's annual NHL Mock Draft.

Over the next thirty days, we will attempt to telepathically channel the minds of NHL General Managers as they complete their final rankings in preparation for the 2013 NHL Draft being held June 30, 2012 in Newark, NJ.

Without further adieu, we present our loyal readers with the ninth overall pick of Arctic Ice Hockey's 2013 Mock Draft.

Lou Lamoriello: With the ninth overall selection in this years draft, the New Jersey Devils are pleased to select…

Rankings: CSS (15 NA), ISS (10), TSN (19), Hockey Prospectus (14)

The Skinny: Despite having to part with a draft pick thanks to attempting salary cap circumvention with Ilya Kovalchuk’s long-term deal, it looks as though the New Jersey Devils will retain this summer’s first round pick, opting instead to part with their 2014 selection. Horvat is a skilled centre who is a few years away, but projects to have a good two-way game with surprising offense.

Hockey Prospectus:

"Horvat is one of the most complete forwards in this draft. He is tough, hard working, and defensively skilled, with enough offensive ability to project as a scoring line player. He was a top player for one of the best teams in the CHL. He is a good skater, with a technically sound stride, as he picks up speed quickly and easily. He is a strong, physical center who will lay the body, displaying the two-way work ethic NHL teams want to see. He is an aware penalty killer, good at faceoffs, and overall projects as a center who will start his shift in the defensive zone more often than not."

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