A mock NHL draft simulation reveals how teams might prioritize player development metrics beyond traditional stats, focusing on intangibles like goals, assists, power-play contributions, and defensive impact for skaters. Goalies are evaluated on foundational performance benchmarks such as wins, goals-against average, and save percentage, alongside secondary metrics like blocked shots and faceoff wins. The exercise highlights how advanced analytics could reshape drafting strategies, emphasizing well-rounded skill sets over single-category dominance. Analysts break down how these alternative metrics might influence team decisions in a non-keeper format.

NOTES: This is a non-keeper mock draft with standard categories (goals, assists, power-play points, shots on goal, hits and blocked shots for skaters; wins, goals-against average, save percentage, ...