Defenseman John Moore is a likely first-round pick in Friday’s NHL draft, and the CC recruit would become the highest Tigers player ever drafted if he is selected before the 21st pick.
Here’s a sampling of where some NHL mock drafts predict Moore will go in the draft, and comments from the predictors:

SI.com: 14th, Florida Panthers
“Moore’s name has gained a lot of heat in the past few weeks. Offensively, that’s easy to understand. He’s a smooth skater and savvy playmaker who makes great reads in the other team’s zone. But in his own zone, he remains something of an adventure.”

ESPN.com: 14th, Florida Panthers
“In the long run, Moore fills the hole created by free agent Jay Bouwmeester’s predicted departure from South Florida.”

CBC.ca: 16th, Columbus Blue Jackets
“The Jackets like their forward depth but will look for the best defenseman available at No. 16.”

Canada.com: 19th, New York Rangers
“Rangers need big bodies up front, but it’s hard to pass up this talent who could drop into their lap.”

Ottawa Sun: 16th, Columbus Blue Jackets
“He has the size and skill to go along with great playmaking abilities. A tremendous skater, Moore started the 2008-09 season outside of the first round but with solid play from start to finish of season, ISS scouts feel he has moved ahead of most all the other highly rated blueline prospects.”

Adam Kimelman, NHL.com: 14th, Florida Panthers
“Some scouts believe he’s the best skater in the draft.”

Brad Holland, NHL.com: 14th, Florida Panthers
“Moore’s skating and passing ability make him a dynamic addition on defense.”

Shawn Roarke, NHL.com: 11th, Nashville Predators
“Rapidly rising defenseman can skate like the wind.”

Pierre McGuire, TSN.ca: 14th, Florida Panthers
“There is no better skater on defence and Moore brings mobility to the blueline.”

Craig Button, TSN.ca: 16th, Columbus Blue Jackets
“He’s a quick skater that loves to get into the attack.”

USA Today: 14th, Florida Panthers
“Has the type of range, skating speed, and puck rushing ability the Panthers will be losing in Jay Bouwmeester, and he will be the triggerman on their PP in a couple of years.”

NHLDraftsite.com: 9th, Ottawa Senators

MyNHLDraft.com: 13th, Buffalo Sabres

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