The following mock draft comes fromRed Line Report, an independent scouting service. Note that the mock draft has a number of significant differences from Red Line's own value board. Red Line Report is a pure scouting service and ultimately ranks prospects in the order we would select available players if we lived in a vacuum where needs and other outside forces never entered the equation. This mock draft represents an exercise in scenarios that we think might happen on draft day. Erie (Pennsylvania) Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer, projected to go No. 1 overall, is one of the top defense prospects in the last five years. But depth is lacking in this draft beyond the first half of the first round. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Erie Projects to be a complete top pairing performer. He's an exceptional skater who can be a difference-maker off therush and an effective 1-on-1 defender. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder has many tools and uses them in a mature, smart playing style. Center Michael Misa, Saginaw The Sharks also could be considering Porter Martone at this spot, but it would be difficult to pass on Misa. With Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith already on the roster, the addition of another elite skilled forwardmakes perfect sense. You can sort out their positions later. Right wing Porter Martone, Brampton This is a good fit for Connor Bedard because Martone has a physical presence to go with his scoring ability. He can create some space for Bedard and take advantage of his creativity while playing a Tkachuk-style game. He has the size and desire of a prototypical power forward. Center James Hagens, Boston College This guy was top ranked at the start of the year and rest assured the Mammoth will remind fans about that. He's an imaginative playmaking center with elite skating ability. Dynamic. Center Anton Frondell, Djurgardens (Sweden) Big center already has NHL strength. The best pure shooter in the draft is fierce on the forecheck and a load for defenses to handle. Center Caleb Desnoyers, Moncton Desnoyers perfectly fills the Flyers' need for a top two-way center. Terrific details in his game and makes all his linemates better. Center Jake O'Brien, Brantford Two-way center, smart player, creative playmaker, understands how to play the right way, the kind of player who makes an NHL roster early because of his hockey IQ. Defenseman Radim Mrtka, Seattle He's a 6-foot-6 defenseman who can skate and jump into the rush. How many players like that are currently playing in the NHL? Teams trying to move up probably are doing it to draft the massive Czech blue-liner. Right wing Roger McQueen, Brandon There's a chance the Sabres may trade this pick in a deal for immediate help. Kevyn Adams needs to get this team in the playoffs this season or else. If they don't trade the pick and McQueen is available, he could be the Sabres' guy. At 6-foot-5 with dynamic offensive skill, he's the closest thing to Tage Thompson. Defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, Barrie He scored 26 goals this season and plays a heavy game. Has been compared to Jacob Trouba in terms of playing style, and the Ducks could use plenty of that attitude. Defenseman Jackson Smith, Tri-City Smith's skating is his best asset. The 6-footer has a blend of size and mobility that every NHL GM wants on his blue line, plus an emerging offensive game. Right wing Victor Eklund, Djurgardens (Sweden) The younger brother of Sharks winger William Eklund, Victor will match his accomplishment of being a first-round NHL draft pick. Scouts love his compete level. He's a smallish, skilled player who can handle physical play. Left wing Carter Bear, Everett Bear is a hard-working 40-goal scorer in the Western Hockey League who offers skill and a tenacious attitude. He's average-sized, but plays bigger on the forecheck and competes hard every shift. Goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George Goaltending is an issue for the Blue Jackets. It's time for the organization to start getting some talent in the pipeline by drafting 2025's best goalie. Center Brady Martin, Sault Ste. Marie He is a relentless beast who plays with overflowing energy. You win with players like Martin. He can help a team in a variety of roles and is a very safe pick. Left wing Lynden Lakovic, Moose Jaw He's the nephew of the late former NHL tough guy Sasha Lakovic, but Lynden doesn't play like his uncle. Theyoung Lakovic is an offensive force with size, speed, slick hands and a scoring touch. Right wing Justin Carbonneau, Blainsville-Boisbriand Considered one of the most skilled players in the draft. If he played a more varied game with a consistent performance level, he'd be a top 10 pick. But he makes enough "wow" plays to score 77 goals in the last two Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League seasons. Left wing Malcolm Spence, Erie He's a pro-style winger who scored 32 goals in the Ontario Hockey League this season. He can skate and competes big time. Center Braeden Cootes, Seattle Hard-working, smart, energetic, penalty-killing scorer. Put up 26 goals and can do whatever you need in order to help the team. Left wing Jack Murtagh, U.S. National Team Development Program He's a physical north-south winger who was the best goal scorer for the U.S. program. He's a bulldog who competeslike every game is a Game 7. Center Jack Nesbitt, Windsor Big bodied, 6-foot-4 center sees himself as a Jamie Benn-type player. Enhanced his draft status this season by scoring 25 goals. Raw but a good skater with strong net front presence. Defenseman Cameron Reid, Kitchener An elite skater who is smart defensively and instinctive offensively. Puck-moving power play quarterback put up 54 points in the OHL. Right wing Ben Kindel, Calgary Not big, but quite comfortable taking the puck to the net. Gritty and has outstanding speed and offensive skills. Defenseman Logan Hensler, University of Wisconsin Words like "steady," and "effective" describe Hensler. He has potential for growth in his offensive game. The 6-foot-2-inch Badgers blue-liner scored 12 points in 32 games as a freshman. Center Cullen Potter, Arizona State Watching Potter jet up the ice like he's an F15 thundering across the sky is enough to catch your attention. He's adangerous performer who will become even more productive when he grows stronger. Defenseman Blake Fiddler, Edmonton The son of former NHLer Vernon Fiddler seems to have the NHL in his DNA. He understands how to defend and his puck movement is efficient. He's a shutdown defender and his offensive game is improving. Center Ivan Ryabkin, Muskegon The mercurial Russian rocket scored 19 goals in just 27 games after arriving in the United States Hockey League in midseason. Blends a heavy physical presence with exceptional hands. Right wing Cameron Schmidt, Vancouver He's an elite game-breaker with tremendous speed and goal scoring ability. The issue is he's 5-foot-7. If he were taller, he'd go in the top 15. Left wing Bill Zonnon, Rouyn-Noranda All-out effort guy whose feet are always in motion and constantly applies pressure on the puck. Center Cole Reschny, Victoria Smallish and highly versatile. He's one of the most intelligent players in this draft and a proven winner. Center Milton Gästrin, MoDo (Sweden) Physical center controls the middle of the ice. Strong skater who wins puck battles and already plays an NHL style. LW Will Moore, U.S. National Team Development Program The U.S. NTDP's purest offensive skills guy scored 27 goals but his effort away from the puck is questionable. Kyle Woodlief is the publisher and chief scout ofRed Line Report. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NHL mock draft: Matthew Schaefer projected No. 1; who follows?