Seph's 2018 Draft + 2019 Draft + 2018 Mock Draft Extravaganza

[S E P H]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, it is that time of the year where the draft is getting closer which means you can partake on the festival of many draft and mock lists. Here is my annual triple threat consisting of MY 2018 draft list, what players I like for the 2019 draft, and finally my mock draft which consists of the first two rounds. As most of you already know my type of scouting, I will still explain it to the ones who don't. I value hockey intelligence as one of my central factors when viewing a player I like compared to ones I don't. That doesn't mean the smartest players will become the best NHL pros or I hate the tallest/heaviest who lack some intelligence to their game - there are ALWAYS exceptions.

In reality, you need a fine-line of all attributes to be a good scout and an impactful NHL player. For example, I consider Berggren one of the smartest players for this draft, but he has other issues where I find eighteen players who will be better than him. Just because Tkachuk isn't as smart as Boqvist, but has a different set of tools which I see gives him the edge in the pros and ultimately higher on my list. Again, you need that "fineline" where you aren't focusing too much on a single category that could potentially sway your opinion for the worst. I am just stating that I value all attributes when it comes to watching a player, but I that prefer intelligence a tad more than others.

Well...with that abstract over, I hope you guys enjoy and not get too offended because this draft is a crapshoot after the top eight or so!

NHL 2018 Final List
(##) = Spring List
1. Rasmus Dahlin, D (SWE) Frolunda Indians, SHL (1)
2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW (RUS) Barrie Colts, OHL (2)
3. Quinton Hughes, D (USA) Michigan University Wolverines, USHL (4)
4. Filip Zadina, LW (CZE) Halifax Mooseheads, LHJMQ (3)
5. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW (USA) USNTDP, USHL (8)
6. Brady Tkachuk, LW (USA) Boston University Terriers, NCAA (5)
7. Jesperi Kotaniemi, C (FIN) Assat, Liiga (10)
8. Noah Dobson, D (CAN) Acadie-Bathurst Titans, LHJMQ (20)
9. Joel Farabee, LW (USA) USNTDP, USHL (6)
10. Evan Bouchard, D (CAN) London Knights, OHL (7)
11. Serron Noel, RW (CAN) Oshawa Generals, OHL (15)
12. Adam Boqvist, D (SWE) Brynas IF, SuperElit (9)
13. Vitali Kravtsov, RW (RUS) Chelmet Chelyabinsk, VHL (21)
14. Bode Wilde, D (USA) USNTDP, USHL (13)
15. Jesse Ylonen, RW (FIN) Espoo United, Mestis (11)
16. Barrett Hayton, C (CAN) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, OHL (12)
17. Dominik Bokk, RW (GER) Vaxjo Lakers, SHL (24)
18. Martin Kaut, RW (CZE) HC Dynamo Pardubice, Czech (18)
19. Jonatan Berggren, C/RW (SWE) Skelleftea AIK, SuperElit (NR)
20. K’Andre Miller, D (USA) USNTDP, USHL (29)
21. Grigori Denisenko, LW (RUS) Loko Yaroslavl, MHL (14)
22. Liam Foudy, C (CAN) London Knights, OHL (NR)
23. Sean Durzi, D (CAN) Owen Sound Attack, OHL (HM)
24. Akil Thomas, C (CAN) Niagara IceDogs, OHL (22)
25. Ty Dellandrea, C (CAN) Flint Firebirds, OHL (46)
26. Ryan Merkley, D (CAN) Guelph Storm, OHL (16)
27. Ty Smith, D (CAN) Spokane Chiefs, WHL (17)
28. Mattias Samuelsson, D (USA) USNTDP, USHL (39)
29. Jay O’Brien, C (USA) Thayer Academy, USHS (40)
30. Tyler Weiss, LW (USA) USNTDP, USHL (NR)
31. Jake Wise, C (USA) USNTDP, USHL (35)

32. Rasmus Sandin, D (SWE) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, OHL (27)
33. Cameron Hillis, C (CAN) Guelph Storm, OHL (NR)
34. Philipp Kurashev, LW (SUI) Quebec Remparts, LHJMQ (26)
35. Jack McBain, C (CAN) Toronto Jr. Canadiens, OJHL (44)
36. Jonny Tychonick, D (CAN) Penticton Vees, BCHL (30)
37. Filip Hallander, C (SWE) Timra IK, Allsvenskan (60)
38. Joe Veleno, C (CAN) Drummondville Voltigeurs, LHJMQ (19)
39. Ryan McLeod, C (CAN) Mississauga Steelheads, OHL (36)
40. Jacob Bernard-Docker, D (CAN) Okotoks Oilers, AJHL (NR)
41. Allan McShane, C (CAN) Oshawa Generals, OHL (58)
42. Jacob Olofsson, C (SWE) Timra IK, Allsvenskan (23)
43. Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C (CAN) Halifax Mooseheads, LHJMQ (41)
44. Isak Lundestrom, C/LW (SWE) Lulea HF, SHL (47)
45. Kevin Bahl, D (CAN) Ottawa 67’s, OHL (NR)
46. Alexander Alexeyev, D (RUS) Red Deer Rebels, WHL (47)
47. Jett Woo, D (CAN) Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL (25)
48. Jakub Lauko, C/LW (CZE) Pirati Chomutov, Czech (33)
49. Calen Addison, D (CAN) Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL (27)
50. Jack Drury, C (USA) Waterloo Blackhawks, USHL (55)
51. Xavier Bernard, D (CAN) Drummondville Voltigeurs, LHJMQ (51)
52. Albin Erikkson, RW (SWE) Skelleftea AIK, SHL (NR)
53. David Gustafsson, C (SWE) HV71, SHL (HM)
54. Nando Eggenberger, LW (SUI) HC Davos, NLA (42)
55. Rasmus Kupari, C (FIN) Karpat, Liiga (45)
56. Jared McIsaac, D (CAN) Halifax Mooseheads, LHJMQ (31)
57. Blake McLaughlin, C (USA) Chicago Steel, USHL (52)
58. Stanislav Demin, D (USA) Wenatchee Wild, BCHL (54)
59. Nicolas Beaudin, D (CAN) Drummondville Voltigeurs, LHJMQ (HM)
60. Gabriel Fortier, LW (CAN) Baie-Comeau Drakkar, LHJMQ (48)
61. Cole Fonstad, RW (CAN) Prince Albert Raiders, WHL (34)
62. Vladislav Yeryomenko, D (BLR) Calgary Hitmen (57)


Honourable Mention
63. Ryan O’Reilly, C/RW (USA) Madison Capitols, USHL (50)
64. Martin Fehervary, D (SVK) IK Oskarshamn, Allsvenskan (62)
65. Aidan Dudas, C (CAN) Owen Sound Attack, OHL (43)
66. Linus Nyman, LW (FIN) Lukko, Liiga (HM)
67. Niks Lundkvist, D (SWE) Lulea, SHL (NR)
68. Filip Kral, D (CZE) Spokane Chiefs, WHL (59)
69. Carl Wassenius, C (SWE) Orebro HK, SuperElit (53)
70. Matej Pekar, C/RW (CZE) Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL (NR)
71. Chase Wouters, C/LW (CAN) Saskatoon Blades (NR)
72. Kim Nousiainen, D (FIN) Kalpa, JR A SM-Liiga (NR)
73. Alexander Khovanov, C (RUS) Moncton Wildcats, LHJMQ (HM)


NHL 2019 Very Early List
1. Jack Hughes, C (USA) USNTDP, USHL
2. Kaapo Kakko, RW (FIN) TPS, JR. A SM-Liiga
3. Alex Newhook, C (CAN) Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL
4. Alex Turcotte, C (USA) USNTDP, USHL
5. Cole Caufield, C/W (USA) USNTDP, USHL
6. Nolan Foote, LW (CAN) Kelowna Rockets, WHL
7. Kirby Dach, C (CAN) Saskatoon Blades, WHL
8. Marshall Warren, D (USA) USNTDP, USHL
9. Maxim Cajkovic, RW (SVK) Malmo Redhawks, SuperElit
10. Cam York, D (USA) USNTDP, USHL
11. Bowen Byram, D (CAN) Vancouver Giants, WHL
12. Jakob Pelletier, LW (CAN) Moncton Wildcats, LHJMQ
13. Michael Vukojevic, D (CAN) Kitchener Rangers, OHL
14. John Beecher, C (USA) USNTDP, USHL
15. Peyton Krebs, LW (CAN) Kootenay Ice, WHL
16. Albin Grewe, C/RW (SWE)Djurgardens, SuperElit
17. Dylan Cozens, C (CAN) Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL
18. Xavier Parent, C/LW (CAN) Halifax Mooseheads, LHJMQ
19. Valentin Nussbaumer, C/W (SUI) EHC Biel-Bienne, NLA
20. Raphael Lavoie, C (CAN) Halifax Mooseheads, LHJMQ
21. Tim Fleischer, C (GER) Jungadler Mannheim, DNL
22. Anttoni Honka, D (FIN) JYP, Liiga
23. Leevi Aaltonen, RW (FIN) KalPa, JR. A SM-Liiga
24. Spencer Knight, G (USA) USNTDP, USHL
25. Dmitri Sheshin, C (RUS) Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk, MHL
26. Mikko Kokkonen, D (FIN) Jukurit, Liiga
27. Danil Antropov, RW (CAN/KAZ) Oshawa Generals, OHL
28. Alex Vlasic, D (USA) USNTDP, USHL
29. Wiljami Myllyla, F (FIN) Hermes, JR. A SM-Liiga
30. Moritz Seider, D (GER) Jungadler Mannheim, DNL
31. Arthur Kaliyev, LW (USA) Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL

Honourable Mention
Alexei Protas, C (BLR) Team Belarus, Belarus II
Artemi Knyazev, D (RUS) Irbis Kazan, MHL
Henri Nikkanen, C (FIN) Jukurit, JR. A SM-Liiga
Martin Hugo Has, D (CZE) Tappara, JR. A SM-Liiga
Massimo Rizzo, C (CAN) Penticton Vees, BCHL
Michael Gildon, F (USA) USNTDP, USHS
Nicholas Robertson, C/LW (USA) Peterborough Petes, OHL
Robert Mastrosimone, C (USA) Chicago Steel, USHL
Ryan Suzuki, C (CAN) Barrie Colts, OHL
Samuel Poulin, LW (CAN) Sherbrooke Phoenix, LHJMQ
Simon Holmstrom, RW (SWE) HV71, SuperElit
Trevor Zegras, C (USA) USNTDP, USHS
Vannik Valenti, RW (GER) Vancouver Giants, WHL
Vladimir Alistrov, LW (BLR) Team Belarus, Belarus II

Click to read more...

 

[S E P H]

2018 MOCK DRAFT

Standings as of 06/08/2018
01. Buffalo Sabres – Rasmus Dahlin, D [Frolunda HC, SHL]
Ever since they traded away Nikita Zadorov in a package deal for Ryan O’Reilly, it opened a hole on this club. By drafting the best player by far in this draft, Dahlin not only covers the best player available quota, but fills in an organizational need on the backend for many years to come on the left side. A lot of fans call their best players magician, but Dahlin is honestly that – he creates plays out of nothing due to how well his strengths are such as IQ, skating, and vision.

02. Carolina Hurricanes – Andrei Svechnikov, RW [Barrie Colts, OHL]
Hurricanes might have a new owner with a brand-new direction, but Ron Francis might’ve setup this team for great potential. Sometimes the best move you make is the one you never make and Francis staying put not only in the Matt Duchene sweepstakes, but any other top forward paid off. Because in the end the Canes eventually won the second-place lottery drawing. Here they grab an offencive dynamo who isn’t flashy, but man he’s as effective as they come by.

03. Montreal Canadiens – Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C [Assat, Liiga]
I fully believe that the Habs will try to do anything they can to trade down, however I fully believe that Kotkaniemi will be their target. With Kotka, they finally get a centre they can build a team around and put everyone back into place for the greater good (such as Galchenyuk and Drouin). Jesperi doesn’t have the best nor the highest talent in the draft, but what he is a rock solid and reliable player at both ends of the ice. Furthermore, Kotkaniemi plays an NHL style of game and has the body frame once he puts more muscle on him to dig into the trenches and go to work.

04. Ottawa Senators – Filip Zadina, LW [Halifax Mooseheads, LHJMQ]
Senators are in a sticky yet hopeful situation because the player who’s available at number four really depends on if the Canadiens decide to trade down or not. If a team trades up, they’re doing it to draft Zadina and no one else, which means that the Sens will have to rethink their draft strategy. However, in this mock draft without any trades Zadina falls to the Senators who run up to the podium. He’s the type of player you want to grab to start Melnyk’s retool even if he’s a winger over a superior position. Even though he has consistency issues where you won’t notice him all the time, when he’s on his game he is as dynamic and dangerous as anyone in this entire draft.

05. Arizona Coyotes – Oliver Wahlstrom, RW [USNTDP, USHL]
I could see the Coyotes go after a handful of different players, but ultimately choose premier goalscorer Wahlstrom. Oliver isn’t just a goalscorer, he has a hound-dog mentality where he isn’t as physical to be a labelled as a powerfoward, but is sublime in the corners. Once Keller becomes more mature and eventually takes a centre spot, his playmaking qualities with Wahlstrom’s attribute could make one of the NHL’s deadliest duos in the entire league.

06. Detroit Red Wings – Adam Boqvist, D [Brynas IF, SuperElit]
This seems like a match made in heaven considering which players Red Wings like to draft and what Boqvist is as a defenceman. He’s a highly talented player who like a lot of prototypical Swedes, puts in the work at both ends of the ice with superb intelligence. He won’t be winning any battles against Ovechkin nor will be on the scoresheet every night, but once he’s in his prime he should be as consistent as they come by. Boqvist still has a level of rawness to him and considering Red Wings maturation process, he won’t be rushed and will saturate with more experience under his belt.

07. Vancouver Canucks – Noah Dobson, D [Acadie-Bathurst Titan, LHJMQ]
After a very solid 2017 draft by the Canucks, including several gamechangers on forward in the past handful of years, it’s time to rebuild that defence. No better way to start then by taking Dobson here at seventh overall. Dobson still has areas to work on such as his play away from the puck, improving his shot, and sustaining a more physical edge of play. Nonetheless, in terms of pure puck rushers, especially in the modern era Dobson is up there with Dahlin and Hughes as the best for this draft. His field of vision in particular is probably the best attribute of his game and oh man it is good. He’s that type of player where the best defence is having the puck in the offencive zone, which should do wonders for the Canucks defencive woes.

08. Chicago Blackhawks – Brady Tkachuk, C/LW [Boston University Terriers, NCAA]
Blackhawks have run into cap hell the past couple of seasons which has killed their depth. Instead of having NHL veterans in those positions to make a deep run, it has been injected by youth on their ELC’s which are just getting their feet wet. To solve these depth issues and by a big amount they select man-child Brady. I don’t think Tkachuk is as crazy or more of a pest as his older Matthew, but Tkachuk already has a man’s body which makes him very hard to control. Not only that, he has marvellous puck skills and makes defenders look like fools who underrate his ability. Yes, he needs to work on skating and I don’t think he necessarily played the game he wants to play due to his inferior skating ability. Once he does which I don’t have any concerns with, he will be a force to reckon with.

09. New York Rangers – Quinton Hughes, D [University of Michigan Wolverines, NCAA]
Similar to the Canucks, I thought Rangers started off their retool with a bang by a solid 2017 draft class. They continue that path to success with Quinn Hughes who has some of the highest potential of the draft. Though on the smaller side, Hughes played a year early in college to showcase the NHL scouts that a player at his size can survive against men – which he absolutely accomplished. Quinn, to me has the purest skating ability in this entire draft and if you factor in how smart of a player he is, sky is the limit. He’s going to have his limitations, but he knows that he needs to outsmart his opponent as Nicklas Lidstrom did before him. He has all the makings to become as good or even better than Brian Rafalski.

10. Edmonton Oilers – Evan Bouchard, D [London Knights, OHL]
We saw last year that a couple of players simply cannot do everything by themselves. For any of the borderline playoff clubs in the past couple of years, I don’t know if there is a team who has worse off depth issues than what the Oilers have. They’re an extremely top-heavy team which are still a couple of pieces off, especially on the backend. Fortunately, for them they’re in luck with steady and reliable Evan Bouchard. Akin to Svechnikov, Bouchard is one of those players who isn’t necessarily flashy or has the moves, but is productive and efficient in his game. He is systematic in how he plays and this allows him to possess a calm demeanor, which I suggest the Oilers need on the backend.

11. New York Islanders – Ty Smith, D [Spokane Chiefs, WHL]
Islanders have a lot of work to conduct this offseason with potential players leaving in Jonathan Tavares and defender Calvin de Haan. Prosperously, they have four picks within the top 60 of this draft which should restart the club’s rebirth if those two players decide to jet in free agency. One of the four is used to elect Ty Smith. Smith doesn’t possess many strengths nor high dynamic ability, but what traits he does have he does really well. One of those characteristics is that he’s a minute-eater as well as being very smart with the puck. He tends to make the safe play, but in certain circumstances the safe play is also the best play.

12. New York Islanders [From CGY] – Barrett Hayton, C [Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, OHL]
Like Smith, Hayton doesn’t have the highest talent of the draft, however the game he plays is quite effective and sustained for the NHL. He’s one of those jack-of-all-trades type of player that his game revolves around many different facets. He controls decent intelligence, puck skills, skating, and toughness for the full package. Next year should be a year to shine for him since the Soo will be losing a handful of top players which should open up more playing time for him in all situations.

13. Dallas Stars – Rasmus Kupari, C [Oulun Karpat, Liiga]
Stars are a wildcard team so it is very difficult to determine or predict who they are going to draft. Then factor in that after the top 11 or so players this draft will be a total crapshoot with teams using different BPA philosophies. In the end Jim Nill eventually grabs centre Kupari to help the team’s centre problems for the future. Rasmus is insanely raw and needs to learn how to use his teammates better. I am actually not a fan of him by any stretch of the imagination, where you guys will probably say I am selling him short. That might be the case, but there are some flashes of individual skill here which needs to blossom into more tools with experience.

14. Philadelphia Flyers [From STL] – Vitali Kravtsov, RW [Traktor Chelyabinsk, KHL]
Flyers like the Lightning are one of the teams who don’t mind taking risks. If that means to gamble on a riskier player or trading up for someone who they like they’re going to do it. This draft is going to be no different where they draft probably the fastest climbing player for the entire year, Kravtsov. Vitali is one of those prototypical Flyer and Russian forwards where he’s big, fast, and has some superb talent to go alongside the athletic ability. He’s just another diamond piece added to perhaps the deepest prospect system in the league.

15. Florida Panthers – Bode Wilde, D [USNTDP, USHL]
Panthers are on the cusp of something great and Bode Wild will add to that potential. He is definitely two to three years away, but the potential is there for the Panthers to add in a top 3 defender. Reminds me a lot of an Erik Johnson clone where there is some suspiciousness when it comes to his puck decisions, but the good outweighs the bad. Unlike Erik, Bode is still young enough that he’ll eventually learn what decisions to make at certain times via more experience. Once he mastered that, Panther fans will be getting a defender who’s a force with the puck due to his frame (which is already built like a tank), skating ability, and abundant talent to be picked in the middle of the first round.

16. Colorado Avalanche – Joel Farabee, LW [USNTDP, USHL]
It could be wishful thinking for the Avs to have Farabee drop this low, but I argue that it’s possible as everything depends on who the Dallas Stars decide to pick at 13th. That should trigger a chain reaction for the rest of the teams leading to a player to potentially drop to Colorado. Nevertheless, Avs need forwards and nothing better to get as someone of Farabee’s qualities at sixteen overall. Joel still needs time to mature on the athletic side of the game, but fits a lot of the Avs criteria for players such as his high compete nature along with the speed he likes to play the game at. Avs still want to get faster as well as improve their depth, which Joel does including his fantastic two-way ability and a main catalyst for offencive from not just the offencive zone.

17. New Jersey Devils – Grigori Denisenko, LW [Loko Yaroslavl, MHL]
Like the Avs, I think the Devils saw how much youth and speed wreaked havoc on opposing teams. I could see Devils grab a defender here too, but Denisenko’s talent might be too good to turn down. He not only has a nonstop motor which will give the Devils legitimate lines to role one after another, his hands and talent is some of the slickest of the draft as well. Needs a couple of years of packing on the muscle and getting to the dirty areas. However, with the amount of the forwards New Jersey has drafted the past two years, these guys can become good trade pieces for established defenders in the long run.

18. Columbus Blue Jackets – Isak Lundestrom, C/LW [Lulea HF, SHL]
Blue Jackets continue their team’s structure to be built through the middle and grab Lundestrom. Isak isn’t the most talented player nor does he project to be a 1st liner centre, but he makes up for it in his strengths. Those virtues consist of reliability at both ends of the ice, play without the puck, work ethic, and chipping in with secondary scoring. We keep seeing with Stanley Cup winners that yes, number one centres and defenders are important, but in parity league you need the depth. Lundestrom provides just that, fantastic depth who is as safe to become an NHL outside of the top 10.

19. Philadelphia Flyers – Ryan Merkley, D [Guelph Storm, OHL]
I understand that any team’s fanbase who gambles on Merkley in the 1st round will probably rage. I totally get that, but considering how deep Flyers cupboard is I suggest that he is worth the risk here. There is no doubt in my mind that Merkley’s raw talent is easily top five for this entire draft. His shiftiness with the puck and outstanding creativity out of nothing is up there with Hughes and Dahlin as best of for 2018. Are there red flags? Absolutely, such as disregarding his defencive duties, he definitely is a work in progress and perhaps Flyers can do enough to make him understand the position he’s in. He’s easily worth the risk for me.

20. Los Angeles Kings – Dominik Bokk, RW [Vaxjo Lakers, SHL]
Kings need to get quicker at all positions and at all levels. Bokk not only does that, but contains a ridiculous skill level as well which includes craftiness, vision, and offencive prowess at scoring and playmaking. Resembling Nikolaj Ehlers, Bokk brings the same ability on the wing which should give the Kings another quicker option to go along with their slower core pieces.

21. San Jose Sharks – Rasmus Sandin, D [Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, OHL]
This might be a reach with other players on the board, but Sharks always go against the consensus. As their rivals south on highway 5 needed to get younger, Sharks have already started to implement youthful energy and it made a difference. Sandin is one of those smaller defenders, though has some serious skill. He is an effortless skater who reads the game at a high level and can quarterback the powerplay as good as anyone. He is surprisingly good on the defencive side of the game and will continue to get better once his frame gets bigger.

22. Ottawa Senators [From PIT] – Martin Kaut, RW [HC Dynamo Pardubice, Czech]
Perhaps Senators go with different positions here, but I suggest that Kaut is too good to turn down. After taking offencive phenom Zadina, they grab his Czech buddy Kaut to supplement another top calibre player for their retool. With Martin he doesn’t really play a very flamboyant style of game, but provides a polished style consisting of very good vision, anticipation, and puck skills. Due to those talents, he’s an all-around threat either being in good position to score goals or open space for his teammates, leading to a scoring chance.

23. Anaheim Ducks – Jonatan Berggren, C/RW [Skelleftea AIK, SuperElit]
Berggren seems like a perfect Ducks type of selection. He’s still on the light side and sort of plays that way, but there is a lot to like here. He mesmerizes players when he has the puck which opens chances for his teammates. He’s that type of player who wants the puck all the time and does everything he can to get it. Furthermore, he possesses wonderful playmaking quirks which could be one of the best in the draft. He’s a long-term project compared to other players that will go after him, but it eventually pay off as the Ducks try to replace their older core with younger players.

24. Minnesota Wild – Serron Noel, RW [Oshawa Generals, OHL]
As Berggren is a perfect pick for the Ducks, I can’t think of a perfect player for the Wild. True that he’s raw and some areas of his game still needs work like his play without the puck. However, the flashes are there for a truly astonishing player that has the size. And if he never becomes a top athlete he should still become a very good complementary forward that can battle it as a grinder as well. Whatever the case may be, Button isn’t wrong to compare Serron with shades of Blake Wheeler in his game.

25. Toronto Maple Leafs – Jonny Tychonick, D [Penticton Vees, BCHL]
Maple Leafs could go after K’Andre here with this pick, but I argue that they already have a project in Liljegren. Tychonick might not possess Miller’s high-ceiling, but he has one of the highest floors of the defenders that are available. A blessed skater, he relies on the modern game to get out of problems and to contribute on the offencive side of things. He’s going to a wonderful program at North Dakota to make him a better all-around player, but I don’t think he’s going to be a long-term project compared to other players.

26. New York Rangers [From BOS] – Ty Dellandrea, C [Flint Firebirds, OHL]
After grabbing one of highest potential defenders, Rangers head back to the podium to take two-way pivot Dellandrea. Ty is a complete player who plays a unique yet elusive style which makes him hard to defend. He has multiple weapons in his arsenal which contributes to that unique style such as his vision, playmaking, and staying hidden. He’s very good at not being noticed on the ice so he tends to hide behind the play allowing him to move into good positions on the ice for scoring chances.

27. Chicago Blackhawks [From NSH] – K’Andre Miller, D [USNTDP, USHL]
Besides the Hawks depth issues, they’re also facing similar problems to the Sharks where their core pieces are starting to face the effects of father time. To add to that, the core pieces which have slowed down the most have been on the backend with the likes of Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, and to some lesser extent Keith. That is what Miller comes into play as that eventual next generation to keep Chicago competitive as long as possible. Like a lot of players I’ve talked about thus far, he’s on the raw side, but he’s also a player who has some fantastic flashes in his game. Puck decision is definitely a work in progress for him, but when he feels it like Wilde does, he is a phenomenal puck rusher. He also utilizes one of the best first passes in the entire draft, where whenever he’s on the ice, the puck finds itself out of the zone. If everything goes right with him, there is no doubt in my mind he can become as impactful as Brett Burns.

28. New York Rangers [From TBL] – Matthias Samuelsson, D [USNTDP, USHL]
I am not a big fan of drafting defencive-defenders in the 1st round except if they deserve to be there. Matthias most definitely is one of those players who has significant strengths in the shutdown areas in the game of hockey. He needs to work on his skating and get more mobile as a defender, especially against the smaller more agile forwards. But this guy is mature beyond his years and loves rubbing people out. I know that Ranger fans will have nightmares of McIlrath, but trust me Samuelsson is the better player and is worth the risk here.

29. St. Louis Blues [From WPG] – Liam Foudy, C [London Knights, OHL]
Blues are a team who tends to go off the board for a player who they truly like and I wouldn’t be surprised if Foudy is their target. Liam has shades of Robbie Fabbri where he plays a very fast game due to his fluid skating which is his biggest strength. However, what makes him so dangerous is that he is an extremely competitive player where he doesn’t care if that’s Chara in the corner or Trouba. He will use his speed and work ethic to get to the puck first and come away with the puck. I think he needs to evolve more as a player and not just a puck rusher off the wall like Kessel is, but I argue that he has enough cerebral and talent to make that happen. If there is a player who might have an explosive plus one draft year, it will be Foudy.

30. Detroit Red Wings [From VGK] – Joe Veleno, C [Drummondville Voltiguers, LHJMQ]
Veleno is a weird player because I do like him and his talent, but his productivity has been so shallow for his draft year. He was quite unproductive at the beginning of the season with the Sea Dogs and then exploded when he was traded to Drummondville. However, he went back to his mediocre play at the U18’s where he was asked to be Canada’s top players. He even got outplayed by a player who’s going in a draft two years from now. He has decent playmaking talent and see’s the ice well, but needs to increase his intensity level for the next level. With Red Wings and their development programme, Veleno cannot go to a better team to allow him as much experience and time as possible to develop.

31. Washington Capitals – Jay O’Brien, C [Thayer Acadmey, USHS]
They just won the Cup and still have a pretty deep prospect system, but they need to think about the future. Some of their best players are on the verge of free agency, are already there, or like the Blackhawks will soon face father time burdens. O’Brien is one of the best pure stickhandlers in this draft where he captures defenders’ attention as Berggren does opening space for his teammates. He’s one of those players who again is on the raw side, but is a force when he has the puck as he thinks the game one step ahead of everyone else and uses reflexes to adjust to opposing teams.

32. Buffalo Sabres – Akil Thomas, C [Niagara IceDogs, OHL]
33. Detroit Red Wings [From OTT via NYR] – Jake Wise, C [USNTDP, USHL]
34. Florida Panthers [From ARI] – Ryan McLeod, C [Mississauga Steelheads, OHL]
35. Montreal Canadiens – Jared McIsaac, D [Halifax Mooseheads, LHJMQ]
36. Detroit Red Wings – Nils Lundkvist, D [Lulea HF, SHL]
37. Vancouver Canucks – Allan McShane, C [Oshawa Generals, OHL]
38. Montreal Canadiens [From CHI] – Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C [Halifax Moosheads, LHJMQ]
39. New York Rangers – Alexander Alexeyev, D [Red Deer Rebels, WHL]
40. Edmonton Oilers – Kirill Marchenko, LW [Mamonty Yugry, MHL]
41. New York Islanders – Jesse Ylonen, RW [Espoo United, Mestis]
42. Carolina Hurricanes – Nicolas Beaudin, D [Drummondville Voltiguers, LHJMQ]
43. New York Islanders [From CGY] – Filip Hallander, C [Timra IK, Allsvenskan]
44. Dallas Stars – Albin Eriksson, RW [Skelleftea AIK, SuperElit]
45. St. Louis Blues – Jett Woo, D [Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL]
46. Washington Capitals [From FLA via NJD] – Calen Addison, D [Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL]
47. Colorado Avalanche – Jakub Lauko, C/LW [Pirati Chomutov, Czech]
48. New York Rangers [From NJD] – Alexis Gravel, G [Halifax Mooseheads, LHJMQ]
49. Columbus Blue Jackets – Jacob Olofsson, C [Timra IK, Allsvenskan]
50. Philadelphia Flyers – Sean Durzi, D [Owen Sounds Attack, OHL]
51. Los Angeles Kings – Jack McBain, C [Toronto Jr. Canadiens, OJHL]
52. Toronto Maple Leafs – Kevin Bahl, D [Ottawa 67’s, OHL]
53. Pittsburgh Penguins – Niklas Nordgren, RW [HIFK, A Jr. SM-Liiga]
54. Anaheim Ducks – Jacob Bernard-Docker, D [Okotoks Oilers, AJHL]
55. Arizona Coyotes [From MIN] – Adam Ginning, D [Linkoping, SHL]
56. Montreal Canadiens [From TML] – Alexander Khovanov, C [Moncton Wildcats, LHJMQ]
57. Boston Bruins – Jack Drury, C [Waterloo Blackhawks, USHL]
58. Colorado Avalanche [From NSH] – Xavier Bernard, D [Drummondville Voltigeurs, LHJMQ]
59. Tampa Bay Lightning – Cameron Hillis, C [Guelph Storm, OHL]
60. Winnipeg Jets – Sampo Ranta, LW [Sioux City Musketeers, USHL]
61. Vegas Golden Knights – David Gustafsson, C [HV71, SHL]
62. Montreal Canadiens [From WSH] – Aidan Dudas, C [Owen Sound Attack, OHL]

 

[HisNoodliness]

Many Red Wings fans will groan about taking Boqvist after his concussion (we would all have been 100% on board a month ago), but I personally would love this draft for us. I think Boqvist is the third best player in the draft and still like him at 6 despite the concussion. Veleno at 30 is the best case scenario as he has a ton of skill, then rounding it out with a safer Swedish D in Lundkvist, and a potentially good C in Wise is pretty much ideal. If the draft went down this way, I'd be ecstatic.

 

[bl02]

Holy what a draft that would be for the Rangers. Adding Hughes, Dellandrea, Samuelsson, Alexeyev at 39 (would even take him at 28) and Gravel (albeit goalies aren't need for them) to their prospect pool.

 

[waitin425]

Well Done. As a Habs fan I would be very happy with this draft. I am beginning to be sold on Kotka while admittedly I haven't seen much of his play. I feel like if we are targeting centres in the 2nd round, we should take Zadina in the first round.

 

[Esko6]

Interesting ranking of the finns with Ylönen a first rounder and Kupari near the third round.

 

[ottawa]

Habs drafting 4 centers and a defenseman in the first 2 rounds? sign me up.

 

[Howe Elbows 9]

I thought it would be interesting to compare your mock draft to the team boards mock draft (which is currently at the 29th pick);
http://hfboards.mandatory.com/threads/2018-hf-team-boards-mock-draft-pick-29.2501765/

Dahlin, Svechnikov, Wahlstrom, Boqvist, Smith (although drafted 12th rather than 11th), Kravtsov, Bokk, Kaut and Miller are all drafted by the same teams in both mock drafts.

Noel, Tychonick and Samuelsson are the highest selections in your mock that are still avaliable on the team boards (assuming that Dellandrea wins the poll for #29).

 

[Huokaus]

Interesting rankings and mock draft, good job. I actually agree with you about Kupari, never been a fan of him at all and wouldn't be surprised if he falls outside of the 1st round (where he's projected to be taken pretty unanimously).

 

[FlyTimmo]

I doubt Hextall would select Merkley with a 3rd let alone a 1st.

Though, I like that your list isn't just a slight reorder of the consensus. And I'm curious, why do you like Ylönen so much?

 

[Hfbsux]

Ylonen had such a good U18 last year, being one of the youngest player at that. He caught my eyes right away, just loved the way he competes, he look very solid out there. With more strengh, he could end up as a hell of a player. I like where you rank him, althought i really want the habs to snag him in the 2nd.

As a habs fan, I'd have a hard time seeing us pass over Zadina, but that's just me.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Love it for the Sens. Would also really like Dobson / Kaut

 

[UnSandvich]

If that's what the Rangers get, I will personally drive to your house and give you $1,000 (Though I personally would take Olofsson over Gravel)

 

[tony d]

Zadina to the Sens? Yes please. Good mock as well.

 

[S E P H]

Thanks to everyone who read it, even if they disagree with it.

Interesting ranking of the finns with Ylönen a first rounder and Kupari near the third round.

Interesting rankings and mock draft, good job. I actually agree with you about Kupari, never been a fan of him at all and wouldn't be surprised if he falls outside of the 1st round (where he's projected to be taken pretty unanimously).

I just don't see it with Kupari, the guy has worst blinders than Valeri Nichushkin, while with other raw players, he has shown little to zero flashes to see any potential. Honestly, the only thing I see about him is that he's a very north to south player with decent skating ability and some moves once every eight games or so. Perhaps he's very raw and I don't see the spark with him, and if that so be the case then I see no reason why a team would waste a draft pick on him for at least the top 25. Those are my thoughts.

I doubt Hextall would select Merkley with a 3rd let alone a 1st.

Though, I like that your list isn't just a slight reorder of the consensus. And I'm curious, why do you like Ylönen so much?

The top 13 or so are consensus pretty much everywhere including McKenzie's lists which polls NHL scouts (I don't think my rankings are that safe as you would call it). Pretty simple, Ylonen is the next version of Sebastian Aho for me - they share a lot of the same strengths in as a player. Haven't seen a list personally who has Weiss, Foudy, and Durzi in the first round.

 

[FlyTimmo]

The top 13 or so are consensus pretty much everywhere including McKenzie's lists which polls NHL scouts (I don't think my rankings are that safe as you would call it). Pretty simple, Ylonen is the next version of Sebastian Aho for me - they share a lot of the same strengths in as a player. Haven't seen a list personally who has Weiss, Foudy, and Durzi in the first round.

I said that I like that your list isn't just a reorder of the consensus, not that your list is safe. I'd say it is the opposite.

 

[S E P H]

I said that I like that your list isn't just a reorder of the consensus, not that your list is safe. I'd say it is the opposite.

My apologies, I misread your post.

 

[JJTT]

#72 Nousiainen is a late birthday, so he is a 2019 pick.

 

[CanuckCity]

Just a note that the detroit love affair with swedish players is long expired. The last swedish player they took in the 1st round was kronwall in 2000. And only one 2nd rounder and two 3rd rounders since 2007.

Im not sure how much how boqvist being swedish influenced detroit taking him in your mock but figured id mention it.

 

[Strait2thecup]

If the isles have the chance to pick ABo I’d be elated. Not sure I see him oustside the top 10 though

Nice mock

 

[S E P H]

#72 Nousiainen is a late birthday, so he is a 2019 pick.

Thanks for the correction, another year for him will do wonders. Has a lot of talent that I really like, I wouldn't be surprised that he climbs into the 1st round at the same time next year.

Just a note that the detroit love affair with swedish players is long expired. The last swedish player they took in the 1st round was kronwall in 2000. And only one 2nd rounder and two 3rd rounders since 2007.

Im not sure how much how boqvist being swedish influenced detroit taking him in your mock but figured id mention it.

Sure, but Boqvist to the Red Wings is a very realistic possibility considering where he's rumoured to go and where they're picking at.

 

[Club]

I doubt Veleno drops that low. Really picked it up with Drummondville.

 

[S E P H]

I doubt Veleno drops that low. Really picked it up with Drummondville.

The dudes over at HP like @Mark Edwards reported that the NHL scouts they've talked to consider him more as a 2nd rounder. That doesn't mean he will fall that far, but top 15 would be more of a surprise than not as of now.

 

[AmericanDream]

The dudes over at HP like @Mark Edwards reported that the NHL scouts they've talked to consider him more as a 2nd rounder. That doesn't mean he will fall that far, but top 15 would be more of a surprise than not as of now.

last week I got tared and feathered by 1 or 2 people for my Veleno ranking, now it seems everyone is coming to some senses!!

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

Noel's description sounds pretty carbon copy to Greenway back in 2015.