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
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
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