Post by Garrett - St. Louis on May 17, 2018 17:55:46 GMT
The 2018 NHL draft is only a month away, so here is our annual DHL Mock Draft!
This draft should set some DHL records, with the first ever Defenseman taken #1 overall, as well as the most Defenseman taken in the 1st round. This year is supposed to be a deep draft, with some very good players available late in the 1st and into the 2nd round.
1. Ottawa Senators: Rasmus Dahlin - Touted as possibly the only generational talent in the draft, and the best D prospect in 40 years. Dahlin becomes the first ever D-man to be drafted #1 overall in the DHL, and he is certainly worthy of the selection. Darren traded up to land the superstar, and he should be an anchor on the Senators D for years to come.
2. Dallas Stars - Andrei Svechnikov - Zadina could challenge for this spot, though here Josh takes the hulking power forward at #2. After loading up on top prospects in last years draft, Svechnikov leaps to the top of the Stars suddenly loaded farm team. Though he may not be there long, as Svechnikov is expected to start producing for the big club next year.
3. Saint Louis Blues - Filip Zadina - After trading for the #1 pick, then trading down to #3, the Blues add arguably the top pure goal scorer in the draft. Zadina joins Laine to form an elite scoring duo on the wing, and could produce as early as next year. Zadina is just what the Doc ordered as the Blues try to take the next step.
4. Calgary Flames - Brady Tkachuk - The Flames fell out of the top 3, but at #4 they add potentially the best multi-cat player in the draft. Brady joins his brother Mathew to form the real life "bash brothers". Brady is believed to have even higher offensive potential than his brother, and that is scary for the rest of the league.
5. Vegas Golden Knights - Oliver Wahlstrom - Vegas uses the first of their two 1st round picks on this dynamic scorer. Wahlstrom may not go this high in the NHL draft, but for fantasy leagues he is easily top 5. Can play Center or Wing, can shoot or pass, and already has NHL size. Could end up being an elite point producer for the 2nd year Golden Knights.
6. Calgary Flames - Adam Boqvist - With their second pick in the top 6, the Flames add an elite offensive defenseman. He may not be Dahlin, but many feel he is on par offensively. Needs to add some strength, but has the tools to be a top point producer from the back end.
7. Dallas Stars - Quinn Hughes - Having already added the top forward in the draft, the Stars use their second pick to add one of the top D-men. Could be the smartest defenseman this year, and his skating is as good as it gets. He will be paired with Werenski in Dallas to form a scary American duo.
8. Buffalo Sabres - Joel Farabee - Perhaps not the offensive upside as the top 4 forwards, but scouts believe he is a lock for the NHL. Has a high motor, excellent vision and finishing ability. Farabee is a great skater who works tirelessly in all three zones, and he will be an excellent addition for the Sabres.
9. Dallas Stars - Jesperi Kotkaniemi - Once considered a sleeper in the late 1st, Kotkaniemi is now viewed by some as the #1 center in the draft. He has NHL size and plays an NHL game, already producing in a mens league. Kotkaniemi is someone worth reaching for in Fantasy drafts, and could blossom at the NHL level.
10. Vegas Golden Knights - Joe Veleno - Also in the running for #1 center in the draft is this smooth skating playmaker from the QMHJL. Some scouts view Veleno as a top line NHL forward, while others think he may be best suited for 2C role. Either way, Veleno joins Wahlstrom in Vegas for an impressive draft haul.
11. Los Angeles Kings - Evan Bouchard - Bouchard could go much higher in the NHL draft, as some view him as one of the more complete defenders in this years draft. He has been an insane minutes eater for the London Knights this year, and is not afraid to shoot. Has a cannon for a shot, and should be a quality powerplay QB at the NHL level.
12. New Jersey Devils - Rasmus Kupari - The newly managed Devils use their 1st ever DHL pick on this quick and elusive winger. Kupari may be more risky than some other forwards in the 1st round, but his elite play-making abilities will likely ensure he is a top 16 pick in the DHL.
13. Winnipeg Jets - Ty Smith - The Jets grab this dynamic two-way defender at number 13. Smith has a full arsenal of weapons and projects as another top power play option down the line. Is firmly positioned within the 2nd tier of Defenseman in this years draft.
14. Dallas Stars - Noah Dobson - Having already grabbed two elite forwards and an elite Defenseman, Dallas uses their whopping fourth 1st round pick to grab Dobson. Dallas could take another forward here, but today he takes another top offensive defenseman.
15. New York Rangers - Ryan Merkley - Merkley is a fantasy dream, as his offensive gifts are world class. However he doesn't have the defensive aptitude of some other prospects in this class, and has a lot to work on to round out his game. The ultimate boom or bust prospect
16. Winnipeg Jets - Barrett Hayton - The jets use their second pick on this slippery Center from the OHL. Scouts believe he will become an excellent pro because of how active he is without the puck, and because of how good his hands are in tight and in traffic.