Tonight marks the beginning of the long-awaited 2018 NHL Entry Draft. This year’s draft has been known as the Rasmus Dahlin draft for a while now, as the Swedish defenseman expected to be selected first overall could become the next all-time great defenseman. The 2018 NHL Entry Draft also serves as a huge opportunity for the Chicago Blackhawks. Selecting in the top 10 for the first time since drafting Patrick Kane first overall in 2007, the Blackhawks hope to select a player that can have a huge impact on the future of the franchise.
This year’s draft is intriguing for a number of reasons. This draft class is notorious for having a boatload of high-end defensemen available, as well as a handful of top-end wingers. Looking at the last five drafts, nine defensemen were selected in each of the first rounds of the 2013, 2016 and 2017 drafts, while only eight were selected in the first round in 2015 and just five in the first round in 2014. However, in a draft class with as much blue line quality as this year’s, the first round tonight could see as many as 13 defensemen selected if our top 31 players are all selected or if tonight’s events mimic the mock draft below. The last time at least 10 defensemen were selected in the first round of a draft was 2012, when 13 were chosen, including a remarkable eight of the first 10 players selected.
Additionally, there is seemingly no guarantee about what will unfold after the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes pick first and second, respectively. Montreal holds the third pick, and being in the market for a first line center, the Canadiens could opt to move the pick for immediate help. Or, if Montreal keeps the pick, they could decide to go a bit off the board to get their long-desired top pivot instead of drafting a higher-ranked player like Filip Zadina or Brady Tkachuk.
With the fourth pick, the Ottawa Senators have a decision to make. Ottawa must give up either this pick or their first round pick next year to the Colorado Avalanche to complete the Matt Duchene trade. If the Senators send this pick to Colorado, they will miss out on a player like Zadina or Tkachuk, who would be a big building block moving forward in their rebuild. But, if they choose to keep this pick and send next year’s first round pick, they may miss out on the chance to draft first overall and pick phenom Jack Hughes were they to win the draft lottery after what is expected to be another poor season.
Other teams within the top 10 may also consider moving their picks, though likely only if the return is strong enough. Rumors have swirled regarding the availability of the first round picks belonging to Arizona, Detroit, Vancouver and Chicago, who pick fifth through eighth, respectively. It is also possible some huge names could be on the move as well throughout the evening. Additionally, with all of the aforementioned teams needing help on their blue lines, it is possible highly ranked players like Zadina and Tkachuk could slide down the draft board.
So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at what might happen in what is shaping up to be a very exciting first round tonight. Though some of these picks could be moved prior to the selection, they will be predicted as the draft order currently stands.
1. Buffalo Sabres
Team Needs: LW, D, G
Options with the pick: Rasmus Dahlin, Andrei Svechnikov
Draft selection: Rasmus Dahlin, D, Frolunda (Sweden)
The Sabres take the slam dunk, can’t-miss Swedish phenom who will immediately upgrade their defense and be a face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. While Svechnikov would be a worthy first overall pick in other years, there is no mistaking what the Sabres have available to them in Dahlin. He is a franchise-altering, generational player who will help bring Buffalo out of their long and painful rebuild.
2. Carolina Hurricanes
Team Needs: C, RW, G
Options with the pick: Andrei Svechnikov, Filip Zadina, Brady Tkachuk
Draft selection: Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Barrie (OHL)
The Hurricanes pick the dynamic Russian goal scorer to become their long-term go-to offensive weapon. Svechnikov finally gives Carolina a legitimate top-end scorer who will fit in nicely with the likes of young stars Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen and top prospect Martin Necas.
3. Montreal Canadiens
Team Needs: C, RW, D
Options with the pick: Filip Zadina, Brady Tkachuk, Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Draft selection: Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Assat (Finland)
Montreal indeed goes off the board to get their hopeful first line center of the future. Kotkaniemi rocketed up the draft rankings this spring and established himself as the best center available. Though he may not have the elite offensive ability of Zadina or the all-around heavy game of Tkachuk, Kotkaniemi fills Montreal’s biggest need.
4. Ottawa Senators
Team Needs: LW and D
Options with the pick: Filip Zadina, Brady Tkachuk, Noah Dobson, Quintin Hughes, Adam Boqvist
Draft selection: Filip Zadina, RW, Halifax (QMJHL)
Despite right wing not necessarily being an area of great need for the Senators, they take the best player available in Zadina, a high-end sniper. Zadina should become a huge piece of Ottawa’s offense moving forward as they navigate their tricky rebuild. For what it’s worth, if this pick is moved to the Avalanche, they would likely take Zadina, too.
5. Arizona Coyotes
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Brady Tkachuk, Noah Dobson, Quintin Hughes, Evan Bouchard, Oliver Wahlstrom, Adam Boqvist
Draft selection: Brady Tkachuk, LW, Boston University (NCAA)
Arizona grabs the best player available in Tkachuk, making him a second-generation Coyote after his father, Keith. While Arizona could easily look toward taking a defenseman, Tkachuk is just too good to pass up. If a player like Tkachuk does not adequately round out Arizona’s plethora of high-end young forwards, not many would.
6. Detroit Red Wings
Team Needs: RW, D, G
Options with the pick: Noah Dobson, Quintin Hughes, Evan Bouchard, Oliver Wahlstrom, Adam Boqvist
Draft selection: Quintin Hughes, D, University of Michigan (NCAA)
The Red Wings go for the slam dunk pick in the smooth Wolverine defenseman. Hughes gives Detroit a legitimate long-term top-pairing defenseman. His familiarity with playing in Michigan (both with the US National Team Development Program and for the Wolverines) is a nice fit as well. While Hughes may be a bit one-dimensional, this pick just makes sense.
7. Vancouver Canucks
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Noah Dobson, Evan Bouchard, Oliver Wahlstrom, Adam Boqvist
Draft selection: Noah Dobson, D, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
Vancouver goes for the best player available in Dobson, who increased his draft stock with an excellent showing in the postseason en route to a Memorial Cup championship. Filling a big need doesn’t hurt, either. Dobson is a smooth-skating, two-way defenseman who can play in all situations and log big minutes.
8. Chicago Blackhawks
Team Needs: C, RW, D
Options with the pick: Evan Bouchard, Oliver Wahlstrom, Adam Boqvist, Barrett Hayton, Joe Veleno
Draft selection: Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, USNTDP U-18 (USHL)
The Blackhawks get their guy in Wahlstrom, a lethal finisher. While wingers are not necessarily the biggest need for Chicago, Wahlstrom should be able to finally fill the void next to Jonathan Toews on the Hawks’ top line and give the team a legitimate top-end sniper. Another option could be slotting him in opposite Patrick Kane if head coach Joel Quenneville would rather keep Alex DeBrincat on the first line. A combination of Wahlstrom and Kane could be devastating for the opposition. Bouchard and Boqvist may have drawn more consideration from the Blackhawks if they were left-handed, as the Hawks likely feel they are set for the future on the right side with 2017 draftees Henri Jokiharju and Ian Mitchell. By selecting Wahlstrom, Chicago cements their top-six forward group for the foreseeable future, with Wahlstrom joining Toews, Kane, DeBrincat, Brandon Saad and Nick Schmaltz.
9. New York Rangers
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Evan Bouchard, Adam Boqvist, Ty Smith
Draft selection: Evan Bouchard, D, London (OHL)
The Rangers snag the best player available in Bouchard, a high-scoring offensive defenseman. New York does not have much in the cupboard in terms of right-handed defensemen behind Kevin Shattenkirk, so Bouchard gives them a legitimate top-four right-handed defensemen who should be a valuable piece of their rebuild moving forward.
10. Edmonton Oilers
Team Needs: RW, D, G
Options with the pick: Adam Boqvist, Barrett Hayton, Joe Veleno, Ty Smith, Joel Farabee
Draft selection: Adam Boqvist, D, Brynas (Sweden)
Assuming Wahlstrom, Edmonton’s top target, is taken by Chicago, the Oilers will instead look to Boqvist, a high-end right-handed offensive defenseman, something the Oilers are lacking. He has all the tools needed to be an elite offensive defenseman in the future. Adding another high-end option to get the puck to Connor McDavid is nice as well.
11. New York Islanders
Team Needs: C, D, G
Options with the pick: Barrett Hayton, Joe Veleno, Ty Smith, Bode Wilde
Draft selection: Barrett Hayton, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
The Islanders are in good shape with wingers, and with no goaltenders expected to be taken in the first round, they can focus on picking a center and a defenseman with their back-to-back picks. With the future of John Tavares currently uncertain, the Islanders would like to shore up down the middle in case Tavares leaves Long Island. Hayton, although not close to what Tavares brings, is the best center available, boasting a reliable two-way game. With newly crowned Calder Trophy winner Mathew Barzal being the future of the Islanders in the middle, Hayton would be able to comfortably slot in as a number two center, a role he could excel in, especially with the talented wingers he would likely find himself between.
12. New York Islanders (Acquired from Calgary)
Team Needs: C, D, G
Options with the pick: Joe Veleno, Ty Smith, Bode Wilde
Draft selection: Ty Smith, D, Spokane (WHL)
Turning their attention to their second pick, the Islanders take the best defenseman available in Smith, a good two-way blueliner who excelled in an expanded role this season with Spokane.
13. Dallas Stars
Team Needs: C and RW
Options with the pick: Joe Veleno, Joel Farabee, Grigori Denisenko, Vitali Kravtsov
Draft selection: Joe Veleno, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)
Dallas picks the best player available in Veleno, who will add solid center depth for the Stars. Veleno is a very well-rounded player, similar to Jonathan Toews, and while lacking an elite ceiling, he should become a nice long-term piece in Dallas.
14. Philadelphia Flyers (Acquired from St. Louis)
Team Needs: LW and RW
Options with the pick: Joel Farabee, Grigori Denisenko, Vitali Kravtsov, Serron Noel
Draft selection: Joel Farabee, LW, USNTDP U-18 (USHL)
With plenty of options available on the wing, the Flyers opt for Farabee, an undersized, but skilled left winger. Farabee is at his best when playing with highly skilled line mates, as he played on a line with Wahlstrom and 2019 top prospect Jack Hughes, and Philadelphia can certainly offer that.
15. Florida Panthers
Team Needs: RW and G
Options with the pick: Grigori Denisenko, Vitali Kravtsov, Serron Noel
Draft selection: Vitali Kravtsov, RW, Chelyabinsk (Russia)
Florida goes with the best right wing available in Kravtsov, who has improved his draft stock in the spring, climbing all the way to being the third-ranked European skater according to NHL Central Scouting behind Dahlin and Boqvist. While Kravtsov is not close to jumping to the NHL, he should pan out in the long run and prove to be a wise pick.
16. Colorado Avalanche
Team Needs: LW, D, G
Options with the pick: Grigori Denisenko, Serron Noel, Rasmus Sandin, Isac Lundestrom, Bode Wilde
Draft selection: Grigori Denisenko, LW, Yaroslavl (Russia)
The Avalanche take the best player available in one of the highest-skilled players in the entire draft class. Denisenko will need some time before joining the Avs, but he could make a huge impact alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen down the road. Denisenko resembles Patrick Kane in the sense he is incredibly slippery and can make world-class plays with the puck. Adding a player like that to an already-dangerous Avalanche offense is a scary thought for opponents.
17. New Jersey Devils
Team Needs: LW and RW
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Martin Kaut, Isac Lundestrom, Ryan McLeod, Dominik Bokk
Draft selection: Martin Kaut, RW, Pardubice (Czech Republic)
New Jersey looks at their needs and what is available and decides on Kaut, a solid two-way right winger from the Czech Republic. He plays a game similar to Marian Hossa, and improved his draft stock with an excellent showing at the World Junior Championship playing on a line with Zadina and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Martin Necas. Kaut’s ability to be a high-end playmaker is too much for the Devils to look past, envisioning Kaut forming a future trio with MVP Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier.
18. Columbus Blue Jackets
Team Needs: C
Options with the pick: Isac Lundestrom, Akil Thomas, Rasmus Kupari, Ryan McLeod
Draft selection: Isac Lundestrom, C, Lulea (Sweden)
With the Blue Jackets in pretty good shape in all areas for the future, they can take whoever they feel is the best player available. While there are plenty of solid options at center, Lundestrom has the best two-way game, a big plus for a team with the high-end offensive defensemen Columbus has.
19. Philadelphia Flyers
Team Needs: LW and RW
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Rasmus Sandin, Dominik Bokk, Bode Wilde
Draft selection: Bode Wilde, D, USNTDP U-18 (USHL)
Though not a need at the NHL level, the Flyers have made it known they would like to add another defenseman, ideally right-handed, with one of their picks. Farabee was too good to pass up with the 14th pick, and their guy is still on the board at 19th in Wilde, a wild (no pun intended) pony with a cannon of a shot and plenty of upside. General Manager Ron Hextall comes away with two of his top targets and is thrilled.
20. Los Angeles Kings
Team Needs: D
Options with the pick: Rasmus Sandin, Jared McIsaac, K’Andre Miller
Draft selection: Rasmus Sandin, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Los Angeles has not drafted a defenseman in the first round in a while and are lacking quality defensive prospects. As such, they grab the safest defenseman available in Sandin, who played a solid two-way game this season for the Greyhounds.
21. San Jose Sharks
Team Needs: LW and D
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Jared McIsaac, Akil Thomas, Dominik Bokk, K’Andre Miller
Draft selection: Dominik Bokk, RW, Vaxjo (Sweden)
The Sharks are generally in pretty good shape, so they can afford to take a shot on a player who will take a bit longer to develop. At this point in the draft, Bokk probably has the most skill and upside.
22. Ottawa Senators (Acquired from Pittsburgh)
Team Needs: LW and D
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Jared McIsaac, K’Andre Miller
Draft selection: K’Andre Miller, D, USNTDP U-18 (USHL)
Ottawa needs to shore up their blue line, especially with the possible departure of Erik Karlsson. While Miller will need time to develop, he has the highest ceiling among the defensemen available. With the rebuild in Ottawa starting to kick into full gear, waiting for Miller should not be an issue.
23. Anaheim Ducks
Team Needs: LW
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Akil Thomas, Rasmus Kupari
Draft selection: Akil Thomas, C, Niagara (OHL)
Anaheim is set on the back end for the foreseeable future, and while currently strong down the middle, select Thomas, a well-rounded, hard-working player with nice offensive upside. He can play center and wing, which will give the Ducks added flexibility.
24. Minnesota Wild
Team Needs: RW
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Jared McIsaac, Jett Woo
Draft selection: Serron Noel, RW, Oshawa (OHL)
New Minnesota General Manager Paul Fenton cannot believe Noel is still on the board at 24, grabbing him in a heartbeat. Noel is extremely raw and will need a lot of time to develop, but his amazing combination of size, speed and skill give him among the highest ceilings out of any of the players in the draft class.
25. Toronto Maple Leafs
Team Needs: C and D
Options with the pick: Jared McIsaac, Rasmus Kupari, Ryan McLeod, Jett Woo, Ryan Merkley
Draft selection: Rasmus Kupari, C, Karpat (Finland)
The Maple Leafs and new General Manager Kyle Dubas have made it clear the team will be picking the best player available when they are on the clock with the 25th pick. Kupari is very gifted offensively and would be a nice addition to Toronto’s young, high-end offense.
26. New York Rangers (Acquired from Boston)
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Jared McIsaac, Ryan McLeod, Jett Woo, Mattias Samuelsson, Ryan Merkley
Draft selection: Jared McIsaac, D, Halifax (QMJHL)
The Rangers opt to take the best player available with their second of three first round picks, adding a nice left-handed defenseman in McIsaac. He is a beast to play against defensively, which will nicely complement New York’s group of skilled blueliners.
27. Chicago Blackhawks (Acquired from Nashville)
Team Needs: C, RW, D
Options with the pick: Ryan McLeod, Jett Woo, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Mattias Samuelsson, Ryan Merkley, Calen Addison, Nicolas Beaudin
Draft selection: Nicolas Beaudin, D, Drummondville (QMJHL)
After bypassing two high-end defensemen at pick eight, the Blackhawks go a bit off the board to take a player they really like in Beaudin. Beaudin fits the bill of what the Hawks love in puck-moving defensemen, and being left-handed will help his cause, as Chicago already has their long-term right-handed defensemen in Henri Jokiharju and Ian Mitchell, as mentioned earlier. However, if the team would rather grab a more defensively minded player, Jett Woo and Mattias Samuelsson are good, left-handed options.
28. New York Rangers (Acquired from Tampa Bay)
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Ryan McLeod, Jett Woo, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Mattias Samuelsson, Ryan Merkley, Jesse Ylonen
Draft selection: Jesse Ylonen, RW, Espoo (Finland)
With their final first round pick, the Rangers take a shot on Ylonen, a skilled Finnish winger. He has high-end offensive ability, but needs to work on his defensive game and get stronger. But, despite the risk, the potential high reward could certainly pay off, especially given New York already made two picks.
29. St. Louis Blues (Acquired from Winnipeg)
Team Needs: C and D
Options with the pick: Ryan McLeod, Jett Woo, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Mattias Samuelsson, Ryan Merkley
Draft selection: Ryan McLeod, C, Mississauga (OHL)
St. Louis takes a shot on the best player still available in McLeod, one of the best skaters in this year’s draft class. He really needs to work on his physical game, as he currently does not embrace contact at all, something he will need to add to his game to excel in the NHL. Additionally, his seeming lack of motivation and drive makes him fall a bit on the draft board. But, despite the high risk, the potential high reward could certainly pay off, especially given St. Louis needs to add a high-end center, something McLeod can become…if he wants to.
30. Detroit Red Wings (Acquired from Vegas)
Team Needs: RW, D, G
Options with the pick: Jett Woo, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Mattias Samuelsson, Ryan Merkley, Calen Addison, Alexander Alexeyev
Draft selection: Mattias Samuelsson, D, USNTDP U-18 (USHL)
After picking elite offensive defenseman Quintin Hughes, the Red Wings grab Samuelsson, a solid defenseman with a huge frame. While Samuelsson has managed to put up respectable offensive numbers thus far in his career, he does not project as a high-scoring blue liner, rather, a highly effective and reliable defender who can occasionally contribute offensively, which is exactly the role Detroit will want him to fill behind Hughes.
31. Washington Capitals
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Ryan Merkley, Calen Addison, Alexander Alexeyev
Draft selection: Calen Addison, D, Lethbridge (WHL)
Clearly, the Stanley Cup champions have an excellent and deep team with few holes. With the possible departure of stud blue liner John Carlson this summer, the Caps opt for Addison, a right-handed puck-moving defenseman with great skating ability.
The first round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft begins tonight at 7:30 EST on NBCSN. Rounds two through seven begin Saturday at 11 a.m. EST on NHL Network.