For the first time in 20 years, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (formerly known as the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup) was held in Canada in 2018. Though last week's tournament isn't an IIHF-sanctioned event, it does serve as a fun unofficial kickoff to the junior hockey season, and a great first look at a lot of draft-eligible players.
Canada defeated Sweden 6-2 on Saturday night to nab the gold medal. Russia claimed bronze, defeating the United States 5-4 in a hard-fought game earlier in the day.
Here are five things we learned from this year’s tournament.
The 2019 NHL Draft is going to be great
Sure, you've heard of Jack Hughes. Maybe you've even heard of Kaapo Kakko, the Finnish winger who's continually mentioned right after Hughes in early draft discussion. But the draft is more than its top two spots, and this tournament showed there's a lot to be excited about beyond Hughes and Kakko. While every deep draft gets compared to 2003's draft class, this year, that comparison might be deserved.
In no specific order, some 2019 draft-eligible tournament standouts include:
United States: Arthur Kaliyev (LW), John Farinacci (C), Nicholas Robertson (C/LW), Josh Nodler (C)
Russia: Vasili Podkolzin (RW)
Sweden: Philip Broberg (D)
Slovakia: Maxim Cajkovic (RW/LW)
Alexis Lafreniere really is that good
Canada's captain isn't draft-eligible until 2020, but that hasn't stopped the spotlight from finding Lafreniere. He's the kind of player who brings fans to the edge of their seats, posing an obvious threat to score regardless of the situation. The winger from Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL set up the game-tying tally in the gold-medal game against Sweden and added two goals of his own, including the game-winner.
Lafreniere has that special quality all elite players have - something that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up when he has the puck. He's also got phenomenal hockey sense, outstanding playmaking skills, and a heavy shot.
This kid is gonna be special. Expect to see him on Canada's World Junior Championship roster.
The 2020 talent pool looks deep
Lafreniere was not alone in stealing the show. Several 2020 prospects captured the attention of an international audience, including Justin Barron, a defenseman for the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL. Barron was the youngest player on Team Canada, yet he finished the tournament tied with Mitchell Miller (USA) for most points by a defenseman (five). Barron is a great skater with excellent hockey sense that enables him to move the puck well and make smart decisions.
Sweden's duo of Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz were seemingly unstoppable. Both are solid skaters with excellent puck skills, and their offensive instincts made them Sweden's most effective forwards; when they were on the ice, it was difficult to take your eyes off them. Forward Daniil Gushchin of Russia also attracted attention by displaying his playmaking skills and unreal vision.
Vasili Podkolzin, Bowen Byram, and Nicholas Robertson are worth watching
Podkolzin, who had a hat trick against the U.S. in the bronze-medal game, paced the tournament with eight goals (Josh Williams of Canada was next with five) and with 11 points (three ahead of runner-up Lafreniere).
On defense, Byram made it very clear why the WHL player's name is near the top of many preliminary draft lists. The Vancouver Giants blue-liner is seemingly fearless - a dynamic puck mover with a high hockey IQ.
Robertson, brother of Dallas Stars prospect and Kingston Frontenac Jason Robertson, was a huge factor for the U.S., netting a hat trick in the semifinal against Canada. He plays for the Peterborough Petes of the OHL, and if this tournament was a sign of how he'll approach this season, he may rocket into the first round next June.
International tournaments need video review
A controversial call in the semifinal sent the USA-Canada game to overtime when Cozens scored to tie it for Canada - after the final buzzer sounded.
Don't know how official that clock is. But if it is, Cozens clearly didn't get it off in time. pic.twitter.com/8bjqNRmo4U
All teams participating in the tournament agreed to forgo video review due to concerns about the consistency of the technology. For that reason, the call made by officials on the ice had to stand, even though video clearly showed the goal was scored after time expired. When Williams scored in overtime, Canada won a trip to the gold-medal game while the U.S. was forced to settle for a chance at bronze.
Bad calls happen all the time at all levels of hockey. But it's 2018; there's no good reason not to have video review in a tournament where video was available.
Hannah Stuart keeps a close eye on both drafted and draft-eligible prospects and can usually be found trying to learn more about hockey analytics. She has previously written for FanRag Sports, The Hockey Writers, and Hooked On Hockey Magazine, and can also be found at High Heels and High Sticks. Find her on Twitter at @HockeyWthHannah.
We know who to watch for in the east. Now let’s take a look at Western Conference prospects with a shot at making an impact at training camp this fall.
Two Avalanche prospects who immediately leap to mind are Cale Makar and Shane Bowers. As they’re both NCAA players and won’t be at training camp, focus shifts to Conor Timmins. While Timmins isn’t ready for the NHL yet, he has a promising career ahead of him, and (provided he’s healthy) camp will be an opportune moment for both management and fans to get a glimpse of what his future might look like.
Blackhawks: C/W Dylan Sikura, 23
Sikura is on the older side, but he’s only played five games for the Blackhawks thus far. With management making some questionable forward signings this offseason, it’s not out of the question to think Sikura could be a difference-maker for Chicago next year. A solid camp could even put him in the top six to start the campaign.
Blues: C Robert Thomas, 19
Thomas is ready to make the jump to the NHL and should see significant time this season. And with the Blues’ acquisitions of Ryan O’Reilly and Tyler Bozak, he can make the transition without the weight of carrying a top line. That is, unless he immediately shows himself ready to do so.
Canucks: C/W Elias Pettersson, 19
Pettersson is in the top tier of drafted prospects right now. That’s good for the Canucks, who are desperately in need of a player (or several) of Pettersson’s caliber. With that said, this likely isn’t going to be a great season for Vancouver. Hopefully, fans will just enjoy watching Pettersson, and not fall victim to the Oilers fan base's curse of running a promising young player out of town when he doesn’t turn the team around single-handedly.
Coyotes: C Dylan Strome, 21
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
This is a make-or-break year for Strome. Anyone who has paid attention to his progress in recent years should be coming down heavily on the side of "make." His production in 21 NHL games has been criticized, but his final 10 contests with the Coyotes last season gave fans - and likely the organization - a glimpse at the Strome they’d been hoping for. Camp is the perfect time for him to take the reins and prove that those last several appearances weren’t merely a flash in the pan.
Ducks: C Sam Steel, 20
Steel was a huge steal for the Ducks at 30th overall in 2016 and has spent nearly every minute of his playing time since then proving it. In 2016-17, he scored 131 points in 66 games to capture the WHL regular-season scoring title. Expect a solid camp from Steel this fall. While he may make a short stop in San Diego to play for the Ducks’ AHL team, it won’t be long before he’s suiting up regularly in Anaheim.
Flames: D Juuso Valimaki, 19
(Photo courtesy: USA TODAY Sports)
Valimaki made preseason appearances with the Flames last season. This year he wants to take it one step further and stay in the NHL. His high-end hockey sense and strong skating might be enough to catapult him over some of Calgary's defensive depth. If it isn’t, he turns 20 in October, so he can be assigned to the AHL rather than return to the WHL’s Tri-City Americans.
Golden Knights: C Cody Glass, 19
Glass wants to make the jump to the NHL this season. If he doesn’t, he’ll have to return to the WHL. He’s in that awkward in-between stage, too good for the CHL and too young for the AHL. He’s more confident than last year, he has more muscle, and with a strong showing in camp, he could weasel his way onto the Golden Knights’ opening-night roster. Whether he can book his ticket this year or is forced to wait until till next, Vegas fans should be excited about this kid.
Jets: RW/LW Kristian Vesalainen, 19
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Vesalainen isn’t signed to an entry-level contract yet, but by the time training camp rolls around he should be. While the power forward likely won’t be an NHL regular this year, his size, skating, and puck skills make him an attractive call-up option for the Jets - provided he makes a good impression in camp.
Kings: C Gabe Vilardi, 18
News broke Sunday that Vilardi’s back issues have flared up again and he won’t be participating in the World Junior Summer Series for Team Canada, but he is expected to be ready for training camp. Kings fans should hope he is because Vilardi’s offensive abilities are quietly fantastic. If he can stay healthy, he’s got a good shot at contributing at the NHL level.
Oilers: D Evan Bouchard, 18
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
If the Oilers remain true to form, Bouchard will probably stick with the big club this season. Unlike some past prospects Edmonton has rushed to the NHL, however, Bouchard is probably ready for consistent NHL minutes. Keep a close watch on him during camp, because even with the (debatable) knocks on his skating, he’s got a decent chance at outplaying someone like Kris Russell.
Predators: LW/RW Eeli Tolvanen, 19
There’s a good chance Tolvanen snags a full-time NHL spot this season. He wants it; the Predators want it. What he’ll do with it is another question entirely. At times it seemed like he was sleepwalking through this summer’s prospect development camp, but Nashville could use more scoring on the wing. If Tolvanen lives up to his skill level, he could be a nice addition there.
Sharks: D Ryan Merkley, 17
Barring some strange series of events, Merkley isn’t going to see much time in the NHL this season. That doesn’t matter; pay attention to him at camp anyway. He’s such a polarizing prospect that the opportunity to see how he works within an NHL structure alongside other big-league players, is a captivating one. On the one hand, he’s thrilling offensively; on the other, his head coach once sent him to the dressing room during a game. Merkley has potential; how he uses it remains to be seen.
Stars: D Miro Heiskanen, 19
The Stars aren't just slightly enamored with Heiskanen, they love him to the point that they were reportedly unwilling to include him in a potential trade for Erik Karlsson. That’s a lot for a kid to live up to, but Heiskanen just might have it in him. He’s certainly NHL ready, at any rate.
Wild: LW/RW Jordan Greenway, 21
Last season was a big one for Greenway. He played for Team USA in PyeongChang, finished out his NCAA season with a Hockey East title, and signed his entry-level contract with the Wild, playing six regular-season games and five playoff contests. Now it’s time to show what he can do in a full season. While it’s possible that Greenway spends some time in the AHL, it seems unlikely at this point
NHL training camps won't convene for another two months, but it's never too early to look ahead.
Below, we highlight one up-and-coming prospect from every team in the Eastern Conference who's worth keeping an eye on throughout summer tournaments and when things get started in September. The Western Conference edition will be published Monday.
Blue Jackets: RW Vitaly Abramov, 20
Last season, Abramov became the highest-scoring import player in QMJHL history. Though he'll likely begin the season in the AHL, it shouldn't be long before his elite hockey smarts and superior puckhandling skills make an NHL appearance, and he may even push for a roster spot in September.
Bruins: C Ryan Donato, 22
Donato is an intriguing name to watch this season. He was excused from the latest Bruins development camp after a season that included an Olympic appearance with Team USA - which saw him net six points, including five goals - and 15 games with Boston, including three in the playoffs. He was also back in the gym alongside Bruins veterans just a week and a half after their postseason elimination. Expect him to contend for a spot with the big club come September.
Canadiens: C Jesperi Kotkaniemi, 18
When the Canadiens drafted Kotkaniemi third overall in June, it was clear they viewed him as a key part of the solution to their woes at center. Whether he'll be an immediate part of that solution remains to be seen, but Kotkaniemi is smart and dangerous offensively. He held his own against professionals in the Finnish Liiga, and will have the opportunity to prove he can do the same in the NHL.
Capitals: G Ilya Samsonov, 21
Samsonov, the Capitals' highly touted goalie prospect, is finally coming to North America. While the initial plan was likely to start him in the AHL (which is a good idea), the offseason trade of Philipp Grubauer could shake things up a bit. Either way, finally having Samsonovon this side of the pond is exciting.
Devils: RW Joey Anderson, 20
Anderson signed his entry-level contract with the Devils in April after winning an NCAA championship with the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He's yet to make an appearance for New Jersey, but there are roster spots up for grabs this fall. Anderson is the kind of player to take that opportunity and run with it.
Flyers: C Morgan Frost, 19
The Flyers still need a third-line center, and reports indicate they're considering filling that spot from within the organization. One intriguing option is Frost, who's just 19 but is coming off a strong season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He's an incredibly smart player and has added considerable muscle over the last year. Whether he can snag an NHL spot just yet is up in the air, but it should be fun to watch him try.
Hurricanes: RW Andrei Svechnikov, 18
Saying Svechnikov could completely change the direction of this team is a heavy burden, but it's not far from the truth. For a long while, it's felt like the Hurricanes just needed one thing to put them over the top. With his dynamic, take-no-prisoners style of play, Svechnikov could be it. His 0.68 even-strength goals per game in the OHL last season was an almost comically good rate. Get excited to see how his game translates to the NHL.
Islanders: LW Kieffer Bellows, 20
Making the switch from the NCAA to the WHL was clearly the right choice for Bellows. It gave him a chance to play a longer season while acclimating to the more intense NHL and AHL pace. He's 20, so he won't have to return to the junior ranks if the Isles send him down. Given the loss of John Tavares and the signing of several depth forwards, however, there's a chance Bellows could play himself into an NHL roster spot at camp.
Lightning: RW Taylor Raddysh, 20
Who won't be exciting to watch for the Lightning at camp this fall? That's the real question. Taylor Raddysh is probably the one to keep an eye on, however. He finished his OHL career with the Greyhounds, and while the Syracuse Crunch are likely his next destination, it wouldn't be shocking to see him make a few injury call-up appearances this season.
Maple Leafs: D Timothy Liljegren, 19
There are almost too many exciting Maple Leafs prospects to choose from amid Toronto's impressive turnaround. Timothy Liljegren was a particularly good get on defense at No. 17 in 2017, and while he probably isn't NHL-ready yet, fans will enjoy getting a taste of what the future holds during camp. He had a pretty solid first season with the Marlies, and will only get better.
Panthers: C Henrik Borgstrom, 20
Borgstrom made his debut in March, playing in four games for the Panthers. It's not a stretch to think he's ready for a full season at the NHL level. The 20-year-old is a dynamic playmaker and brings a high-end offensive skill set that Florida was sorely lacking last season.
Penguins: C Teddy Blueger, 23
Blueger's been holding his own against NHL regulars in Da Beauty League, a Minnesota-based summer league that's grown rapidly in popularity via social media. He's still got some time in the AHL ahead of him, especially given the Penguins' depth at center, but he's one to keep an eye on during camp and beyond.
Rangers: C Filip Chytil, 18
Chytilplayed nine games with the Rangers last season. With New York in the midst of an on-the-fly rebuild, that number will likely be much higher in 2018-19. He's a slick and skilled offensive player who can think the game at high speeds - something new Rangers coach David Quinn will appreciate.
Red Wings: RW Filip Zadina, 18
Zadina was a tied-with-a-bow gift for the Red Wings at No. 6 overall, and there's a pretty solid chance he'll start this season on their roster. He's also just plain fun to watch, so fans should get excited to see him alongside NHL regulars even if he isn't quite ready yet.
Sabres: C Casey Mittelstadt, 19
Choosing Rasmus Dahlin as the Sabres' prospect to watch feels like cheating. Fortunately, there's another easy pick in their pool - Mittelstadt. Sure, he's already played in six games and had five points, and he's expected to be a roster mainstay, but he still counts as a prospect, and he's poised to make a splash.
Senators: C Logan Brown, 20
The Senators are kind of a mess. For some prospects, that might be a golden opportunity. Brown, who's coming off an injury-shortened season that included a bronze medal at the world juniors, is one player who should take advantage of that opportunity. Brown will undoubtedly go into camp with the goal of using his high-end playmaking skills to secure an NHL spot, rather than settling for playing in Belleville.
Hannah Stuart keeps a close eye on both drafted and draft-eligible prospects and can usually be found trying to learn more about hockey analytics. She has previously written for FanRag Sports, The Hockey Writers, and Hooked On Hockey Magazine, and can also be found at High Heels and High Sticks. Find her on Twitter at @HockeyWthHannah.
If New York Rangers fans want a scouting report on their new head coach, they should turn their attention 850 miles southwest, where a pair of prospects are just the latest to sing his praises.
Center Patrick Harper and defenseman David Farrance played for David Quinn at Boston University, and now find themselves in the Nashville Predators' deep prospect pipeline. Meanwhile, Quinn moved on to the Rangers this offseason, but his impact has stuck with them.
"He was great to me, played me in all situations, and just from a development standpoint he really stressed to learn how to play a 200-foot game," Harper told theScore after the Predators' Future Stars game. "I think from my freshman to sophomore year I improved in a lot of areas that really only guys within the room and the coaches can see, or whoever watched us a lot."
The 51-year-old Quinn, also a former Colorado Avalanche assistant, spent five seasons with BU. He racked up 100 wins, led the university to the Frozen Four championship game in 2015, and was named the 35th head coach in Rangers history on May 23, replacing Alain Vigneault.
"He was great toward my development," Farrance said. "He's exactly what I needed. He was a very good coach, and he clearly deserves the job he got."
Farrance added that Quinn's emphasis on work ethic and focus helped his all-around game.
"I think I've become a little bit of a smarter player," he said. "I think I've gotten better at finding plays (and) making the smart simple play over the complicated, hard play."
Quinn's system at BU was based on puck possession and playing the "200-foot game" that Harper alluded to, which means aggressive forechecking and backchecking from forwards who are charged with playing hard at both ends of the ice. The coach's commitment to those tenets paid dividends for the team, and for several established NHLers who blossomed under his tutelage.
Arizona forward Clayton Keller, who spent one year at BU under Quinn, has earned high praise from Coyotes general manager John Chayka for being a solid defensive player. Chayka has specifically referenced how Keller uses his stick and the way he reads the ice.
Meanwhile, Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel is perhaps Quinn's best-known former player. Despite playing on a less-than-stellar Sabres team, Eichel continually makes sound defensive plays, knowing when to transition the puck out of his own zone. According to data collected by NHL Network analyst Mike Kelly, Eichel averaged 10.4 controlled zone exits per game in 2016-17, and had 542 controlled exits and entries halfway through the 2017-18 season, which ranked fourth among all forwards.
That style of play lines up well with the direction the NHL is trending. It made Quinn the perfect person to develop college prospects, and could make him a great fit to groom young, skilled NHLers.
However, ask anyone about Quinn's greatest quality as a coach, and they'll likely tell you it's how effective he is at building relationships. It's evident when speaking to his former players - from Eichel to Jordan Greenway to Charlie McAvoy - as they've echoed that sentiment to a man.
Eichel, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, praised Quinn for helping him adjust to life as one of the top prospects in the world while in college - a status that came with plenty of unwanted scrutiny.
"It's been unbelievable," Eichel told the Boston Globe in March 2015 about playing for Quinn. "He is definitely one of the main reasons for my success. (He gave me) advice off the ice, if I was struggling socially, or on the ice, he has been super supportive. He has coached at all different levels and he has a lot of experiences of his own so he has been able to pass it on to me. He has given me some very good advice.”
Meanwhile, Quinn has often acknowledged the value of connecting with those who play for him.
"The only way you will have a chance to develop a player is with a trust factor, and the more time you put in with him and the more time you put into him and he realizes that you care, that is where the trust comes in," Quinn told reporters at his introductory Rangers news conference. "You can do all the fancy drills that you want but if there isn't a connection between the coach and player, you have a hard time developing. The kids want to know why and the communication pieces is so important."
Harper credits Quinn for doing the same with him.
"He's helped me so much on and off the ice, with everything on the ice and then just being a better human being off the ice," Harper said.
Hannah Stuart keeps a close eye on both drafted and draft-eligible prospects and can usually be found trying to learn more about hockey analytics. She has previously written for FanRag Sports, The Hockey Writers, and Hooked On Hockey Magazine, and can also be found at High Heels and High Sticks. Find her on Twitter at @HockeyWthHannah.
It's fitting that 5-foot-8 star Martin St. Louis was selected for induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame this week - a champion for the little guy at a time when smaller players are finally starting to take on larger roles in the NHL.
St. Louis went undrafted, signed with the Calgary Flames, and was eventually traded to Tampa Bay, where he led the Lightning to the 2004 Stanley Cup the same year he won the Hart Trophy as league MVP. But he was seen as an outlier - the one guy under 5-foot-10 able to prevail in a league where 6-footers are the norm.
St. Louis' stardom didn't quite open the door for players of his physical stature, leaving those with the skill but without the typical size for the NHL to find less traditional paths.
Undrafted Lightning forward Tyler Johnson (5-foot-8) signed an entry-level contract with the team in 2011 and was a Calder Trophy finalist his rookie season. Newly acquired Buffalo Sabres forward Conor Sheary (5-foot-8), also undrafted, worked his way from the American Hockey League to the big club in Pittsburgh, where he helped the Penguins capture back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Chicago Blackhawks forward Alex DeBrincat (5-foot-7) scored 28 goals as a rookie this past season. That followed three 100-plus-point seasons with the Erie Otters of the OHL, which somehow weren't enough to convince teams he was a first-round talent.
Though DeBrincat clearly possessed elite skill, concerns about how his size would affect his ability to succeed at the NHL level depressed his draft stock enough that the Blackhawks snagged him 39th overall in 2016.
These examples finally seem to be resonating with NHL front offices, which are becoming more willing to take chances on smaller players. At the NHL draft, more players once considered too diminutive for pro hockey are being selected every year.
In 2017, 13 skaters 5-foot-9 or shorter were drafted. In 2018, that number rose to 23. While the average height of an NHL player has remained stable around 6-foot-1 for some time, scouting and drafting indicate the tide may be shifting in favor of smaller players - even on the blue line.
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Of the 31 players selected in the first round this June, eight were under 6 feet, including four defensemen: Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks), Ty Smith (New Jersey Devils), Rasmus Sandin (Toronto Maple Leafs), and Nicolas Beaudin (Blackhawks). As teams prioritize skating and puck-moving ability on the back end, they may be more willing to look beyond size. Torey Krug of the Boston Bruins, for example, only stands 5-foot-9, but he's a dynamic player and strong skater who excels at moving the puck up ice.
At 5-foot-10 (according to him), Spokane Chiefs rearguard and Devils prospect Smith is all too familiar with concerns about his height, but rejects that narrative.
"You always hear you're small when you're 5-foot-10 and around there as a defenseman, but I think that size isn't really an obstacle for me," Smith told theScore at the NHL Draft Combine. "I think being smaller is a bit of an advantage. ... Normally you're quicker and more mobile. ... It's definitely easier to work on things in tight."
He added, "Being lower down to the ice and ... kinda getting underneath those big guys when it comes to battling them in front of the net and things like that. I guess escaping in small areas is a little easier when you're smaller. I talked to some big guys that I've played with in the Western (Hockey) League, and play against, and they said it's hard to hit small guys that are quick, so I have to keep working on my quickness."
Canucks prospect Hughes, 5-foot-7, is faster and more agile than many taller, bulkier players.
Rather than using size and reach to break up opponents' opportunities, the Michigan defender relies on an intelligent approach he can execute quickly. He gets a good angle on an opposing skater, positioning himself to use his stick to disrupt their chances and take away time and space.
"I think when I'm on the ice (the) team's gonna have the puck the majority of the time," Hughes said at the combine.
Smith believes the NHL is gradually becoming friendlier to players formerly considered small by hockey standards.
"Size is less of a factor now," Smith said. "There still (aren't) very many defensemen that are 5-foot-10 or smaller in the NHL, but ... it's kinda trending that way. My coach, when he played junior, I looked up his numbers - Dan Lambert - and he had some crazy numbers for a defenseman. He was only 5-foot-8 and didn't really get much of a chance because of his size."
In 1988-89, Lambert put up 102 points for the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL. He only appeared in 29 NHL games, however, and eventually spent 10 seasons playing pro hockey in Germany. If he'd been born 30 years later, like Smith, maybe his height wouldn't have been such a factor.
"I think it's definitely not an obstacle for me, and it's always exciting to prove people wrong," Smith said.
Hannah Stuart keeps a close eye on both drafted and draft-eligible prospects and can usually be found trying to learn more about hockey analytics. She has previously written for FanRag Sports, The Hockey Writers, and Hooked On Hockey Magazine, and can also be found at High Heels and High Sticks. Find her on twitter at @HockeyWthHannah.
Development camps begin this week. Drafted prospects will battle it out to show that teams made the right decision picking them, and invitees will do their best to show that they should've been drafted. Before camps kick off, however, it's time to grade the Western Conference (you can find our Eastern Conference grades here).
Anaheim Ducks: B–
Isac Lundestrom was a good pick in the first round, although the Ducks arguably left some talent on the board - but then, so did nearly every team who picked after them. Lundestrom has high-end hockey smarts, and is a nice addition to their forward prospects pool. They also landed Blake McLaughlin, who fell perhaps farther than he should have, and snagged top-rated European goaltender Lukas Dostal.
Arizona Coyotes: B
At fifth overall, the Barrett Hayton pick was far too high. If John Chayka's insistence that Hayton was their man from the start was true, surely they could've traded down slightly and gotten another asset out of it - even if it was just another pick. Still, Hayton is an incredibly smart player with great vision and playmaking skills. He'll be a good player for the Coyotes. It was just a questionable choice at fifth overall.
Their later picks were good for the most part; Jan Jenik shows flashes of creativity and skill that look promising, and Liam Kirk was an intriguing gamble in the seventh round. It'll be interesting to see if he's taken in the upcoming CHL Import Draft and how he fares next season if so.
Calgary Flames: C
The Flames didn't really impress. With few picks, and no trades for higher-round picks, their choices were limited, although their selections were of the type that could potentially pan out. Milos Roman has playmaking potential, and Dmitry Zavgorodniy has pretty decent hockey sense. All in all, though, an underwhelming effort.
Chicago Blackhawks: A–
With their first pick at eighth overall, the Blackhawks got Adam Boqvist. As Boqvist was in the top five for many over the course of the season, that's a great pick. Nicolas Beaudin was taken a little early at 27th, but the Blackhawks made up for it by snagging both Jake Wise and Niklas Nordgren in the second round. Philipp Kurashev is another interesting playmaking type. Alexis Gravel is far from a sure thing, as goalie prospects go, but he's shown flashes of promise. Most importantly, these guys were solid bets for where they were chosen.
Colorado Avalanche: B
Martin Kaut has high-end vision and is quite skilled with the puck, and while he was a bit of a reach at 16th, it really was a tiny one. He could stand to improve his skating, but he should be a good player. The Avalanche had a good Day 2 as well, snagging Sampo Ranta, a good skater with good finishing ability, and Tyler Weiss, another really good skater with playmaking skills. They added several other picks as well, including Justus Annunen, a 6-foot-4 goaltender from Karpat.
Dallas Stars: B
Ty Dellandrea at 13th overall specifically was not the smartest decision, at least in terms of talent left on the board. Dellandrea in a general sense was a really great player on a really terrible team this season, and if he can be that guy or better moving forward, the Stars have a versatile player who's a good skater and reads the ice well. They also snagged re-entry Adam Mascherin, who was initially drafted in the second round by the Panthers in 2016. As to the rest of their picks, there is potential in players like Albin Eriksson and Oskar Back (if Back improves his skating).
Edmonton Oilers: B
Realizing they could get Evan Bouchard at 10th and choosing not to trade up is the smartest thing the Oilers have done in a while. He's a good all-around defenseman who could crack an NHL lineup sooner rather than later. Then they snagged another first-round talent, center Ryan McLeod, in the second round (giving them the Ryan of both the Strome and the McLeod clans, longtime family friends). Top-rated North American goaltender Olivier Rodrigue rounds out what was a solid, if not thrilling, weekend for the Oilers.
Los Angeles Kings: B+
After snagging Rasmus Kupari at 20th, a bit lower than some thought he would or should go, the Kings got another first-round talent in Akil Thomas in the second round. That alone was good, but they also bet well on most of their other picks, including tenacious Aidan Dudas and smart puckhandler Bulat Shafigulin. We'll have to wait and see on goaltender Jacob Ingham, but in the sixth round he was worth taking a chance on.
Minnesota Wild: C–
The Wild went well off-board with their first-round pick, Filip Johansson. Johanssen has potential, but he was quite a reach as a first-rounder. They did get Jack McBain, who fell farther down the board than perhaps he should have given his high-end hockey smarts. Most of their other picks are question marks whose success will be determined by development. The Wild didn't have a terrible weekend; they just left too much talent on the board.
Nashville Predators: D
This is not up to David Poile's usual standards. Initially, the Predators' first pick was at No. 89; they then traded down and didn't pick until 111th. Given how talented players kept falling down the board, that feels inexcusable. Of the four players they did draft, no one really jumps off the page, and all are a ways away from the NHL, if they get there. Spencer Stastney has been good for the USNTDP, but he doesn't have the instincts to be a game-changer, and Jachym Kondelik has pretty good hockey smarts, but can't really skate.
San Jose Sharks: B–
Although we said the Sharks needed to focus on rebuilding their defensive prospect pool, we didn't expect them to take the most contentious prospect in the draft, Ryan Merkley. Still, they did and there's a good chance he'll work out well for them if he gets his act together. Most of their second-day picks were safe guys with upside. There's potential there, but what everyone is going to remember about this Sharks draft is the Merkley pick.
St. Louis Blues: B+
Not only did the Blues take Dominik Bokk in the first round, they got World Junior Championship defenseman and re-entry Scott Perunovich with their second-round pick. Between Bokk's playmaking abilities and skill with the puck and Perunovich's high-end hockey smarts, those two picks alone would make it a good weekend. Their other picks all have aspects of their game to like as well.
Vancouver Canucks: B+
Quinn Hughes immediately became the Canucks' best prospect on defense when selected Friday night. His skill set is elite, he's incredibly smart, and he's a phenomenal skater. Don't be surprised if management tries to woo him away from college and into the NHL next season. Their Day 2 picks (obviously) weren't as high end, but there is potential in guys like Tyler Madden, Artyom Manukyan, and Jett Woo.
Vegas Golden Knights: C+
After an impressive first draft in 2017, the Golden Knights took a step back. Of course, you can't have three first-round picks every year - they didn't even have one this year - so that makes sense. Still, most of their picks were fairly shoulder-shrug and do nothing to get your average prospect pundit excited. Ivan Morozov was a good choice in the second round, though, with his smart two-way play and ability to read the ice very well. Stanislav Demin has potential on defense, but not of the game-breaking variety.
Winnipeg Jets: C–
With no high picks, the Jets had to make do - but they didn't, really. None of their picks leap off the page, and David Gustafsson was too high at 60th. Nathan Smith and Declan Chisholm have potential, but are a long way off, and their other picks were uninspiring. Still, there's a chance one or two guys from this draft pan out, and in the end that's really what you're looking for.
Hannah Stuart keeps a close eye on both drafted and draft-eligible prospects and can usually be found trying to learn more about hockey analytics. She has previously written for FanRag Sports, The Hockey Writers, and Hooked On Hockey Magazine, and can also be found at High Heels and High Sticks. Find her on twitter at @HockeyWthHannah.
Two-hundred-and-seventeen players were drafted this weekend, and for most, it’s far too early to know what kind of players they’re going to be, especially given how much influence what happens after the draft has. We can only judge on what we know now - but we’re going to judge anyway.
It’s time for draft grades. First up: the Eastern Conference.
Boston Bruins: C–
It’s difficult to get top marks when you don’t draft until the third round, but there’s nothing particularly enamoring about the rest of the Bruins’ picks either. Jakub Lauko has potential and Axel Andersson is a good skater. Everyone else is kind of “eh, we’ll see, I guess.”
Buffalo Sabres: A–
Rasmus Dahlin is an amazing defenseman. Mattias Samuelsson has the potential to be a pretty good one, although he could stand to work on the offensive side of his game in college. The rest of the Sabres’ Day 2 group are more unknown quantities and none of them really jump off the page. If it weren’t for Dahlin throwing off the curve, this grade would be slightly lower.
Carolina Hurricanes: B+
Andrei Svechnikov instantly becomes one of the Hurricanes’ best forwards, especially with Elias Lindholm now in Calgary. Jack Drury, who heads to Harvard University next season, has potential but was picked perhaps a bit higher than necessary - the Hurricanes left a little talent on the board there. Luke Henman’s hockey IQ is good and Lenni Killinen is a good skater, but it’ll take time and development to get a clear picture of what they really got on Day 2.
Columbus Blue Jackets: B+
Liam Foudy was a reach at 18 - perhaps too much of one. The Blue Jackets somewhat made up for that when they managed to snag Kirill Marchenko in the second round, especially as Marchenko was a player general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said that they had ranked in the first round on their list. The chances they took later on Day 2 could pay off for them as well.
Detroit Red Wings: A+
The Red Wings had the best draft in the East (besides the New York Islanders). Great picks just kept falling into general manager Ken Holland’s lap, and he didn’t overthink them, and the Red Wings’ prospect pool benefited immensely. After getting Filip Zadina and Joe Veleno on Day 1, they kicked Day 2 off with Jonatan Berggren and Jared McIsaac, two players many prospect pundits had ranked inside their first round. Alec Regula of the London Knights could end up a good bet as well. They added 10 prospects in all, and in drafting, quantity is almost always beneficial (with some exceptions).
Florida Panthers: B+
After the Panthers chose Grigori Denisenko on Day 1, they launched Day 2 with Serron Noel, a player who could have easily been a first rounder. Logan Hutsko is more of an unknown than the two before him, but if he can be the player scouts say he is, there’s serious potential there. Those three tip the scales toward a higher grade.
Montreal Canadiens: A–
Choosing Jesperi Kotkaniemi at 3rd overall when a player like Filip Zadina was still on the board may have caused some to look askance at the Canadiens, but their overall draft haul - 11 prospects - puts them in a much better position than they were prior to this weekend. After Kotkaniemi, who was possibly the best center in the draft, they drafted Jesse Ylonen, Jacob Olofsson, Cameron Hillis, Jordan Harris, Allan McShane, Cole Fonstad, and several others.
New Jersey Devils: B
The Devils were pleased when defenseman Ty Smith fell to them, and rightfully so. Smith could’ve gone higher than 17, and will be a great addition to their defensive pool. The rest of their picks were guys who could skate well, or guys who could make plays, along with a decent goalie prospect in Akira Schmid. Given that they didn’t have a second or a third round pick, they definitely could’ve done a lot worse.
New York Islanders: A+
Best draft in the East besides the Red Wings. When you start your picks off with offensive standout Oliver Wahlstrom and Memorial Cup Champion Noah Dobson, and then select Bode Wilde, Ruslan Ishakov, Blade Jenkins, Jake Pivonka, and Jakub Skarek on Day 2 - that’s a pretty good weekend, folks. The Islanders’ prospect pool got a much-needed kick in the pants at this year’s draft.
New York Rangers: B+
Vitali Kravtsov at 9th overall was a little startling, but not in a bad way. He’s got the potential to be a very good player at the next level. K’Andre Miller is a phenomenal skater who needs some seasoning at the college level, but could be great for them in the future. Picks like Joey Keane, Nico Gross, and Riley Hughes could turn out to be good gets late, and they snagged steady, smooth Nils Lundkvist with their last first-rounder. All in all, a pretty good weekend for the Rangers.
Ottawa Senators: B–
Brady Tkachuk was a good pick at 4th overall, but the Senators absolutely left talent on the board with Filip Zadina still around. Jacob Bernard-Docker was a huge reach in the first round, so that knocked their grade down as well. Still, they ended up with guys like Jonathan Tychonick, Jonathan Gruden, and Angus Crookshank (contender for the runner-up slot in the Best Draft Names category as well as a good puck-handler). Despite making some questionable choices, they still improved their prospect depth overall.
Philadelphia Flyers: C+
Joel Farabee is going to be one exciting player. After that, though, the Flyers sort of underwhelmed. Jay O’Brien was way off-board at 19th - no offense to Jay O’Brien - and they also picked Adam Ginning too high at 50th given who else was still around. They just left too many good players on the board after their first pick to target average skill guys that seemed safe. It was like they got their man in Farabee and just figured they could do whatever afterward.
Pittsburgh Penguins: B–
The Penguins only took four prospects, which bumped their grade down, in the later rounds especially, quantity in prospects is good, but those four prospects were pretty good choices. Calen Addison was an excellent get for the Penguins at 53rd, and filled an organizational need to boot. Filip Hallander was another player ranked higher than he was selected, and he’ll make a great addition to their forward prospect pool. Gorman is somewhat of an unknown quantity, but Almeida could have real potential.
Tampa Bay Lightning: D+
The plus is generous here and was given because Gabriel Fortier or Alexander Green could turn into something. All in all, though, this year’s draft class is not remotely up to the Lightning’s usual standards, and it’s difficult to muster up any real enthusiasm. Here’s hoping they managed to find a diamond in the rough.
Toronto Maple Leafs: B+
This was a pretty good first draft from new Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas. Trading down to take Rasmus Sandin was smart, because they got their guy and got another pick out of it. Sean Durzi attended their camp last summer, and while some could argue (possibly rightfully) that drafting an overager that high is questionable, there’s something to be said for knowing the player you’re getting. The rest of their picks balance it pretty well, given that they got Filip Kral late and picked up Semyon De-Arguchintsev, who has real offensive potential to go with his terrific name. There are reasons to feel good about this year’s haul, Leafs fans.
Washington Capitals: C+
The Stanley Cup Champion Capitals went pretty safe with their picks. Alexander Alexeyev is steady and smart, and has potential to make an impact. Kody Clark and Martin Fehervary can play, but don’t have much in the way of high offensive ceilings. They did get Eric Florchuk, a pretty competent forward, with their seventh-round pick, and the guys chosen in between were pretty safe choices. Overall not a bad around, but not a standout one—they just went more for safety than for offensive upside in most of their choices.
Hannah Stuart keeps a close eye on both drafted and draft-eligible prospects and can usually be found trying to learn more about hockey analytics. She has previously written for FanRag Sports, The Hockey Writers, and Hooked On Hockey Magazine, and can also be found at High Heels and High Sticks. Find her on twitter at @HockeyWthHannah.
The NHL draft kicked off Friday night with a touching tribute to the Humboldt Broncos. Team president Kevin Garinger accepted the 2018 E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence, given annually to the prospect "who best exemplifies the commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism as selected by NHL Central Scouting," on behalf of the Broncos team.
After tears were wiped away, things got weird.
Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka went off the board and took Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds fifth overall. The league’s other 30 GMs seemingly took that as permission to do whatever they pleased, and the resulting chaos left quite a bit of confusion in its wake.
Joe Veleno, the first player to obtain exceptional status and play in the QMJHL at age 15, fell to the Detroit Red Wings at 30th overall (he’d been ranked consistently in the top 10 by many for most of the season). Bode Wilde and Serron Noel fell out of the first round entirely. Suffice to say no one could’ve predicted exactly how the 2018 first round played out.
Here are our winners and losers after Day 1.
Winners
Washington Capitals: Before the draft began, the Capitals traded Brooks Orpik and Philipp Grubauer to the Avalanche for Colorado's second-rounder at 47th overall. The trade dumps Orpik’s cap hit and leaves Washington room to sign pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman John Carlson, which is expected to happen over the weekend. That's great news for a team that wants to try to win a second straight Stanley Cup.
Colorado Avalanche (conditionally): According to Joe Sakic, the Avalanche intend to either trade or buy out Orpik. If that happens, they got Grubauer for a second-round pick and that trade, one for one, looks good for them, too.
Buffalo Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin is a literal game-changer for the franchise. Yow.
Detroit Red Wings: Boy, things are looking up for Red Wings general manager Ken Holland after last year’s forgettable draft. Taking Michael Rasmussen when several better players were still on the board was widely criticized. He didn’t make that mistake this year. Filip Zadina fell to sixth overall, and Holland practically swan-dove onto the stage to select him. Later, Veleno fell to 30th, and you can bet Holland didn’t miss there, either. A great first day for him and Detroit.
New York Islanders: With back-to-back picks at 11 and 12, the Islanders selected Oliver Wahlstrom (who should not have fallen to 11th) and Noah Dobson (who probably shouldn't have dropped to 12th). Take a minute and imagine Wahlstrom playing with Mat Barzal.
Ryan Merkley: Lots of pre-draft chatter had Merkley’s boom-or-bust style and reports of attitude problems knocking him out of the first round. The San Jose Sharks took a chance on him at 21st overall, and if he turns into the player his ceiling suggests he could be, the Sharks will reap major benefits.
Losers
Arizona Coyotes: John Chayka knows what he’s doing in a lot of situations, but taking center Barrett Hayton at fifth overall was a head-scratcher. While Hayton is a solid player, he’s not a game-breaking, top-10 talent. Who knows, though, a few years down the road, we could be proven wrong.
Ottawa Senators: Let’s make one thing clear: the Senators aren’t on this list because they drafted Brady Tkachuk. Tkachuk, while not the best player available at fourth overall, is a very good player. But it feels like by choosing to keep this year’s pick, with the uncertainty surrounding Erik Karlsson and with chances being good the Senators are worse next year, Ottawa's sealed its fate. Next year’s first-round pick goes to the Avalanche, and the Senators are really going to regret it if that pick somehow turns into Jack Hughes. Colorado sure hopes it does.
Philadelphia Flyers: This one is a maybe, because their first pick at 14th overall, Joel Farabee, is a fantastic player. But their second pick is suspect. Jay O’Brien would be a good mid-second-round pick, but the Flyers grabbed him at 19. While no one outside the draft floor knows the chatter that took place, surely O’Brien wasn’t such a hot commodity that the Flyers couldn’t trade down and still get him.
The 2018 NHL Draft begins Friday night, when 31 players will find out the starting point of their NHL careers. Before it begins, theScore ranks the top 50 prospects in this year's pool.
The countdown to the 2018 NHL Draft is drawing to a close. Friday night, the NHL careers of 31 teenagers will be set into motion and the fates of some franchises will be permanently altered. And someone, inevitably, will screw up their first-round pick.
Who's going to get it right this year - and who will get it wrong?
1. Buffalo Sabres
Rasmus Dahlin | D | Frolunda HC (SHL) Previous Rank: 1
We all know Dahlin is going to Buffalo. Dahlin knows Dahlin is going to Buffalo. Sabres fans know it. Most importantly, Sabres general manager Jason Botterill knows it. The path this franchise is on will be forever altered from the moment he's drafted. Let's hope it works out.
Much like the Buffalo pick, this one seems set in stone, and with good reason. Svechnikov brings the power and scoring needed to revive the Hurricanes’ sometimes-stagnant forward corps. Now if they could just find some reliable goaltending.
3. Montreal Canadiens
Jesperi Kotkaniemi | C | Assat (Liiga) Previous Rank: 10
Kotkaniemi is a pretty off-the-board pick at third overall, but he's potentially the best center in the draft, and there's been noise lately that the Habs are targeting him. They'd be better off trading down to do so, but who tells Marc Bergevin what to do these days?
4. Ottawa Senators
Brady Tkachuk | LW | Boston University (NCAA) Previous Rank: 3
Drafting Tkachuk gets you a player who's a pain in your opponent's neck, and more importantly, around their net. Tkachuk is smart, highly skilled, and not afraid to get in someone's face. He's going to be a good NHL player for a long time.
Hughes roomed with Dylan Larkin at the World Championship, and their paths from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) to the University of Michigan to Detroit could mirror one another. It would certainly be a good decision for the Red Wings. Don't let the knocks on Hughes' defense fool you; his hockey IQ is elite, and that translates to his play in both zones.
7. Vancouver Canucks
Evan Bouchard | D | London Knights (OHL) Previous Rank: 6
Bouchard has the total package that scouts are looking for: size, skill, and skating. The latter could use a little polishing, but it's certainly not a detriment. He approaches the game like a professional, and could probably bypass a few Canucks-signed defensemen on the depth chart as early as this fall.
8. Chicago Blackhawks
Adam Boqvist | D | Brynas IF (SuperElit/SHL) Previous Rank: 5
For reasons that are difficult to understand, Boqvist has fallen down some rankings. It's likely he goes earlier than eighth, but the Blackhawks should snap him up if he's still around. He's one of the youngest players in this year’s draft, yet he's one of the most dynamic and skilled defensemen available.
9. New York Rangers
Oliver Wahlstrom | C/RW | U.S. National Team Development Program Previous Rank: 9
Wahlstrom is the best shooter in this draft, bar none. He's creative. He's fun. He's the kind of player the Rangers need more of. It's hard to see any drawbacks to drafting him. This pick should be a no-brainer for Jeff Gorton.
10. Edmonton Oilers
Joseph Veleno | C | Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) Previous Rank: 14
Veleno is blazingly fast, and his hockey smarts allow him to think the game at that top speed. It probably won’t be long before he outstrips some of the middle-of-the-road depth guys the Oilers have been signing like candy recently. And whether or not the trade rumors surrounding Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are true, why not take a skilled center with plenty of potential?
Dobson was a key part of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan's Memorial Cup win and could be a key addition to the Islanders' defensive prospect pool. He's a great skater with high-level hockey smarts who's able to put up points and defend opponents one-on-one. Plus, he's one of those highly coveted right-handed-shooting defensemen.
12. New York Islanders (from Calgary Flames)
Joel Farabee | LW | U.S. National Team Development Program Previous Rank: 12
Selecting a defenseman and then a highly skilled winger would be a good haul for the Islanders and new general manager Lou Lamoriello. Farabee's strong at both ends of the ice, as he's offensively gifted but also willing (and able) to do the little things in his own zone. Fortunately for Farabee, he can’t grow any facial hair, so he won’t have any to shave under Lou's rules.
13. Dallas Stars
Ty Smith | D | Spokane Chiefs (WHL) Previous Rank: 11
The Stars are trading Julius Honka, right? (Probably not, but he makes for appealing trade bait.) Taking a speedy, skilled defenseman makes sense. Smith is a great skater who can pick apart his opponents and make smart decisions.
14. Philadelphia Flyers (from St. Louis Blues)
Barrett Hayton | C | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) Previous Rank: 13
Hayton is a skilled, effective center who raises his game to meet the occasion. His goal-scoring increased this past season, in part due to his improved ability to put himself in the right spots. His defensive positioning is also solid, allowing him to cut down on opponents' chances.
15. Florida Panthers
Rasmus Kupari | C | Karpat (Liiga) Previous Rank: 15
Kupari has been at No. 15 for our last two mock drafts, so why stop now? His vision and playmaking are appealing, particularly in a class short of highly skilled centers. Take a hint, Panthers. This might be the guy you're looking for.
16. Colorado Avalanche
Martin Kaut | RW | HC Dynamo Pardubice (Czech Extraliga) Previous Rank: 17
Don’t let his heart issue at the combine scare you away (it’s been reported as curable). Kaut is worth the pick here. He's a pure goal-scorer with great skating ability and high-end playmaking skills to boot.
Pundits have varying opinions on Bokk, but he seems like the kind of player Devils GM Ray Shero would take a chance on - raw offensive skills and smarts combined with elusive, agile skating. He’s an outstanding stickhandler and goal-scorer, but could stand to improve the defensive side of his game.
18. Columbus Blue Jackets
Jake Wise | C | U.S. National Team Development Program Previous Rank: 30
Wise is an exciting, underrated player who was once considered a potential top-five pick, and who fell out of favor after an early-season injury. The Blue Jackets could potentially get the steal of the first round by taking him here. He was the NTDP's second-line center behind Jack Hughes for the latter half of the season when the team had its impressive run, and that wasn’t a fluke.
Noel has a lot of raw talent. Though he'll need time to develop, his ceiling is high, and he could be a great offensive player. The Flyers have two first-round picks - if they're taking a smart, safe center like Hayton at No. 14, why not take a chance on a guy like Noel at 19?
20. Los Angeles Kings
Bode Wilde | D | U.S. National Team Development Program Previous Rank: 18
Bob McKenzie announced Monday that Wilde won't attend the University of Michigan after all. This could allow the team that drafts the defenseman to send him to the AHL if he doesn't make the NHL roster out of camp, which would be a good path for his development. Wilde is smart, rarely caught out of position, and likes throwing his body around. Of course, he may simply choose another NCAA school.
21. San Jose Sharks
Jonathan Tychonick | D | Penticton Vees (BCHL) Previous Rank: 20
Recent years have seen BCHL players like Tyson Jost, Dante Fabbro, and Dennis Cholowski selected in the first round. It's not unreasonable to think the highly skilled Tychonick should - and may - go higher than 21st. Meanwhile, the Sharks don't really have a defensive prospect pool to speak of, so if Tychonick is still on the board, they should pick him before even thanking the host city. Don't leave anything to chance.
22. Ottawa Senators (from Pittsburgh Penguins)
Jared McIsaac | D | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) Previous Rank: 24
Ottawa is having trouble of late, to put it delicately. With Erik Karlsson likely on his way out of town, it's more important than ever to fortify the defensive prospect pool. Jared McIsaac is a smart puck-mover with great positioning and strong skating skills.
23. Anaheim Ducks
Rasmus Sandin | D | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) Previous Rank: 22
The Ducks are mostly set on defense, but there's no reason not to add another skilled, puck-moving type with high-end hockey smarts. Sandin's a good skater, smart with and without the puck, and reads the ice very well. He's a skilled passer and effective in his own end.
24. Minnesota Wild
Alexander Alexeyev | D | Red Deer Rebels (WHL) Previous Rank: 23
Defensive prospects who rarely make mistakes in their own end aren't easy to come by. Alexeyev is steady. He doesn’t force his decisions. However, this does lead to him making the safe play perhaps too often. Ideally, this is something he'll improve with time and experience.
25. Toronto Maple Leafs
Ty Dellandrea | C | Flint Firebirds (OHL) Previous Rank: 26
If the Leafs don't take a chance on Ryan Merkley - and there's a good chance they're one of the few teams who would consider him in the first round - perhaps they'll turn to a center. Dellandrea is a slight reach at No. 25, but he was a standout player on a poor team this past season. His skating and hockey IQ position him well for a solid NHL career.
26. New York Rangers (from Boston Bruins)
Akil Thomas | C | Niagara IceDogs (OHL) Previous Rank: 27
Thomas led all draft-eligible forwards in the OHL in points this past season, and despite his smaller size, he should be snapped up in the first round due to his versatility and high-end hockey smarts. The Rangers would value his creativity and ability to play well in all situations.
27. Chicago Blackhawks (from Nashville Predators)
Ryan Merkley | D | Guelph Storm (OHL) Previous Rank: 25
The Blackhawks taking two defensemen in the first round feels unlikely, but if Merkley can reach his full potential, he'll join projected No. 8 pick Boqvist and 2017 selection Henri Jokiharju in the top tier of Chicago's defensive prospect pool. Merkley's a smart player with a high ceiling, and could eventually be a Norris Trophy contender if he reaches that ceiling.
28. New York Rangers (from Tampa Bay Lightning)
K'Andre Miller | D | U.S. National Team Development Program Previous Rank: 29
Miller may only have a few seasons as a defenseman under his belt, but his NTDP coach says he'd be an elite skater in the NHL right now. The Rangers would be wise to grab Miller - not only for his skating ability, but also for his defensive responsibility and offensive instincts.
29. St. Louis Blues (from Winnipeg Jets)
Mattias Samuelsson | D | U.S. National Team Development Program Previous Rank: 28
Samuelsson is a mature player both on and off the ice. He's a leader on the NTDP (he wore the C this past season), and his defensive game is solid. Though he's already a skilled puck-mover, time and experience will improve his offensive abilities even more.
Berggren's scoring in the SuperElit this past season was better, on a points-per-game level, than players like Nicklas Backstrom and Mika Zibanejad. That's not necessarily a predictor of future success, but it does make heads turn. He's an offensive dynamo who's mobile with strong puckhandling skills. Also, he's Swedish. The Red Wings like that, right?
31. Washington Capitals
Ryan McLeod | C | Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) Previous Rank: NR
McLeod could go in the 20s, or he could slip into the early second round. If he's available for the Stanley Cup champions at 31, there are myriad reasons to pick him. He's got a burning top speed. His vision and hockey sense are excellent. He's a gifted playmaker who's also used in key penalty-kill situations. His ceiling and consistency are question marks, but those will be answered with time.
Hannah Stuart keeps a close eye on both drafted and draft-eligible prospects and can usually be found trying to learn more about hockey analytics. She has previously written for FanRag Sports, The Hockey Writers, and Hooked On Hockey Magazine, and can also be found at High Heels and High Sticks. Find her on twitter at @HockeyWthHannah.
