Heard a report that there is a pretty big fall off of talent after 1-9. Any truth to that rumour? Loads of D prospects available.
https://thehockeywriters.com/nhl-draft- ... pril-2018/Quote:
Sportsnet Rankings
1. Rasmus Dahlin, D, 6-foot-2, 181 ounds (Frolunda, SHL): He’s a one-man band and has essentially made this draft a 2-31 affair.
2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW, 6-foot-2, 188 pounds (Barrie, OHL): OHL Rookie of the Year is quite an honour considering he played in just 44 regular season games, or roughly two-thirds of the season. He can impact the game in several areas. He has size and is incredibly dedicated to the craft.
3. Filip Zadina, RW, 6-foot, 195 pounds (Halifax, QMJHL): His innate ability to score goals is translatable in that he knows where to go to get into scoring position. Zadina has pro bloodlines and answered every task asked of him all season in a variety of events.
4. Brady Tkachuk, LW, 6-foot-3, 196 pounds (Boston University, NCAA): All of the elements are in place to become a producing power forward who is responsible enough to play in all situations. Oh, and he’ll be good at drawing the opposition’s attention, too.
5. Adam Boqvist, D, 5-foot-11, 168 pounds (Brynas Jr, Sweden): Much is made about the new-age defenceman and no doubt he fits that bill, but it’s his goal scoring ability that separates him from the crowd.
6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, 6-foot, 205 pounds (USNTDP): Everything we’ve heard all season long was confirmed with a stellar U-18 performance. He can score and score in bunches.
7. Noah Dobson, D, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds (Acadie-Bathurst, QMJHL): Playoff point production is down, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been effective. An all-around game that is good at the junior level, but has so much room to grow.
8. Evan Bouchard, D, 6-foot-2, 193 pounds (London, OHL): Did more than enough in the regular season to earn his meteoric rise up everyone’s list. He thinks the game well well, shoots the puck a ton, and is as strong as an ox, which will allow him to log big minutes down the road.
9. Quinn Hughes, D, 5-foot-10, 170 pounds (University of Michigan, NCAA): There’s no denying his play with the puck. He has power play QB potential because of elite puck poise and puck-moving abilities.
10. Barrett Hayton, C, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds (Sault Ste. Marie, OHL): Continues to improve on a daily basis, he has undercover skill and is world-class when it comes to character. He’s a top-15 pick all day, but is helped by a weaker centre crop.
11. Joel Farabee, LW, 5-foot-11, 164 pounds (USNTDP): Perfect combination of work ethic, production and character. He will have to add to his slight frame.
12. Ty Smith, D, 5-foot-11, 175 pounds (Spokane, WHL): Class and character best describe Canada’s U-18 captain. Smith performed well for Spokane in the playoffs before heading overseas. One of the best skaters in the draft he has a never ending thirst to improve.
13. Joe Veleno, C, 6-foot-1, 195 pounds (Drummondville, QMJHL): Got back on track after being moved to Drummondville. He’s never performed at “exceptional player” levels, but he’s played well at every calling and should end up being a solid pick.
14. Bode Wilde, D, 6-foot-2, 195 pounds (USNTDP): Big shot, wild pony who is a bit risky even for those who enjoy the new-aged defencemen. Uses size to add bite to his game.
15. Serron Noel, RW, 6-foot-5, 205 pounds (Oshawa, OHL): A player who saves his best for games, Noel has everything required to be a power forward at the next level. It’s the rawness that speaks to a high ceiling.