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« on: January 21, 2018, 12:09:26 PM »
1. Rasmus Dahlin, D – Frolunda (SHL)
The best draft talent has been described as a talent who can provide franchise-defining play at defense the way Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid did as centers. – Adam Kimelman
Dahlin is a pure power-play quarterback who doesn’t rely on playing the point as his only means of generating offense. He is always in attack mode and you can count on him to make multiple dashes to the net in every game. Dahlin is very comfortable letting shots go from near the blue line, and his scoring pace as a 17-year-old defender in Sweden’s top league is enough of an impression to consider him a future top-scoring rearguard in the NHL. – Steve Kournianos
Dahlin is going to be a star in the NHL and it’s going to come more naturally to him than it will for any of the other prospects in this ranking. Position aside, that should make him your go-to pick in any fantasy draft format. – Scott Wheeler
He has all the tools to become a game-changing pillar for an organization. His effortless skating and offensive ability make you swoon while his defensive game grows with each passing contest. One of the best stick handlers in the draft who already makes professionals look silly on a regular basis. A threat to push for a point-per-game from the backend at some point. Borderline generational talent. – Cam Robinson
2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW – Barrie (OHL)
Svechnikov has been dominant; if he was healthy he’d lead rookies in scoring and be among the league leaders in goals. He’s got NHL-ready size and a skill set that could have him producing in the NHL next season. - Adam Kimelman
Impacts the game on so many different levels. Plays a power game and uses his size offensively. But is also a terrific playmaker who exhibits more poise and patience than your average power winger. Additionally, he’s already a committed three zone player. It has been an absolute joy to watch him in the OHL this year. – Brock Otten
Svechnikov is the best pure goal scorer in the class and that should give him fantasy longevity. He’s the clear No. 2, even after Zadina’s rise. – Scott Wheeler
From a purely fantasy point of view, it’s hard to justify bypassing the premier goal scorer of his class who not only can rack up assists, but is a huge shot generator and plays with enough bite to post significant PIM totals. – Steve Kournianos
3. Filip Zadina, RW – Halifax (QMJHL)
He believes he can go as high as second in the draft. With the pro one-timer he has and coming off an amazing 2018 WJC performance, he will be in the discussion – Russ Cohen
The fastest riser in this class, you can now feel confident taking Zadina anywhere in the top-5. He’s so dynamic that he may become a perennial all-star. – Scott Wheeler
Zadina’s an exceedingly dangerous, alert, cerebral offensive weapon who has excelled in international play. The 6-0, 198-pound Zadina impressively skates through often-overmatched traffic, using his hustle and contagious energy to regularly beat defenders into the offensive zone, but isn’t afraid to patiently wait for plays to develop before acting – Kevin Wickersham
Zadina is a 200-foot beast that knows how to finish, plus sees plenty of ice time on both the power play and on the penalty kill. This will lead to inflated totals on special teams in addition to being among his team leaders in every traditional statistical category. - Steve Kournianos
His ability to find gaps in defensive coverage, and step into those gaps at precisely the perfect time in combination with his lethal shooting ability makes him a goal scoring threat the likes of Brett Hull, Alex Ovechkin and Patrick Laine. – Peter Harling
4. Brady Tkachuk, C/LW – Boston U. (NCAA)
There’s nobody else like him in this draft. He has size, finesse, a temper and the ability to “blow things up” in a good way which puts a lot of stress on the opposition. He’s top 5 but he could go higher – Russ Cohen
After a slow start he’s scoring nearly at a point-per-game basis. His 200-foot game will give him a great shot to play in the NHL next season, and his offensive game should give him a chance to succeed as a middle-six forward. – Adam Kimelman
Even more of a loose cannon than his older brother or NHL all-star father, Brady still brings talent with his pestering style of play. Already playing for the Boston Terriers with 16 points in 22 games as a true freshman and nine points in seven WJC contests. Already a pro-ready frame. Could be a scary player in the NHL as he matures, I’d put him at No. 2 in a multi-cat. – Zachary DeVine
The elder statesman of the 2018 crop missed last year’s draft by a single day. That advanced age will help him transition to the pros sooner than other prospects. Many see Tkachuk as a centre at the next level, but I feel he needs a distributor to feed him and will be a winger long term. His hands are soft, his shot his heavy and he plays an abrasive and pro-style game. Will be a load to handle as a net front presence on a top unit down the line. – Cam Robinson
5. Adam Boqvist, D - Brynas (SHL)
The scouting report on this swift-skating Swede is simple – He loves to skate and shoot. Boqvist will let shots go from just about anywhere, and his release is quick enough that he rarely needs to wait for opening. He isn’t physical and at this point can’t be trusted on the penalty kill, but don’t be surprised when he accumulates high totals in both goals and assists, especially on the power play. – Steve Kournianos
Dynamic puck skills, terrific vision, speed, smarts, and a heavy shot. His late birthday means he is just a month away from being eligible for the 2019 class further illustrating how massive his potential is, but also likely means the wait time is extended. Destined for a top power play unit and gaudy point totals. – Cam Robinson
An outstanding but not flashy passer, Boqvist’s a nimble, fast, smooth skater that handles the puck amid offensive zone traffic masterfully. Owns an accurate and extremely hard shot he fires liberally with an impressively rapid release that presages future power play quarterback success. – Kevin Wickersham
6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW – (USNTDP)
He already has man strength. He is a goal scorer first but he can make a great pass as well. Already 205 pounds, smart and humble – Russ Cohen
A dynamic offensive player with 20-goal, top-line potential. Can play and create above the circles and is strong enough to be effective below the dots. – Adam Kimelman
Sniper or a playmaker, centre or winger, he does it all. – Pat Quinn
A true goal-scorer with impressive playmaking ability, Wahlstrom moves the puck like he owns it, manipulating it at will while deceiving opponents with quick bursts of speed and defender-jarring stops. Sees the ice very well and uses his keen sense for the game to detect gaps and capitalize on goalies even momentarily out of position or obscured – Kevin Wickersham
7. Quinton Hughes, D – U. of Michigan (NCAA)
Size might keep him in college hockey a bit longer, but his offensive skills and ability to control the game will make him a big-time point producer in the NHL. – Adam Kimelman
He’s not the best defenseman in this draft but he could be the smartest. He’s always thinking a step ahead. His two-way game is solid but he has elite offensive talent. He has top-10 talent. – Russ Cohen
Skating, Skating, and more skating. This guy is just so explosive through the neutral zone on the attack. He’ll need to learn to pick his spots better to avoid getting caught up ice, but if we’re talking about potential, this guy has an insane amount. – Brock Otten
Something about this kid just screams top talent to me, I fear he will drop in the draft because #Size but don’t let him fall too far in your prospect draft. – Pat Quinn
8. Ryan Merkley, D – Guelph (OHL)
Merkley is a fantasy dream if you play in a league that builds predominantly on points. He doesn’t have the defensive aptitude of some of the other defencemen in this class but his offensive gifts are world class. – Scott Wheeler
Ultimate boom or bust prospect. The skating ability and vision on the powerplay are elite. Opens up lanes by how well he turns and can change pace/direction. But the defensive shortcomings are legitimate. If we’re doing a ranking on pure fantasy potential though...this guy needs to be ranked highly. In reality though, there’s no way that I’d have him this high, at least at this point. – Brock Otten
Ryan Merkley will probably score a ton of points if he can get focused to play a bit more reliably defensively. Not sure there is a case of DeAngelo-Murphy Syndrome. Great passer, great puck mover, controls offensive pace well, but defensive play needs work. - Will Scouch
An offensive blueliner, Merkley’s a slick puck handler that’s adept at leading teammates with accurate passes and setting up high-percentage scoring opportunities. Not huge at 5-11, 165-pounds, Merkley positions himself well and can skillfully slow attackers with his stick, but is developing in his own zone. - Kevin Wickersham
9. Joel Farabee, LW - (USNTDP)
Slight and slippery, he feasts on oppositions with his vision and his finishing ability. Great skater who works tirelessly in all three zones. Seems to elevate his game next to highly skilled players. – Cam Robinson
He has great speed, scoring ability and a solid two-way game. He’s still just 17. – Russ Cohen
The captain for a lethal U18 NTDP squad, has NHL success written all over him. Hockey IQ and above-average skater with a good motor. Perhaps not the highest offensive upside but a lock for the next level who earns points the way you often have to in the NHL. – Zachary DeVine
His playmaking ability has been fantastic this year. Pat Quinn
10. Calen Addison, D – Lethbridge (WHL)
Loved his game at the Hlinka as I thought he was Canada’s best defender. Lack of size is going to be an issue, but he’s a true competitor and has everything you’d look for in an elite offensive blueliner for the next level. If Brannstrom can go as high as he did last year, why can’t Addison? – Brock Otten
Small, dynamic right-shot defender needs to thicken up and improve positioning to handle stronger players but knows how to create offense. – Cam Robinson
The draft is full of undersized, dynamic offensive defensemen and Addison is exactly that. He is posting over a point per game offense in his draft year and can bring the offensive skills, transition offense, possession style the NHL demands. – Peter Harling
11. Ty Smith, D – Spokane (WHL)
Smith isn’t the biggest (or best) defender, but the offensive toolbox is complete. His skating is silky smooth and is in the mix in the second tier of defenders. His ability in his own zone is improving. – Zachary DeVine
A dynamic two-way defender continues to display his full arsenal of weapons with Spokane this season. The former first overall pick in the 2015 WHL bantam draft, Smith is an excellent skater who demonstrates poise and patience with the puck. His outlets are crisp and his head is always up. He’s a player you fall in love with because he always makes the right play. Another top power play option down the line. Cam Robinson
Takes command of the ice from the blue line with a combo of smart puck-moving and smooth, quick-skating talent that can catch opponents unaware creating offensive opportunity. Instinctive at manning the point well, Smith excels at passing through tight defensive gaps and weaving among defenders to create space. – Kevin Wickersham
12. Rasmus Kupari, RW – Karpat (Liiga)
His wrist shot was on display at the 2018 WJC. He was a whiz on the power play and he buzzes around the ice. He’s a guaranteed first round selection – Russ Cohen
Owns high-end playmaking ability that compliments his quick and elusive style. Will need to continue to build his frame, but is a smart player who defends well. Has top line upside. Cam Robinson
The play-making abilities of Kupari keep him in the top half of the first round despite no points in five WJC games. He processes the game quickly and his ability to be a focal point for the offense to pass through is high-end. Excellent skater. Often draws comparisons to Sebastian Aho (the Finnish one) and that is big praise. – Zachary DeVine
13. Evan Bouchard, D – London (OHL)
Has been an absolutely insane minutes eater for the Knights this year (playing well over 30 minutes a night at times). Leads the OHL in shots by defenders and has an absolute cannon from the point. With his smarts and skill set, he should be a quality powerplay QB at the NHL level. – Brock Otten
Bouchard is phenomenal and a potential sleeper as GMs close in on forwards they’ve targeted. He’s as gifted as just about any of the defencemen in this class after the big four of Dahlin, Hughes, Boqvist and Merkley. I have him confidently slotted in the same tier as Smith, Wilde, and Addison. – Scott Wheeler
At the Mid-season point, Bouchard is leading all NHL Draft eligible defensemen in scoring. – Peter Harling
14. Joe Veleno, C – Drummondville (QMJHL)
Strong offensive performer seems to have been rejuvenated since trade to Drummondville. Showing what he can do with better teammates. – Adam Kimelman
He dictates play, either threading the needle before defenders are ready with hard, accurate passes that set up cohorts in advantageous scoring position, or patiently waiting for opportunities to open up. A smooth skater with impressive acceleration, the 6-0, 181-pound Veleno projects as a top-line NHL forward. – Kevin Wickersham
Great speed, tireless work ethic and racks up a bushel of points with the man advantage. Likely better suited for a 2C role. – Cam Robinson
15. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C – Assat (Liiga)
Take Kotkaniemi early and don’t look back. A sleeper worth reaching for with talent that could blossom at the NHL level. – Scott Wheeler
Size, complete game and hands. Literally the entire package right here with the ability to play center or wing. – Zachary DeVine
Kotkaniemi plays a North American style North/South game in a men’s league already and is producing very well. - Will Scouch
