Sportsnet's 2018 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings: March

[Shekky]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/sportsnets-2018-nhl-draft-prospect-rankings-march/

 

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1. Rasmus Dahlin, D, 6-foot-2, 181 pounds (Frolunda, SHL): Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman and now Dahlin. Are you ready for the next franchise-changing defenceman from Sweden?

2. Filip Zadina, RW, 6-foot-1, 196 pounds (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL): The Mooseheads’ import factory strikes again and sends a high-end sniper to the top of the NHL draft.

3. Andrei Svechnikov, RW, 6-foot-2, 186 pounds (Barrie Colts, OHL): Led all scorers at the Five Nations tournament and has put up points at a torrid pace with the Barrie Colts since the world juniors (38 in 22 games).

4. Brady Tkachuk, LW, 6-foot-3, 196 pounds (Boston University, NCAA): Better than older brother Matthew?

5. Adam Boqvist, D, 5-foot-11, 170 pounds (Almtuna IS, Allsvenskan): A fantastic skater and playmaker who isn’t afraid to shoot. If you don’t end up with Dahlin, getting Boqvist is more than just a consolation prize.

6. Noah Dobson, D, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds (Acadie-Bathurst Titan, QMJHL): The secret is out, this righthand shot blueliner is legit.

7. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, 6-foot-1, 205 pounds (USNTDP): Eight points at the Five Nations (tied with tourney leader Svechnikov) and a solid spot on the U.S U18 top line, Wahlstrom continues to produce big in his draft year.

8. Evan Bouchard, D, 6-foot-2, 193 pounds (London Knights, OHL): Despite his Knights trading away most of their vets, Bouchard has continued to excel in all areas. February’s defenceman of the month in the OHL is also a natural leader.

9. Quinn Hughes, D, 5-foot-10, 174 pounds (U of Michigan, NCAA): One of the most creative players in the draft. An outstanding skater who can create even in the most challenging situations.

10. Isac Lundestrom, C, 6-foot, 185 pounds (Lulea, SHL): As one scout told me “he’s the Swedish Patrice Bergeron.” A lofty compliment, but the comparisons are there.

11. Barrett Hayton, C, 6-foot-1, 191 pounds (Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds, OHL): Extremely focussed and hard-working, Hayton is the “all-in” guy every team loves to have. Nursing a small injury and the ‘Hounds are being careful with him.

12. Joel Farabee, LW, 6-feet, 164 pounds (USNTDP): Hard-working, skilled playmaker who is magical with the puck on his stick.

13. Bode Wilde, D, 6-foot-3, 195 pounds (USNTDP): Offensive defenceman who plays physical. Leads all USNTDP blueliners with 32 points. Hard wrist and slap shot from the point.

14. Joe Veleno, C, 6-foot-1, 195 pounds (Drummondville Voltigeurs, QMJHL): Has excelled since the trade from Saint John to Drummondville where he’s being coached by the excellent Dominique Ducharme.

15. Grigori Denisenko, LW, 5-foot-11, 176 pounds (Yaroslavl Jr.): Great passer who also boasts a good shot. Played on the top line with Andrei Svechnikov and Alexander Khovanov for Russia at the Five Nations tourney.

16. Ty Smith, D, 5-foot-11, 176 pounds (Spokane Chiefs, WHL): Speed and smarts, those are the calling cards of the first overall pick in the 2015 WHL draft.

17. Rasmus Kupari, C, 6-foot-1, 183 pounds (Hermes, Mestis Finland): Not the biggest guy on the ice by any stretch, but can create and finish. And does it all with great bursts of speed.

18. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds (Assat, Finnish Liiga): Physically he has everything you want – skill, speed, size and he keeps improving.

19. Jet Woo, D, 5-foot-11, 205 pounds (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL): Has more than a bit of ‘old school’ in his game and isn’t afraid to throw the body around.

20. Rasmus Sandin, D, 5-foot-11, 190 pounds (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, OHL): Even with the Conor Timmins (COL) injury the ‘Hounds have not skipped a beat on the blue line mainly due to Sandin’s work. Plays tough minutes in all situations.

21. Jared McIsaac, D, 6-foot-1, 195 pounds (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL): Good skater with offensive instincts and has just enough bite in his game to keep players honest.

22. Serron Noel, RW, 6-foot-5, 201 pounds (Oshawa Generals, OHL): Skilled yet raw power forward who keeps getting better and better.

23. Ryan McLeod, C, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds (Mississauga Steelheads, OHL): A slippery and skilled centre, McLeod has high-end vision. As one OHL GM told me “where his brother Michael (NJ) smashes down the front door to score, Ryan sneaks in through the side.”

24. Alexander Khovanov, C, 5-foot-11, 179 pounds (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL): Great puck distributor with excellent vision.

25. Jacob Olofsson, C, 6-foot-1, 192 pounds (Timra, Allsvenskan): A reliable two-way centre who almost made the Swedish WJC team. Plays a lot with Canucks prospect Jonathan Dahlen.

26. Ryan Merkley, D, 5-foot-11, 170 pounds (Guelph Storm, OHL): Has top 5 skill without a doubt and can complete plays other blueliners only dream about, but other areas of his game have scouts concerned.

27. Benoit Olivier-Groulx, C, 6-foot-1, 192 pounds (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL): No surprise he’s a coach’s dream as a player since his father Benoit is one of the best CHL bench bosses of this generation.

28. Dominik Bokk, LW, 6-foot-1, 180 pounds (Vaxjo, SHL): Another great hockey story for Germany in 2018.

29. Akil Thomas, C, 5-foot-11, 170 pounds (Niagara IceDogs, OHL): Huge ceiling here that Thomas is only now starting to scratch.

30. K’Andre Miller, D, 6-foot-3, 206 pounds (USNTDP): Was outstanding and probably the top U.S defenceman at the U18 Five Nations. Great skating blueliner who isn’t shy about joining the rush.

31. Mattias Samuelsson, D, 6-foot-4, 217 pounds (USNTDP): Big, strong, and safe defenceman. Son of former NHLer Kjell Samuelsson.

Since Vancouver is projected to get around 4 or 5 but if there odds are lucky hopefully they can snag the 1st overall but if they were to get any of the top 5 slots who are you most interested in.

 

I'm particularly interested in Brady Tkatchuk he looked good during the WJC. Would be a pretty cool rivalry to see between Mathew and Brady. I know Vancouver is probably going after another Dman though your thoughts?

[kloubek]

I'd actually venture to say that based on this and what I've read about these prospects that Dahlin is first, then there are groups of interchangeables depending on who you talk to.  After Dahlen, it largely seems it shaping up to be 2 and 3 in a group, 4-6 in a group, 7-10 in a group, and then 11 and everything after is a complete toss-up.

Obviously I want us to get Dahlin; my god would that make a huge difference for our club. But just like this assessment says, even Boqvist would likely made a huge difference for this club. Just like last draft where not many expected us to pick Pettersson, he got such a gem going off the board that I trust him to pick the best player for us.

[Tre Mac]

Don't know much about any of the prospects but Dobson looks good on paper, 6'3 right shot. 

 

That of coarse is assuming we get hosed on the draft lottery again.  Though I had a dream we won the draft lottery, I also had a dream I won lottomax so....

[RetroCanuck]

Get me Boqvist and Miller and Ill be happy

 

[Baer.]

Can't disagree more with a lot of this list.

 

Zadina is a LW. And Tkachuk can play center. At least get the positions right...

[Baer.]

5 minutes ago, kloubek said:

I'd actually venture to say that based on this and what I've read about these prospects that Dahlin is first, then there are groups of interchangeables depending on who you talk to.  After Dahlen, it largely seems it shaping up to be 2 and 3 in a group, 4-6 in a group, 7-10 in a group, and then 11 and everything after is a complete toss-up.

Obviously I want us to get Dahlin; my god would that make a huge difference for our club. But just like this assessment says, even Boqvist would likely made a huge difference for this club. Just like last draft where not many expected us to pick Pettersson, he got such a gem going off the board that I trust him to pick the best player for us.

I would say it's more.

1. Dahlin

2. Svechnikov

3-5

6-9

10-15

[laxgoalie]

I really like Bouchard myself. RHD putting up very good numbers in the OHL, reminds me a tonne of John Carlsson

[Down by the River]

Quinn, Brady, Noah, Bode, Ty, Jet.

 

Brace yourselves, NHL. The millennials are coming.  

[Down by the River]

Just now, laxgoalie said:

I really like Bouchard myself. RHD putting up very good numbers in the OHL

I have Bouchard > Dobson but it is hard to judge QMJHL dmen. 

[-AJ-]

I expect to be picking 5-8, so I'm thinking Bouchard or Dobson would be good.

[Shekky]

17 minutes ago, -AJ- said:

I expect to be picking 5-8, so I'm thinking Bouchard or Dobson would be good.

yeah I can see that is 8th the lowest Vancouver can drop too?

 

EDIT: I also did the draft lottery simulator based on current standings I never did see Vancouver drop to 8th heh but they hit 7th 3 times out of 100 and landed 1st 6 times for me.

 

http://nhllotterysimulator.com/

[Screw]

I say we pick in the 5-7 range this year.

[kloubek]

34 minutes ago, Baer. said:

I would say it's more.

1. Dahlin

2. Svechnikov

3-5

6-9

10-15

You may say, but several of the scouts/orgs have Zadina in #2.

Personally, considering we're likely going to be picking 5th or 6th, if we got a forward with our 1st pick I'd focus on Tkachuk.  We have lots of talent coming through the pipe, and some grit - but Tkachuk would bring outright havoc to our top 6.  But really, we really should be drafting a defenceman if Benning feels the ones remaining have elite potential. It isn't ideal to wait until they are ready to play in the NHL, and I've always said we may want to look elsewhere than the draft to revamp our blueline, but if nothing else it gives us high end depth in the defensive prospect pool... of which we have... well... none.

[Scorevat]

Dahlin or Boqvist please 

[Where's Wellwood]

I really want to pick up a late first and draft Jet Woo. Or hope he falls to early 2nd like Lind did.

[Silky mitts]

We are a lock for a top five people . We will tank strong to end the year . I believe in the tank commanders markstrom and nillson

[theo5789]

3 hours ago, Where's Wellwood said:

I really want to pick up a late first and draft Jet Woo. Or hope he falls to early 2nd like Lind did.

Based on these rankings Woo would have to drop quite a bit, question marks would come up as to why he would be dropping so far, but many teams have missed their mark so anything is possible. I wouldn't mind if Miller or Bokk as our 2nd if they fall slightly.

 

As for our 1st, depends on where we land, but I think the dmen available would be hard for us to pass up on unless we are 2nd or 3rd, then it has to be Zadina or Svechnikov. If we are 4th, I think we go with Boqvist. If we are in the 5-7 range, then Dobson or Bouchard. If all are taken and we are 7th, then I'd take Tkachuk. If we do fall to 8th somehow, I would take a stab at Hughes.

[Apple Juice]

On 3/7/2018 at 11:44 AM, Where's Wellwood said:

I really want to pick up a late first and draft Jet Woo. Or hope he falls to early 2nd like Lind did.

I hope the Jets draft Jet Woo for the name

[GB5]

Where the Canucks currently sit, they can draft anywhere from 1-6, Assuming that they fall to 6 then I would be happy with Bouchard or Quinn Hughes. I read that the analytics folks aren't thrilled with Dobson, not that I put a lot of stock in that but a d-man on a rebuilding OHL team such as Bouchard with enormous points and decent size just seem intriguing, not to mention, Bouchard played with Juolevi.

[Rob_Zepp]

On 3/7/2018 at 10:13 AM, Tre Mac said:

Don't know much about any of the prospects but Dobson looks good on paper, 6'3 right shot. 

 

That of coarse is assuming we get hosed on the draft lottery again.  Though I had a dream we won the draft lottery, I also had a dream I won lottomax so....

Hey, I dreamed that too and that you then split it with first guy to respond to your post.