Jun 19, 2018
TSN Hockey Mock Draft: The intrigue starts with the Habs
Rasmus Dahlin to Buffalo and Andrei Svechnikov to Carolina - no argument there. But as TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button explains, the third pick, property of the Montreal Canadiens, is where things get interesting.
By Craig Button
Trying to forecast the way the first round of an NHL Entry Draft will go is always a difficult task, but it’s made a little easier when you can start your mock with an absolute lock.
The Buffalo Sabres will get things started Friday night in Dallas by selecting Swedish defenceman Rasmus Dahlin first overall, adding an elite blueliner who has the ability to change the fortunes of the franchise.
It also seems certain that the Carolina Hurricanes have decided to take Barrie Colts winger Andrei Svechnikov with the second pick. The Canes currently lack difference makers, but they believe Svechnikov and last year’s first-round pick, Martin Necas, can bring a dynamic offensive element to the lineup for years to come.
The third pick, property of the Montreal Canadiens, is where things get interesting.
There’s little separating the next eight players in the draft in terms of potential. There’s everything from power forwards to two-way centres and offensive defenceman available.
It’s difficult to acquire top-line centres, so look for Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin to take Jesperi Kotkaniemi, the smart and talented Finn who has a game that is similar in style to Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar.
That leaves the Ottawa Senators with a lot of options in the fourth spot, but Halifax Mooseheads winger Filip Zadina makes the most sense. With Mike Hoffman’s 22 goals dealt to San Jose (and then Florida) on Tuesday, Pierre Dorion will be looking to add skill. Zadina is a huge offensive talent who could be ready to step into the lineup next season.
Brady Tkachuk heads to Arizona to round out our top five, edging his older brother, Matthew, for the distinction of being the highest drafted Tkachuk. Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet is going to like having the rugged and skilled Brady on his team. He becomes another St. Louis-area player drafted by Arizona after Clayton Keller, their first-round pick in 2016.
Elsewhere in the top 10, the Vancouver Canucks take a defenceman to complement their crop of good, young forwards. Adam Boqvist is a dynamic offensive blueliner with the potential to be an elite player.
The Oilers go a similar route with pick No. 10, taking London Knights defenceman Evan Bouchard. A top-pair, right-shot offensive defenceman who can run a power play, Bouchard might eventually help Connor McDavid be even more dangerous offensively.
Later in the first round, the Sens use their second first-round pick (No. 22) on Jared McIsaac, a solid two-way defenceman from the Halifax Mooseheads. The Toronto Maple Leafs use the No. 25 pick on Rasmus Sandin, a Swedish defenceman for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who adds the type of game that Josh Morrissey plays with the Winnipeg Jets.
Here’s a full look at our projected first round:
Craig Button's Final Edition Mock Draft
1. Rasmus Dahlin
Defence | Frolunda (SHL) | 6'3 | 185 lbs. | Apr. 13, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
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GP41
-
G7
-
PTS20
Scouting Report:
"He has a long, long way to go to earn favourable comparisons to arguably the greatest Swedish defenceman ever - Nicklas Lidstrom - but Dahlin already demonstrates much of the same ease and three-zone impact as the Hall of Famer." - Bob McKenzie MORE...
2. Andrei Svechnikov
Right Wing | Barrie (OHL) | 6'2 | 192 lbs. | Mar. 26, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP44
-
G40
-
PTS72
Scouting Report:
"Svechnikov has size, speed and skill. He can play a power game or a finesse game, make plays or score goals any way they can be scored - off the rush, one timers from far out, getting his nose dirty in front of the net or off the cycle." - Bob McKenzie MORE...
3. Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Centre | Assat (SM Liiga) | 6'2 | 181 lbs. | July 6, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP57
-
G10
-
PTS29
Scouting Report:
"His strong performance at the World Under-18 Championships in April has vaulted him into the top five and provided this draft with something that it seemed to be missing all season long - a potential No. 1 centre." - Bob McKenzie MORE...
4. Filip Zadina
Right Wing | Halifax (QMJHL) | 6'0 | 197 lbs. | Nov. 27, 1999
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP57
-
G44
-
PTS82
Scouting Report:
"Zadina has quick hands and feet, he thrives in tight spaces and small spaces and is able to get off an incredible release on a shot that is arguably the best in the draft, as his 44 goals in 57 games would attest." - Bob McKenzie MORE...
5. Brady Tkachuk
Left Wing | Boston U (NCAA) | 6'3 | 192 lbs. | Sept. 16, 1999
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP40
-
G8
-
PTS31
Scouting Report:
"Tkachuk is a lot less refined and less polished than the other elite picks but the big raw-boned winger plays a hard driving, aggravating power and agitation game." - Bob McKenzie MORE...
6. Quinn Hughes
Defence | Michigan (NCAA) | 5'10 | 173 lbs. | Oct. 14, 1999
2017-18 Statistics
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GP37
-
G5
-
PTS29
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"He plays a go-go-go offensive game, at times more like a rover than a defenceman. He’s fearless, not afraid to make high risk, high reward but also high danger plays." MORE...
7. Adam Boqvist
Defence | Byrnas (SWE-J20) | 6'0 | 165 lbs. | Aug. 15, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
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GP25
-
G14
-
PTS24
Scouting Report
"At a shade under six feet tall, the Swede is a dynamic offensive defenceman. He started and finished the season on extremely high notes - he was the best defenceman at the Ivan Hlinka U-18 tourney last August and again at the Under-18 World Championship in April." - Bob McKenzie MORE...
8. Noah Dobson
Defence | Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL) | 6'3 | 177 lbs. | Jan. 7, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP67
-
G17
-
PTS69
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Dobson is a strong skater with a high degree of creativity, vision and offensive prowess. Scouts feel we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg here." - Bob McKenzie MORE...
9. Oliver Wahlstrom
Right Wing | USA NTDP (USHL) | 6'1 | 208 lbs. | Jun. 13, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP62
-
G48
-
PTS94
Scouting Report:
"He’s an elite shooter and goal scorer. Some say he’s somewhat one dimensional - “he needs a good centre to get him the puck because he’s not good at getting it himself,” one scout said - but what a dimension to have because scouts project him as a potential first-line scoring winger in the NHL." - Bob McKenzie MORE...
10. Evan Bouchard
Defence | London (OHL) | 6'2 | 196 lbs. | Oct. 20, 1999
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP67
-
G25
-
PTS87
Scouting Report:
"The heady 6-foot-2 blueliner is arguably the best passer in the game. Long bombs, short outlets to get the attack started, he can do it all. " - Bob McKenzie MORE...
11. Barrett Hayton
Centre | S.S. Marie (OHL) | 6'1 | 190 lbs. | Jun. 9, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP63
-
G21
-
PTS60
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Very smart two-way centre who contributes in all areas of the game and has potential to be a very key player." MORE...
12. Ty Smith
Defence | Spokane (WHL) | 5'10 | 175 lbs. | Mar. 24, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP69
-
G14
-
PTS73
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Smooth skating with intelligence and efficiency. Exudes a quiet, yet strong confidence on the ice. Looks like a 15-year NHLer." MORE...
13. Joel Farabee
Left Wing | USA NTDP (USHL) | 6'0 | 162 lbs. | Feb. 25, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP62
-
G33
-
PTS76
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Plays all situations in the game with full understanding and has the skills to contribute offensively." MORE...
14. Serron Noel
Right Wing | Oshawa (OHL) | 6'5 | 204 lbs. | Aug. 8, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
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GP62
-
G28
-
PTS53
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Big, strong, smart, and can play the game with skill, smarts and power. Just keeps getting better." MORE...
15. Joe Veleno
Centre | Drummondville (QMJHL) | 6'1 | 191 lbs. | Jan. 13, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP64
-
G22
-
PTS79
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Very industrious, diligent centre who doesn’t possess elite skills but will find ways to contribute in multiple areas." MORE...
16. Isac Lundestrom
Centre | Lulea (SHL) | 6'0 | 183 lbs. | Jan. 24, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP42
-
G6
-
PTS15
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Very versatile and can adapt to different positions and play in different slots in the lineup. Very smart with good skill." MORE...
17. Ryan McLeod
Centre | Mississauga (OHL) | 6'2 | 206 lbs. | Sept. 21, 1999
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP68
-
G26
-
PTS70
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Excellent skating playmaker. Drives play with his speed and creates opportunities for his team and headaches for opponents." MORE...
18. Grigori Denisenko
LW | Yaroslavl (MHL) | 5'11 | 172 lbs. | June 24, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP31
-
G9
-
PTS22
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Highly skilled, very dynamic offensive player who is a very dangerous player and capable of quick strike scoring." MORE...
19. Bode Wilde
Defence | USA NTDP (USHL) | 6'2 1/2 | 198 lbs. | Jan. 24, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
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GP61
-
G12
-
PTS41
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"All the elements to be a very good defenceman. Skates, handles puck, good shot and can be a physical force." MORE...
20. Dominik Bokk
Right Wing | Vaxjo (SWE J20) | 6'1 | 176 lbs. | Feb. 3, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP35
-
G14
-
PTS41
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"A hungry scorer who likes to shoot the puck and gets himself into scoring spots and has a very good shot." MORE...
21. Martin Kaut
Right Wing | Pardubice (CZE Extra) | 6'1 1/2 | 176 lbs. | Jan. 24, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP38
-
G9
-
PTS16
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"All the skill to be a top six winger who is capable of scoring and being a playmaker." MORE...
22. Jared McIsaac
Defence | Halifax (QMJHL) | 6'1 | 189 lbs. | Mar. 27, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP65
-
G9
-
PTS47
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Very effective and efficient defenceman. Moves the puck, competes defensively and can add some offence." MORE...
23. Akil Thomas
Right Wing | Niagara (OHL) | 5'11 | 177 lbs. | Jan. 24, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP68
-
G22
-
PTS81
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Can play centre or wing and plays with a balance of skill, will and a very strong sense of what needs to be done at any time." MORE...
24. K'Andre Miller
Defence | USA NTDP (USHL) | 6'3 | 199 lbs. | Jan. 21, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP58
-
G9
-
PTS29
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Strong skating, puck carrying defenceman who can quickly get the play moving forward. Athletic with excellent potential." MORE...
25. Rasmus Sandin
Defence | S.S. Marie (OHL) | 5'11 | 186 lbs. | Mar. 7, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP51
-
G12
-
PTS45
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Not big in stature but he plays a strong game in all areas. Skates, thinks, makes plays with puck and competes." MORE...
26. Jay O'Brien
Centre | Thayer (USHS) | 5'11 | 176 lbs. | Nov. 4, 1999
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP30
-
G43
-
PTS80
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Smart with a quick mind and very good hands where he can make a play or finish a play. Improvement as good as any player." MORE...
27. Ty Dellandrea
Centre | Flint (OHL) | 6'0 | 180 lbs. | Jul. 21, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP67
-
G27
-
PTS59
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Very strong two-way centre who plays all situations and can contribute offensively and defensively. Terrific improvement." MORE...
28. Vitali Kravtsov
Right Wing | Chelyabinsk (MHL) | 6'3 | 184 lbs. | Dec. 23, 1999
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP35
-
G4
-
PTS7
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"A classic Russian scoring winger with skating ability to break free and hands to finish." MORE...
29. Rasmus Kupari
Centre | Karpat (SM Liiga) | 6'1 1/2 | 189 lbs. | Mar. 15, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP39
-
G6
-
PTS14
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Foundation of his game is skating and he plays with a tenacity and intensity to find ways to contribute in all areas." MORE...
30. Liam Foudy
Centre | London (OHL) | 6'0 | 174 lbs. | Feb. 4, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP65
-
G24
-
PTS40
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Great speed that creates opportunities for his team and makes life uncomfortable for opponents. Catalyst type player." MORE...
31. Nils Lundkvist
Defence | Lulea (SHL) | 5'11 | 172 lbs. | July 27, 2000
2017-18 Statistics
-
GP28
-
G2
-
PTS5
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button says:
"Acquitted himself very well in the Swedish top league as a 17-year old. Smart and knows how to take advantage of his skills." MORE...