If everything is bigger and better in Texas, then we should expect some sensational talent to come out of the 2018 NHL Draft, which will be hosted by the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Arena from June 22-23.
While there is still three months and a whole lot of hockey left to be played before the draft picture becomes clear, Metro took a crack and projecting the first round where one of the better defensive prospects of the decade is set to headline the selection process.
Ask any NHL scout about Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and you will quickly learn that the 17-year-old is special.
At 6-foot-1, 181 pounds, the still-growing blueliner currently playing for Frolunda in the Swedish pro league has all the tools to become a star. He skates like a forward with an offensive ability that could make him one of the best two-way defensemen the game has ever seen. On top of that, his defensive game is stifling as he can control every aspect of a game when he’s on.
There’s plenty more talent within the ranks of the class of 2018 as we take a look at how the first round could shake up come June:
Metro’s 2018 NHL Mock Draft Version 1.0
1. Arizona Coyotes- Rasmus Dahlin, D, Frolunda (SHL)
2. Buffalo Sabres- Filip Zadina, LW, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
3. Ottawa Senators- Brady Tkachuk, LW, Boston University (NCAA)
4. Vancouver Canucks- Adam Boqvist, D, Brynas Jr. (Sweden)
5. Montreal Canadiens- Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Barrie Colts (OHL)
6. Edmonton Oilers- Noah Dobson, D, Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL)
7. New York Rangers- Evan Bouchard, D, London Knights (OHL)
8. Chicago Blackhawks- Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, USNTDP (USHL)
9. Detroit Red Wings- Quinn Hughes, D, University of Michigan (NCAA)
10. Florida Panthers- Barrett Hayton, C, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
11. Carolina Hurricanes- Joel Farabee, LW, USNTDP (USHL)
12. New York Islanders- Mattias Samuelson, D, USNTDP (USHL)
13. Columbus Blue Jackets- Isac Lundestrom, C, Lulea (SHL)
14. Colorado Avalanche- Ty Smith, D, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
15. Los Angeles Kings- Joe Velano, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)
16. Philadelphia Flyers (from Blues)- Jared McIsaac, D, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
17. New Jersey Devils- Grigori Denisenko, LW, Yaroslavl Jr. (MHL)
18. New York Islanders (from Flames)- Serron Noel, RW, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
19. Anaheim Ducks- Rasmus Kupari, C, Karpat (Finland)
20. Dallas Stars- Jacob Olofsson, C, Timra (Allsvenskan)
21. San Jose Sharks- Bode Wilde, D, USNTDP (USHL)
22. Pittsburgh Penguins- Ryan McLeod, C/LW, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
23. Philadelphia Flyers- Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Assat (Finland)
24. Minnesota Wild- Benoit Olivier-Groulx, C, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
25. Washington Capitals- Rasmus Sandin, D, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
26. New York Rangers (from Bruins)- Dominik Bokk, LW, Vaxjo (SHL)
27. Toronto Maple Leafs- Jett Woo, D, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
28. St. Louis Blues (from Jets)- Akil Thomas, C, Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL)
29. Chicago Blackhawks (from Predators)- Martin Kaut, RW, Pardubice (Czech Repulic)
30. Detroit Red Wings (from Golden Knights)- Vitali Kravtsov, C, Chelyabinsk (Russia)
31. New York Rangers (from Lightning)- K’Andre Miller, D, USNDTP (USHL)
