Having Dahlin play in my hometown team Frolunda gives me the chance to watch him live once a week and at 17 he’s already the best d’man in the SHL. The way he controls the tempo on the ice is something I haven’t seen in so many years. Erik Karlsson and John Klingberg also played with Frolunda before joining the NHL and none of them are close to Rasmus Dahlin before they left Frolunda for the NHL!
Matte Larsson lets be honest here, he’s not the best d in SHL, he will be much better but right now he’s not. Swede here as well. Frolunda fan here as well..!
Matte Larsson Pilut has definitely been better this season. Hands down if you’re not bias which you clearly are you’d se that. I’m a huge Dahlin fan, don’t get me wrong. If he stayed one more year he would be the very best. As of now he’s one of the best.
Well, I do like Pilut but Dahlin is strong in front of his own net, strong skater, brilliant puck handler and can dish out brutal hits. Pilut is stronger in some areas but overall he’s not better at all.
Brady Tkachuk is a classic two-way player and agitator (might end up better at it than his brother) where as Matthew is an agitator/power forward type. Matthew was drafted specifically to play this role and the fact that he is scoring goals the way he has this year along with his growth in making better decisions as to when/where to make his edgy plays has gotten a lot better as he draws a ton of penalties. I see both of them having long and successful careers regardless of where they end up. Neither of them will turn a team around on their own, although you could argue the Matthew has become the heartbeat of the Flames with his style, but they both are highly valuable assets to any team and I would take either one of them in an instant.
Seriously, I’m a big Frolunda fan and have watched Dahlin for a long time! Yes he is an amazing player and a generational talent.. but.. There is a major difference between a generational talent and a generational player. He has a long way to go to get to that point. He’s not gonna be a superstar the first season give him time!
This is the best draft I’ve seen in the longest time. Here’s my run down and sum of it.. Dahlin is a Generational talent. Dahlin - Comparison: Lidstrom Svechnikov and Zadina could both potentially be Franchise Winger Rocket competitors every year. Svechnikov - Comparison: (Patrick)Kane Zadina - Comparison: Kucherov Tkachuk will be a pain in the ass for every team, he will be a Perry type player but much more consistent and athletic(but he won’t have a better peak). Tkachuk - Comparison: Perry Mark my words now, Bouchard will be the second best defender of this draft, he is looking better than Seth Jones in his draft year and will likely turn out to be a better and more consistently better version of Pietrangelo(meaning he will consistently challenge for the Norris not just every couple seasons or in his peak year). Bouchard - Comparison: Pietrangelo Boqvist, Merkley and Hughes are all similar and I’d be surprised if any of the three don’t average 40pts per season or more by the end of they’re career, I’d also be surprised if none of the three never won a Norris either. Boqvist - Comparison: Karlsson Merkley - Comparison: (Duncan)Keith(Offensively much better but Defensively much worse) Hughes- Comparison: Subban(much smaller obviously) Now all of those players I just mentioned would had likely all been drafted number #1 overall(Maybe not Merkley for personality issues and Hughes for size and age reasons, but I think they have just as much talent as Hischier) just a half year ago. Now the guy who fell named Joseph Veleno, he’s definitely someone who should not be overlooked by his stats, there are many underlying issues to be given some responsibility towards(his team, no other offensive weapons). He has Elite hands and Elite speed with Elite Playmaking ability(he’s currently second in 1st assists in the QMJHL and is over an Assist Per Game playing for his new team). Velenos upside is massive, think Mark Scheifele but with better hands, faster feet and similar playmaking ability(he’s got a muffin of a shot though)... Veleno - Comparison: Scheifele
WpG Central love this comment, I'm so excited for this draft as a Canucks fan. It's so good because no one wouldn't take Dahlin, and then after that you get a next layer, which in my opinion consists of: -Svechnikov -Zadina -Boqvist -Tkachuck And then it's open for discussion between guys like Dobson, Wahlstrom, Bouchard, Merkley, etc.
Hockey Prospects Center Svechnikov has an Elite wrister and is 6’3” , but everything else in his skill set yells Kane to me. He’s got the best skates in the draft and arguably the best hands(Dahlin might be better due to his effectiveness and smoothness, but Svechnikov is quicker and more accurate with his hands). I like to compare him to Kane due to his skill set rather than his size(even though you’r compared player is still 3 inches shy which is one more than Kane). Watch this kids highlights for 20 minutes and don’t tell me he doesn’t remind you of a big Kane with Kane(lite) skills.
He is not the best skater in the draft, that title goes to Quinn Hughes. And even though he has great hands, I would probably give that title to Oliver Wahlstrom. The thing that makes Svechnikov such an elite talent, is his all-around game.
Greg Benz As a Jets fan I’m not at all... There’s a big possibility that the Sens could get Dahlin or the Oilers could get Svechnikov/Zadina, both scenarios would be unfair for many other teams amongst the league. Or as a hockey fan I’m anxiously waiting to see if Edmonton pulls the 1st Pick which scares me even more...
I would like to see what a scout does to evaluate these prospects, I have seen what the nba, mlb and nfl does, but down here, there’s very little on the nhl especially when it comes to prospects.
Where do you see David Levin of the Sudbury Wolves going ? His story is one many should follow because he'd be the first to represent his country in the NHL
Rasmus Dahlin will change a franchise. I loved what I saw from him in the World juniors. Craig Button said that he probably is the best defenceman going into the draft since Denis Potvin!
Rickard if you looks at Eeli Tolvanen he got drafted but signed with the KHL, idk if they can opt out because in the CHL for example you can only play until you're 20, after that you're out
Sounds exactly like a Jimmy Vesey scenario, where Nashville drafted him and he just stayed at Harvard, partially to get his degree, partially because he didn’t want to play for them. He waited until his draft rights expired and then signed with the Rangers as a free agent
It doesn't matter if they rig it tbh, they won't have enough for both plus Talbot and Larrson and Klefbom and RNH, etc, they'll have to Dallas Stars and play a first line with a top 2 d pair and starting G with and AHL squad, if I'm Edmonton you almost don't want Dahlin, they want like a B level prospect really
if you take out the fact the league can't rig the lottery unless every participating teams would agree to it. There is at least half of the teams currently out of the playoffs where Rasmus Dahlin would be more profitable to the league than Edmonton, including 4 off those teams being in the league's 2 biggest markets
My favorite prospect (except of Dahlin of course) is Noah Dobson. Very good skater and as a very high offensive celling while being also very good in his own end.
Every time I see Ryan Merkley he plays unbelievable and I think people under appreciated his performance at the top prospects game. McKenzie said his personality is like a Ho-Sang. Not a big deal in my opinion. Dobson is my second best defence man with Merkley at 3.
Griffin Fletcher I'd also put Boqvist in that mix. Regarded as a comparison for Karlsson, just needs to beef up. I'd have him honestly taken 5th overall.
Not an Ottawa fan but I have a specific theory. I think Ottawa could trade for the first overall only if the winner of the lottery is a team who narrowly missed the playoffs. A team like the islanders or philly who would be open to moving the first overall in a deal that involves Karlsson. No rebuilding team would do that but I good team who just couldnt crack the playoffs might.
Michael Gurnick im not saying they would but it's not impossible that a fringe team moves their pick to acquire a talent like Karlsson to push them over the edge and win the cup. AllI was saying is that I very highly doubt that Dahlin ends up in Ottawa unless what I just described above happens (which I doubt).
graphics or gameplay? I also don’t see us moving the pieces for a draft pick, although we do have enough pieces to try. I don’t think it’s going to be happen, but it would be amazing!
As a Vancouver fan you have the luxury of watching a psychic bond between brothers. I would love the maple leafs get Alex nylander. So that he could play with his brother William.
Here’s my theory Edmonton had half the team having career years last year (maroon,Larson,klefbom,russel,Talbot,Draisaitl etc) had little to no injuries and teams weren’t expecting the to be a good team coming into the season. This year if you shut McDavid down you win because they are poor defensively have little depth scoring goaltending has been shaky.
Sebastian Holinaty that's exactly what happened McDavid needs help and their only hope is to not screw this draft up I don't think they necessarily need Dahlin their are lots of good wingers available they just need to snag one of them.
I hope Rasmus becomes a superstar player because holy crap people's projections for this kid is insane. If he doesn't work out, would be a huge bust. Joseph Veleno looks like his potential ceiling is limitless.
Pancakes and Hammers if you look at Veleno’s stats this year, you might be a little concerned about his draft stock. Dahlin has an insane set of skills. He looks like a top 4 forward the way he dangles the puck, but he works hard on defense as well. Took a couple silly penalties in the World Junior, but he still has room to grow. And that excites scouts even more.
Jordan Lacoste Your right, Veleno's draft stock has been trending down, but that doesn't mean he losing any of that amazing potential I think he has. Your also right, Rasmus is a no brainer.
Zadina should be number 2 he’s unreal. Coming out of Halifax which develops tons of stars you know he’s going to be good. Mackinnon , Hischier, voracek, Drouin, Meier, Tanguay, ehlers giguere etc....
Depends on which scouts you talk to. Svechnikov is a way better skater and physical player. He's also better than Zadina in his own end. Zadina still has a better shot and has better hands, but he's not the consensus #2 pick.
Jason Teal Like I said, depends on what the teams preference is. Svechnikov, Zadina and Tkachuk are all in contention for the #2 spot. It's a pretty tight race, but I think Svechnikov game will translate more to the NHL level than Zadina. Plus, Svechnikov is almost a year younger than Zadina. Imagine what Svechnikov will be in a year... probably better than what Zadina is right now. But I could still see Zadina going #2
I agree. He carried his team in the world juniors and looked amazing in the CHL prospect game. Svechnikov wasn't too noticeable. I think Zadina probably has better leadership skills too. I'd rather have him in the locker room.
Jason Teal I see him going 4 cuz he’s a winger, Boqvist and Dahlin are incredible defenseman that you would be crazy not to take, and I think Svech is a bit ahead of him now
Nyq ovechkin is a winger Taylor hall is a winger. They went first overall so there goes that theory. If your that good it doesn’t matter what position you play.
Jason Teal I don’t know why ur upset but I believe if you have a choice between an elite defenseman and a winger you take the defenseman every single time, they’re simply more important, chill bro I understand u love Z
I think Buffalo is in more need of Dahlin than Arizona. Not that Arizona wouldn't need him more but I think that if the Coyotes end up with Dahlin I could see them trading out OEL and make Dahlin the face of the franchise from here on forth. Also, on a side note Joel Farabee is 161 lbs. According to EliteProspects.com a very good website for prospects.
I think that in a tournament like the Olympics where there's no Pro players you need to be way way better than the competition to really have a real shot.
Sure there won't be the best in the world. But saying that there won't be any pro players in the Olympics is quite an insult to all the players. I know they aren't all that great but every league has their superstars, even the KHL, SHL and Liiga.
Ludvig Bjellebeck - By the sounds of things the Canadian hockey club is comprised of minor hockey players. I know Cris Kelly played in the NHL last year but he retired because he was washed up. From what is sounds by the hockey Canada website there's no junior players on the team ether which is odd because the last Olympics I remember without the pros Canada was headed by Lindros and Korea. Forsgurg scored the winner off one of the sweetest moves in his second shootout goal. I remember Lindros not going to the NHL to play for Canada even after he refused to play in Quebec
No actually he said he didnt have a favourite nhl team.. he only has favourite players from teams.. and Forsberg was his idol so there for he said Colorado
ZyXxOmAn Yeah he said that when Tsn interviewed him, but he was also interviewed by Swedish media and there he said that Colorado is his favorite team :D
This kid’s got franchise potential. I almost want the hawks to miss the playoffs to get him since they won’t win the cup anyway. He has the potential of Matthews or McDavid but he’s a defensemen. I’d be so happy if my team got a top 5 pick. The top 5 is SO good. You could argue 5 different guys to be #2. I love Brady Tkachuk and btw Matt Tkachuk said himself that Brady is better. Zadina and Svechnikov are so close to eachother and Boqvist is a top 4 potential defensemen and every team needs a top 4 d man. Any guy in the top 5 right now would have gone at least 2 in last year’s draft from what I’ve seen Tkachuk, Zadina, Svechnikov, and Boqvist all have a higher ceiling than Nolan Patrick. Sadly goaltending is weak this draft, Skarek was up there but his performance was bad at the WJC and he hasn’t played better since. Olivier Rodrigue is probably #1.
Max Lee Matthew has also said he’s going to try and prove the hockey world wrong on the stand that Brady is better. The big difference between them is one has proven himself in the NHL and one hasn’t yet, we can’t talk about who is really better in the NHL until Brady makes it (hopefully on the Flames).
Olivier Rodrique is pretty sick at net, it's not as weak as you think, as far as everything goes it'll be interesting, I really want Toronto to somehow get Boqvist but it won't happen
I think this draft is pretty clear. It does not mather wich team get´s the first pick. Dahlin is going first! That´s it. Kid is going to be a "generational talent"...like McDavid, Crosby, Lidstrom, Ovie and so on. I think Boqvist is going to drop...to many good forwards ahead of him. But i trully think he is going to be a "steal". That kid is soooo underated...i´m guessing because of Dahlin (also Swede). Boqvist´s vision, speed and puck handling is insane...yes, he is "small", yes, he needs to work on his defense. But so does Erik Karlsson :-) You put Boqvist up with a good defensive defenceman....it will be scary good. Zadina was great in Juniors...i´d pick him as 2. Svechnikov as 3 ad Brady as 4. But 5 is Boqvist....im my oppinion. But i think he will drop and actually be picked close to 10. Just because of his size. But i do think he will be a "steal" at 8-10.
As a Canucks fan I want Tkachuck cause I think he will help bring some character to the Canucks. But I think we need a blue chip right hand d prospect, forward prospect wise were good but defense is weak. So Boqvist.
I agree... if the Nucks can't get Dahlin, Tkachuk would be my preference... that said... Svechnikov or Zadina would be awesome too. Please, just don't draft any of the small "offensive" D men. Bouchard or Dobson would be OK too, if the Nucks got really screwed at the Lottery (again).
I guess the only thing that bothers me about this young man is who ever drafts him wants immediate returns. What happens if he can't deliver, gets hurt by other teams players because he now is a target. So time will tell.
This draft could have some really good defenseman prospects. Boqvist and Dahlin look like the real deals for defenseman. Velno could be a steal if he falls outside the lottery picks. Being a Pens fan, they need defensman in the system that could make the nhl.
Oh, I'm sure they have a high pick and have Tkachuk waiting to be called up........but they'll end up announcing some player slated to go early in the 2nd round. ;)
As a Hawks fan we need D our only good Dman is Kieth who is on the decline but our Forward core is good enough with Kane, Debrincat, Toews, Schmaltz, Duclair, amd Saad
I'm not against grabbing a DMan especially with the absurd amount of D talent in the draft, but only if they're NHL ready in their draft year. D generally take longer to develop so I don't want someone we won't see for a while since we already have Mitchell and Forsling which are the top pairing of the future. Jokiharju and Krys are still raw, but still have Top 4 potential. Then internationally we have Carlsson and Tuulola. So the Hawks will be perfectly fine in the D department in about 2-3 years. So unless they draft a who guy can make it into the lineup immediately (not likely), he's going to end up in our future log jam. As for forwards, there's nothing wrong with adding some elite level talent like Wahlstrom. Duclair and Saad aren't part of the future core. Just DCat and Schmaltz. Likely Sikura too. Kane and Toews will eventually take on smaller roles so I think drafting a forward works better. But again, I'm not opposed to getting a Dman, I just think it's going to cause a log jam.
I don't think Farabee slides to the second round, but Wahlstrom is definitely the better player and will go top 10. Honestly depends where the Hawks draft. If they win the lottery, it's obvious who they take, if they don't win but start tanking, Wahlstrom is who I want. If they picking things up and place a bit higher in the standings, Kotkaniemi would be a great fit for the organization.
Veleno was an exceptional status player going into junior. He’s played on stacked teams and hasn’t put up very good stats. He should dominate considering his size and maturity and skill. He only has 130 points in 150 games and barely any goals. I hope mtl doesn’t draft him it will be another bust.
He's almost NHL-ready, he's not a bust in any shape or form. Last year, Veleno was playing on the third line because of the super stack team, and at the beginning of the year, nobody was at his level in St-John. With Drummondville, Veleno got 14 points in his last 6 games. He's the best playmaker of the draft and the best defensive forward as well. He's an Elite skater with a very good hockey IQ. Veleno is one of the safest bet of this draft.
Big difference between the Russians that have played their junior hockey in The Q, The O or The W vs the ones that might be coming straight from Russia with no experiences in N America.
Zukenov played in Chicoutimi, but point taken. Whoever gets Svechnikov, I hope he stays in the league for all the rest of us fans to enjoy. I, myself, would still be a little nervous just because of the whole "he can go home and make good money there" argument. There is something to not wanting to work in a country where you don't speak the language. It surely comes down to the personality of each individual player. I wonder, is this a new phenomenon or has there been this lurking shadow over the contract of every Russian player since the KHL first came into being?
I have a feeling about the Canucks winning the lottery and drafting Dahlin first overall. It's gonna happen. Cannot wait until April when the selections are announced.
sorry i didn't complete my comment, i meant to add "something else" Weber is still a top rated defensemen for the next 3-4 years however i do agree that its unlikely a team will trade the 1st with so much hype around it! but theres no guarantee's in potential, for a team looking to win soon or now, as Buffalo could be ready to do with a number 1Dman and prospects for the blue line on the way it could work but it would take more then Weber + 2nd i think. One can dream though.
“With the first pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Edmonton Oilers select...”
Having Dahlin play in my hometown team Frolunda gives me the chance to watch him live once a week and at 17 he’s already the best d’man in the SHL. The way he controls the tempo on the ice is something I haven’t seen in so many years.
Erik Karlsson and John Klingberg also played with Frolunda before joining the NHL and none of them are close to Rasmus Dahlin before they left Frolunda for the NHL!
Matte Larsson lets be honest here, he’s not the best d in SHL, he will be much better but right now he’s not. Swede here as well. Frolunda fan here as well..!
Tell me who is better?
Matte, Swede here too. You are right. There is no better with that future and skills.
Matte Larsson Pilut has definitely been better this season. Hands down if you’re not bias which you clearly are you’d se that. I’m a huge Dahlin fan, don’t get me wrong. If he stayed one more year he would be the very best. As of now he’s one of the best.
Well, I do like Pilut but Dahlin is strong in front of his own net, strong skater, brilliant puck handler and can dish out brutal hits. Pilut is stronger in some areas but overall he’s not better at all.
Svechnikov! Has been incredible in Barrie he's been amazing to watch
Oilers getting Thachuck would be deadly with his brother in Calgary. Battle of Alberta would be crazy.
Similar to Buffalo against Toronto with the Nylander bros
Roller coaster and sports23 Those 2 wont be nasty to each other like the Tkachuks will be
Excited for all stars? I can’t wait for this new player! Another great vid
If I had 2nd I'd take Zadina in a heartbeat. This dude is absolutely studly.
If Detroit can't get Dahlin, I'd love for them to get Andrei Svechnikov. I'd love to see what the Svechnikov brothers could do in Detroit together.
Gonna love Bokk even more when you find out he plays with Pettersson.
Brady Tkachuk is a classic two-way player and agitator (might end up better at it than his brother) where as Matthew is an agitator/power forward type. Matthew was drafted specifically to play this role and the fact that he is scoring goals the way he has this year along with his growth in making better decisions as to when/where to make his edgy plays has gotten a lot better as he draws a ton of penalties. I see both of them having long and successful careers regardless of where they end up. Neither of them will turn a team around on their own, although you could argue the Matthew has become the heartbeat of the Flames with his style, but they both are highly valuable assets to any team and I would take either one of them in an instant.
Seriously, I’m a big Frolunda fan and have watched Dahlin for a long time! Yes he is an amazing player and a generational talent.. but..
There is a major difference between a generational talent and a generational player. He has a long way to go to get to that point. He’s not gonna be a superstar the first season give him time!
he has potential but no one knows where he gonna be at in 5 years
I think Dahlin is going to Vancouver. I have that feeling
i think vancouver or detroit ;)
Canucks will pick 5th or worse their luck is terrible
Very few canadians among the top prospects.
HoCkEY iS CaNAdAS gAMe
I know the " God I'm old" comments are annoying to read but, it kills me that some of these guys have a post 2000 birthday.
This is the best draft I’ve seen in the longest time. Here’s my run down and sum of it..
Dahlin is a Generational talent.
Dahlin - Comparison: Lidstrom
Svechnikov and Zadina could both potentially be Franchise Winger Rocket competitors every year.
Svechnikov - Comparison: (Patrick)Kane
Zadina - Comparison: Kucherov
Tkachuk will be a pain in the ass for every team, he will be a Perry type player but much more consistent and athletic(but he won’t have a better peak).
Tkachuk - Comparison: Perry
Mark my words now, Bouchard will be the second best defender of this draft, he is looking better than Seth Jones in his draft year and will likely turn out to be a better and more consistently better version of Pietrangelo(meaning he will consistently challenge for the Norris not just every couple seasons or in his peak year).
Bouchard - Comparison: Pietrangelo
Boqvist, Merkley and Hughes are all similar and I’d be surprised if any of the three don’t average 40pts per season or more by the end of they’re career, I’d also be surprised if none of the three never won a Norris either.
Boqvist - Comparison: Karlsson
Merkley - Comparison: (Duncan)Keith(Offensively much better but Defensively much worse)
Hughes- Comparison: Subban(much smaller obviously)
Now all of those players I just mentioned would had likely all been drafted number #1 overall(Maybe not Merkley for personality issues and Hughes for size and age reasons, but I think they have just as much talent as Hischier) just a half year ago.
Now the guy who fell named Joseph Veleno, he’s definitely someone who should not be overlooked by his stats, there are many underlying issues to be given some responsibility towards(his team, no other offensive weapons). He has Elite hands and Elite speed with Elite Playmaking ability(he’s currently second in 1st assists in the QMJHL and is over an Assist Per Game playing for his new team). Velenos upside is massive, think Mark Scheifele but with better hands, faster feet and similar playmaking ability(he’s got a muffin of a shot though)...
Veleno - Comparison: Scheifele
WpG Central love this comment, I'm so excited for this draft as a Canucks fan. It's so good because no one wouldn't take Dahlin, and then after that you get a next layer, which in my opinion consists of:
-Svechnikov
-Zadina
-Boqvist
-Tkachuck
And then it's open for discussion between guys like Dobson, Wahlstrom, Bouchard, Merkley, etc.
Wouldn't compare Svechnikov to Kane. He's much bigger and more of a sniper than a playmaker. He is more like Tarasenko but bigger.
Hockey Prospects Center
Svechnikov has an Elite wrister and is 6’3” , but everything else in his skill set yells Kane to me. He’s got the best skates in the draft and arguably the best hands(Dahlin might be better due to his effectiveness and smoothness, but Svechnikov is quicker and more accurate with his hands). I like to compare him to Kane due to his skill set rather than his size(even though you’r compared player is still 3 inches shy which is one more than Kane). Watch this kids highlights for 20 minutes and don’t tell me he doesn’t remind you of a big Kane with Kane(lite) skills.
He is not the best skater in the draft, that title goes to Quinn Hughes. And even though he has great hands, I would probably give that title to Oliver Wahlstrom. The thing that makes Svechnikov such an elite talent, is his all-around game.
Greg Benz
As a Jets fan I’m not at all... There’s a big possibility that the Sens could get Dahlin or the Oilers could get Svechnikov/Zadina, both scenarios would be unfair for many other teams amongst the league. Or as a hockey fan I’m anxiously waiting to see if Edmonton pulls the 1st Pick which scares me even more...
Please let the Canucks get Dahlin, please hockey gods don't fuck Vancouver over again. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
jbrylinsabresfan That's true,if not Vancouver then Dahlin to Buffalo. A Dahlin Ristolainen pairing going forward would be incredible to watch.
Haven't we all realized that it's not possible for the Sabres to win the lottery.
We need it this year
I'm a Kings fan,but I desperately want Buffalo to take Dahlin,I dont know why,but I feel he's everything Buffalo needs.
BET
Priestlyy HD rip dude
Caoimhín Ó Murċaḋa Dumbest thing I've ever heard from a "hockey fan"
I would like to see what a scout does to evaluate these prospects, I have seen what the nba, mlb and nfl does, but down here, there’s very little on the nhl especially when it comes to prospects.
How did Buffalo try to rig Mcdavid draft??
Dominik Bokk is rising up, at the beginning of the season he was a late third round pick, but he's played so well he's a potential first rounder
Where do you see David Levin of the Sudbury Wolves going ? His story is one many should follow because he'd be the first to represent his country in the NHL
Oilers draft Tkachuk, imagine that battle of Alberta for the next decade?
Vinnny Lam I would love to have tkachuk it's hard to cheer for Matthew as an Oilers fan so Brady is just what I needed
I think Matt Tkatchuk is somewhat underrated by many conseridering his scoring ability and his age (younger than auston matthews )
I love how you have been wearing alot of Ave's sweaters lately. Go Aves!
I Hope that Florida won the lottery and get Dahlin! They would be interesting team in near future, because lot of potential in prospect pool...
Rasmus Dahlin will change a franchise. I loved what I saw from him in the World juniors. Craig Button said that he probably is the best defenceman going into the draft since Denis Potvin!
I want Jett Woo on the Jets. Winnipeg boy with the name Jett??? Common that’s a gimmie
If the Flames make a move for Brady Tkachuk & pair him with Matt they'll end up being one of the most hated teams in the league lol.
Vega M my kinda team, my kinda team.
OMG if Edmonton or Vancouver can get their hands on Brady that be AMAZING!
Quick question who do you think drafts the best consistently
Giovanni Herrera you're probably not referring to me but Tampa/Toronto
The Blues
Tampa Bay without a doubt
Do a mock draft
Would also love to see THG do a mock draft. We released our own mock draft last weak btw
Is it possible for someone on the draft list to opt out of it, continue playing where they are and sign a contract directly with a club at say age 21?
Rickard if you looks at Eeli Tolvanen he got drafted but signed with the KHL, idk if they can opt out because in the CHL for example you can only play until you're 20, after that you're out
Sounds exactly like a Jimmy Vesey scenario, where Nashville drafted him and he just stayed at Harvard, partially to get his degree, partially because he didn’t want to play for them. He waited until his draft rights expired and then signed with the Rangers as a free agent
Buffalo NEEDS Dahlin. Exactly what they need. I watched him play in Buffalo in the World Juniors and that dude has some hands
Aaron Certo you already have Eichel
And you have Petterson and Joulevi so what’s your point?
Buffalo got him and needed him most
Dahlin is the clear choice at 1st overall, but love Svechnikov and Wahlstrom
Can’t wait for the league to rig it for Edmonton
Bob Kubiszyn You could get a contract with McDonalds to supply salt for their fries
It doesn't matter if they rig it tbh, they won't have enough for both plus Talbot and Larrson and Klefbom and RNH, etc, they'll have to Dallas Stars and play a first line with a top 2 d pair and starting G with and AHL squad, if I'm Edmonton you almost don't want Dahlin, they want like a B level prospect really
Matty that made sense don’t worry
if you take out the fact the league can't rig the lottery unless every participating teams would agree to it. There is at least half of the teams currently out of the playoffs where Rasmus Dahlin would be more profitable to the league than Edmonton, including 4 off those teams being in the league's 2 biggest markets
Shannon, Boeser for the win! $25, 000 for the rookie !!
Lissa77 not really a big deal they probably give the money to charity anyway. No one really takes this seriously.
I know that, I was joking with Shannon. He ha a hockey crush on the kid and the rookie won it for 1st time in 22 years. It's all in fun.
Jack Hughes looks reaeeeeaaaalllly good
My favorite prospect (except of Dahlin of course) is Noah Dobson. Very good skater and as a very high offensive celling while being also very good in his own end.
Every time I see Ryan Merkley he plays unbelievable and I think people under appreciated his performance at the top prospects game. McKenzie said his personality is like a Ho-Sang. Not a big deal in my opinion. Dobson is my second best defence man with Merkley at 3.
Griffin Fletcher Merkley has temperament issue and scouts normally don't like to take problematic player. The talent is there for sure
Griffin Fletcher I'd also put Boqvist in that mix. Regarded as a comparison for Karlsson, just needs to beef up. I'd have him honestly taken 5th overall.
Not an Ottawa fan but I have a specific theory. I think Ottawa could trade for the first overall only if the winner of the lottery is a team who narrowly missed the playoffs. A team like the islanders or philly who would be open to moving the first overall in a deal that involves Karlsson. No rebuilding team would do that but I good team who just couldnt crack the playoffs might.
no team is going to trade Dahlin.
Michael Gurnick im not saying they would but it's not impossible that a fringe team moves their pick to acquire a talent like Karlsson to push them over the edge and win the cup. AllI was saying is that I very highly doubt that Dahlin ends up in Ottawa unless what I just described above happens (which I doubt).
VAN please!!!!!!
Please Hockey Gods give Arizona Dahlin
redN141 Ekman Larsson-Dahlin
Who do you think are the top goalie prospects
Alexis Gravel is probably still the best goalie prospect.
The two Tkachuk’s together would be a dream come true!
Ridr Pride3088 how would you guys get him? You have no first round pick. I dont see flames moving any pieces for a draft pick
graphics or gameplay? I also don’t see us moving the pieces for a draft pick, although we do have enough pieces to try. I don’t think it’s going to be happen, but it would be amazing!
Canucks better get top5 at least
I’d love to see Dahlin play with sergachev
Only way that happens is TBL trades Sergachev.
Praying that Canucks gets Rasmus Dahlin :)
supremerii All in for Dahlin
supremerii I've got a feeling :)
As a Vancouver fan you have the luxury of watching a psychic bond between brothers. I would love the maple leafs get Alex nylander. So that he could play with his brother William.
Leafs do not need any more young skilled players we have enough of those
lol, one lazy nylander is enough as it is
Here’s my theory. The oilers were good last year because they didn’t like the draft class. But now you got guys like Dahlin, Velano, Tkachuk (Brady)
DOUBL E don't forget about Zadina and Svechnikov
Here’s my theory Edmonton had half the team having career years last year (maroon,Larson,klefbom,russel,Talbot,Draisaitl etc) had little to no injuries and teams weren’t expecting the to be a good team coming into the season. This year if you shut McDavid down you win because they are poor defensively have little depth scoring goaltending has been shaky.
Sebastian Holinaty that's exactly what happened McDavid needs help and their only hope is to not screw this draft up I don't think they necessarily need Dahlin their are lots of good wingers available they just need to snag one of them.
I hope Rasmus becomes a superstar player because holy crap people's projections for this kid is insane. If he doesn't work out, would be a huge bust. Joseph Veleno looks like his potential ceiling is limitless.
Pancakes and Hammers if you look at Veleno’s stats this year, you might be a little concerned about his draft stock. Dahlin has an insane set of skills. He looks like a top 4 forward the way he dangles the puck, but he works hard on defense as well. Took a couple silly penalties in the World Junior, but he still has room to grow. And that excites scouts even more.
Jordan Lacoste Your right, Veleno's draft stock has been trending down, but that doesn't mean he losing any of that amazing potential I think he has. Your also right, Rasmus is a no brainer.
Veleno's ceiling is definitely not limitless. He will be a third line center, maybe second.
Hockey Prospects Center You could be absolutely right, but I hope not. Not that the kind of potential you are talking about is anything to frown upon.
Shannon does it bother you that bead Marchand We are still eligible to play in the All-Star game even though he has a five game suspension
Oliver Walhstrom is most under-rated player, imo. Kid should be top 5
The problem is, that he has been rather inconsistant.
Zadina should be number 2 he’s unreal. Coming out of Halifax which develops tons of stars you know he’s going to be good.
Mackinnon , Hischier, voracek, Drouin, Meier, Tanguay, ehlers giguere etc....
Depends on which scouts you talk to. Svechnikov is a way better skater and physical player. He's also better than Zadina in his own end. Zadina still has a better shot and has better hands, but he's not the consensus #2 pick.
NHL Draft Central based on everything I’ve seen which is a ton I would take Zadina 2 but he’s a lock for top 3.
Jason Teal Like I said, depends on what the teams preference is. Svechnikov, Zadina and Tkachuk are all in contention for the #2 spot. It's a pretty tight race, but I think Svechnikov game will translate more to the NHL level than Zadina. Plus, Svechnikov is almost a year younger than Zadina. Imagine what Svechnikov will be in a year... probably better than what Zadina is right now. But I could still see Zadina going #2
NHL Draft Central Halifax has a big time track record for developing stars and i think that plays a factor.
I agree. He carried his team in the world juniors and looked amazing in the CHL prospect game. Svechnikov wasn't too noticeable. I think Zadina probably has better leadership skills too. I'd rather have him in the locker room.
More needs to be looked at about Akil Thomas. He's pretty amazing
Thomas is super interesting.
Thoughts on Bode Wilde?
Big and very good offensively. I had him in my TOP 15.
Dahlin for Buffalo!!!! Lets go Sabres ⚔️
Zadina will be top 3 in the draft guaranteed. Book it!
Tkachuk might challenge him, but I see him Top 3 as well
Jason Teal I see him going 4 cuz he’s a winger, Boqvist and Dahlin are incredible defenseman that you would be crazy not to take, and I think Svech is a bit ahead of him now
Nyq no you’ll see.
Nyq ovechkin is a winger Taylor hall is a winger. They went first overall so there goes that theory. If your that good it doesn’t matter what position you play.
Jason Teal I don’t know why ur upset but I believe if you have a choice between an elite defenseman and a winger you take the defenseman every single time, they’re simply more important, chill bro I understand u love Z
Dahlin + McDavid would be insane
Why not both xD
Yamamoto + Jones + 2019 1st round draft + Benson
Especially when you're paying both 25M together
TX9MDY Plus 8,5 million to Draisaitl and 6 million to an aging Lucic. The Oilers bottom six will have to play for peanuts.
Edmonton will get Dahlin, obviously
Alexandre Daigle I'm putting an axe through my TV if that happens.
Oilers don't know what to do with first overall picks
Draft Tkachuk haha
We will end up trading him for Eberle or something
s stevenson 😂 just how blunt that was
Went to the same school as Dobson^
That's cool
After top 10 i have no idea who is good. I think the team that does its homework will find some unsuspecting picks in the middle to late first round.
Top 40 is amazing, but the rest is average
I think Buffalo is in more need of Dahlin than Arizona. Not that Arizona wouldn't need him more but I think that if the Coyotes end up with Dahlin I could see them trading out OEL and make Dahlin the face of the franchise from here on forth.
Also, on a side note Joel Farabee is 161 lbs. According to EliteProspects.com a very good website for prospects.
But Buffalo already has a franchise player in Jack Eichel
Jay Vyas To me it seems like Eichel doesn't want to be there
wait where and when did you get that jersey?
Alex Higgins - NHL fight cancer jersey from me. I had an extra one, someone gave me a Player signed one. Thought HC might want the blank one 😉
I think that in a tournament like the Olympics where there's no Pro players you need to be way way better than the competition to really have a real shot.
Sure there won't be the best in the world. But saying that there won't be any pro players in the Olympics is quite an insult to all the players. I know they aren't all that great but every league has their superstars, even the KHL, SHL and Liiga.
Ludvig Bjellebeck - By the sounds of things the Canadian hockey club is comprised of minor hockey players. I know Cris Kelly played in the NHL last year but he retired because he was washed up. From what is sounds by the hockey Canada website there's no junior players on the team ether which is odd because the last Olympics I remember without the pros Canada was headed by Lindros and Korea. Forsgurg scored the winner off one of the sweetest moves in his second shootout goal. I remember Lindros not going to the NHL to play for Canada even after he refused to play in Quebec
Well... Dahlin said his favorite nhl team is Colorado... :D
No actually he said he didnt have a favourite nhl team.. he only has favourite players from teams.. and Forsberg was his idol so there for he said Colorado
ZyXxOmAn Yeah he said that when Tsn interviewed him, but he was also interviewed by Swedish media and there he said that Colorado is his favorite team :D
no he did not say that.
CoDINmyHEART Doesn't really matter what he said because there's no way Avs get him.
he said that in a swedish interview before the junior wc
Dahlin is going to be a star in the NHL and he is the run away number one pick but I think Brady Tkachuk will be the player that's picked second. Bob.
Siddhartha Challa so people know he's bob, you uncultured swine
Siddhartha Challa sorry that was a bit much
Haha Diggest.Funny.
I'm on my wife Janet's account so I can make comments here,my name's Bob
This kid’s got franchise potential. I almost want the hawks to miss the playoffs to get him since they won’t win the cup anyway. He has the potential of Matthews or McDavid but he’s a defensemen. I’d be so happy if my team got a top 5 pick. The top 5 is SO good. You could argue 5 different guys to be #2. I love Brady Tkachuk and btw Matt Tkachuk said himself that Brady is better. Zadina and Svechnikov are so close to eachother and Boqvist is a top 4 potential defensemen and every team needs a top 4 d man. Any guy in the top 5 right now would have gone at least 2 in last year’s draft from what I’ve seen Tkachuk, Zadina, Svechnikov, and Boqvist all have a higher ceiling than Nolan Patrick. Sadly goaltending is weak this draft, Skarek was up there but his performance was bad at the WJC and he hasn’t played better since. Olivier Rodrigue is probably #1.
Max Lee Matthew has also said he’s going to try and prove the hockey world wrong on the stand that Brady is better. The big difference between them is one has proven himself in the NHL and one hasn’t yet, we can’t talk about who is really better in the NHL until Brady makes it (hopefully on the Flames).
Olivier Rodrique is pretty sick at net, it's not as weak as you think, as far as everything goes it'll be interesting, I really want Toronto to somehow get Boqvist but it won't happen
I think this draft is pretty clear. It does not mather wich team get´s the first pick. Dahlin is going first! That´s it. Kid is going to be a "generational talent"...like McDavid, Crosby, Lidstrom, Ovie and so on.
I think Boqvist is going to drop...to many good forwards ahead of him. But i trully think he is going to be a "steal". That kid is soooo underated...i´m guessing because of Dahlin (also Swede). Boqvist´s vision, speed and puck handling is insane...yes, he is "small", yes, he needs to work on his defense. But so does Erik Karlsson :-) You put Boqvist up with a good defensive defenceman....it will be scary good.
Zadina was great in Juniors...i´d pick him as 2. Svechnikov as 3 ad Brady as 4. But 5 is Boqvist....im my oppinion. But i think he will drop and actually be picked close to 10. Just because of his size. But i do think he will be a "steal" at 8-10.
As a Canucks fan I want Tkachuck cause I think he will help bring some character to the Canucks. But I think we need a blue chip right hand d prospect, forward prospect wise were good but defense is weak. So Boqvist.
I agree... if the Nucks can't get Dahlin, Tkachuk would be my preference... that said... Svechnikov or Zadina would be awesome too. Please, just don't draft any of the small "offensive" D men. Bouchard or Dobson would be OK too, if the Nucks got really screwed at the Lottery (again).
Brian Benson I think canucks really need a minute eating dman. Someone who can play a steady 24 minutes a game.
Brady to Calgary thanks
SL no Calgary’s winning the cup
DOUBL E hahaha
Matty say what you want
Dahlin, Zadina, Tkachuk, Boqvist, Svechnikov, Hughes, Merkley...
Don't sleep on Veleno, Bouchard, Smith, Woo
Ottawa!!!
Karlsson, Chabot, Dahlin. Just imagine that, one of those guys would have to be on the second line.
That would be sick
If Karlsson stays
I just noticed the flames have the most elite prospects
DOUBL E elaborate (not saying they don’t I’m genuinely curious I don’t know much about the Calgary farm team)
Do you drink kool-aid everytime you play NHL 18?
DOUBL E hahahah
graphics or gameplay? It's true tho
DOUBL E how?
I guess the only thing that bothers me about this young man is who ever drafts him wants immediate returns. What happens if he can't deliver, gets hurt by other teams players because he now is a target. So time will tell.
This draft could have some really good defenseman prospects. Boqvist and Dahlin look like the real deals for defenseman. Velno could be a steal if he falls outside the lottery picks. Being a Pens fan, they need defensman in the system that could make the nhl.
I hope the Canucks get a good draft pick 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃
Oh, I'm sure they have a high pick and have Tkachuk waiting to be called up........but they'll end up announcing some player slated to go early in the 2nd round. ;)
Elite prospects has farabee at 161lbs
Come to Detroit
Rangers should tank
Ripley Keller you, me and 75% of Ranger fans think so too but Dolan rather make money losing in the first round
Joel Farabee is over 160lbs. still most likely an early 2nd rounder
If he slides into second round, he could be one of the steals.
I hope the Hawks get Wahlstrom or Farabee. I think that'd be realistic.
As a Hawks fan we need D our only good Dman is Kieth who is on the decline but our Forward core is good enough with Kane, Debrincat, Toews, Schmaltz, Duclair, amd Saad
I'm not against grabbing a DMan especially with the absurd amount of D talent in the draft, but only if they're NHL ready in their draft year. D generally take longer to develop so I don't want someone we won't see for a while since we already have Mitchell and Forsling which are the top pairing of the future. Jokiharju and Krys are still raw, but still have Top 4 potential. Then internationally we have Carlsson and Tuulola. So the Hawks will be perfectly fine in the D department in about 2-3 years. So unless they draft a who guy can make it into the lineup immediately (not likely), he's going to end up in our future log jam.
As for forwards, there's nothing wrong with adding some elite level talent like Wahlstrom. Duclair and Saad aren't part of the future core. Just DCat and Schmaltz. Likely Sikura too. Kane and Toews will eventually take on smaller roles so I think drafting a forward works better. But again, I'm not opposed to getting a Dman, I just think it's going to cause a log jam.
Well, Wahlstrom will most certainly be TOP 10, while Farabee might even slide to second round.
I don't think Farabee slides to the second round, but Wahlstrom is definitely the better player and will go top 10. Honestly depends where the Hawks draft. If they win the lottery, it's obvious who they take, if they don't win but start tanking, Wahlstrom is who I want. If they picking things up and place a bit higher in the standings, Kotkaniemi would be a great fit for the organization.
I'm kinda interested in Jared McIsaac
Sens should get top 3
Gaudreau and marner are like 160-170 farabee won't drop at all
Veleno was an exceptional status player going into junior. He’s played on stacked teams and hasn’t put up very good stats. He should dominate considering his size and maturity and skill. He only has 130 points in 150 games and barely any goals. I hope mtl doesn’t draft him it will be another bust.
He's almost NHL-ready, he's not a bust in any shape or form. Last year, Veleno was playing on the third line because of the super stack team, and at the beginning of the year, nobody was at his level in St-John. With Drummondville, Veleno got 14 points in his last 6 games. He's the best playmaker of the draft and the best defensive forward as well. He's an Elite skater with a very good hockey IQ. Veleno is one of the safest bet of this draft.
NHL Draft Central I disagree but I don’t think he’s a bust. He hasn’t shown to great in the q and he’s in his third year.
With the recent exoduses of Shipachyov, Zukenov and Tryamkin(amongst others), how nervous should GMs be about drafting Russia-born players?
Big difference between the Russians that have played their junior hockey in The Q, The O or The W vs the ones that might be coming straight from Russia with no experiences in N America.
Zukenov played in Chicoutimi, but point taken. Whoever gets Svechnikov, I hope he stays in the league for all the rest of us fans to enjoy. I, myself, would still be a little nervous just because of the whole "he can go home and make good money there" argument. There is something to not wanting to work in a country where you don't speak the language. It surely comes down to the personality of each individual player. I wonder, is this a new phenomenon or has there been this lurking shadow over the contract of every Russian player since the KHL first came into being?
Headed to Buffalo!
Craig Button is really high on Barret Hayton, sounds like he might sneak into the top 5-7
He might be able to crack TOP 10, but definitely not TOP 5 without a miracle.
It’s pronounced Bock as far as I know
I have a feeling about the Canucks winning the lottery and drafting Dahlin first overall. It's gonna happen. Cannot wait until April when the selections are announced.
Johnny Canuck remember were the Vancouver 5,s
Keep that feeling until we lose the draft lottery, every one has that feeling and we end up losing
God I hope buffalo and Arizona get shafted in the lottery this year
I wouldnt mind brady tkachuk. Knowing the canucks luck.
Vancouver Will Get Dahlin This Years
Montreal could use Dahlin the most I think.
If buffalo doesn't win Dahlin they're rooting to get Brady Tkachuk because of his bromine with Casey Mittlestadt
YEA LETS GO ZADINA!!!
Chicago misses the playoffs, wins the lottery and drafts Dahlin.
Just imagine,
*"Mr. Dahlen, welcome to the Edmonton Oilers"*
I feel like Vancouver and buffalo would get the most out of dahlin
It would be awesome as a flames fan to trade for Brady as that would be a awesome line with Brady and Matt
MJTT12 if we got him but that’s cool but we would have to give up so much and it would be so hard to fit him on a line
They'd be called the Brady Bunch even though they're just two.
If Montreal is Smart they try to move that Weber contract and their 2nd else to land the 1# overall pick.
sorry i didn't complete my comment, i meant to add "something else" Weber is still a top rated defensemen for the next 3-4 years however i do agree that its unlikely a team will trade the 1st with so much hype around it! but theres no guarantee's in potential, for a team looking to win soon or now, as Buffalo could be ready to do with a number 1Dman and prospects for the blue line on the way it could work but it would take more then Weber + 2nd i think. One can dream though.
Richard Seguin I realistic trade for #1 pick is Weber, Poehling, 1st of 2018 and 1st of 2019. Even than, might need more to make this happen
Possibly, however that would work against MTL in their situation.
So that's why I don't see them moving to have the #1 pick