Toronto Maple Leafs: 2018 NHL Draft Player Rankings
By Austin Owens
Unquestioned at the top
Average Ranking: 1
"“He has all the tools to become a game-changing pillar for an organization. His effortless skating and offensive tools make you swoon while his defensive game grows with each passing contest. An outstanding World Juniors, and will be a prominent figure on the Olympic squad in a few weeks. A border-line generational talent on the backend.” (Cam Robinson, Dobber Prospects)"
There will be no question as to who the first-overall pick will be in this draft. Dahlin has been the consensus top-player, and he will be when June rolls around. The team that gets him will be very happy for a long time.
Many expect him to join Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson as the next franchise defenceman from Sweden with the potential to be a true game breaker. He is also going to be playing for Sweden at the 2018 Olympics, which should only add to the hype surrounding the 17-year-old blue-liner.
Average Ranking: 2.25
"“Didn’t get as much ice time at the WJC as many scouts would have liked, but his skills are undeniable.” (Jeff Marek, Sportsnet)"
Svechnikov will have to fend off a few players to keep the second spot on big boards throughout the season. But the Russian forward is a dynamic player that has now spent the last two seasons in North America getting well versed with the smaller ice.
The Russian winger missed time early on in the season with a hand injury, but Dale Hawerchuk has been able to put the young winger in a prime draft position.