Toronto Maple Leafs: 2018 NHL Draft Player Rankings
By Austin Owens
Moving on up
Average Ranking: 4
"“Filip Zadina is a dynamic offensive forward that plays a complete game. A deft and agile skater, he exhibits explosive mobility both up and down the ice. In all three zones, he proactively looks to create problems for the opposition. His awareness is indicative of his high level of hockey sense, and he knows how to make plays and scoring chances materialize. Has a goal scorer’s toolbox, complete with the individual puck skills that one comes to expect from today’s elite offensive players. The accurate release on his shot is noteworthy and is a defining aspect of his offensive capabilities. Defensively sound, he disrupts lanes and pressures the opposition to make hasty decisions; he is tenacious in pursuit of puck control and transitions up-ice naturally. All-in-all, Zadina can be categorized as both a two-way forward with a well-rounded game and a dominant offensive force.” (Curtis Joe, EliteProspects.com)"
Zadina had an absolutely dynamite performance, leading the Czech’s in scoring at the World Juniors. His seven-goal, eight-point performance at the tournament caught the eyes of everyone.`
He’s jumped up draft boards with his great performance in the tournament.
Zadina is also well over a point-per-game player with the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL. He’s got 53 points in 38 games played.
Average Ranking: 4.25
"“The elder statesman of the 2018 crop missed last year’s draft by a single day. That will factor into his evaluation and so far, he’s done fine but not exceptionally well in the NCAA but his lights out World Junior showing moves the needle. His hands are soft, his shot his heavy and plays an abrasive and pro-style game.” (Cam Robinson, Dobber Prospects)"
Tkachuk is another mover up the board (not by much) after his solid play with the United States at the World Juniors, with nine points in the tourney.
He has 16 points in 22 games with Boston University this season. He has a chance to be drafted higher than his brother Matthew Tkachuk, who went sixth overall to the Calgary Flames.