Toronto Maple Leafs: 2018 NHL Mock Draft – First Edition
By Austin Owens
Pick Analysis. Guelph Storm (OHL). Ryan Merkley. 26. 19. Scouting Report. Defence. player
The fall in the draft rankings has not been graceful for Merkley. It also could have been predicted based on what scouts have been saying about the defender.
In terms of offensive ability, Merkley should be looked at as one of the brightest talents in this entire class. However, he is a big question mark in his own end. Additionally, he’ll need to add some muscle to play consistently against NHL competition.
Washington is still consistently winning division titles and looking to win. So they can go ahead and take the best talent available. That is undoubtedly Merkley. If he can shore up his defensive play over the next couple of years, he could very well become the steal of this draft.
Niagara IceDogs (OHL). Akil Thomas. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Centre. 27. 72
(Via Vegas)
With their first pick, the Red Wings got a stud in Bouchard who has the potential to be a leader on their blueline for years to come.
Detroit could use a little bit of everything. With the team selecting Michael Rasmusson with their first-round pick last year, Thomas would provide the Red Wings with some great centre depth in the pipeline.
Thomas has proven to everyone he has the ability to be a top-six calibre forward. He has the willingness to go to dirty areas to grab the puck and is becoming a more consistent scorer.
He is a fast player who can excel at both ends of the ice. Thomas is a smaller player. But if he adds some muscle, he’ll just be that much harder to get the puck off of.
Detroit would do well to add Thomas into the fold. With Henrik Zetterberg heading into the back end of his career, they have a great replacement in Dylan Larkin. But the depth at centre will assure the franchise is headed in the right direction.