Toronto Maple Leafs: 2018 NHL Mock Draft – First Edition

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(Via Winnipeg)

At 6 foot 4, 216 lbs, Samuelsson excels at playing in his own end, using his big frame and long reach to make plays all around the ice.

What is most exciting about the defenders game is his ability a the offensive end. He can chip in and produce. While he is nowhere near the best offensive-minded defenceman in the draft, his upside in that respect is something to look forward to.

Like Miller, Samuelsson will also be making his way to the NCAA next season. He will be playing with Quinn Hughes at Michigan, where he should see a good chunk of playing time.

The Blues have hit with picks like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, who will become solid contributors in the future. St. Louis has drafted well in terms of defenceman, and with their core in the NHL currently, they have time to take a prospect and develop him over a couple of years. They can land another solid defensive prospect late in the draft in Samuelsson.

(Via Nashville)

Groulx was the first-overall pick of Halifax in the 2016 QMJHL Entry Draft. The son of current Syracuse Crunch Head Coach Benoît Groulx, Benoit-Olivier has been described by scouts as a player who has many different possibilities in terms of what he can become at the next level.

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With the Mooseheads, Groulx provides a great two-way game and has picked up his scoring ability as this season has gone on.

The Blackhawks haven’t been accustomed to having one first rounder over the last few years, let alone multiple firsts. The last time that happened was 2011, when they took Mark McNeill and Phillip Danault in the first round.

With a defenceman in Dobson taken in the top 10, the Hawks can add a centreman to bring new life into a system that needs rebuilding after several years of leveraging prospect and pick capital for cups.

With those two players, Chicago can start this draft off on the right foot, or feet.

Next: 4 draft targets for the Leafs

What’s your take on our first mock draft, in respect of the Toronto Maple Leafs or in general? Any particular selections stand out, whether it be in a positive or negative sense? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.