Toronto Maple Leafs: 2018 NHL Mock Draft – First Edition
By Austin Owens
7. player. 94. Pick Analysis. Quinn Hughes. Scouting Report. Defence. Univesity of Michigan (NCAA)
Chicago took a chance in 2016 and drafted an undersized player with a ton of upside, in Alex Debrincat. It has paid off huge for them, as he has kept his name in the conversation for the Calder Trophy this season. They could do the same thing in this draft and take Hughes with their top 10 choice.
Hughes could arguably be the third-best defender in this draft; however, his smaller frame could be a deterrent. Standing 5 foot 9 and weighing 170 lbs, he’s got to put on some muscle in order to excel physically in the NHL.
His talent is undeniable though. Hughes is a treat to watch with the puck and will give the Blackhawks an offensive threat and a power-play quarterback on the back end for years to come.
95. Pick Analysis. Oliver Wahlstrom. 8. player. Scouting Report. Right Wing. USNTDP (USHL)
An odd team to see picking in the lottery, the Rangers have decided to go down the rebuilding path and have started off well, obtaining two extra first rounders in this draft for Rick Nash and Ryan McDonagh. They look to be the team landing Ilya Kovalchuk on July 1, so they are still unclear on what the word rebuild means. But I digress.
Wahlstrom is the best player coming out of the USNTDP in this draft, and for good reason. He is dangerous with the puck, has great play-making ability and pucks skills.
The winger is a beast and a smart one at that. Along with his tremendous hockey IQ, Wahlstrom has committed to Harvard for the upcoming season.
He is one of several U.S. players slated in the first round going through college next year, so while Kovalchuk and the new-look Rangers are looking to get back to the playoffs, Wahlstrom will be honing his craft and getting an education before jumping to the pros to rip it up.