Buffalo Sabres: 2018 NHL Mock Draft Post Draft Lottery Edition
By Austin Owens
Pick Analysis. player. 109. Scouting Report. Right Wing. Barrie Colts (OHL). Andrei Svechnikov. 2
The biggest winners of the draft lottery were undoubtedly the Canes, who jumped into the second spot after being positioned outside the top 10. It’s not quite as much of a shock as the Flyers last year but still a surprise nonetheless.
Svechnikov won OHL Rookie of the Year honours and nearly averaged a goal-per-game over the course of the season.
The Russian winger can affect games with both his shot and passing ability. He’s a game changer for the Hurricanes, who added centre Martin Necas last year. After years of stacking their defensive prospects, the skilled forwards are starting to come for Carolina.
Right Wing. Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL). 152. Filip Zadina. 3. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Usually, the second pick of the draft is the easiest with most classes as there’s usually a lock for the second pick if that individual isn’t taken first-overall.
In this draft, Montreal has the easiest pick as they can scoop up the talent that Carolina does not. In this case, it’s Zadina.
The Czech winger played more games than Svechnikov and had more points as a result. Zadina has the best shot in this draft and is quickly adjusting to North American ice.
The Habs addressed their need for a centre last year with Ryan Poehling. Now, they can afford to take the best player on the board rather than fill a need.