Buffalo Sabres: 2018 NHL Mock Draft Post Draft Lottery Edition
By Austin Owens
Spokane Chiefs (WHL). Ty Smith. player. Scouting Report. Defence. 10. 148. Pick Analysis
Edmonton just misses out on some of the bigger defensive prospects in the draft but still get Smith, who is a great character player and has the skill to boot.
Smith was an assistant captain with the Spokane Chiefs and a teammate of Oilers 2017 first-rounder Kailer Yamamoto. Smith also wore the “C” for Canada at the U-18 World Championships this year.
While he stands under six feet tall, Smith is reliable in his own end. He’s not overly physical but still manages to get the puck away from forwards. He’s also had a 73-point campaign in the WHL this season, so you don’t have to worry about him finding teammates or putting the puck in himself.
The Lloydminster, SK. native seems to be a great fit for the Oilers, who can’t pass on selecting a defender this year.
Left Wing. USNTDP (USHL). Joel Farabee. 11. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 106
Just two years ago, the Islanders selected another product of the USNTDP, Kieffer Bellows, in the first round. He looks like he will be a solid player at the next level with his blend of size and skill.
While Farabee will need to bulk up a bit going forward, he creates a lot of space for himself along with his teammates due to his skating and passing ability. He’s more of a playmaker but still had over 50 goals across all competition this season.
With Bellows and Farabee, the Islanders would have a solid crop of wingers to bring up and possibly put with the likes of Mathew Barzal, Joshua Ho-Sang and Anthony Beauvillier in the future.
Defence. USNTDP (USHL). 106. Scouting Report. Bode Wilde. 12. player. Pick Analysis
(Via Calgary)
With the Islanders having Farabee, why not double down on USNTDP players and grab his teammate?
Wilde is a big-body defender who can play both ends of the ice well. He’s a smooth skater and passes the puck well on the breakout and in the offensive zone. Wilde will be going to the University of Michigan next season, which will give him the chance to play with Hughes.
Some scouts believe he has top-pairing upside in the NHL. It will become more clear as Wilde gets a little older. Everything is there for him to succeed.