Toronto Maple Leafs: 2018 NHL Mock Draft Post-Playoff Edition
By Austin Owens
Scouting Report. Defence. Frölunda HC (SHL). player. 12. Pick Analysis. Rasmus Dahlin. 1
Middleton –
I mean, what do you want me to say about this pick? I think you could actually make this choice after 25 beers and stumbling up to the podium.
An absolute no doubt franchise blue liner, Dahlin is everything you want out of a modern NHL defenceman and more. He will anchor the Sabres’ defence for the next decade-plus.
Scouting Report. Right Wing. 109. Pick Analysis. Barrie Colts (OHL). Andrei Svechnikov. 2. player
Owens –
The Hurricanes have the hardest pick in the 2018 draft. They have to choose between two dynamic offensive talents in Andrei Svechnikov and Filip Zadina.
This battle goes to the Russian. Svechnikov is incredibly skilled and is the best forward available in the draft. He won OHL Rookie of the Year honours, after putting up nearly a goal-per-game pace with the Barrie Colts this season.
The Hurricanes are a team that is budding on defence, but need work in other areas. With the addition of a superstar-in-the-making in Svechnikov, the Canes can start to build towards something special upfront.
player. Scouting Report. Left Wing. Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL). Pick Analysis. Filip Zadina. 3. 152
Morassutti –
The Canadiens could have easily gone with the big power forward in Brady Tkachuk, but the team needs skill upfront. That’s what Zadina brings as the top rookie scorer in the QMJHL with a strong ability to finish, which is something the Habs desperately need.
Recently, the Czech forward told Sportsnet he would like it if either Montreal or Ottawa were to draft him, or possibly play with fellow countryman Martin Necas in Carolina.
It really depends on whether Marc Bergevin drafts for need or picks the best player available. If Andrei Svechnikov is taken second overall expect Zadina to go, even with the interest in adding a centre.