Toronto Maple Leafs: 2018 NHL Mock Draft Post-Playoff Edition
By Austin Owens
Scouting Report. Right Wing. Boston University (NCAA). Brady Tkachuk. player. Pick Analysis. 4. 91
White –
Zadina would’ve been an option for the Senators, but Brady Tkachuk is no slouch either. His size, strength, and execution in all three zones is the type of hockey that wins games in critical situations. Additionally, there is a benefit of having played in the NCAA.
Many believe the competition there is tougher and better prepares players for the pros.
Seeing as how Tkachuk was a standout at BU in his first year may hint at what he has to bring down the line. There will be a waiting game as he’s committed to spending another season in college, but Ottawa will benefit from his style of play, which Guy Boucher is going to love.
121. Scouting Report. player. Pick Analysis. Defence. Univesity of Michigan (NCAA). Quinn Hughes. 5
Middleton –
The Coyotes are coming off what is arguably one of the weirdest seasons we’ve seen from an organization since the 2014-15 Toronto Maple Leafs.
At the beginning of the year, people figured the Coyotes would be one of the favourites for the first overall pick, especially after they ended up starting the season with a 2-15-3 record.
Then something happened. The Coyotes started to win. A 17-11-3 finished completely torpedoed their draft odds and they ended up with the 5th pick.
Hughes was fantastic during his freshman year at Michigan and would add a dynamic element to an already solid defence core.
Even as an undersized two-way defenceman, Hughes reminds me of a more talented Ryan Ellis in that they had similar draft profiles and will both be very highly productive players for a long time. Hughes should be a top 4 defenceman for the Coyotes sooner than later.