Toronto Maple Leafs: 2018 NHL Mock Draft Post-Playoff Edition
By Austin Owens
player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defence. USNTDP (USHL). Bode Wilde. 16. 103
White –
The Avalanche have generally gone for forwards in the first-round, save for Cale Makar last year. Continuing to build up the blueline is a good option for Mr. Joe Sakic, and Wilde looks to be a good option there.
Wilde’s defensive play stands out the most in his makeup, as he excels in disrupting lanes and forcing opposing players to the outer sides of the zone. His ability to read the play and get in front of it is a positive quality as well.
Unfortunately, Wilde at times suffers from, ‘Doing too much-itus’. However, a team like Colorado should be attracted to something like that.
Wile skates with the puck well and will take it up to make a play if he doesn’t see any options in front of him. Once in the zone, he displays above-average instincts that confuse defending players, while his own shot is hard and accurate.
We also can’t ignore the elephant in the room. Wilde shoots right, meaning some team will give him at least $5 million one day. All jokes aside, the Avalanche would find themselves with a young defenceman with a lot of upside, who can be a difference maker.
Left Wing. Loko Yaroslavl (MHL). 17. player. 85. Scouting Report. Grigori Denisenko. Pick Analysis
Middleton –
Although the need for a defenceman is pressing, the Devils should not reach at this point in their rebuild and should simply take the best player available to them.
The Devils have a need at virtually every position on the ice, and taking a high upside player with the skill of Denisenko should be high on their priority list.
Also, after seeing the success the Capitals have had with Russian players and the fall of the KHL, there shouldn’t be as much risk with drafting Russians high anymore.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Centre. Karpat (Liiga). Rasmus Kupari. player. 18. 113
Owens –
With Kotkaniemi off the board, Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen can still land a prospect hailing from his native country.
Kupari is an extremely exciting forward that, with some developing in Liiga over the next year, could come over and instantly contribute to the Jackets’ offence.
"“He is a mix of Jesse Puljujärvi and Sebastian Aho.” – Mikko Manner (Kärpät HC)"
He is a top-six talent who is extremely dangerous when he’s got the puck. He’s got a good release, passing ability and vision.
Once he grows into his 5 foot 11, 181-pound frame, Kupari should become a force. He could be gone before the Jackets pick, but they won’t be complaining if he makes it this far.