Sizing up first-round selections
To the surprise of no one on the planet, the Buffalo Sabres chose Swedish defenceman Rasmus Dahlin first overall in Friday night’s NHL draft. Here’s a glance at the top 12 selections:
1.
Buffalo — Rasmus Dahlin, D, Frolunda
The Sabres have a star at forward in Jack Eichel and now they have Dahlin on the blue-line. The consensus No. 1 pick is a cornerstone.
2.
Carolina — Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Barrie
The six-foot-three, 187-pound Svechnikov scored 40 goals for the Colts last season — in just 44 games. He’s ready to make an NHL impact now.
3.
Montreal — Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Assat
Kotkaniemi’s skating improved this past season, allowing him to move up the draft order to the top three. Skilled and willing to put in physical work.
4.
Ottawa — Brady Tkachuk, C, Boston University
Another of Keith Tkachuk’s sons is ready to bring a physical presence and scoring touch. Sens have a way to go, but this is a good start.
5.
Arizona — Barrett Hayton, C, Sault Ste. Marie
A surprise at No. 5, but Hayton has proven to be a fine two-way centre in two seasons in the Sault. OHL scholastic player of the year in 2017-18.
6.
Detroit — Filip Zadina, LW, Halifax
Possible the Red Wings got the best scorer. Zadina scored 44 goals in 57 games last season and brings some wizardry to every shift.
7. Vancouver — Quinn Hughes, D, University of Michigan
Not the biggest defenceman at five-foot-10, 174 pounds, but that matters little in today’s NHL. Quick, smart, excellent on-ice vision.
8. Chicago — Adam Boqvist, D, Brynas Jr.
Skating, puckhandling and an overall ability to carry the play put Boqvist in line to have a fine NHL career.
9. N.Y. Rangers — Vitali Kravtsov, RW, Chelyabinsk
Bumped up his stock with 11 points in 16 games in the KHL playoffs. Possible the Rangers got a sleeper pick with Kravtsov’s ability to bring grit and skill.
10. Edmonton — Evan Bouchard, D, London
Oilers have their forwards, so going with Bouchard is the right move. Size, shot and smarts in quarterbacking the power play are among his assets.
11. N.Y. Islanders — Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, US NTDP
Wahlstrom’s forte is a knack for getting off his shot from anywhere and often scoring. Confidence each time the puck is on his stick.
12.
N.Y. Islanders (from Calgary) — Noah Dobson, D, AcadieBathurst
Logged lots of ice as the Titan won the Memorial Cup. At six foot three and 179 pounds, he is more than reliable and has room to gain.