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Evan Bouchard

FeaturedNHL

Oilers Lineup Projection-Defensive Pairings

written by Ian Sheppard

Over the last two weeks I’ve looked at the Edmonton Oilers and the lineup that Todd McLellan could put on the ice on opening night. I projected all four lines, and which forwards I thought would be starting on October 6th in Sweden.

Today I will wrap things up by looking at the potential defensive pairings headed into the regular season.

 

First Pairing: Nurse-Larsson 

 

Darnell Nurse

Darnell Nurse proved last season that he is the best defensemen on the roster for the Oilers. In a season where the top pairing was supposed to be Adam Larsson and Oscar Klefbom, Nurse quickly proved he was worth taking over Kelfbom’s spot with his injuries and inconsistent play.

Nurse played in all 82 games last year for the first time in his NHL career and totalled 26 points (6G-20A) while generating the most amount of ice time amongst Edmonton defenders.

Being on the ice the most meant Nurse would be present for the highest amount of Oilers goals last year with 69. But that wasn’t all that made him the team’s best defender. Nurse brought a physical game that we’ve seen flashes of in his young career, at a more consistent level.

Nurse is currently an RFA and has not yet signed an extension. It is currently unclear whether the Oilers will sign him to a short-term bridge deal or a long-term contract but whatever the deal is, I hope they can get it done soon.

Nurse is set to be the team’s best defender and holds the number one spot on the roster with his left-handed shot.

 

Adam Larsson

Adam Larsson was the right-hand shot on the first pairing for most of last year. Larsson has played in 142 games for the Oilers since coming over in a trade with New Jersey in exchange for Taylor Hall.

Larsson played in 63 games last year missing time due to an upper-body injury and the death of his father in February.The Swedish defensemen totalled 13 points last year (4G-9A) and had the second most takeaways of Oilers d-men as well as lead the team in hits with 216.

Larsson is a solid top pairing defenseman and despite some people’s criticism of the trade, I for one think it was a deal I’d do over in a heartbeat. When on his game Larsson can be one of the best defensemen there is, and his right-handed shot can be a key weapon If he can play in all 82 games this year.

 

Second Pairing: Klefbom-Benning

 

Oscar Klefbom

Oscar Klefbom has very high potential as being one of the best d-men for the Oilers but has failed to stay healthy or produce points at a consistent level.

Klefbom has only played in a full 82 game season once in his career, in 2016-17. His rookie year in 2015 he only played in 30 games and last year, in a season where he was expected to take off he only suited up for 66 games.

In those 66 games Klefbom had 21 points (5G-16A) and was third on the team in takeaways while only turning the puck over a total of 32 times, fifth on the team among defensemen, with only 66 games under his belt.

Klefbom has all the pieces and has decent size at 6’3” and 215lbs but hasn’t had an offensive explosion yet in his career. He also hasn’t developed a physical game yet. Last year he was 7th on the team in hits with 42.

With Nurse taking the top spot with his superb play last year I think Klefbom can be a great second pairing option who could over-produce is he finds his rhythm.

 

Matt Benning

Matt Benning had a good 2017-18 season playing in 73 games for the Oilers in his second year in the NHL. He put up 21 points (6G-15A) after putting up 15 in his rookie year prior. Benning really seemed to come into his own in his second year not just on the score sheet but also as a defender with a physical game.

Benning signed a 2-year deal worth $3.8 million as an RFA this past June and could be the right-handed shot from the blue-line the Oilers have wanted for years. This year he’s poised to reach that potential playing on the second pairing.

Benning played the third most number of minutes amongst defensemen in Edmonton last year, as well as was third on the team in hits and was second in rebounds created. These are all numbers that show to me that he is ready to take a step forward heading into this season, solidifying his spot in the second pairing.

He was third on the team in giveaways so there is some cleaning up that needs to be done in his game, but for a player entering his third year in the NHL I’m excited to see what steps he can take forward this year.

 

Third Pairing: Russell-Bouchard

 

Kris Russell

Kris Russell had what some may call a horrible 2017-18 season. I try to look at things from a positive perspective and while I agree he had a bad year I don’t think you can write him off. Russell was put it positions that seemed unnatural to him at times last year with injuries plaguing the team early.

He is a natural right-side defensemen but I think he plays better on the left side, opposite his shooting side. Russell is entering the second year of a four-year deal worth $16 million so while I agree that he may be a bit overpaid, I think it would be foolish to consider him not a worthy piece.

Russell played in 78 games last year and put up 21 points (4G-17A) his highest in the past four years. He’s a good defender if he can keep the play in front of him and of course as everyone knows can block shots like no one else. His 189 blocked shots were the most on the team with second place going to Darnell Nurse with 113.

Russell can be a physical presence despite his small stature, finishing fourth on the team in hits with 87 but his team leading 64 giveaways is something that needs work.

Overall, I think the biggest downfall to Russell’s game last year was him having the second most amount of minutes of any Oilers d-man. He belongs in the third pairing and if played out of that he will struggle.

 

Evan Bouchard

For years I have always hated the idea of playing a rookie before they were ready for big game action. With Andrei Sekera going down for what can be assumed the year with a torn achilles the Oilers are very thin on options to plug in his spot.

The difference between most rookies and Bouchard is uncanny. This young Oakville Ontario native was the most NHL-ready defensemen in this year’s draft and at times looked like a man amongst boys last year with the London Knights.

Bouchard was a main component to the Knights finishing with 99 points last year and making the playoffs late. He was 7th in the team in scoring and 6th in the playoffs. Bouchard put up 87 points on the year (25G-62A) and 5 points in the playoffs.

At 6’2” 193lbs Bouchard brings size to the blue-line and it’s hoped that one day his heavy right-handed shot can be one that leads the powerplay unit. Bouchard’s passing ability is something to marvel at and could already help and Oilers powerplay unit that finished last in the league at 14.8%.

Again, forcing a rookie into a spot they’re not ready for is never ideal, as the Oilers have learned over the years. But they have finally found one that will be ready for the challenge and thrive on the third pairing with a veteran partner to help him out.

 

Other Possibilities: They aren’t many. The only other defensemen on the roster even capable of playing in the NHL for me are newly signed Kevin Gravel and Jakub Jerabek and the youngster Ethan Bear who caught some time last year.

Gravel has played a total of 70 NHL games while Jerabek only 36. Neither will make huge contributions but could fill in a pinch. Bear played in 18 games with the Oilers last year and while he had some success is still a raw prospect and needs more time in the AHL.

Let’s hope the Oilers don’t suffer too many injuries on the blue-line this year because they are paper-thin behind the top 6.

That was my lineup projections for the Edmonton Oilers going into the 2018-19 season. Hope you enjoyed it and are as excited as I am to get camp and the preseason underway, so we can see what Todd McLellan does come October 6th.

Oilers Lineup Projection-Defensive Pairings was last modified: August 31st, 2018 by Ian Sheppard
August 31, 2018 0 comment
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NHL 31 for 31: Edmonton Oilers

written by Wyatt Zieger

The Below the Ice crew brings you; NHL: 31 for 31.

This year as the clock ticks down towards the NHL season, the writers here at BTI will be bringing you our preview of all 31 NHL teams, in 31 days.

 

DAY 4:

And on the fourth day, the Lord said “let there be light” and behold Connor McDavid was delivered.

Continuing our trek through the Pacific division today we preview the Edmonton Oilers.

 

LAST SEASON:

6th in Pacific, 12th in the West, 36-40-6 (78 points)

 

The Oilers went into last season touted as the cream of the crop. Analysts and journalists across the country had Edmonton pegged as not just a playoff team, but a Stanley Cup contender.

After a 3-0 victory on opening night in the battle of Alberta, in which captain Connor McDavid scored all three goals, the Oilers looked poised to take on the world. NEWSFLASH: They would not.

The shutout on opening night for Cam Talbot would be his last on the year, on route to his worst numbers since entering the NHL.

GM Peter Chiarelli banked on a lot of things going right for the Oilers, and he missed on more than he hit.

Kailer Yamamoto was seemingly his only fix for winger depth and played only 9 NHL games. Milan Lucic would have his worst offensive output since the lock-out shortened season and Ryan Strome showed all the reasons why he is not an adequate replacement for Jordan Eberle.

4×4 for Kris Russell handcuffed Edmonton to the top of the cap ceiling.

The Oilers were not able to find much production on the wing until it was too late, moving Ryan Nugent-Hopkins from centre to the left side. Leon Draisatl would bounce between second line centre and the wing with Connor but inconsistent line mates and in his own game cost Draisatl points.

Patrick Maroon was dealt for a prospect and a third-round pick which would be traded for Cooper Marody.

The defence was never truly sured up, and the lack of depth showed when Andrej Sekera was sidelined for an extended period (Deja-vu?) and Yohann Auvitu, who would play shifts at forward during the season (which says a lot about how much he was trusted on D) was the only solution Peter Chiarelli presented.

The Oilers would underperform (McDavid aside) and miss the playoff for the 11th time in 12 years.

 

OFFSEASON MOVES:

  • April 28, fired assistant coaches Ian Herbers and Jim Johnson, named assistant coach Jay Woodcroft head coach of Bakersfield Condors
  • May 1, Singed KHL goaltender Mikko Koskinen to a 1-year, 2.5M contract
  • May 24, Announced signing of assistant coaches Trent Yawney, Glen Gulutzen and Manny Viveiros
  • June 13, Drake Cagguila extended 2-year 1.5 AAV
  • June 22, Drafted Evan Bouchard, 10th overall
  • July 1, Sign Free agent Kevin Gravel to a 1-year deal worth  $700,000
  • June 30, Sign Free agents Kyle Brodziak to a 2-year contract $1.15 AAV, Tobias Reider to a year 1-year $2M dollar deal
  • July 5, Ryan Strome extended 2-year 3.1AAV
  • August 18, sign Scottie Upshall to a PTO (Pro tryout)
  • August 19, Sign Free agent Jakub Jerabek to a 1-year deal worth $1M

IN:

Evan Bouchard, Kyle Brodziak, Tobias Reider, Kevin Gravel, Jakub Jerabek, Mikko Koskinen, Scottie Upshall (PTO), Jason Garrison (PTO)

OUT:

Anton Slepyshev, Yohann Auvitu, Patrick Maroon, Al Montoya, Iiro Pakarinen

OFFSEASON GRADE: D+

After a disappointing season last year, something had to give. The Oilers knew they wanted to keep Todd McLellan, but also knew that the same staff that he worked with in San Jose and now Edmonton had to go. The firings should light a fire under not just Todd but his team as well, as they know failure will not be tolerated.

Edmonton, who still has to re-up RFA Darnell Nurse, did not make the off-season splash fans were hoping for. Already pushed to the cap ceiling the Oilers signed an unproven backup goalie in Mikko Koskinen to a lucrative 2.5M contract. Making me yet again question the Oilers asset management, after already trading a 4th-round pick for Al Montoya last season.

Reider was an ok pick-up but isn’t going to be an offensive threat; he can play on the PK which was historically bad last year and should improve under new assistant coach Trent Yawney. Brodziak is a great candidate for 4th line centre duties, but the Oilers need more than that to return to playoff form. The only sigh of relief for Oilers fans is that Chiarelli did not reach on a bad trade this offseason.

 

BREAKOUT CANDIDATES:

Evan Bouchard 

67GP: 25G, 62A (OHL) 2017-18

What better candidate to breakout than the new guy? Well, that’s been the Oilers philosophy since they drafted Taylor Hall 1st-overall in 2010 anyways.

Now with an apparent injury to Sekera, which could force him to miss the season, it looks like he may get his chance. I’ll be honest in saying that I didn’t believe it was the right idea to rush Bouchard into the NHL when he was originally drafted, but he’ll be 19 come the start of the season, and after talking with scouts, I’ve become more receptive to the idea.

The only question is what does a breakout season for Bouchard look like?

Answer: If Bouchard, even if it is a bottom pair,  manages to play in 60 games this season, with as few as 20 points, I’ll call it a breakout.

2018-19 Projection: 65GP: 6G, 17A

 

Jesse Puljujarvi 

65GP: 12G, 8A – 2017-18

The man affectionately known as ‘Pool-Party’ has had a lot of expectations to live up to since impressive showings for Finland at the World Juniours. There was a point where Puljujarvi was considered an almost equal prospect to fellow country man and 40 goal scorer, Patrik Laine.

Usage has been a big question in Puljujarvi’s development, last year Puljujarvi saw only 48 minutes on the PP, less than a minute game. A player like Jesse who strives on confidence, built through offensive sustainability, deserved more looks with the extra man. Especially compared to a player like Milan Lucic who saw nearly three full hours of PP time but only managed three goals.

If the plan is to give Puljujarvi more minutes expect an increase in production, even more so if given a chance to play alongside Leon Draisatl. Pool-Party has a chance to prove himself this year and for the Oilers to contend will need to be leaps and bounds better than years previous.

2018-19 Projection: 22G, 19A

 

Cam Talbot

67GP: 31-31-3, .908SV%, 3.02GAA

Let’s not call it a breakout year, but a bounce-back season for Cam Talbot.

Inconsistency in net killed the Oilers playoff dreams last year, and it will continue to do so if Talbot can’t return to his earlier form. While last year can’t be completely put on Talbot’s shoulders, he should have to carry some of the load.

In 2016-17 Talbot finished 4th in Vezina voting but what Oilers fans got last season was not the same level of play in net. Statistically speaking it was Talbots worst ever season for goals against, SV% and GAA.

Good news (hopefully) for Oilers fans is that once you hit rock bottom, there should be nowhere to go but up. If Talbot can even manage average numbers for a starter, that should be enough for the Oilers to make a playoff push.

2018-19 Projection: 65GP: 31-27-8, .917SV%, 2.55GAA

 

DUE TO REGRESS:

Ty Rattie 

14GP 5G, 4A

It might be strange to think that the only player due on the Oilers to take a step-back would be Ty Rattie but stick with me here.

Ty Rattie, in his limited time played with Connor McDavid, was a 45.5% Corsi player, on a line with the most outstanding player in the NHL. He managed to be on the wrong side of shot totals by nearly 5% despite having more than 53% of his shifts start in the offensive zone.

Rattie is a weird case study for the Oilers, in that if he doesn’t play with Connor McDavid and RNH he doesn’t have a spot on the roster. I expect the Oilers to find a better solution than Rattie for McDavid’s right side and would not be surprised if Rattie is sent to the AHL before the 15 game mark this season.

Other than Rattie, most Oilers underperformed so poorly last year that it would be hard for players like Cagguila, Lucic, or Klefbom to have even more of a down year.

2018-19 Projection: 15GP 1G, 4A

 

SEASON PREDICTION

6th in the Pacific, 11th in the West, 84 points 

It’s disappointment once again in the City of Champions, as the Oilers, fail to make the playoffs for a second straight year.

Edmonton made minor improvements over the offseason, and I don’t believe they filled enough holes to be a playoff competitor in the West. The Oilers are still two proven wingers and a top 4 NHL defensemen short of making the playoffs.

Once the Oilers season starts, they can put Sekera’s 5.5 million on the LTIR. I expect them to make a deal for a right shot defenseman, who can work a power play and can play on the second pairing. Justin Faulks name has come up on numerous occasions on the rumour mill, and for my money, he’s their man.

Connor McDavid, (who I feel like I haven’t talked about as much for an Oilers article) said goal scoring was what he wanted to work on during the offseason and I believe he will crack the 50 goal mark for the first time in his NHL career. Capturing his first Rocket Richard trophy.

Milan Lucic should bounce-back, seeing as it couldn’t get much worse. The odds of him going on another streak of 1 goal in 46 games are extremely low. His production should go up from the 10G, 24A last year.

Poor asset management and GM Peter Chiarelli crossing his fingers while making deals has stunted the Oilers growth as a team and wasted precious years of Connor McDavid. Edmonton has a lot of expectations on them this season and missing the playoffs for a second straight year will cost Peter Chiarelli his job.

Come back tomorrow when we cover the LA Kings.

 

 

NHL 31 for 31: Edmonton Oilers was last modified: September 11th, 2018 by Wyatt Zieger
September 11, 2018 0 comment
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Edmonton Oilers select Evan Bouchard 10th Overall

written by Ian Sheppard

Heading into Friday night’s draft the Edmonton Oilers were surrounded by rumours that they may be looking to trade the 10th overall pick. Peter Chiarelli opted in not moving the pick and ended up having two top-end defensive prospects fall to him.

Evan Bouchard and Noah Dobson both dropped to the 10th spot, landing in the Oilers laps. Edmonton selected Bouchard from the London Knights. Bouchard was the most NHL ready selection the Oilers could have made and makes the most sense.

He provides a bigger frame at 6’2” and 193lbs and likes to shoot the puck. He brings a right-handed shot, something the Oilers are scarce with in their line-up. He is a powerplay quarterback and is a great passer. He has drawn comparisons to John Carlson of the Capitals and shows the skillset to be develop into a top four pairing D-man.

Through three seasons with the Knights, Bouchard played in 178 games. He’s tallied 17 points (2G-15A) 44 points (11G-33A) and an outstanding 87 points (25G-62A) in his three years in the OHL.

He played in 28 playoff games with London adding another 14 points in the postseason. Bouchard was the captain of the Knights for the 2017-18 season and was a finalist for the Max Kaminsky Trophy (defenseman of the year) and the Red Tilson Trophy (MVP of OHL) in his final year.

I love this pick because it was best case scenario in my opinion. If Chiarelli wasn’t going to get the perfect offer for the pick, then opting to hold back on a trade was the right decision to make. By holding onto the pick, the Oilers needed to look at what they needed most. Winger is the obvious option, but Edmonton lacks defensive depth in the minors, especially that which can come up and play right away, Bouchard has a solid build and fills a major need with his right-handed shot and ability to score as well as being the most pro-ready. This was the perfect pick for an Oilers team looking to re-tool heading into the first year of Connor McDavid’s major contract.

Evan Bouchard.

By far the top point scoring d-man in his draft year of any major league d-man since 2005.#Oilers pic.twitter.com/do61p5LKTY

— David Staples (@dstaples) June 23, 2018

Edmonton Oilers select Evan Bouchard 10th Overall was last modified: June 23rd, 2018 by Ian Sheppard
June 23, 2018 0 comment
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2018 NHL Draft preview

written by Wyatt Zieger

The 2018 NHL entry draft will be hosted in Dallas, at the American Airlines Center, June 22nd.

Even though the show will be in the heart of Texas, the night belongs to Buffalo. With the 1st overall pick the Sabres will undoubtedly select Swedish defensemen Rasmus Dahlin, but what about the rest of the picks in the top 15?

Buffalo Sabres, Round 1-1st overall

With their first pick, in the first round, the Buffalo Sabres select: Rasmus Dahlin.

TSN  Director of Scouting Craig Button has called Dahlin ‘the Connor McDavid of defensemen.’ The highly coveted Swedish D-man is considered a generational talent is drawing comparisons to the likes of Nick Lidstrom and Scott Niedermeyer.  He is the total package.

Mix in his hockey sense with his shot, vision, recovery and passing, and you have the number 1 pick this year. The only knock on the 6’2” 180LBS 18 years old is just that. He will need to put on 10-15 pounds of muscle to reach his full potential in the NHL. With his work ethic and dedication to the game, I don’t see that being a problem. Rasmus Dahlin will be a force on defence in the NHL for years to come.

Following the belle of the ball is the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadians. The Canes were big-time lottery winners moving up from 11th to 2nd. The Montreal Canadians moved from 4th to 3rd. Carolina is rumoured to be interested in moving down but if they do, they’re missing out on a chance to grab an excellent player.

Carolina Hurricanes, Round 1-2nd overall

Russian winger Andrei Svechnikov is the most talented forward in this draft. If Dahlin is the consensus #1, then Svechnikov is a lock a two. The 1st overall pick in 2017’s import draft was an immediate mover and shaker for the OHL’s Barrie Colts. Playing in only 44 games this year he managed 40 goals and 32 assists good for 1.63PPG. He is a pure scorer with his shot strength and accuracy and will likely be the leading goal scorer to come out of the draft. Carolina with new ownership should look to build around Svechnikov the same way they did Jeff Skinner but hopefully with more overall success.

Montreal Canadiens, Round 1-3rd overall

The Montreal Canadiens are in a bit of a predicament. After a trade to Arizona that sent Alex Galchenyuk to the Coyotes for Max Domi, the Habs are somehow thinner than they already were at the centre. As of today, the depth chart at centre is Jonathan Drouin, who has yet to prove that he’s not a winger and Phillip Danault, who at his full potential is a 40 point player.

This is also a draft considered low on centres, and at #3 the Habs should roll the dice on what could be the most dynamic forward in this draft, Jesperi Kotkaniemi. No player has had made bigger leaps through the pre-draft rankings this season. TSN’s Bob McKenzie had Kotkaniemi ranked 19th at the mid season point. Since then he has skyrocketed all the way into the top 5 and consistently draws comparisons to players like Anze Kopitar, Alexander Barkov and Mark Scheiffle.

At 6’2″ he adds size to and skill to an otherwise smaller lineup in Montreal and while there is risk associated with selecting Kotkaniemi, whoever takes the chance won’t regret it.

The Ottawa Senators owned the 2nd highest chance of drafting 1st overall but slid down to 4th after the lottery. They have the option to send their 1st round pick this year or next to the Avalanche as part of the Duchene deal.

Ottawa Senators, Round 1-4th overall

They won’t flip this years pick to Colorado but will instead draft the 6’3” defensemen from Acadia Bathurst, Noah Dobson. Dobson is arguably the 2nd best defensemen in this draft behind the all-mighty Rasmus Dahlin. Drafting Dobson will give Sen’s fans hope for the future as they watch Erik Karlsson’s time in Ottawa draw to a close. Dobson showed his offensive side this year collecting 69 points in 67 games, including 17 goals. He also racked up 13 more points in 20 games leading his team to the Memorial Cup.

Arizona Coyotes, Round 1-5th overall

Filip Zadina is the most highly touted prospect to come from the Halifax Mooseheads since 2013 when Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin were drafted 1st and 3rd overall respectively (sorry Nico Hischier). The Czech born winger scored 44 goals and 38 assists for the Mooseheads last year.

To make it in the NHL, Zadina needs to work on his skating. While he has the speed, he does not have today’s NHL speed. The promising winger could be NHL ready by the start of training camp, but the Coyotes who are in a stacked Pacific will be looking for all the help they can get.

Zadina joins an impressive prospect pool in Arizona that includes; Clayton Keller, Dylan Strome, Christian Dvorak and Jakob Chychrun.

With hardly any separation of skill between the rest of the pack, things get harder to predict. Outside of the top 5 (maybe even top 2), nothing is guaranteed, with that in mind lets go through picks 6-15.

Detroit Red Wings, Round 1-6th overall

With the man they most likely wanted off the board, Noah Dobson, the Red Wings will look to stay with a D-man and select Quinn Hughes from the University of Michigan. He plays a very up-tempo offensive game and would be knocked for his D if not for always having the puck on his stick. Hometown addition doesn’t hurt fill some seats in the new arena.

Vancouver Canucks, Round 1-7th overall

Sliding down the draft board to #7 is Brady Tkachuk, known for the same style of play like his dad and brother, Brady could be an immediate impact player. Outside of the hopeful Elias Pettersson, the Canucks lack depth on the left side and Tkachuk finds himself a divisional rival to his brother.

Chicago Blackhawks, Round 1-8th overall

From youtube sensation to NHL-draft-pick Oliver Wahlstrom has impressed in his three years with the USHL. This most recent year he blew his old stats out of the water racking up 45 points in just 25 games. The Blackhawks have built dynasties from drafting before, and it’s time to get back at it if they have any hope of winning again.

New York Rangers, Round 1-9th overall

The Rangers are no longer in a win now mode and need to take the best player available. While they would love a winger or centre to draft 9th, the best talent available is defensemen at this spot in the draft. So without further ado, the Rangers draft Swedish stud, Adam Boqvist. Boqvist will be a bit of a project, listed anywhere from 150-165 pounds he will need to put on significant weight before making the NHL.

Edmonton Oilers, Round 1-10th overall

If the Oilers decide to hold onto their pick at ten, they’ll have plenty of options. This is most likely the last top 10 pick the Oilers will own for the next 15+ years, so they need to make it count. Defensive depth is a need for the Oilers, the cupboards are nearly empty in the farm, apart from Ethan Bear who likely won’t make the full-time NHL jump until 2019-20.

Evan Bouchard fills that hole for the Oilers. The highest scoring defensemen in this year’s draft Bouchard put up 87 points in the OHL last season the most since Anthony DeAngelo in 2014-15. The only question with Bouchard is if his offence in junior will translate to the NHL, he put up 25 goals for the London Knights last season.

New York Islanders, Round 1-11th overall-VIA Calgary

The Islanders hold the 11th, and 12th picks in this years draft, the former acquired in a trade with Calgary for Travis Hamonic.

The Islanders have plenty of Talent at forward, John Tavares (pending UFA), Mathew Barzal, Jordan Eberle, the list goes on, now its time for a defenseman.

With three pending UFA’s on defence,  Calvin de Haan, Thomas Hickey and Dennis Seidenberg it’s hard to see the Islanders re-signing all three. They likely let Seidenberg walk and will have to choose between one of de Haan or Hickey.

With the 11th pick, the Islanders draft Ty Smith from the Spokane Chiefs as a long-term solution on D. His 14 goals in the WHL most likely won’t hold up in the NHL, but the potential is there.

Washington Capitals, Round 1-12th overall-VIA NYI

You heard it here first folks, aside from defence the Islanders also require goaltending, and that’s why they’ll flip their 12th overall selection in this year’s draft to acquire goaltender Philipp Grubauer.

With their 12th overall selection the Capitals choose more depth at centre and draft Joe Veleno, formerly with St. Johns, he was traded to the Drummondville Voltigeurs where he put up 48 points in 33 games.

Dallas Stars, Round 1-13th overall

Dallas has the defence; they hope they have goaltending, now all they needed is scoring depth. The Stars have been burned when it comes to drafting Russians before IE Valeri Nichuskin, but that shouldn’t stop them from taking Vitali Kravtsov. Coming off a steller KHL playoffs where he scored 11 points in 16 games, Kravtsov tied the record for most KHL playoff goals by a rookie with six, (Previously held alone by Nichuskin) doing so in nine fewer games.

Philadelphia Flyers, Round 1-14th overall-VIA St.Louis Blues

Acquired in the deal that sent Brayden Schenn to St.Louis this is the last unknown piece of the trade left. GM Ron Hextall has said in the past that Philly would likely take a right-shot D in this year’s draft and with a plethora of good D in the draft he has his options. For my money, the Flyers take the player that best suites their needs at 14, Bode Wilde. Another product from the USHL, he owns a hard shot, works well in all three zones and can make a great first stretch pass. Philly jumps ahead of more skilled players to take their man.

Florida Panthers, Round 1-15th overall

Fresh off a trade for the controversial Mike Hoffman, it seems as if scoring won’t be a problem for the Panthers this season. Any piece added during the draft likely won’t see NHL playing time without a tremendous camp. So, at 15 there are still plenty of options left, but the most upside has to be Rasmus Kupuri. Centres are always valued more than wingers and with already established Finnish centre Sasha Barkov to learn from, Kupari could find his way into the Panthers top 6 for years to come.

That’s a wrap on my projected top 15 draftees this year, Dahlin and Svechnikov are the real guarantees, and there are a plethora of players taken in this draft that will go on to have NHL success. The Islanders may finally get the goaltending they’ve been hoping for, Philly adds to their prospect pool and Dallas doesn’t regret drafting a Russian this time round.

Notable omissions:

Barret Hayton C

Ryan Merkley RD

Joel Farabee LW

Rasmus Sandin LD

Jonathon Berggren C/LW

2018 NHL Draft preview was last modified: June 22nd, 2018 by Wyatt Zieger
June 21, 2018 0 comment
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