Colorado Avalanche: 2018 NHL Mock Draft of the First Round
Picks 6 Through 10
The Detroit Red Wings need help on both defense and with wingers. This is a draft class for both those types of players. If the order goes as directed above, Deroit could land right wing Oliver Wahlstrom. The beefy teen scored a ridiculous 47 goals last season. He’s known for being dangerous with the puck and a wicked competitor. If opponents have a weakness, he’ll exploit it.
104. . Defense. Acadie-Bathurst. Noah Dobson. 7. player
The Vancouver Canucks need a set of twins to replace the Sedins, but that’s not happening. And if the Senators take Quinn Hughes, they can’t even draft into that family. They need some two-way defense, and Noah Dobson could be that guy. He’s reliable and consistent while being a good skater.
. Center. Ässät. Jesperi Kotkaniemi. 8. player. 94
The Chicago Blackhawks are going to want a player who can make an impact sooner rather than later, considering they have a couple of aging superstars. They’re not going to want to wait three years or so. Jesperi Kotkaniemi is a two-way center with good hockey IQ whose stock has risen lately.
player. 95. . Defense. Brynäs IF. Adam Boqvist. 9
The New York Rangers are truly going to draft the best player available, and at this point, that player would be Adam Boqvist. The Swedish teen is the new style defenseman — speedy puck mover. And he’s got fantastic puck-moving skills, and he can play some defense.
148. . Defense. London. Evan Bouchard. 10. player
The Edmonton Oilers aren’t going to want to be responsible and draft for need, but let’s pretend they’ll overcome their impulse to reach for the shiniest player left on the draft board. Evan Bouchard is a good-sized defenseman who plays an all-around, physical game.