It's always a little more fun to write about the top prospects in the NHL draft. These are the guys I've obviously seen the most and have the best read on, based on my own viewings and conversations with scouts.
The top end of this class is of a particularly high quality. The players ranked No. 1-10 on this list are impact prospects who are instantly going to make their team's systems better. As you go further down the draft board, there is less separation. The gap between those top 10 and everyone else is fairly wide at this point, but the skill level available among the top 50 or so is of a higher quality.
Without further ado, here's my top 20 prospects in the draft class.
Top 80 | Nos. 21-40 | Nos. 41-60 | Nos. 61-80
Notable late-rounders | Top goalies
1. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Frolunda (Sweden)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 181
41 GP | 7 G | 13 A
There isn't a lot left to say about Dahlin at this point. For the past two years, he has seemingly had a lock on the No. 1 spot and just continues getting better. The Buffalo Sabres won't need to overthink things at No. 1, since Dahlin is the cornerstone defenseman the team desperately needs. There are plenty of other needs, and viewing Dahlin as a savior is probably not the best idea at this point -- especially after Jack Eichel came in with similar hype -- but there's no doubt Buffalo will be instantly better the second he throws the blue jersey over his head.
Dahlin is viewed in similar context as Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews as a generational talent, particularly on the blue line. I've been saying he's the best defensive prospect in a decade, but some scouts think it's even longer than that. To be that young and play a top-four role, averaging more than 19 minutes per game on one of the top teams in the Swedish Hockey League, is pretty rare. Additionally, Dahlin established an SHL record for points by an under-18 player at any position with 20 in 42 games.
In terms of hockey sense, skating and puck-handling abilities, Dahlin grades out as an exceptional player. His one weakness might be his shot, and he absolutely could get tougher in the defensive zone, which he readily admits is something he needs to continue to work on. That said, he already does a lot at an NHL level at just 17 years old.
2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Barrie (OHL)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 188
44 GP | 40 G | 32 A
An elite goal scorer and powerful skater, Svechnikov has a chance to jump right into the NHL and contribute. With 40 goals in just 44 games with Barrie this season, Svechnikov's 0.91 goals per game is not terribly far off from the pace of McDavid (0.94) and Steven Stamkos (0.95) in their draft-eligible seasons in the OHL. In fact, looking at the past decade of U-18 goal-scoring rates in the OHL, Svechnikov had one of the best seasons over that span.
Svechnikov can score his goals a variety of ways. He has the power and strength to get to the front of the net, as well as the elite shot to beat goalies from any distance. He's also exceptional when it comes to shooting off the pass. Much of his success offensively comes from his legs, with an ability to beat defenders wide, exploit teams in transition and drive to the net.
One potential point of concern is what will happen when Svechnikov's power game is no longer the decisive advantage that it is at the junior level. That said, he has high-level instincts in the offensive zone, and his hand skills are above average. He always seems to find himself in good positions, but he can make quick decisions under pressure and find a way to get his shot off. Additionally, he's adequate away from the puck, can get engaged physically and has a solid work ethic on the ice. Most years, he's an easy No. 1 overall pick, but there just so happens to be a freak of nature born the same year.
3. Filip Zadina, RW, Halifax (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 195
57 GP | 44 G | 38 A
I had Zadina as the No. 2 draft prospect at the midterm, and bumping him down didn't have as much to do with his play as it did Svechnikov's progression. I still think Zadina has a chance to be a major contributor for one of the teams picking in the top five and could make the NHL as early as next season. It depends on which situation he gets drafted into, but there's a lot to like about Zadina.
His offensive skills obviously jump out, but I've always been impressed by the energy with which he plays, his relentlessness in puck pursuit and his commitment to doing whatever is necessary. He nearly made the Czech Republic's team for the world championships but was one of the last cuts. He showed he could hang with pros during the pre-tournament exhibitions, a nice follow-up to his stellar world junior championship and strong junior season with the Halifax Mooseheads.
Zadina does so many things well, but his ability to make plays at high speeds, transition quickly from defending to attacking and score goals at a high rate helped him secure his lofty position in this draft class. While I think Svechnikov and Oliver Wahlstrom are better scorers, Zadina is not far off. His shot is high-end. He has the puck skills to beat defenders one-on-one, create extra space for himself and give himself more options. He also has the patience to make higher-quality plays. Overall, he's going to make a team more threatening.
4. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Boston University (Hockey East)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 196
40 GP | 8 G | 23 A
"He's just a junkyard dog," as Team USA world juniors coach Bob Motzko said while Tkachuk starred at the tournament. That remains my favorite description of Tkachuk. Taking all of the qualities of his physical play and combining that with his elite hockey sense, better-than-average puck skills for a big man and a commitment to being a force in all zones, Tkachuk can help a team in so many ways. Playing with the edge that has become a family trademark -- dad Keith and brother Matthew have displayed it in their own NHL careers -- I can't imagine Brady Tkachuk is very fun to line up against.
But you have to be more than be big and tough. That's where the hockey sense becomes a separating factor. Tkachuk made confident plays with the puck on his stick during his college days. When he was out there, there was a good chance BU was tilting the ice in their favor. However, that didn't always lead to offense, as he scored just eight goals this season, despite averaging more than three shots on goal per game (131). Tkachuk's point total certainly isn't eye-popping, which is why there is at least some trepidation with him as a top-four pick. That said, I've had a hard time running into scouts who wouldn't take him in the top five, especially once those other three are off the board.
5. Quinn Hughes, D, Michigan (Big Ten)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 170
37 GP | 5 G | 24 A
Perhaps the best skater in the draft, Hughes had an exceptional season in the college ranks and showed recently that he might not be terribly far from pro-readiness with a solid showing at the men's world championship in Denmark. He got himself a regular shift at that tournament and was part of Team USA's second power-play unit despite being the only player on the team with no NHL experience. It was a nice way to finish up what had been an especially strong second half of the season for Hughes following a somewhat disappointing world junior championships.
Hughes is one of the more unique defensemen we've seen come through the draft in some years. He is very offense-minded, sometimes jumping into plays to the point where he's leading the rush instead of supporting it. That might rub some coaches the wrong way, but Hughes has had a high level of success so far. He averaged 0.78 points per game, which puts Hughes among a pretty small group of under-19 defensemen over the past decade. He also is one of the highest-scoring defensemen in the history of the vaunted National Team Development Program, ranking fifth all time with 77 career points for a NHL prospect factory.
Despite his size, Hughes also has proven to be an above-average defender, thanks to a good defensive stick and excellent use of body position and angling to cut down bigger players. That last part comes from his elite-level skating, which is among the best I've seen for a draft-eligible defenseman in a long time. His feet get him out of trouble regularly, allow him to get out of his zone and make him a threat offensively. Hughes also has excellent puck-retrieval skills, which he combines with exceptionally quick decision-making to help aid his team's transition. His first touch on pucks, regardless of how they come to him, is one of the details in his game that I find particularly impressive. He absolutely takes risks, and sometimes he'll force things too much, but the potential for reward with what he does allows you to live with it.
6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 18 | Shoot: R | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 205
54 GP | 40 G | 43 A
Wahlstrom has such a natural ability to find the net that I think he absolutely belongs in the conversation for being a top-four pick. I wouldn't bat an eye if it happened, but he needs to work on his game away from the puck and needs to establish consistency of effort. I've seen marked progression in his game over multiple viewings this season.
The American came into the year stronger, developed more of a power game and became more of a physical force. While his defensive game is subpar, his offensive game is elite. For a kid who was a viral sensation by age 9 with his highlight-reel shootout attempts at TD Garden, Wahlstrom doesn't overly rely on his hands, which are above average.
He is starting to separate himself with his skating, as well. He has a powerful stride and continues to get faster, which allows him to exploit gaps and play with speed in transition. Wahlstrom averaged 4.6 shots per game this season with an astonishing 288 shots on goal, 48 of which went in the net. On top of having a tremendous release, Wahlstrom's shot is deceptive, accurate and heavy. The puck explodes off his stick, challenging every goalie he comes across. He recently committed to Boston College, but I would not be surprised if a team considered starting him in the AHL as early as next season due to his physical development and remarkable offensive skill set.
7. Adam Boqvist, D, Brynas Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)
Age: 17 | Shoot: R | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 168
25 GP | 14 G | 10 A
In a growing line of dynamic Swedish defensemen, Boqvist is another exciting one. One scout described how Boqvist skates faster with the puck on his stick. He's particularly good at the offensive blue line, where he shows great confidence in handling the puck and opens up a lot of options for both himself and teammates with his patience. Of the defensemen in this draft, Boqvist might have the best shot, with a quick release that helps him gets pucks on net in a hurry. He also manages to get pucks through better than most of his peers.
Boqvist played primarily in the junior ranks this season, dominating the Swedish U-20 division while struggling a bit more at the pro level, especially with the pace of the game. That will get corrected with time. He also didn't stand out as brightly for the Swedish national team on the smaller ice surface at this year's Under-18 Five Nations Tournament. He acknowledged to me during the tournament that making the transition to smaller ice was more difficult than he expected. Again, that's something that will take a little extra time.
The team that drafts Boqvist is not getting an NHL-ready prospect, but it is getting a player with a remarkably high ceiling. I don't know that he tops out as a No. 1, but he certainly has top-pairing potential. He plays a style that is so valued in today's game with his ability to stretch the ice and create offense from the blue line. As he gets stronger, gets more reps at the professional level and just keeps working, he has a chance to be a special player.
8. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Assat (Finland)
Age: 17 | Shoot: L | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 188
57 GP | 10 G | 19 A
One of the big risers for me this season, Kotkaniemi grows on me with each viewing. To me, he's the top center in the draft by a fairly large margin due to his combination of power, skill and all-around instincts. He is committed to playing a tough game in all zones, engages physically and has high-end puck skills that make him an offensive threat. While a natural center, he played primarily on the wing in the pro ranks.
Kotkaniemi finished third among U-20 players in Liiga play with 29 points; only Jets first-rounder Kristian Vesalainen and 1998-born Jerry Turkulainen were ahead of him. Playing a regular shift in Liiga at 17 and producing at the rate he did is pretty impressive. In fact, his 29 points rank eighth all time for a U-18 player in Liiga, notably ahead of former first-rounders such as Jesse Puljujarvi, Tuomo Ruutu and Teuvo Teravainen. Kotkaniemi also dominated in his age group's international tournaments playing center.
"Jesperi is an exceptional playmaker," says Tommi Niemela, who has coached Kotkaniemi with the Finnish junior national teams. "He can make plays out of nowhere. He wins stick battles and has a really good shot. I wish he would use it more."
9. Evan Bouchard, D, London (OHL)
Age: 18 | Shoot: R | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 193
67 GP | 25 G | 62 A
Bouchard makes a lot of things look pretty easy. He plays the game at his own pace with very few wasted movements. He's very relaxed thanks to high-end offensive sense and maturity with the puck on his stick. Bouchard has elite-level distribution skills, which allow him to find teammates in space and get the puck out of his own zone quickly. He's a solid defender who can engage physically, though no one would confuse him for a shutdown type.
Bouchard was the top-scoring defenseman in the OHL by nine points this season. His 87 points in 67 games put him eighth overall in the league. It's also the fourth-highest scoring season in the OHL for a defenseman at any age over the past 20 years. The only defensemen ahead of Bouchard are Ryan Ellis (twice) and Anthony DeAngelo. It's eye-popping, especially considering Bouchard was one of only a few remaining top players London held on to after the OHL trade deadline this year. He played a mountain of minutes and helped keep the Knights competitive after losing so many talented players.
One of the knocks on Bouchard is that despite his high numbers, he doesn't have a lot of dynamic elements in his game outside of being a good passer. He has good mobility, good awareness, adequate defensive skills and a decent physical game. His maturity will be tested at the next level when he has more experienced, craftier players he'll have to contend with. That said, with how easy he has made things look in juniors, I'll be really interested to see how long a look he gets in training camp by his drafting team.
10. Noah Dobson, D, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Shoot: R | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 180
67 GP | 17 G | 52 A
For the entire season, I've had such a hard time slotting Dobson. He has many fans in the scouting community due to his solid defensive game. He showed this year that his offensive instincts are better than previously believed, as he tends to identify opportunities for offense really well. That was on display at the Memorial Cup, as he helped Acadie-Bathurst win the title while playing a ton of minutes and contributing at both ends of the ice.
He is possibly one of the best pure defenders in the draft. His awareness, positioning, gap control and battle level along the walls and at the net front all put him on good footing to be a top-four defenseman at the next level. A lot gets thrown at him in his role with the Titan, and he just handles it all.
I think Dobson skates fine, though I'm not enamored with his stride. He gets to where he needs to be, and I think he's efficient in how he uses the ice, especially in his ability to close on opposing attackers. Dobson has a solid frame with room to get a bit bigger and stronger. What I've seen out of Dobson is he carries himself like a pro, plays a pro-friendly game and will probably be the kind of prospect a team doesn't have to worry about as he gets into its system.
11. Joseph Veleno, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 193
64 GP | 22 G | 57 A
The best way to describe Veleno is probably "well-rounded." He's not truly elite at any one thing, but he's effective in all zones, strong on the puck and committed to playing strong defensively. Veleno's offensive skills are also strong, highlighted primarily by quick hands and some shiftiness. He also protects the puck with a strong frame and powerful skating. For as skilled as Veleno is, he has a strong defensive work ethic. I think one of the biggest questions surrounding Veleno is his year-to-year progression after being granted exceptional status to enter the QMJHL a year early. He hasn't taken remarkably big steps forward as a player, which makes me wonder about his overall upside. That said, the level he's playing at now as a center and the versatility he brings to the table are why I still have him a bit higher. The last four players to be granted that exceptional status were John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, McDavid and Sean Day, and three of them went No. 1 overall in the NHL draft.
12. Grigori Denisenko, LW, Yaroslavl 2 (Russia-Jr.)
Age: 17 | Shoot: R | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 176
31 GP | 9 G | 13 A
One of the more dynamic players in the draft, Denisenko has an element of entertainment in his game. Despite not having great size, he's got some grittiness to him and sometimes plays over the edge a little bit. The offensive skills are certainly the standout elements of his game with a great combination of shifty skating, top-end puck-handling, tremendous passing skills -- including high-end vision -- and simple offensive know-how. Pair Denisenko with a high-end shooter, and you've got a match made in heaven, as he is certainly a pass-first player. While he prefers to dish the puck, he can absolutely shoot it with a quick release, too. His play away from the puck is fair, but certainly will need some work.
13. Joel Farabee, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 164
54 GP | 27 G | 37 A
Few players mix work ethic with skill the way Farabee does. Unafraid to go to the hard areas of the ice and possessing a commitment to a solid all-around game, Farabee checks a lot of boxes, including his overall smarts. Good hockey sense allows Farabee to excel in a variety of roles, but he has enough skill to be a higher-end contributor. While he lacks dynamic puck skills, Farabee is both effective with the puck on his stick and possesses good speed. He finds ways to create extra space for himself and has an ability to make good decisions under pressure. His competitive edge allows him to hang onto the puck a little bit longer to shake off the check and make a better play than what's immediately available to him. Farabee also has a solid shot. Slated to attend Boston University next season, Farabee will have a chance to tack on the needed muscle to maximize his playing style.
14. Barrett Hayton, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 190
63 GP | 21 G | 39 A
Not flashy, just effective. Hayton is good at a lot of little detail things. It's why he was able to play a substantial role on one of the deepest and most talented teams in junior hockey this season. Despite his youth, Hayton could be trusted to do pretty much whatever was needed of him. It speaks to how smart of a player he is and the kind of versatility he has. In some ways, it seems like the game slows down a bit for him and he's able to dictate. He doesn't have amazing puck skills, but he uses his frame well and seems to have a knack for where to be in all zones. Hayton is a fluid skater who has an efficient glide. He's not a burner by any means, but he gets up and down the ice well. He's a well-rounded center who would be higher on this list if he had a little bit more of a dynamic element.
15. Rasmus Kupari, C, Karpat (Finland)
Age: 18 | Shoot: R | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 183
39 GP | 6 G | 8 A
An average-sized center, Kupari gets by on quickness and skill. He essentially played a third-line role for Karpat in Finland's top pro league this season. There were times when it appeared the pro game overwhelmed him, but he hit his stride in the latter half of the season and became a player the club didn't want to give up for the World U18 Championship. After Karpat was bounced, he was released, and made Finland better as they ended up winning the gold medal. He was a welcome addition, obviously.
"His skating is off the charts, and that's his biggest thing," said Niemela, the Finland coach. "He brings a lot of speed to our team. He's in good condition, too."
That good conditioning allows Kupari to maintain a pretty consistent level, especially when playing for the national team. It's harder to establish that at the pro level. That said, there's a craftiness to his game on top of the speed. Kupari can play in a lot of different situations due to good hockey sense. He's still a bit of a tough player to gauge, as he could stand to be a little more dynamic, but he's got some solid offensive tools.
16. Ty Smith, D, Spokane (WHL)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 175
69 GP | 14 G | 59 A
It has been a year of ups and downs for Smith, but I'm a big believer in his offensive capabilities, and I think he has shown a commitment this season to becoming a better defender. It's hard to deny what he's able to do with the puck on his stick and his strong skating ability. He finished second among all defensemen in the WHL with 73 points. His distribution skills are unquestionably high end. He doesn't always make perfect decisions with the puck, but he's certainly the kind of guy you're comfortable with when he does have it. He should be a power-play quarterback at the next level, as he is now. When Smith is at his best, he can dictate the game from the back end. When he's off his game, however, you start seeing him try to do too much and get himself into trouble. His positioning and awareness in his own end are fine, but he's going to have to simply find a way to be tougher to play against while on defense. Part of that is building strength. While there is a good amount of risk in Smith's game, there's bankable skill that is at a premium in today's NHL.
17. K'Andre Miller, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 206
50 GP | 7 G | 17 A
It has been a year of growth for Miller, who didn't have a whole lot of physical growing to do. Pound-for-pound one of the strongest players in the draft, Miller spent much of the year rounding out his game and furthering his education as a defenseman. It's only the third year Miller has been a defenseman after converting to the position as a sophomore in high school. The rapid development and the way he has grown into the position is a big reason I've got Miller as a top-20 caliber pick now. There's a lot of projecting going on here, as I think Miller still has a ways to go to ultimately become the pro I think he'll be. The physical strength is a nice attribute, but not as valuable in a teenage prospect as it will be down the line. I've seen improvement in his skating with good north-south speed and improved footwork. He has become more confident with the puck, making good passes and carrying it a little bit more. His confidence in jumping into plays still has a ways to go, but that's coming along, as well. His hand skills are pretty good for a bigger defenseman. His defending is also another area where I've seen remarkable improvement. Miller keeps a lot in front of him, uses his size to keep players to the outside and can lower the boom. Seeing how far he has come in three years has me especially intrigued by where he goes next in his development. The University of Wisconsin has been a factory for NHL defensemen over the years, so he'll be in a good spot to take the next step.
18. Isac Lundestrom, C, Lulea (Sweden)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 185
42 GP | 6 G | 9 A
At only 18 years old, Lundestrom has spent two full seasons in the SHL with Lulea. He showed considerable progression this season, both offensively and from an overall maturity standpoint. He could be relied upon more, playing a top-six role, which allowed him more chances to produce. Additionally, Lundestrom has a commitment to defense, with the added ability of being able to quickly transition. He's a good skater with some power elements in his game thanks to a sturdy frame and strong legs. While at the World Junior Championship, Sweden often started with Lundestrom's line to set the tone for the period with their speed and willingness to get in on the forecheck aggressively. He's likely to end up more of a middle-six player who can provide scoring depth and take on some tough matchups, but I don't think he's all that far away from being an NHL-caliber forward.
19. Serron Noel, RW, Oshawa (OHL)
Age: 17 | Shoot: R | Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 205
62 GP | 28 G | 25 A
From the video I watched of Noel at the Ivan Hlinka tournament to seeing him live in the middle of the season to his performance at the World U18 Championship, I saw a player who was really figuring out how good he can be. One of the biggest forwards in the draft, Noel is a solid skater who has shown improvement in his ability to make plays. He doesn't rely solely on his size to overpower the opposition, even though he probably can. He attacks the net well and can make plays in transition. I think there are some valid concerns about his overall hockey sense and his ability to finish off plays, but he closed the season on a rather high note with Canada at the World U18 Championship, collecting six points. I think the ceiling is very high for Noel, assuming he continues on this current development trend.
20. Rasmus Sandin, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Age: 18 | Shoot: L | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 184
51 GP | 12 G | 33 A
I didn't see much of Sandin coming into this season beyond his Ivan Hlinka performance last summer, but having seen him live a few times now and on video more, he has grown on me in a big way. Despite being average sized, he is an awfully sturdy and strong player. He's hard to beat in battles and isn't afraid to be physical defensively. Sandin keeps things relatively simple offensively, not showing a ton of dynamic elements. Still, he's effective as a passer and carries a confident presence on the offensive blue line. He played a pretty prominent role on one of junior hockey's best teams this season and managed to make the Soo Greyhounds better. I think some teams may exercise caution because of the size factor, but I also think Sandin is mobile and smart enough to overcome those concerns.