NHL Mock Draft 2.0: Dahlin a lock at No. 1, Tkachuk moves up to No. 3

It's June. The Memorial Cup has been won, the scouting combine is over, and the 2018 NHL Draft draws nearer. With more information and insight at hand, it's time for another mock draft.

For our purposes, the Washington Capitals have pick No. 31 due to finishing behind the Vegas Golden Knights in the regular-season standings.

1. Buffalo Sabres

Rasmus Dahlin | D | Frolunda HC (SHL)
Previous Rank: 1

GP	G	A	P	PIM
42	7	13	20	20

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

When asked at the NHL Scouting Combine about all the attention on him leading up to the draft, Dahlin said that it was awesome. It's all but a done deal that he'll go first overall to the Sabres, and he could change the look of their defensive corps dramatically.

2. Carolina Hurricanes

Andrei Svechnikov | RW | Barrie Colts (OHL)
Previous Rank: 2

GP	G	A	P	PIM
44	40	32	72	67

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

Svechnikov was in Carolina on Tuesday, undergoing evaluations and meeting with some of the team bigwigs. After discussion of the Hurricanes taking someone like Brady Tkachuk or even trading the pick, this could be a very good sign. Here's a pretty picture to get you through to the end June, Canes fans: Svechnikov alongside someone like Teuvo Teravainen or Sebastian Aho.

3. Montreal Canadiens

Brady Tkachuk | LW | Boston University (NCAA)
Previous Rank: 5

GP	G	A	P	PIM
40	8	23	31	61

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

Signs might be pointing to the Canadiens going full galaxy brain on this one and picking Tkachuk. That being said, he wouldn't be a bad choice. Tkachuk has grown quite a bit and will continue to do so, as there are parts of his game he's still adjusting. He's smart, highly skilled, and not afraid to throw his body around - he certainly has a long NHL career ahead of him. If the Habs want him that badly, however, they might be wise to trade down a pick or two and get another asset out of it.

4. Ottawa Senators

Filip Zadina | LW | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Previous Rank: 3

GP	G	A	P	PIM
57	44	38	82	36

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

When you think Ottawa Senators, you don't immediately think top-line firepower. If they draft Filip Zadina, however, that could change. Zadina is smart, skilled, and able to put the game on his stick. He didn't have any trouble transitioning to North American ice this year, and could conceivably make the leap the leap to the NHL almost as smoothly.

5. Arizona Coyotes

Adam Boqvist | D | Brynas IF (SuperElit/SHL)
Previous Rank: 4

GP	G	A	P	PIM
15	0	1	1	4

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

Whether he plays with Oliver Ekman-Larsson or is groomed to one day assume his mantle, Boqvist could be a good fit for the Coyotes. He's that guy for teams that want Dahlin and don't have the first overall pick. He's young, and thanks to his hockey smarts and fantastic skating, his ceiling is sky-high.

6. Detroit Red Wings

Evan Bouchard | D | London Knights (OHL)
Previous Rank: 7

GP	G	A	P	PIM
67	25	62	87	54

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

Bouchard has size, skill, and a high IQ, and sometimes when you watch him play you feel like you're already watching a pro. He's also a right-hand shot which, for better or worse, has become the most sought-after kind of defenseman in recent years. Bouchard is a solid player who could contribute at the NHL level sooner rather than later.

7. Vancouver Canucks

Noah Dobson | D | Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL)
Previous Rank: 8

GP	G	A	P	PIM
67	17	52	69	52

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

The Canucks seem like a team to let recency bias - i.e., a draft-eligible player's recent Memorial Cup win - sway their judgment. Fortunately for them, should that happen this year, they'll get a fantastic defenseman. Dobson is an intelligent player, a great skater, and contributes offensively without sacrificing defensive play.

8. Chicago Blackhawks

Quinn Hughes | D | University of Michigan (NCAA)
Previous Rank: 6

GP	G	A	P	PIM
37	5	24	29	26

NHL.com Profile | Scouting Report

Asked at the combine what he would say to teams who question his ability to go up against bigger players in the corners, Hughes said that he'd tell them he would handle it the way he did at the World Championships. In other words: he'd handle it very well. After a great showing at worlds, where he won a bronze medal with Team USA, there should be no question about Hughes' abilities in any zone. The only question should be: what number do you want to wear, Quinn?

9. New York Rangers

Oliver Wahlstrom | C/RW | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: 9

GP	G	A	P	PIM
54	40	43	83	38

NHL.com Profile

Wahlstrom told reporters at the combine that, "humbly," he thinks he has the best shot in this year's draft. He's probably not wrong. He can do things with a puck that some current NHL players can't, and he creates space for himself and teammates with ease. And he's just plain fun to watch.

10. Edmonton Oilers

Jesperi Kotkaniemi | C | Assat (Liiga)
Previous Rank: 12

GP	G	A	P	PIM
57	10	19	29	20

NHL.com Profile

Kotkaniemi is a smart player who should be a solid two-way center in the NHL. While his skating could use some work, his vision is high-end and that's something difficult to teach. He's already played pro in Finland, and it might behoove the Oilers to bring him over to Bakersfield sooner rather than later to adjust his game against stiffer AHL competition.

11. New York Islanders

Ty Smith | D | Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Previous Rank: 11

GP	G	A	P	PIM
69	14	59	73	30

NHL.com Profile

Smith has fallen on some lists, but he'd be worth the pick. Thanks to his high-end hockey sense and great skating, he can take apart the opposition's play and effectively bring the puck back to his own zone. He makes the right decisions and isn't worried about his size being a liability. His game backs that up.

12. New York Islanders (from Calgary Flames)

Joel Farabee | LW | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: 13

GP	G	A	P	PIM
54	27	37	64	38

NHL.com Profile

Farabee is an exciting and creative player whose high hockey IQ helps him make good plays in all three zones. A hard worker and great skater with a high top speed, his vision allows him to embarrass opponents and create opportunities for teammates.

13. Dallas Stars

Barrett Hayton | C | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Previous Rank: 14

NHL.com Profile

GP	G	A	P	PIM
63	21	39	60	32

Hayton plays a straightforward game that in the future could provide solid, effective depth down the middle for the Stars. His growth this season hasn't gone unnoticed, nor has the way he stepped up when top-line teammates were out of the lineup. He's got high-end hockey smarts, and can play in all situations.

14. Philadelphia Flyers (from St. Louis Blues)

Joseph Veleno | C | Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
Previous Rank: 10

GP	G	A	P	PIM
64	22	57	79	48

NHL.com Profile

Veleno makes sense for the Flyers in the same way that Patrick did last year (albeit on different levels). He's not flashy, but he's solid and effective. Veleno gets knocked for not living up to his CHL label, but that shouldn't be a concern at this point. What matters is that his speed can burn opponents, his vision on the ice is exceptional, and he works his tail off to improve his game.

15. Florida Panthers

Rasmus Kupari | C | Karpat (Liiga)
Previous Rank: 15

GP	G	A	P	PIM
39	6	8	14	12

NHL.com Profile

Kupari holds steady at No. 15 to the Panthers. As a skilled center available in a draft class chock-full of high-end defensemen and wingers, he stands out. He's offensively gifted, with excellent vision, skating, and playmaking. Given time to work on his consistency, he could bolster the Panthers' center depth.

16. Colorado Avalanche

Isac Lundestrom | C/LW | Lulea HF (SHL)
Previous Rank: 17

GP	G	A	P	PIM
42	6	9	15	14

NHL.com Profile

Lundestrom is a strong skater who brings offensive pizzazz. He won silver with Team Sweden at this year's World Junior Championships and has two seasons in the SHL under his belt. Whether he's setting up plays or finishing them, his hockey smarts are top-notch.

17. New Jersey Devils

Martin Kaut | RW | HC Dynamo Pardubice (Czech Extraliga)
Previous Rank: 19

GP	G	A	P	PIM
38	9	7	16	14

NHL.com Profile

Kaut didn't go through fitness testing at the combine after his physical revealed a minor heart issue. Fortunately, it's said to be nothing that should hinder him in the future. That's good news for the Devils, who would get a fantastic skater with high-end passing and shooting ability.

18. Columbus Blue Jackets

Bode Wilde | D | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: 20

GP	G	A	P	PIM
53	11	25	36	59

NHL.com Profile

Wilde is headed to the University of Michigan in the fall, but it won't be long before he can contribute at the NHL level. He brings a great mix of skill and physicality and can contribute to scoring without being a liability in his own end.

19. Philadelphia Flyers

Dominik Bokk | RW | Vaxjo Lakers HC (SuperElit/SHL)
Previous Rank: 18

GP	G	A	P	PIM
15	1	1	2	0

NHL.com Profile

Bokk is a raw talent with high-end skill. A slippery skater who reads the ice effectively and makes the right play, Bokk was drafted by the Prince Albert Raiders in the 2017 CHL Import Draft. However, he is expected to return to the Lakers this coming season. More time against men in the SHL can only benefit him.

20. Los Angeles Kings

Jonathan Tychonick | D | Penticton Vees (BCHL)
Previous Rank: 28

GP	G	A	P	PIM
48	9	38	47	34

NHL.com Profile

Tychonick is a fantastic, speedy skater, and yet another example of why prospects who play Junior A instead of major-junior shouldn't be discounted. His instincts are stellar both offensively and in his own end, and his skill will only be further refined when he joins the University of North Dakota next season.

21. San Jose Sharks

Serron Noel | RW | Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Previous Rank: 23

GP	G	A	P	PIM
62	28	25	53	61

NHL.com Profile

One of Noel's most noticeable improvements this season was his skating, and as he's 6-foot-5, that was an important area to tackle. His offensive ceiling is high, and if he can improve his consistency and put the whole package together, he'll be an exciting player to watch in the NHL.

22. Ottawa Senators (from Pittsburgh Penguins)

Rasmus Sandin | D | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Previous Rank: 27

GP	G	A	P	PIM
51	12	33	45	24

NHL.com Profile

Skilled young defensemen with high-end hockey sense feel like they're consistently a need for all NHL teams. With the Erik Karlsson situation as yet unresolved, it makes sense for the Sens to add to their defensive prospect pool. Sandin brings smarts, skilled passing, and sound defensive positioning.

23. Anaheim Ducks

Alexander Alexeyev | D | Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Previous Rank: 24

GP	G	A	P	PIM
45	7	30	37	29

NHL.com Profile

Alexeyev is a big player, but he's a strong skater for his size. He moves the puck well and has a great shot, and while he can add offense, one of the best parts of his game is that he rarely goofs up in his own zone.

24. Minnesota Wild

Jared McIsaac | D | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Previous Rank: 22

GP	G	A	P	PIM
65	9	38	47	86

NHL.com Profile

McIsaac is intelligent, and he can skate and move the puck. While he can lead the rush, he also plays well in his own zone, with solid gap control and good defensive positioning. The Wild could stand to give their D prospect depth a boost, and McIsaac could do that.

25. Toronto Maple Leafs

Ryan Merkley | D | Guelph Storm (OHL)
Previous Rank: 21

GP	G	A	P	PIM
63	13	54	67	63

NHL.com Profile

Merkley needs a patient team that is good at developing prospects. If the situation is right, with his high-end skill, he can definitely make the risk worthwhile. The current iteration of the Leafs just might be that place. He's boom-or-bust for sure, but might just tip the scales toward boom.

26. New York Rangers (from Boston Bruins)

Ty Dellandrea | C | Flint Firebirds (OHL)
Previous Rank: NR

GP	G	A	P	PIM
67	27	32	59	48

NHL.com Profile

Dellandrea was fantastic this season. His team was not, and that hurt his stock in the eyes of some. He's doggedly determined and a solid all-around center. He raises his game against tough competition, and he's looking forward to being a leader for Flint next season.

27. Chicago Blackhawks (from Nashville Predators)

Akil Thomas | C | Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Previous Rank: 26

GP	G	A	P	PIM
68	22	59	81	36

NHL.com Profile

Thomas is on the smaller side, but the Blackhawks historically do well when picking smaller forwards, the most recent example being one Alex DeBrincat. A fast-skating center, Thomas can quarterback a power play and is a creative playmaker even at his top speed. A little work on the defensive side of his game wouldn't go amiss.

28. New York Rangers (from Tampa Bay Lightning)

Mattias Samuelsson | D | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: NR

GP	G	A	P	PIM
50	9	19	28	107

NHL.com Profile

Samuelsson said at the combine that he's probably "three or four years" away from the NHL, but with three first-round picks currently, the Rangers are a team that can afford to be patient. In their situation, Samuelsson is worth swinging on. He's an incredibly mature player, and skates very well to be as big as he is (6-foot-4 and nearly 220 pounds). While not an offensive dynamo like many of his fellow USNTDP blue-liners, he's gifted in his own end and moves the puck effectively.

29. St. Louis Blues (from Winnipeg Jets)

K'Andre Miller | D | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: 30

GP	G	A	P	PIM
50	7	17	24	22

NHL.com Profile

Miller only started playing defense two years ago, putting him in a unique position among his peers. It shows in his abilities with the puck, but perhaps more impressive is the way he plays away from it. He's effective in all zones, and after some time at the University of Wisconsin, he should slide right onto an NHL roster.

30. Washington Capitals

Jake Wise | C | U.S. National Team Development Program
Previous Rank: 31

GP	G	A	P	PIM
30	9	27	36	4

NHL.com Profile

Thanks to an injury that cost him nearly half his season, Wise has flown under the radar compared to his more well-known USNTDP teammates. Being the dark horse might mean he falls, but that's Washington's gain. Wise is a crafty playmaker who came back to the NTDP lineup at the same time Jack Hughes was called up, and his return was just as important to the team's late-season surge as the addition of Hughes.

31. Detroit Red Wings (from Vegas Golden Knights)

Jacob Olofsson | C | Timra IK (Allsvenskan)
Previous Rank: 29

GP	G	A	P	PIM
43	10	11	21	10

NHL.com Profile

A Swedish center on the Red Wings? There are crazier ideas. Olofsson plays a smart, simple game, and does it at impressive top speeds. He's dangerous with the puck, but is reliable in his own end as well.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright (C) 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.