Five years have passed since the 2018 NHL Draft, and we’ve learned a lot about the top players from that class. While only a few have become stars, there is still talent in the top 10 picks.
In our redrafting of the 2018 NHL Draft, we have taken into account five years of data. Here is how the top 10 picks would look:
1. Buffalo Sabres | Andrei Svechnikov | RW
Andrei Svechnikov has been a consistent offensive threat throughout his career, making him a smart choice for the Sabres with the top pick. Svechnikov has been a 20-goal scorer in four of his five NHL seasons, including a career-high 69 points in 2021-22.
2. Carolina Hurricanes | Brady Tkachuk | LW
The Hurricanes choose Brady Tkachuk to fill their void on the wing. Tkachuk has developed into one of the league’s more talented young goal scorers, with back-to-back 30-goal seasons and a career-best 35 goals in 2022-23.
3. Montreal Canadiens | Quinn Hughes | D
With the top forwards off the board, the Canadiens focus on their blue line and select Quinn Hughes. Hughes is a top young defenseman in the sport with back-to-back 60-point seasons.
4. Ottawa Senators | Rasmus Dahlin | D
The Senators take Rasmus Dahlin as the best player available. Dahlin has shown significant improvement over the past two seasons, with 126 points during that stretch.
5. Arizona Coyotes | Jesperi Kotkaniemi | C
The Coyotes select Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who has thrived in Carolina with a career-high 43 points in 2022-23. Kotkaniemi brings scoring depth behind Clayton Keller.
6. Detroit Red Wings | Evan Bouchard | D
The Red Wings add Evan Bouchard to their blue line, as a skilled puck-moving defenseman. Bouchard has tallied back-to-back 40-point seasons and would provide an offensive presence from the blue line.
7. Vancouver Canucks | K’Andre Miller | D
K’Andre Miller would be a solid addition to the Canucks’ blue line. Miller has improved in each of his three seasons, posting a career-high 43 points in 2022-23.
8. Chicago Blackhawks | Rasmus Sandin | D
The Blackhawks select Rasmus Sandin, who finished the 2022-23 season strong with 15 points in the final 19 games. Sandin brings potential to the Blackhawks’ blue line.
9. New York Rangers | Joel Farabee | LW
The Rangers choose Joel Farabee, who has been a reliable goal-scorer for the Flyers with a career-high 39 points in 2022-23.
10. Edmonton Oilers | Noah Dobson | D
The Oilers fill their need for a defenseman by selecting Noah Dobson. Dobson has made significant strides over the past two seasons and would thrive on Edmonton’s power-play unit.
