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2018 NHL mock draft: Post-NHL draft lottery

By Derek Grochowski

PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals controls the puck in front of Jack Hughes #43 of the USA Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Andrei Svechnikov; Jack Hughes
PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals controls the puck in front of Jack Hughes #43 of the USA Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Andrei Svechnikov; Jack Hughes /
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Now that the draft lottery is over, it is time to declare open season for NHL mock draft.

The NHL Draft is always exciting. There are plenty of trades and great young prospects to draw in viewers.

In 2018, the top of the draft is full of promising players who will make a big impact on the franchise they are selected by, with Swedish prospect Rasmus Dahlin widely expected to go first overall.

Teams to watch this year are the lottery winning Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers who currently have three first-round picks.

Let’s take a look at one player every team could select this summer in the NHL Draft.

31. Chicago Blackhawks (from Nashville Predators): D Jared McIssac  

Jared McIssac played on a talented Halifax Mooseheads team this season. He was one of their best defensemen night in and night out. The first thing people watching McIssac notice is his skating ability. Due to his skating talent, he is able to carry the puck out of his zone and start the offense. He is also able to quickly recover when necessary and does well to get back into position.

What hurt McIssac’s draft stock is the talent at defense this year. Any team looking for help on its blue line will be happy with depth in this year’s first round. To live up to his full potential, he will need to bulk up and add strength. Luckily, that is an easy problem to fix with an offseason on a professional workout plan. If McIssac can put together a good combine performance and show more strength, he will climb up the draft board.

This is a perfect fit for the Chicago Blackhawks at the end of the first round. There are not a lot of sure thing defensemen in the Blackhawks’ pipeline. Henri Jokiharju was their first-round pick last season and will turn out to be a good player. Outside of him, there are a lot of question marks. As Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith continue to age the next wave of players will need to step up. Jared McIssac is most comparable to Duncan Keith. He is a smooth skater that can carry the puck without being a major defensive liability.

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