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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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SAN JOSE, CA – MAY 02: Goalie Martin Jones #31 of the San Jose Sharks is congratulated by teammates after they beat the Vegas Golden Knights during Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on May 2, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – MAY 02: Goalie Martin Jones #31 of the San Jose Sharks is congratulated by teammates after they beat the Vegas Golden Knights during Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on May 2, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

21. San Jose Sharks: D Rasmus Sandin

Rasmus Sandin has a chance to become one of the best-kept secrets of the first round. In a draft top-heavy with defensemen, Sandin will be sometimes grand prize. He was a late bloomer this season after joining the OHL late. He was set to play this season in the SHL with Rogle BK before being loaned to the Sault Sainte Marie Greyhounds. After a slow start to the season as he transitioned to the North American game, Sandin finished strong. He was able to pick up 45 points in 51 games. What makes Sandin great is his ability to play in all situations. It does not matter if it is on the powerplay, penalty kill or even strength Sandin thrives in all of them.

Besides the talented draft class, the only thing holding back Sandin at this point was his shaky start. It would have been great for him to stay in the SHL and do well. It was the right move to leave and set up in the OHL. As he got more comfortable his play greatly improved. If he was able to start the year in the OHL he likely would be in the top 15.

The San Jose Sharks have a great core of defensemen. However, there is not a lot of young talent coming behind them. Former second-round pick Jeremy Roy is trending towards being an impact defenseman. Outside of Roy, there is a lot of question marks. The addition of Sandin would give the Sharks two top defensive prospects they can rely on in the future.

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