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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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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Jonathan Gruden #17, Jake Wise #12 and Bode Wilde #15 of the USA Nationals celebrate a third period goal by Tyler Weiss #9 (not pictured) against the Russian 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 *** Jonathan Gruden; Jake Wise; Bode Wilde
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Jonathan Gruden #17, Jake Wise #12 and Bode Wilde #15 of the USA Nationals celebrate a third period goal by Tyler Weiss #9 (not pictured) against the Russian 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 *** Jonathan Gruden; Jake Wise; Bode Wilde /

14. Philadelphia Flyers (from St. Louis Blues): D Bode Wilde 

Bode Wilde falls a little in this mock draft compared to others. It has nothing to do with his play just the fact that there are so many talented defensemen in front of him. The Philadelphia Flyers find themselves a steal at No. 14. Another product of the USNTDP Bode Wilde picked up 41 points in 61 games this season. He is a complete defenseman who is talented in both ends of the ice. He has a pro level shot and close to pro level skating at the age of 18. Wilde has good size and he is not afraid to use it. Bode Wilde will be able to fine-tune his game next season at the University of Michigan where he is committed to attend.

One thing Wilde will need to work on during his time in college is learning to simplify his game. He wants to be a difference maker all of the time, which is great, but sometimes he will get caught trying to make the extra play. This leads to turnovers or being stuck out of position. The hard part is that he has the talent to pull off a lot of these plays but it is hard to limit his creativity.

The two biggest needs for the Flyers this offseason are goaltending and defense. There is no draft worthy goalies available in the first round so the target needs to be defense. The Flyers have a lot of talented young defensemen like Shayne Gostisbehere, Ivan Provorov and Travis Sanheim looking to make the full time jump. After adding Wilde to that mix the Flyers will have a locked in top four defense core for years to come. Some of the best teams in the league are defense heavy and the Flyers should follow suit especially until goaltending is sorted out.

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