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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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LONDON, ON – DECEMBER 4: Ty Dellandrea #53 of the Flint Firebirds skates against Olli Juolevi #4 of the London Knights during an OHL game at Budweiser Gardens on December 4, 2016 in London, Ontario, Canada. The Knights defeated the Firebirds 6-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
LONDON, ON – DECEMBER 4: Ty Dellandrea #53 of the Flint Firebirds skates against Olli Juolevi #4 of the London Knights during an OHL game at Budweiser Gardens on December 4, 2016 in London, Ontario, Canada. The Knights defeated the Firebirds 6-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

30. New York Rangers (from Tampa Bay Lightning): C Ty Dellandrea  

Unfortunately for Ty Dellandrea, he played on the second-worst team in the Ontario Hockey League. The Flint Firebirds only recorded 43 points in 68 games and scored the lowest number of goals in the league with 194. With Dellandrea’s 59 points in 67 games, he was responsible for more than 30 percent of his team’s offense. Dellandrea is versatile. Not only was he Flint’s top center, but he was also leading their first power play and penalty kill unit. His best attribute is his skating with the puck on his stick. Some players his age have great speed but can struggle to handle the puck Dellandrea is the opposite and actually gets better with the puck on his stick.

There is no doubt the situation in Flint is going to hurt his draft stock. There was very little talent around him so he had to carry the team all on his own. This greatly affected his plus-minus rating. It is not an end all be all stat, but a minus-30 definitely stands out to scouts. If Dellandrea doesn’t make the jump to professional hockey immediately after the draft, he will need to improve his defensive play.

After adding two defensive prospects in at the draft deadline and with three picks in the first round, the Rangers have a great chance to refresh their core. Centers are one of the most important positions in today’s NHL, and it will be a target area for the Rangers. After trading away JT Miller, who can play center and wing, the Rangers could use an elite third-line center. Because the third line is no longer considered just a checking line a player like Ty Dellandrea could give them long-term depth at center at the NHL level.

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