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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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GATINEAU, CANADA – DECEMBER 1: Joe Veleno #9 of the Saint John Sea Dogs skates against the Gatineau Olympiques on December 1, 2017 at Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Laplante/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
GATINEAU, CANADA – DECEMBER 1: Joe Veleno #9 of the Saint John Sea Dogs skates against the Gatineau Olympiques on December 1, 2017 at Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Laplante/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) /

10. Edmonton Oilers: LW Joe Veleno 

Normally when a prospect is traded halfway through his draft season it can cause a negative thing. The exact opposite happened for Joe Veleno. After a slow start to his first half of the season, with six goals in 31 games, Veleno was traded to the Drummondville Voltigeurs. After joining Drummondville Veleno found his scoring touch and added 16 goals. In total, he finished with 79 points. The offense is not even the best part of Joe Veleno’s game. He is a smart center who is just as effective defensively as he is offensive.

The key to Joe Veleno becoming a great NHL player is consistency. Veleno has a ton of talent but can disappear at times. When he hits the professional level he will not be able to take shifts off or hide behind his linemates. If Veleno takes the next steps and adds that level of consistency, there is no reason he cannot be an effective professional. He will not be a player that drives an offense but he is a piece that keeps it running. If he is given a chance to play with highly talented wingers he will rack up plenty of assists with his great passing ability.

The Edmonton Oilers need immediate help on the wings to score goals. At this point in the draft, it is defensemen or center as best players available. Defense is not out of the question but Joe Veleno fits a need here for the Oilers. Leon Draisaitl has struggled when not on McDavid’s wing even though he got paid to be a center. Outside of McDavid and Draisaitl, the next center is…Ryan Strome. Hardly a threating player. There is not great depth in the pipeline either. A smart, reliable center with a strong two-way game is the perfect fit for the Oilers.

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