Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
23 of 31
Next
BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 25: Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers attends the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 25: Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers attends the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

9. New York Rangers: D Ty Smith 

Ty Smith of the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL is at the very top of the list when it comes to the second tier of defensemen in this draft. There is not a large gap between Ty Smith and the first tier but his defensive play is what holds him back. That is not to say his defensive play is bad, but his offensive talent is definitely ahead of his defensive skills. He was able to use his skating and offensive talent to pick up 73 points in 69 games. He is slightly undersized but as the game continues to evolve that is less and less of an issue as long as the talent is there to back it up. Ty Smith has that talent.

He can be compared to fellow draft prospect Quinn Hughes. Hughes is a better skater and overall playmaker but they both have similar size and they play the same style of game. It will be interesting to compare the career paths of these two players as their careers go on. Ty Smith is going to make a lot of noise when he gets to the NHL. The current comparable player is Samuel Girard of the Colorado Avalanche. Both are considered “undersized” but have elite playmaking ability.

The New York Rangers are rebuilding. The best way to rebuild a roster is with centers and defensemen. Being able to grab Ty Smith at number nine is great for the Rangers. Outside of Brady Skjei, there is not a lot of promising young defensemen in the Rangers system right now. Smith would instantly become their top defensive prospect as they continue to rebuild.

Home/NHL Draft