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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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OTTAWA, ON – MARCH 04: London Knights Defenceman Evan Bouchard (2) skates the puck out from behind the net chased by Ottawa 67’s Forward Seva Losev (11) during Ontario Hockey League action between the London Knights and Ottawa 67’s on March 4, 2018, at TD Place Arena in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON – MARCH 04: London Knights Defenceman Evan Bouchard (2) skates the puck out from behind the net chased by Ottawa 67’s Forward Seva Losev (11) during Ontario Hockey League action between the London Knights and Ottawa 67’s on March 4, 2018, at TD Place Arena in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

8. Chicago Blackhawks: D Evan Bouchard  

No one climbed up the draft board like Evan Bouchard did in the second half of this year. Bouchard shined for the London Knights picking up 87 points in 67 games. He did this all while playing defense. Bouchard was the team’s leading point scorer. He also led the London Knights serving as team captain. Bouchard is one of the smartest defensemen in the draft. He has a great sense of when to start a rush and when to hang back. His passing ability allows him to generate offense from all three zones of the ice while staying in great position.

As crazy as it sounds for a defenseman with more than 80 points, Bouchard needs to perfect his shot. If he could add some speed and accuracy, he would be lethal in the offensive zone. There is not a lot of development needed when it comes to his defense. All defensemen need to adjust to the pace of the NHL game but Bouchard’s skating talent will help alleviate any issues in that department. If Bouchard had a strong start to the beginning of his season we would be talking about Bouchard being a top-five prospect making him a steal for Chicago at No. 8.

As stated earlier, the Blackhawks need to revamp their entire system forwards and defense. The first round is deep with defensive talent so they could grab a forward at No. 8. It will be hard to justify passing up on Bouchard if he is on the board at this point of the draft.

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