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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: Oliver Wahlstrom #18 of the USA Nationals celebrates a third period against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. The USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Oliver Wahlstrom #18 of the USA Nationals celebrates a third period against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. The USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

7. Vancouver Canucks: C Oliver Wahlstrom 

There might not be a more exciting NHL draft prospect to watch in the draft than Oliver Wahlstrom. He has off-the-chart levels of creativity mixed with a high end shot and vision. Wahlstrom was able to use those talents to rack up 92 points in 60 games with the USA Hockey NTDP, this led the team. As he continues to grow he will get better. The way he is able to make everyone on the ice better around him cannot be taught. He is an instant threat on offense as soon as he hits the ice. There are not many prospects in this year’s draft with the same offensive capabilities.

Wahlstrom will need to clean up his game in his own zone to be an effective NHL player. In terms of development, next season will be a big one for Wahlstrom. He is enrolled at Harvard University, where he will learn how to be a smarter and more responsible player. He will also likely be representing the United States at next years World Junior Tournament. Whenever a young player has the opportunity to play against the best in their age group it is worth it in their development.

The Vancouver Canucks need help everywhere. Most importantly they need to think long-term about replacing the Sedin twins. Wahlstrom is not that individual replacement but as a part of the bigger picture, he will be the ideal fit. Because he can play both wing and center he could get paired with Brock Boeser and the two could be a dynamic offensive duo for a long time.

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