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 /
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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 17: Boston University Terriers forward Brady Tkachuk (27) tries to score on Providence Friars goaltender Hayden Hawkey (31) during the Hockey East championship game between the Boston University Terriers and the Providence College Friars on March 18, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 17: Boston University Terriers forward Brady Tkachuk (27) tries to score on Providence Friars goaltender Hayden Hawkey (31) during the Hockey East championship game between the Boston University Terriers and the Providence College Friars on March 18, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

6. Detroit Red Wings: W Brady Tkachuk

Brady Tkachuk falling to the Detroit Red Wings would be a dream scenario for both sides. Tkachuk is a physical pest and gets under the other team’s skin constantly. As you watch Tkachuk, you will quickly realize there is much more to his game. He has a lot of offensive talent and has greatly improved his skating as the year went on. Tkachuk attended the hockey factory Boston University this year and picked up 31 points in 40 games. He also picked up 61 penalty minutes which is not a great stat for Tkachuk. Unfortunately, it is a part of the style he plays.

He won’t ever be a team’s top scorer and he might not make a lot of highlight-reel plays but fans will love him. His physical style blended with a scoring touch will be perfect for the blue-collar city of Detroit. As long as he can continue to improve his skating and lower the penalty minutes he will be able to put together a successful NHL career. Players like Tkachuk are the piece a lot of teams are looking for when it comes playoff time.

For a comparison, there are two major places to look. He plays the same style as his brother Matthew Tkachuk in Calgary, but with better offensive talent. Both are physical pests with talent but Brady is just slightly ahead of Matthew. If you are looking for a direct Detroit comparison think of Justin Abdelkader. A big body that uses it but can score goals. Detroit has plenty of exciting young forwards like Dylan Larkin and Andreas Athanasiou, but they don’t have that young pesky player yet.

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