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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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WORCESTER, MA – MARCH 25: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Michigan Wolverines skates against the Boston University Terriers during the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Northeast Regional Championship Final at the DCU Center on March 25, 2018 in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Wolverines won 6-3 and advanced to the Frozen Four in Minnesota. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Quinn Hughes
WORCESTER, MA – MARCH 25: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Michigan Wolverines skates against the Boston University Terriers during the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Northeast Regional Championship Final at the DCU Center on March 25, 2018 in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Wolverines won 6-3 and advanced to the Frozen Four in Minnesota. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Quinn Hughes /

5. Arizona Coyotes: D Quinn Hughes  

There is no doubt that Arizona could use a forward in this draft. But Quinn Hughes at No. 5 will be tough to pass on. The freshman from the University of Michigan is one of the best playmakers in the draft. He is a top puck mover and can skate like the wind. In his first season at Michigan Hughes picked up 24 assists and five goals. He was named to the B1G Second team and All-Freshman team. Outside of Michigan Quinn Hughes also represented the United States at the World Junior Championship where he added three assists in seven games. People will get to see Quinn Hughes play against NHL talent this summer. He was recently announced as a player for Team USA at the World Championship this summer. His performance will give scouts a better look at how he handles higher competition.

Many will be concerned about his size; he is listed as five-foot-10 and 174 pounds. The good thing for Hughes is that he knows a physical game is not his strength. He is smart enough to keep himself in good position while avoiding a big hit. Defensively, he will struggle to keep the front of the net clear but on the rush, he has great stick control and can effortlessly strip the puck from an attacker.

This pick could be a little risky for the Arizona Coyotes, who really need a sure thing right now. But with some patience, Quinn Hughes could be a great addition. It is unlikely Hughes is a day one starter on the team; he will likely go back to Michigan for one season. Looking at their prospect pipeline, it would seem defense should be a target this entire draft.

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