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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 15: Adam Boqvist #3 of the Sweden Nationals turns up ice against the Finland Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 15, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Finland defeated Sweden 5-3. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Adam Boqvist
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 15: Adam Boqvist #3 of the Sweden Nationals turns up ice against the Finland Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 15, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Finland defeated Sweden 5-3. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Adam Boqvist /

4. Ottawa Senators: D Adam Boqvist 

Even if the Ottawa Senators worked out a deal with Erik Karlsson to stay, they would be dangerously thin when it comes to defense. The addition of another Swedish defenseman, Adam Boqvist, would be a major help. Boqvist spent the 2017-18 season playing within the Brynas IF system picking up 25 points in 40 games. He dominated the U18 tournament, scoring nine points in nine games, but struggled in the World Junior Tournament picking up only one point in three games. The total points aren’t the flashiest, but he was playing at the top level at the age of 17. He is one of the best offensive defensemen in the entire draft and will be a difference maker in the future for the Ottawa Senators.

If there is anywhere he needs to grow his game, it is his own zone. He has already shown he is capable of producing offense at a top level, but he needs to show he can be trusted on defense. His offensive talent was enough to earn him the ranking of the number two skater in Europe based on NHL Central Scouting. As he matures physically he will only get better. He can work on adding strength and playing better in his own end to take his game to the next level.

When the Ottawa Senators draft Adam Boqvist they will be adding a top-tier defensive prospect to their organization. That is something they currently do not have. Karlsson is a major question mark right now as is Cody Ceci. Thomas Chabot looks promising but for now, that is it. With the addition of Boqvist, the transition to life without Karlsson will be slightly less painful.

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