2018 NHL mock draft after full draft lottery order set

2018 NHL mock draft: Post-NHL draft lottery

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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BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 28: Rasmus Dahlin #8 of Sweden with the puck as Petr Kodytek #28 of Czech Republic pursues in the second period during the IIHF World Junior Championship at KeyBank Center on December 28, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

1. Buffalo Sabres: D Rasmus Dahlin

By now it is no secret the top prospect in this year’s draft is Rasmus Dahlin. He played in Sweden’s pro league at the age of 17. Not only did he play in the league, he played well. Dahlin dazzled and picked up 20 points in 41 games. He has elite-level skating and puck handling that makes him a threat everywhere on the ice. He had a strong performance during this year’s World Junior Championship leading Sweden to a silver medal. On his way to a silver medal, Dahlin picked up six points in seven games.

Dahlin has earned lofty comparisons already. His skating ability and offensive upside are equal to fellow Swede Erik Karlsson. While his strong two-way game has earned praise from Hall of Famer Niklas Lidstrom. Lidstrom had his own thoughts about Dahlin, “I instantly thought of Brian Leetch and his skating, especially during his years with the (New York) Rangers, he also had the courage to skate with the puck, use his skating and take advantage of the space when he had the chance…”

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As far as his fit on the Buffalo Sabres goes, it is a perfect match. The Buffalo Sabres have a lot of talented young forwards lead by Jack Eichel and Casey Mittlestadt. Their blue line is less promising. Rasmus Ristolainen is their top defenseman but he is coming off of his worst professional season. Brendan Guhle represents their next best prospect but he is not a true number one defenseman. Rasmus Dahlin instantly gives the team a true franchise defenseman who fits head coach Phil Housley’s system.

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