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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CALGARY, AB – NOVEMBER 25: Jett Woo #4 of the Moose Jaw Warriors in action against the Calgary Hitme during a WHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on November 25, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /

24. Minnesota Wild: D Jett Woo

Jett Woo has all of the tools to become a late first round steal for the Minnesota Wild. Woo is an above average defenseman when he has the puck on his stick and seems to get better the more freedom he is given in the offensive zone. His vision is great but his hockey IQ is even better. Woo is able to break down and diagnose a play before it even happens. Those are the traits that separate the good from the best. Woo played in the Western Hockey League with the Moosejaw Warriors and picked up 25 points in 44 games.

As Woo continues to age and develop his total game this pick will look better and better for the Minnesota Wild. Yes, Woo needs to work on decision making and defensive zone coverage but luckily those are things that can be taught. However, what he lacks right now in those two categories he makes up for with offensive talent.

When looking at the Minnesota Wild roster they do not have a defensive core that is known for bringing a lot of firepower offensively. Ryan Suter picks up most of his points from assists, Matt Dumba was the best goal-scoring defenseman with only 14 goals. Adding Woo would give the Minnesota Wild some excitement from the blue line in the offensive zone. When you look at the current pipeline there is plenty of talented forwards. Jordan Greenway made his NHL debut at the end of the season and was one of the Wild’s best players. Luke Kunin is another young star offensive forward who was injured late in the season and was unable to return. With the group of veterans the Wild have and the young pieces coming up, defense is a need here.

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