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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ST CATHARINES, ON – NOVEMBER 24: Seva Losev #11 of the Ottawa 67’s battles with Akil Thomas #44 of the Niagara IceDogs during the third period of an OHL game at the Meridian Centre on November 24, 2017 in St Catharines, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
ST CATHARINES, ON – NOVEMBER 24: Seva Losev #11 of the Ottawa 67’s battles with Akil Thomas #44 of the Niagara IceDogs during the third period of an OHL game at the Meridian Centre on November 24, 2017 in St Catharines, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

23. Anaheim Ducks: C Akil Thomas 

In recent history, the Anaheim Ducks have been strong down the middle of the ice at center. Their core is not getting any younger so it is time to start preparing for the future. Enter Akil Thomas. Thomas is a center who can put up points in bunches. He scored 81 points in 68 games this season for the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL. One of his best attributes is his work ethic with and without the puck. He is responsible in all three zones and never takes a shift off. Thomas has an above average shot but is a pass first player, rightfully so because he is great at that too.

He has fallen down some draft boards because of his size. He measures at 6’ even and 170lbs. This may not seem like a bad size for an 18-year-old but to play center in the NHL you need strength to be successful. If Thomas can add some weight in the offseason and continue to mature physically the Ducks will be very happy with this draft pick. Worst case scenario, if he does not fill out, is he can be bumped to the wing. With all of the talent, he has that would not be a bad thing.

The Ducks organization right now is set at center with Adam Henrique, Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler. This makes the fit even better for Thomas. He can continue to develop slowly and be plugged in when he is ready. There is always young talented defenseman in the Ducks organization and the next wave of wingers looks promising with Max Jones and Troy Terry leading the way.

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