Top 5 winger prospects in 2018 NHL Draft

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 17: Boston University Terriers forward Brady Tkachuk (27) hoists the Lou Lamoniello Trophy after the Hockey East championship game between the Boston University Terriers and the Providence College Friars on March 18, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Terriers defeated the Friars 2-0. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 17: Boston University Terriers forward Brady Tkachuk (27) hoists the Lou Lamoniello Trophy after the Hockey East championship game between the Boston University Terriers and the Providence College Friars on March 18, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Terriers defeated the Friars 2-0. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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GUELPH, ON – JANUARY 25: Filip Zadina
GUELPH, ON – JANUARY 25: Filip Zadina /

2. Filip Zadina

It’s a toss up for the picks just behind Rasmus Dahlin. Zadina looks to have an edge on Tkachuk, but some could still argue a case for the fourth, third or even the second pick for the Halifax Moosehead.

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Zadina has a lot of the “scoring winger” credentials down. The Czech international has a great release especially when working down the slot and shooting one-timers. Also, Zadina is another player in the top five that has some great positional awareness for where he needs to be on the ice.

The 18-year-old is a great playmaker who makes something happen both on and off the puck. Zadina had an amazing year in the QMJHL with Halifax as he scored 44 goals and 82 points. Consistency also shows with his country as he totaled 20 goals in all competitions with the Czech Republic in the 2016/17 campaign.

Zadina has a big body to help him win battles along the board and drive towards the net.

The left-shot winger is never afraid to do just that; shoot. Zadina was near the top with shots in the World Junior Championship which with a release like his, usually ends up to be a good scoring chance.

Like most wingers on this list, Zadina could still do some work in his own zone. Zadina has most of the boxes checked in the offensive zone, but there’s not a whole lot to say about his work below his own blueline.

Zadina is great for what he is now, but with a few improvements, he can turn out to be a real force in the NHL. There could be a small chance that he makes a pro team after the preseason as well.