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Top 5 winger prospects in 2018 NHL Draft

By Nick McAdam

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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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals skates up ice against 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
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals skates up ice against 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 /

1. Andrei Svechnikov

Svechnikov has been on the radar of the NHL for a good portion of time. Now that the Russian is eligible for the draft, most mocks and experts have him as a lock to fall to the Hurricanes with the second overall pick.

There’s no glaring weakness within Svechnikov’s game right now. The 18-year-old is a real team player with his ability to find the open man while providing an outlet for his teammates to pass to.

Size, speed and a great left-shot release from Svechnikov have him as the No. 2 ranked prospect all across the board. AK Bars Kazan has produced some great talent over the years in Russia’s youth leagues, and that’s where Svechnikov molded his scoring dominance with 57 goals over the course of three seasons.

The Barrie Colt is a 40 goal scorer and assist provider with the OHL side this season, proving that he can play on North American ice. International play hasn’t been his strongest with Russia in terms of stats, but it’s all about the eye when watching Svechnikov.

A player that does everything for his squad is going to get great value in the draft. Everything that is meant to be from a winger falls under the list of what Svechnikov has. It will only take teams such as the Canes to provide the Russian with some pro experience, and it could be smooth sailing from there.

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Give us your thoughts on the best wingers of the 2018 NHL Draft in the comments section below.

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