Fansided

5 prospects in 2018 NHL Draft who will be big steals

By Nick McAdam

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Sampo Ranta #8 of the Sioux City Musketeers skates during the game against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Day 1 of the USHL Fall Classic at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on September 28, 2017 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Sampo Ranta #8 of the Sioux City Musketeers skates during the game against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Day 1 of the USHL Fall Classic at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on September 28, 2017 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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BOISBRIAND, QC – NOVEMBER 24: Xavier Bouchard #20 of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar looks to play the puck against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the QMJHL game at Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau on November 24, 2017 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defeated the Baie-Comeau Drakkar 5-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
BOISBRIAND, QC – NOVEMBER 24: Xavier Bouchard #20 of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar looks to play the puck against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the QMJHL game at Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau on November 24, 2017 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defeated the Baie-Comeau Drakkar 5-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

3. Xavier Boucahrd

The other Bouchard who isn’t a top 10 pick in Evan is Xavier, who is supposed to go in the third or fourth rounds of the cycle. Even though he’s projected as a later pick, there’s still a lot of talent to go with this boy.

Bouchard played his 2017/18 campaign in the QMJHL with Baie-Comeau Drakkar where he was an alternate captain. He played 65 regular season games and produced three goals and 18 assists, while adding one goal and assist in five playoff contests.

Bouchard likely earned his alternate status after a stellar season with Baie-Comeau a few years back as he scored 34 points in 63 games.

The Quebec native has the height to oversee the ice in order to start a rush. Bouchard has some great pace to work the blueline or jump to the boards and make a pass. His release on wrist-shots is also something very special especially when Bouchard is in the slot area.

What Bouchard needs to work on is his agility. Bad turns can be ignored in junior competition, but Bouchard will need to be sharp in order to turn and get back to defend considering how high he plays up the ice.

Chances are that Bouchard either plays another year in the juniors, or he plays on a low line in the AHL. The 18-year-old will need some development to cover areas such as skating, but other than that, the prospect looks like a real gem in this draft.

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