2018 NHL mock draft: Eastern Conference teams

22. Ottawa Senators (from Pittsburgh) – Rasmus Sandin

He might share the same first name as the first overall pick, but he doesn’t have the same talent as Dahlin does. That being said, Sandin is still a very good defenseman. He joined the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in October, leaving his Swedish team after the season started. Originally meant to play more of a secondary role, an injury to Colorado Avalanche prospect Connor Timmins created an opportunity for Sandin.

The young Swede took advantage of that opportunity. In 51 games, he had 12 goals and 45 points. He also had a goal and 13 points in 24 playoff games. Now, he definitely benefited from playing with all the offensive talent that the Greyhounds had. That shouldn’t take away from his accomplishments though. With the speed of the NHL game, it’s made for defensemen like Sandin.

Can he be an offensive threat? Yes, in the right situation, he’ll pile up assists. He might even be the best passer in the draft. He might even score the occasional goal. That doesn’t even matter because his overall game is what will get him drafted. He will be a dependable defenseman no matter where he is drafted, being able to provide offense when needed but also being sound defensively.

You might know of a Swedish defenseman that is currently on the Senators roster? One that might soon be traded? Well, if Erik Karlsson is moved, maybe taking a defenseman is the best move in the draft. There isn’t a better defenseman available at this point than Sandin.