2018 NHL mock draft: Eastern Conference teams

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BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 29: Brady Tkachuk #7 of United States during the IIHF World Junior Championship at New Era Field against Canada on December 29, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. The United States beat Canada 4-3. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

3. Montreal Canadiens – Brady Tkachuk

Okay, now it’s time for a shock. While Zadina is the more likely pick here, there’s just something that makes sense about this pick. Some have him falling past fifth overall, but Tkachuk is going to be a player that will make teams that don’t pick him regret it.

A very similar player to his older brother, Matthew, Tkachuk is a true power forward. He is going to be a pest. The thing that will make him better thin his brother is his skill. This is a player who is not short on confidence. From The Hockey News Draft Preview issue, he once said this,

"“He’s (Rasmus Dahlin) probably going to go No. 1… He’s not fooling anybody. But I think I’m right there.”"

Tkachuk is another player that could jump to the NHL depending on the team that picks him. Montreal could have that opportunity for him to make the jump. Otherwise, he will return to Boston University to continue his development. It would probably be better for him to stay at BU for at least another season, but again it’s really up to the team that picks him and his performance.

One of the things that has been said for a long time about the Canadiens is that they aren’t that big. While they have gotten bigger and it’s not as important in today’s NHL, they could still use some size in their lineup. Tkachuk, at six-foot-three, would definitely bring that. A player that will help in all zones, Tkachuk is just the right pick for the Habs.

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