2018 NHL mock draft: Eastern Conference teams

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OTTAWA, ON – MARCH 04: London Knights Defenceman Evan Bouchard (2) skates the puck out from behind the net chased by Ottawa 67’s Forward Seva Losev (11) during Ontario Hockey League action between the London Knights and Ottawa 67’s on March 4, 2018, at TD Place Arena in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

9. New York Rangers – Evan Bouchard

The London Knights weren’t the same powerhouse team they usually have been, leading to a sell-off at the trade deadline. After all was said and done, Evan Bouchard was named captain. In 67 games this season, he had 25 goals and 87 points. That was good for a 43-point improvement on the season prior.

One of the biggest things going for him in this draft is his size. There are more than a few play-making defensemen in the early first round, but most of them fall below six-feet in height. Bouchard is 6’2″. He is also one of the older players, which means he has three years of OHL experience. For all those people saying that the draft age should be moved to 19, Bouchard may help their case. There is no way he would have been drafted as high as he will this year if he were born a month or so earlier.

To that point, he had this to say recently at the NHL Scouting Combine about making the jump to the NHL,

"“For me I think it’s next season… I know it’s a big jump and a big step but I’m really working hard this summer to be ready for next season. My focus is on getting ready for main camp and turning heads there and going from there.”"

With the Rangers having three picks in the first round, they can afford to take the best player available. That just happens to be Bouchard, who could happen to help fill a need, as well.

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