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2018 NHL mock draft: Western Conference teams

By Derek Grochowski

WORCESTER, MA - MARCH 25: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Michigan Wolverines skates the puck against the Boston University Terriers during the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Northeast Regional Championship Final at the DCU Center on March 25, 2018 in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Wolverines won 6-3 and advanced to the Frozen Four in Minnesota. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Quinn Hughes
WORCESTER, MA - MARCH 25: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Michigan Wolverines skates the puck against the Boston University Terriers during the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Northeast Regional Championship Final at the DCU Center on March 25, 2018 in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Wolverines won 6-3 and advanced to the Frozen Four in Minnesota. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Quinn Hughes /
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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 15: Adam Boqvist #3 of the Sweden Nationals turns up ice against the Finland Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 15, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 15: Adam Boqvist #3 of the Sweden Nationals turns up ice against the Finland Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 15, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

10. Edmonton Oilers – Adam Boqvist

The Edmonton Oilers are able to grab the defenseman they need at No. 10, assuming they keep the pick. The Oilers were a disappointment last season and a wasted year of Connor McDavid’s career. General manager Peter Chiarelli is one of the most unpredictable in the league. He is no stranger to big trades — and most of the time, bad ones. It has been rumored already the Oilers are shopping the pick. If the Oilers were smart, they would keep this pick — especially if Adam Boqvist is on the board. The Oilers need a lot of help, but Boqvist will fill one of those needs.

Right now, the Oilers need offense from their blue line. Boqvist is a couple years away, but he would give them exactly what they need. Boqvist played in the junior level of Sweden’s Hockey League and had just under a point a game. He then made the jump to the SHL at just the age of 17. Boqvist added just one assist in 15 games as he adjusts to the pro style. There is no doubt the low numbers dashed his draft status slightly but he is still worth the top 10 pick. Even if the numbers aren’t there ,it doesn’t take long to watch him see he has all of the tools offensively. He can make every play you could ask for and sees the ice extremely well.

While the talent is there offensively, he still needs to clean up his game defensively. He is young so he has time, and the defensive part comes with maturity. He has the skating ability to cover a lot of ice so he needs to improve his decision making and intensity. This is a prospect who cannot be rushed into the lineup; Boqvist must be developed properly to be successful.

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