5 NHL teams that nailed Day 1 of 2018 NHL Draft

PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Oliver Wahlstrom #18 of the USA Nationals celebrates a third period against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. The USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

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4. New York Rangers

The New York Rangers entered the 2018 NHL Draft with three first-round picks. They’re going to catch flack for passing on Evan Bouchard and Oliver Wahlstrom to draft Russian forward Vitaly Kravtsov. And rightfully so.

However, it’s worth pointing out Kravtsov’s stock quickly rose over the past few months. And he was out of this world during the KHL postseason, setting a record for 18-year-olds with 11 points in 16 games. Kravtsov has so much potential and is an extremely talented player. Drafting him over Wahlstrom could be a move Rangers fans love a few years from now. Even if that isn’t the case, I love the boldness of the pick.

Next, the Rangers traded up to the 22nd pick to grab defenseman K’Andre Miller. He’s very raw, as he only recently converted to a defenseman. Miller has some defensive issues he needs to iron out, but the significant strides he made this season are very encouraging.

With their last pick, the Rangers went with another defenseman in Nils Lundkvist. Like Kravtsov, he’s a European prospect. The Swedish defenseman is extremely confident with the puck and is very mobile. He’s not afraid to join the rush and can skate better than most forwards. Critics point to Lundqvist’s lack of size, but he knows how to use his size (or lack thereof) to his advantage. Players like that tend to have success.

The Rangers need game breakers in their system to jumpstart their rebuild. With their three first-round picks, the blue shirts seem to have picked up three guys who could be difference-makers.

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