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5 NHL teams that nailed Day 1 of 2018 NHL Draft

By Dave Stevenson

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)
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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Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images
Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images /

1. New York Islanders

Pretty much everyone (including a very smart and handsome person who shall remain nameless) had the New York Islanders trading one of their two first-round picks to address their goaltending. After all, President of Hockey Operations Lou Lamoriello is a creature of habit and he loves trading first-round picks for goalies.

Well, the creature went against his nature and decided to keep both draft picks. With them, the Islanders got two top 10 talents. Much like the Red Wings, they were beneficiaries of circumstances beyond their control.

With the 11th pick, the Islanders selected Oliver Wahlstrom. He’s one of the draft’s most dynamic forwards. Wahlstrom put up Patrick Kane-esque numbers with the USNTDP. His offensive instincts are very impressive and he has what it takes to be a dynamic force with the puck. Wahlstrom could very well be a center down the road, but even if he isn’t, he should be an excellent wing.

The 12th pick saw the Islanders add defenseman Noah Dobson. Some had him as the second-best defenseman in the draft. While I respectfully disagree with those people, he certainly should have gone sooner than the 12th pick. Dobson doesn’t have the upside of Bouchard, Adam Boqvist, or Quinn Hughes. He reminds me a lot of Ryan Suter because there’s not a lot of flashy things about his game. Dobson does everything well and is more mobile than he’s given credit for.

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Sure, the Islanders could have traded a first-round pick to get someone who could contribute immediately. But the Isles now have two guys who should be huge contributors down the road for them.

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