HF Habs: Official Habs Mock Draft 2018 Edition - Complete

[G0bias]

With the 31st pick, the Chicago Blackhawks are super excited to select from the Red Deer Rebels, Alexander Alexeyev.

​

Being one of the most effective and dependable import blueliners in the WHL, Alexeyev is your prototypical big-bodied, smart, two-way defenseman. Possesses terrific outlet passing and above average skating ability. Offensively, he can help run a power play or act as a triggerman thanks to his diverse shot arsenal. Were it not for a series of unfortunate injuries, we feel he would have gone much higher.​

@Mathletic is up

 

[WeThreeKings]

There he goes, my top rated player remaining. Nice selection.

 

[The Great Weal]

Yeah that's who I would have taken. I was hoping you noobs forgot about him only to gift him to me.

 

[Mathletic]

​

With the 32nd overall pick, the Buffalo Sabres select, from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, defenceman,​

K'Andre Miller

Scouting report: "Talented two-way defenseman with top-pairing upside who is committed to the University of Wisconsin. A strong skater with very good speed, Miller generates a lot of power into his stride and is starting to beat both opposing forwards and defenders to the outside. His stick and body positioning in the neutral zone are exceptional, and you can count on Miler to intercept more than a handful of cross-zone passes that he quickly transitions into rushes the other way. His ability to make clean passes on either his forehand or backhand, plus the manner in which he sharply pivots his way into bigger openings might explain how such a big and physical defenseman is only a few years removed from being a forward."

...

Comments

I hesitated between 5 players at this point. What made me go in Miller's direction is the potential. He could easily end up being nothing but could be a steal as well. What I like is the upside with this kid. Already a very good skater and good shot. I like that he has converted from forward not long ago. I also like the progression in his game and production this year. I'm hoping for a Parayko type of player. The other players I considered will likely go sooner rather than later. I prefered going for a guy who could be a top pairing guy than a player whose max upside is 2nd line.

...

Draft recap

1 - Rasmus Dahlin, LD, Frölunda HC, SHL
32 - K'Andre Miller, LD, USA NTDP

...

@zaluty is now now on the clock

 

[Andrei79]

With the 31st pick, the Chicago Blackhawks are super excited to select from the Red Deer Rebels, Alexander Alexeyev.

Being one of the most effective and dependable import blueliners in the WHL, Alexeyev is your prototypical big-bodied, smart, two-way defenseman. Possesses terrific outlet passing and above average skating ability. Offensively, he can help run a power play or act as a triggerman thanks to his diverse shooting arsenal. Were it not for a series of unfortunate injuries, we feel he would have gone much higher.

@Mathletic is up

Thats who I wouldve went with, had I not already in the early mock. Like this pick a lot.

Like the Miller pick at 32 as well.

 

[Mrb1p]

With the 31st pick, the Chicago Blackhawks are super excited to select from the Red Deer Rebels, Alexander Alexeyev.

Being one of the most effective and dependable import blueliners in the WHL, Alexeyev is your prototypical big-bodied, smart, two-way defenseman. Possesses terrific outlet passing and above average skating ability. Offensively, he can help run a power play or act as a triggerman thanks to his diverse shooting arsenal. Were it not for a series of unfortunate injuries, we feel he would have gone much higher.

@Mathletic is up

Thats a top 15 player right there.

 

[Doublechin]

Thats a top 15 player right there.

Had him in my top 20. Had no doubt he'd be gone before my next pick at 50.

 

[Mrb1p]

​

With the 32nd overall pick, the Buffalo Sabres select, from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, defenceman,​

K'Andre Miller

Scouting report: "Talented two-way defenseman with top-pairing upside who is committed to the University of Wisconsin. A strong skater with very good speed, Miller generates a lot of power into his stride and is starting to beat both opposing forwards and defenders to the outside. His stick and body positioning in the neutral zone are exceptional, and you can count on Miler to intercept more than a handful of cross-zone passes that he quickly transitions into rushes the other way. His ability to make clean passes on either his forehand or backhand, plus the manner in which he sharply pivots his way into bigger openings might explain how such a big and physical defenseman is only a few years removed from being a forward."

...

Comments

I hesitated between 5 players at this point. What made me go in Miller's direction is the potential. He could easily end up being nothing but could be a steal as well. What I like is the upside with this kid. Already a very good skater and good shot. I like that he has converted from forward not long ago. I also like the progression in his game and production this year. I'm hoping for a Parayko type of player. The other players I considered will likely go sooner rather than later. I prefered going for a guy who could be a top pairing guy than a player whose max upside is 2nd line.

...

Draft recap

1 - Rasmus Dahlin, LD, Frölunda HC, SHL
32 - K'Andre Miller, LD, USA NTDP

...

@zaluty is now now on the clock

Its fine to pick busts when you get to pick Dahlin

 

[zaluty]

With the 33rd pick the Detroit Red Wings select from the USNDP Defenceman Mattias Samuelsson

Samuelsson has good balance and can use his size to outmuscle opponents. He is a good skater for his size, with decent speed in both directions. However, his acceleration could use some work. It takes him a few strides to reach that top speed which can be an issue in closing short distances and getting to loose pucks. His agility and footwork are decent. While they can use some improvements, he changes directions quickly enough in most situations, and his pivots allow him to quickly transition from offence to defence and vice-versa.

 

[G0bias]

@le_sean

 

[ProspectsFanatic]

3 good value picks right there.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

Things are moving fast, keep it up guys !

 

[Toene]

There he goes, my top rated player remaining. Nice selection.

At 16 I hesitated between Veleno, Hayton and Alexeyev. One of the few times since I watch hockey that intangibles really had an impact on my evaluation of a player. Great pick by #G0bias

 

[ProspectsFanatic]

19 on my list still hasn't been selected.

 

[le_sean]

With the 34th pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, the Florida Panthers are pleased to select defenceman Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm.

​

A polarizing prospect, but one of the most naturally talented in this draft. He has a tantalizing combination of speed, puck skills, shooting ability, and offensive awareness. He creates multiple opportunities each shift, either by his creativity or by drawing defenders and opening up lanes. He will need time to become more consistent on both ends of the rink and to use his teammates more effectively. However, he's not just a homerun if he achieves his potential, but a grand slam. We are excited to add him to our prospect pool and have a puck wizard on the backend to help Aaron Ekblad.

@Yoshidas Island is up

 

[ProspectsFanatic]

There you go, definitely worth the risk at 34.

 

[Mrb1p]

With the 34th pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, the Florida Panthers are pleased to select defenceman Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm.

​

A polarizing prospect, but one of the most naturally talented in this draft. He has a tantalizing combination of speed, puck skills, shooting ability, and offensive awareness. He creates multiple opportunities each shift, either by his creativity or by drawing defenders and opening up lanes. He will need time to become more consistent on both ends of the rink and to use his teammates more effectively. However, he's not just a homerun if he achieves his potential, but a grand slam. We are excited to add him to our prospect pool and have a puck wizard on the backend to help Aaron Ekblad.

@Yoshidas Island is up

Good value

 

[WeThreeKings]

I got Sandin for the Habs in this spot.. so I don't think Yoshida can top that.

 

[le_sean]

There you go, definitely worth the risk at 34.

Florida is the perfect place for him. They already have a young #1 RD that won't be going anywhere. If Merkley is just expected to be a 2nd pairing guy, I think he can thrive.

 

[sandviper]

With the 34th pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, the Florida Panthers are pleased to select defenceman Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm.

​

A polarizing prospect, but one of the most naturally talented in this draft. He has a tantalizing combination of speed, puck skills, shooting ability, and offensive awareness. He creates multiple opportunities each shift, either by his creativity or by drawing defenders and opening up lanes. He will need time to become more consistent on both ends of the rink and to use his teammates more effectively. However, he's not just a homerun if he achieves his potential, but a grand slam. We are excited to add him to our prospect pool and have a puck wizard on the backend to help Aaron Ekblad.

@Yoshidas Island is up

Dang, was hoping everyone forgot about him, lol.

 

[Toene]

With the 34th pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, the Florida Panthers are pleased to select defenceman Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm.

​

A polarizing prospect, but one of the most naturally talented in this draft. He has a tantalizing combination of speed, puck skills, shooting ability, and offensive awareness. He creates multiple opportunities each shift, either by his creativity or by drawing defenders and opening up lanes. He will need time to become more consistent on both ends of the rink and to use his teammates more effectively. However, he's not just a homerun if he achieves his potential, but a grand slam. We are excited to add him to our prospect pool and have a puck wizard on the backend to help Aaron Ekblad.

@Yoshidas Island is up

Gutsy pick. Props. Literal definition of boom or bust. But if he booms... watch out. I hope the Habs take a chance on him if hes available.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

At 34 Merkley is amazing value. You can afford to go boom or bust in the second round and be a bit more risky and nobody has more of a risk factor (both positive and negative) than him.

 

[The Great Weal]

Great pick. Merkley seriously has high end talent. Just needs to grow up.

 

[Yoshidas Island]

*Trevor Timmins will make our pick*

Bawnswoir, Murci ah too les partisans... et lays Canadeeyens de Monrayal... The Montreal Canadiens are proud to select, from the Reactor Nizzshkneecamsk, Boolatt Shaffigullin.

Bulat Shafigullin

Will PM next GM.

Here's a writeup: With taking a defenseman in the first round, the Canadiens feel as though they need some strength in the forward position. Bulat is a shifty winger who possesses the ability to make plays that simply can't be taught. We see him as an offensive powerhouse and can't wait to see him develop in the future. He also taught us the fact that if you add up the numerical values for each letter in "attitude" it equals 100, and we really thought that that showed how much he knows and cares about our philosophy.

 

[Yoshidas Island]

By the way, heading to bed now so if we want to keep it going should I send a list to someone else? (I'll be up at 5:00am MTL time so I can make a choice then)