Future Watch: 2018 NHL Draft Picks – Who Will Play Next Year? – Trying to predict who will play in the NHL at a young age is difficult. Here’s my best guess as we head into the summer.
Rasmus Dahlin – The talented Swede is ready. He’s been waiting for this his entire life. He’ll likely play somewhere in Buffalo’s top four. His skating is elite, and he should have almost an instant impact point-wise. He could be the preseason choice for the Calder Award as well. Sabres fans should be chomping at the bit waiting to see him play NHL games. Collectors will be in on him right from the start. Being the first overall pick has its advantages.
Andrei Svechnikov – This Russian can skate, score and hit you all in the same shift. He may be able to score 30 or more goals in his rookie season. We see that every once in a while, but it’s not a common occurrence. The strong winger is ready for the challenge. Svechnikov will be collected in more than a few countries around the world.
Filip Zadina – This Czech has the physical strength and NHL speed to make it right out of the gate. When given the chance he can score 30-40 goals a season. He can make a great pass when he needs to, but his shot is pro quality. The Detroit Red Wings usually like their players to come up to the NHL ranks at their own pace. They may struggle with the fact that either he’s ready or close to that, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out. Collectors collect goal scorers and he will fill the net.
Evan Bouchard – Considering this talented defenseman already weighs in at 196 pounds, and he showed off his strength at the NHL Combine, he may be ready. Then again, he might not be. If he looks good on the power play with Connor McDavid in the preseason the Edmonton Oilers will have to make a tough decision. The only tough decision for collectors would be missing out on this offensive blueliner.
Vitali Kravtsov – His agent is negotiating with the Rangers and he still has a KHL contract. It may turn out that he indeed plays in New York this season but for now, it’s up in the air for this talented Russian.
Hockey fans will have to wait a few months to see some or all of these players in their favorite products.
Future Watch: 2018 NHL Draft Picks – Who Will Play Next Year? – Image Gallery
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- Filip Zadina at the NHL Combine
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- Andrei Svechnikov at the NHL Combine
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