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Five years have flown by since the 2018 NHL Draft, and it’s become abundantly clear that this draft class had its share of gems. While not every top-10 pick has blossomed into a superstar, the talent pool from that year is undeniable.
The 2018 draft has gifted us with five All-Stars, and the promise of more stars emerging in the coming years. Among the cream of the crop are Andrei Svechnikov, Brady Tkachuk, and Rasmus Dahlin. Dahlin initially claimed the coveted No. 1 spot, picked by the Buffalo Sabres, while Svechnikov was snapped up second by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Yet, it’s worth noting that some of the early picks, like Filip Zadina and Vitali Kravtsov, are still finding their footing in the NHL.
Now, armed with five years of hindsight, let’s embark on a hypothetical journey and redraft the top 10 picks of the 2018 NHL Draft, maintaining the original order. Here’s how it shakes out:
1. Buffalo Sabres | Andrei Svechnikov | RW
In our redraft, the Sabres decide to go with Andrei Svechnikov as the first overall pick. While Rasmus Dahlin has shown immense promise, Svechnikov’s consistent offensive prowess tips the scale. He’s notched 20 or more goals in four of his five NHL seasons, including a stellar 69-point performance (30 goals and 39 assists) in the 2021-22 season. Buffalo could certainly use the scoring depth that Svechnikov brings to the table.
There’s a compelling case for Dahlin, given his recent stellar form, but Svechnikov’s offensive prowess and ability to complement the likes of Tage Thompson or Dylan Cozens in the Sabres’ top-six make him a tantalizing choice.
2. Carolina Hurricanes | Brady Tkachuk | LW
With Svechnikov off the board, the Hurricanes pivot and select Brady Tkachuk. Tkachuk has evolved into a dynamic young goal-scorer, tallying at least 30 goals in each of the past two seasons, including a career-high 35 goals in 2022-23. Few players possess his offensive prowess in open ice, and he’s a perfect fit for a Hurricanes team known for relentless offensive pressure.
While Tkachuk might not have been the initial plan, his ability to finish plays and fit seamlessly into Rod Brind’Amour’s offensive system make him a compelling choice for Carolina.
3. Montreal Canadiens | Quinn Hughes | D
The Canadiens shift their focus to bolstering their blue line after Svechnikov and Tkachuk are off the board. Quinn Hughes, a gifted playmaker and one of the NHL’s standout young defensemen, becomes their choice. Hughes has notched consecutive 60-point seasons, showcasing his offensive prowess. His addition would inject excitement into the Montreal blue line.
Quinn Hughes’ ability to ignite plays from the back and rack up points makes him a prime candidate for the Canadiens, who could certainly use a top-pairing defenseman.
4. Ottawa Senators | Rasmus Dahlin | D
In a situation where both Hughes and Dahlin are available, the Senators seize the opportunity to select Rasmus Dahlin. As a team that has endured a six-year playoff drought, they opt for the best player on the board, and Dahlin fits the bill. Adding another blue-liner to their arsenal, they now boast a formidable top four of Thomas Chabot, Jakub Chychrun, Jake Sanderson, and Dahlin. Dahlin’s recent surge, with 126 points over the past two seasons, further solidifies his position.
Ottawa secures a substantial asset in Dahlin, providing a silver lining even as Tkachuk goes two spots higher in this redraft.
5. Arizona Coyotes | Jesperi Kotkaniemi | C
The fifth pick heralds a shift towards addressing positional needs. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, though he hasn’t fully lived up to the hype of a third overall pick, still possesses untapped potential. At just 23 years old, he’s entering his sixth professional season, showing significant growth in his last two years with Carolina, including a career-high 43 points in 2022-23. The Coyotes could benefit from his scoring prowess, particularly to support Clayton Keller.
While not a flashy choice, Kotkaniemi brings stability and the promise of offensive production to the desert.
(Continued…)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Redrafted NHL 2018 Draft
What is the 2018 NHL Draft redraft?
In the 2018 NHL Draft redraft, we reimagine the draft selections, five years after the original event. We reassess the top prospects and make new selections based on their performances and potential developments in the NHL since then.
Why was Andrei Svechnikov chosen as the first overall pick?
Andrei Svechnikov was selected as the first overall pick in the redraft due to his consistent offensive production, including multiple 20-goal seasons and a career-high 69 points. The Buffalo Sabres, in this hypothetical scenario, prioritize scoring depth, making Svechnikov a strong choice.
Why did the Carolina Hurricanes pick Brady Tkachuk?
With Andrei Svechnikov already taken, the Hurricanes opted for Brady Tkachuk because of his impressive goal-scoring abilities, including back-to-back 30-goal seasons. Tkachuk’s fit in the Hurricanes’ aggressive offensive system also played a role in this selection.
Why did the Montreal Canadiens choose Quinn Hughes?
The Montreal Canadiens selected Quinn Hughes to address their need for a top-pairing defenseman. Hughes is known for his exceptional playmaking ability and has tallied consecutive 60-point seasons, making him a valuable asset on the blue line.
Why did the Ottawa Senators select Rasmus Dahlin?
Despite the availability of Quinn Hughes, the Ottawa Senators chose Rasmus Dahlin due to his status as the best player on the board. Dahlin’s recent surge, with 126 points over two seasons, makes him an attractive choice for a team seeking to bolster its defensive core.
Why did the Arizona Coyotes pick Jesperi Kotkaniemi?
Jesperi Kotkaniemi was chosen by the Arizona Coyotes to provide scoring support behind Clayton Keller. While he may not have fulfilled all expectations as a third overall pick, Kotkaniemi’s potential and recent performance, including a career-high 43 points, make him a valuable addition.
How was Evan Bouchard chosen by the Detroit Red Wings?
The Detroit Red Wings selected Evan Bouchard to complement their defensive lineup alongside Moritz Seider. Bouchard is known for his offensive contributions, tallying consecutive 40-point seasons, which would provide an additional offensive dimension from the blue line.
Why was K’Andre Miller picked by the Vancouver Canucks?
K’Andre Miller was chosen by the Vancouver Canucks to address the void left by the departure of Quinn Hughes in this redraft. Miller’s steady progress in his first three NHL seasons and his strong defensive presence make him a suitable addition to the Canucks’ blue line.
What led to Rasmus Sandin being selected by the Chicago Blackhawks?
The Chicago Blackhawks chose Rasmus Sandin to bolster their defensive roster. Sandin’s impressive performance, including 15 points in the final 19 games of the 2022-23 season, influenced this decision.
Why did Joel Farabee go to the New York Rangers?
Joel Farabee was chosen by the New York Rangers to provide reliable goal-scoring. Farabee has notched 52 goals in 200 games since the 2020-21 season, making him a valuable middle-six forward.
Why was Noah Dobson chosen by the Edmonton Oilers?
Noah Dobson was selected by the Edmonton Oilers to reinforce their defensive lineup, particularly in the absence of Evan Bouchard in this redraft. Dobson’s strong two-way play and impressive point totals over the past two seasons contributed to this decision.
More about Redrafted NHL 2018 Draft
- NHL Official Website – The official website of the National Hockey League, providing comprehensive coverage of the NHL Draft and player statistics.
- Buffalo Sabres – The official website of the Buffalo Sabres, the team that originally drafted Rasmus Dahlin in the 2018 NHL Draft.
- Carolina Hurricanes – The official website of the Carolina Hurricanes, the team that originally selected Andrei Svechnikov in the 2018 NHL Draft.
- Montreal Canadiens – The official website of the Montreal Canadiens, featuring news and updates on the team’s roster.
- Ottawa Senators – The official website of the Ottawa Senators, providing information about the team’s performance and roster.
- Arizona Coyotes – The official website of the Arizona Coyotes, offering insights into the team’s current lineup and prospects.
- Detroit Red Wings – The official website of the Detroit Red Wings, featuring player profiles and team news.
- Vancouver Canucks – The official website of the Vancouver Canucks, providing details about the team’s roster and performance.
- Chicago Blackhawks – The official website of the Chicago Blackhawks, offering information about the team’s history and current players.
- Edmonton Oilers – The official website of the Edmonton Oilers, providing updates on the team’s performance and roster.
- New York Rangers – The official website of the New York Rangers, featuring player profiles and team news.
- Quinn Hughes – NHL Player Profile – A detailed player profile of Quinn Hughes on the NHL’s official website.
- Rasmus Dahlin – NHL Player Profile – A comprehensive player profile of Rasmus Dahlin on the NHL’s official website.
- Brady Tkachuk – NHL Player Profile – A detailed player profile of Brady Tkachuk on the NHL’s official website.
- Andrei Svechnikov – NHL Player Profile – A comprehensive player profile of Andrei Svechnikov on the NHL’s official website.
- Jesperi Kotkaniemi – NHL Player Profile – A detailed player profile of Jesperi Kotkaniemi on the NHL’s official website.
3 comments
MTL Habs shud’ve got Hughes, their D needs help, but Hughes on Canucks ain’t bad either, so whatever.
Oilers grabbing Dobson is cool, need D bad. But where’s Elias Pettersson in this redraft? He’s a stud, dude!
wowza, this re-draft is like whoa, some crazy changes, but it’s fun. Love how they picked Andrei Svech first, guy’s a beast!