2018 NHL mock draft: Arizona Coyotes get Rasmus Dahlin
In our second NHL Mock Draft, the Arizona Coyotes get a superstar to build around
The 2018 NHL Draft is right around the corner. 2018 NHL Mock Drafts are starting to come out. Teams out of the playoff hunt are starting to salivate, wondering if they will have Lady Luck on their side at the draft lottery. This year, the top prize is perhaps the best defenseman prospect of the last 10 years. Even the consolation prizes are extremely good.
This draft is done according to the standings, as of March 12. I’ll be using point percentage to determine who will be in the top 10. Let’s take a look at our second version of the 2018 NHL Mock Draft. You can check out our first version right here.
121. . Defenseman. Sweden. Rasmus Dahlin. 1. player
The consensus top pick of the 2018 draft is Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. He’s perhaps the best blueline prospect of the past 20 years, depending on how you felt about Erik Karlsson back in 2008.
It’s worth noting the Coyotes have been playing much better after a historically bad start. So it’s quite feasible they lose this spot to someone like the Buffalo Sabres or the Ottawa Senators.
SEE ALSO: Dahlin’s Prospect Profile
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Dahlin has been dominating against grown men, which is a good sign. There are no real flaws in his game. While Dahlin isn’t overly physical, his skating and hockey IQ are both off the charts, so that should make up for it.
He’s coming off an impressive showing at the 2018 World Juniors. Dahlin, however, didn’t play much for Sweden at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Considering where his country finished, maybe he should have played a little bit more.
There is an argument to be had that the Coyotes should go with Andrei Svechnikov instead. It’s a warranted discussion. Especially if Arizona can manage to keep Oliver Ekman-Larsson around long-term. However, the Coyotes need as many great players as possible. Dahlin is by a significant margin the best player in this draft.
For all your 2018 NHL Draft needs, check out our NHL Draft hub!