2018 NHL Draft: Top 100 Prospects Consensus Ranking

Here are the top 100 consensus prospects in the 2018 NHL Draft according to 16 experts

As the 2018 NHL Draft continues to rapidly approach, and teams begin to figure out who they want to draft, the experts have put their lists in. Thanks to a deep draft, opinions can vary, especially after the top five prospects.

To help create a consensus ranking of the top 100 prospects, we’ve created a list based on the rankings of 17 of the most highly regarded prospect writers, websites, and lists, including the following.

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• Bob McKenzie, TSN
• Cam Robinson, Dobber
• Steve Kournianos, SportingNews
• NHL Central Scouting (both European and North American)
• McKeen’s Hockey
• ISS Hockey
• Future Considerations
• Craig Button, TSN
• Jeff Marek, SportsNet
• Hockey Prospect
• Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
• Sam Cosentino, SportsNet
• Peter Harling, Dobber
• Chris Peters, ESPN
• Corey Pronman, The Athletic
• Ryan Kennedy, The Hockey News.

This list required a lot of math, but it’s a solid list. There is some room for movement and teams will draft some players not on this list in the third round in place of players on this list. But it shows the kind of talent the 2018 NHL Draft has, even into the middle rounds.

1. Rasmus Dahlin, D

41 games, 7 goals, 13 assists, 20 points (6 playoff games, 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points). Frolunda HC, SHL.

The almost unanimous first overall pick, Dahlin is seen as a franchise defenseman, someone who should potentially join the Norris conversation. Besides a skinny frame, Dahlin does everything really well and some important things excellently.

Ideal player comparison: Nicklas Lidstrom.

2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW

44 gp, 40 g, 32 a, 72 p (8 pgp, 5 g, 6 a, 11 p). Barrie Colts, OHL.

Svechnikov is seen as an all-around prospect who skates somewhat well but it’s his size and goal production that land him the second overall spot. Some see him as a center, but he should excel on the wing.

Ideal player comparison: Evgeni Malkin.

3. Filip Zadina, LW

57 gp, 44 g, 38 a, 82 p (9 pgp, 5 g, 7 a, 12 p). Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL.

Complete package offensively, with work ethic, determination, drive, and above all, talent. Can make plays and score goals and has one of the best wristers in this draft.

Ideal player comparison: Artemi Panarin.

4. Brady Tkachuk, LW

40 gp, 8 g, 23 a, 31 p. Boston University, NCAA.

Not the greatest skater, but he does everything well. A renowned net-front presence with a good shot and the ability to play in any situation, plus he adds a level of puck possession.

Ideal player comparison: Jamie Benn.

5. Adam Boqvist, D

25 gp, 14 g, 10 a, 24 p (3 pgp, 3 g, 2 a, 5 p). Brynas IF, SuperElit.

A defenseman whose brain surpasses his body, Boqvist is whip-smart offensively while being a presence defensively, albeit one that isn’t physical. Relies on his stick to shut down opposing players.

Ideal player comparison: Shea Theodore.

6. Oliver Wahlstrom, C/RW

62 gp, 48 g, 46 a, 94 p. National Under 18 Team, USDP.

The best goal scorer in this draft. Understands how to open up space, how to get into a shooting lane, and can out-think opposing netminders. Can carry teammates, and has an elite level shot.

Ideal player comparison: Patrik Laine.

7. Quinn Hughes, D

37 gp, 5 g, 24 a, 29 p. University of Michigan, NCAA.

One of the best skaters and perhaps the best defensive skater in this draft. Can pivot from backward to forwards rapidly and has the IQ and puck skills to create chances while doing so. His size limits his defensive ability, but he’s not a problem defensively.

Ideal player comparison: Ryan Ellis.

8. Evan Bouchard, D

67 gp, 25 g, 62 a, 87 p (4 pgp, 1 g, 4 a, 5 p). London Knights, OHL.

Excellent offensive defenseman loaded with a solid shot and calm demeanor. Put up a solid amount of points in the OHL and earned it, but his skating and defensive play could use some work.

Ideal player comparison: Roman Josi.

9. Noah Dobson, D

67 gp, 17 g, 52 a, 69 p (20 pgp, 3 g, 10 a, 13 p). Acadie-Bathurst Titan, QMJHL.

Noah Dobson did quite well throughout the QMJHL season, including in the Memorial Cup. He’s an excellent offensive mind, someone who can skate well and shows great decision making. Needs to get a bit bigger for the NHL transition.

Ideal player comparison: Nate Schmidt.

10. Ty Smith, D

69 gp, 14 g, 59 a, 73 p (7 pgp, 2 g, 5 a, 7 p). Spokane Chiefs, WHL.

Incredibly smart; sees the ice very well and is constantly seeing the ice in new ways. Despite his stature, he’s good defensively, but his main attributes are on the offensive side. Will be a notable power play quarterback and top four defenseman.

Ideal player comparison: Nick Leddy.