2018 NHL Draft: Top 100 Prospects Consensus Ranking

21. Akil Thomas, C

68 gp, 22 g, 59 a, 81 p (10 pgp, 5 g, 6 a, 11 p). Niagara IceDogs, OHL.

Likes to slow down the game, even though he has the skating to play fast. Is solid in both directions, can make plays, and drives possession on ice. Some put him on the wing in the professional game, but Thomas has the ability to play center.

Ideal player comparison: Ryan Getzlaf.

22. Dominik Bokk, RW

35 gp, 14 g, 27 a, 41 p (8 pgp, 5 g, 6 a, 11 p). Vaxjo Lakers, SuperElit.

Prospect writers are split on Bokk, with some having him as high as eighth overall. He has some room to grow, especially both physically and defensively, but Bokk showcases enormous talent offensively, especially when it comes to stick handling. He shows brilliant flashes and has the ability to deke defenders out of their skates. If he can round out his game, he could be something special.

Ideal player comparison: Pavel Datsyuk.

23. Serron Noel, RW

62 gp, 28 g, 25 a, 53 p (5 pgp, 0 g, 1 a, 1 p). Oshawa Generals, OHL.

Needs to grow in terms of filling out his frame, getting smarter, and fixing his skating form, but he’s young and has time. Noel is one of the biggest skaters in this year’s draft, standing at 6’5″, and is a great net-front presence. He has the ability to skate and handle the puck well as well, making good plays, which is rare for someone of his height at his age.

Ideal player comparison: Alex Tuch.

24. Rasmus Sandin, D

51 gp, 12 g, 33 a, 45 p (24 pgp, 1G, 12A, 13P). Sault Ste. Marie, OHL.

Solid defensively despite a relatively small size, but is an elusive puck mover. Has shown the ability to make incredible passes, and has the brains to be an important player, if not one that makes an impact every shift.

Ideal player comparison: Sami Vatanen.

25. Ryan Merkley, D

63 gp, 13 g, 54 a, 67 p (6 pgp, 1 g, 5 a, 6 p). Guelph Storm, OHL.

Ryan Merkley has perhaps the most questions of any defenseman in this draft, but also perhaps the most skill. He is wonderful in the offensive zone, making incredible passes and can get space on demand. He has elusive skate work and can use his edges to escape situations and has good (but not great) speed. But he also lacks size and makes more regular mistakes defensively than should be wanted, which needs to be fixed.

Ideal player comparison: Tyson Barrie.

26. Jacob Olofsson, C

43 gp, 10 g, 11 a, 21 p (10 pgp, 3 g, 1 a, 4 p). Timra IK, Allsvenskan.

Solid two way center with a low ceiling but a high floor. Olofsson is a playmaker and has been used on both special teams units in what is essentially the Swedish AHL. Has shown solid progress this season, has good hands and good skates.

Ideal player comparison: Kyle Turris.

27. Jared McIsaac, D

65 gp, 9 g, 38 a, 47 p (9 pgp, 0 g, 4 a, 4 p). Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL.

A capable defenseman who knows how to read a play defensively and can come up with big stops when the occasion arises, using both his body and his stick. Can move the puck well and make good passes, but struggles in the offensive zone at times. He’s got good skating as well.

Ideal player comparison: Brent Seabrook.

28. Martin Kaut, RW

38 gp, 9 g, 7 a, 16 p (7 pgp, 3 g, 2 a, 5 p). HC Dynamo Pardubice, Czech League.

Kaut is a great two-way forward with no weaknesses in his game. Can be used offensively, where he’s able to create plays and does a fine job of finishing, or defensively, where he’s able to close on his competition because of his mind. Kaut could go much earlier because of his high floor.

Ideal player comparison: Brandon Saad.

29. K’Andre Miller, D

58 gp, 9 g, 20 a, 29 p. National U18 Team, USDP.

Could potentially become a top-line defenseman, but needs to grow his game more. Recently converted from a forward, and has the skating to prove it, with speed and tenacity. A workhorse with work ethic and is quite large at 6’4″. If he can find that consistency during his development in the NCAA, he could be a team’s best prospect.

Ideal player comparison: Dustin Byfuglien.

30. Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C

68 gp, 28 g, 27 a, 55 p (9 pgp, 2 g, 6 a, 8 p). Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL.

One of the best defensive centers in the draft, Groulx has the ability to make good plays in the offensive zone, but that’s not where his focus lays. Instead, the team that selects Groulx in the draft will be getting a player who will lock down other teams’ best centers and has the focus to keep them contained.

Ideal player comparison: Mikko Koivu.