NHL Mock Draft 2018: No.1 — Rasmus Dahlin
While the Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Capitals are fighting for the Stanley Cup, the other 29 teams have turned their sights on the NHL Draft.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be taking a look at the NHL Draft and trying to figure out which prospects will go well.
Today we will start with the Buffalo Sabres, who own the No.1 overall pick. There is absolutely no drama with this pick and it might be the only pick I get right…
With the No.1 Overall Pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres select…
Rasmus Dahlin – LHD – Sweden ????????
Dahlin is expected to be the first Swedish-born player to go first overall since Mats Sundin in 1989, joining Sundin as the only two Swedes to ever go No.1
As a Swedish offensive-defensemen, Dahlin draws comparisons to Erik Karlsson and Nicklas Lidstrom, but he has the size of an Oliver Ekman-Larsson or Victor Hedman.
As an 18-year-old playing against men in the Swedish Elite League, Dahlin was finished eighth on Frolunda HC in points, recording seven goals and 13 assists (20 points) in 41 games—third among defensemen. Dahlin also had an impressive showing at the World Juniors, picking up six assists in seven games while representing Sweden.
Dahlin essentially does everything well. He’s a tremendous skater with great hands and overall offensive ability, but also defends extremely well. Dahlin will immediately jump to the top of the Sabres’ defensive depth chart and will help take some of the minutes and pressure off of Rasmus Ristolainen, who was fourth in the NHL in TOI/GM (26:30) in 2017-18.
Scouting Report
Dahlin is a smart two-way defenseman who can play in any situation. He is a terrific skater and stick handler who can rush the puck, or join the attack in a hurry. Impressive agility makes him a good one-on-one defender. He has fine passing ability, and although not a big-time bomber, he has an accurate shot from the point. Not one to shy away from the physical game, Dahlin is an accomplished open-ice hitter. A young player, he must learn when to make the simpler play. Adding more weight should help him in board battles and around the crease. — Elite Prospects
Rankings
- #1 — HockeyProspect.com
- #1 — FutureConsiderations.ca
- #1 — ISSHockey.com