NHL Mock Draft 2018: No.12 — Ty Smith
The New York Islanders are well positioned in this year’s draft, with the No.11 pick (I have them taking Barrett Hayton), this No.12 pick and two second-round selections (No.41 and No.43).
After taking a forward with their first pick, the team who allowed the most goals against in 2018 will probably look to add a defenseman at 12th overall.
With the No.12 Overall Pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, the New York Islanders select…
Ty Smith — LHD — Canada ????????
Smith is known for being an elite skater with a strong two-way game. Smith torched the Western Hockey League in his second season with Spokane, finishing second in among WHL defensemen in points with 73 (14G / 59A).
Smith breaks out of his own-end effectively and has drawn some comparisons to Drew Doughty. Those are lofty expectations for an 18-year-old, but Smith’s two-way game is exactly what the Islanders need to add to their system.
Despite being the sixth defenseman off of the board, Smith has one of the best two-way games in this class and could squeak into the top-10 on draft day.
Scouting Report
“He may not be a prolific offensive blueliner in the NHL, but his ability to make plays with the puck and do it calmly is a hallmark of today’s NHL defenceman.” — Craig Button (TSN)
“He was extremely effective on the power play, where he had 27 points (three goals, 24 assists). The left-shot defenseman can dissect the forecheck and pick it apart with a smooth transition pass from his own zone.” — Mike Morreale (NHL.com)
“Smith has the ability to make all the right plays in his end, either skating the puck out of the zone or carrying it and creating in transition. He also excelled offensively with 73 points (14 goals, 59 assists).” — Adam Kimelman (NHL.com)
Rankings
- #14 — HockeyProspect.com
- #9 — FutureConsiderations.ca
- #19 — ISSHockey.com