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Every NHL team, even the Stanley Cup champion Capitals, has some work to do this summer to improve and position itself to compete both in the short and long term. One of the biggest ways a team can accomplish that goal is through the NHL Entry Draft.
Not every player entering the draft will be able to provide an immediate help at the NHL level. Some can, but many others will turn into development projects that can turn into major pieces or major busts down the line.
Every team has needs to address as the draft approaches. Many clubs will be looking to help fuel their future and build the depth in their system with young prospects. For the teams whose needs are more immediate, they can flip their picks/prospects on draft day for players who can come in and help right away.
Either way, the NHL Draft is always an exciting time for teams, players and fans alike because it brings plenty of action and plenty of promise. Below you can find this year's order of picks in the first round and pick-by-pick analysis after each name comes off the board. Also, scroll down below for live draft updates.
NHL 2018 Draft 1 Sabres Rasmus Dahlin, D: Obviously. Dahlin is considered a generational talent on the blue line and he was always going to go No. 1. He'll immediately step in and become a difference-maker for Buffalo, who desperately need an impact defenseman. | Story 2 Hurricanes Andrei Svechnikov, RW: Another no-brainer at No. 2. Svechnikov is the best forward prospect of the class thanks to his lethal offensive skill set. He's got flash in the offensive end, but he also plays a strong two-way game and -- at 6-foot-2 -- is a big body who can bring physicality and drive the net. | Story 3 Canadiens Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C: It appears the Canadiens made their selection based on immediate need over best available player. Kotkaniemi is considered by many to be the best center in this class thanks to his two-way play-making ability. He's a smart, responsible player, but the No. 3 spot might be a little bit high for him. 4 Senators Brady Tkachuk, LW: Tkachuk going at No. 4 is a bit generous, but he's a good player with a valuable combination of size and skill. He plays with a high motor, plenty of physicality, and is relentless on the puck. He's a solid 200-foot player. 5 Coyotes Barrett Hayton, C: Hayton going in this spot is a major surprise. He's considered a good two-way prospect who has a lot of intangibles and can do a lot of things on the ice. However, there are some concerns about his goal-scoring ability and many scouts had him outside of the Top 10. 6 Red Wings Filip Zadina, RW: Zadina is arguably the second-best goal scorer in this draft, so the Wings are pretty lucky to get him in this spot. The Czech winger is a dynamic offensive force with a deadly scoring touch. He's got great puck control and a phenomenal release on his shot. But he's also a two-way player with a high hockey IQ both on and off the puck. 7 Canucks Quinn Hughes, D: This is a great pick for Vancouver, who need an impact defenseman. Hughes is a bit undersized at 5-foot-10, but he's a great player. He's smart and skilled on both ends of the ice. He's got good speed, handles and puck-moving ability to help push play up ice, making him an exciting two-way threat.
8 Blackhawks Adam Boqvist, D: Bovqist is an exciting offensive-minded defenseman with the skill set of a forward. He's a great skater and can create plenty of opportunities for his teammates in the offensive end. He's got some work to do to develop his defensive game.
9 Rangers Vitali Kravtsov, RW: Kravtsov is a dynamic winger with fantastic scoring ability. The Russian brings a mix of speed, size, skill, and grit and he should be a decent offensive piece for the Rangers to add to their long-term rebuilding effort.
10 Oilers Evan Bouchard, D: I really like this pick for Edmonton. They address a need while also taking one of the best players on the board. Bouchard is has an all-around game on the blue line. He has excellent hockey IQ and situational awareness. He's a strong skater and dynamic two-way player that is almost as good at shutting down opportunities in his own end as he is at creating them at the other end.
11 Islanders Oliver Wahlstrom, RW: Wahlstrom is an explosive offensive force that has an incredible shot and could be a prolific goal-scorer in this league for years to come. He's an excellent skater and puck protector, but he's got to work on the defensive side of his game. 12 Islanders Noah Dobson, D: See above.
13 Stars Needs: Centers, defense
14 Flyers Needs: Defense, wingers
15 Panthers Needs: Wingers
16 Avalanche Needs: Scoring
17 Devils Needs: Defense, scoring help from players not named Taylor Hall
18 Blue Jackets Needs: Forwards
19 Flyers Needs: Defense, wingers
20 Kings Needs: Offense
21 Sharks Needs: Defense, wingers
22 Senators Needs: Again, everything
23 Ducks Needs: Young forwards to help their veteran core
24 Wild Needs: Players to get excited about
25 Maple Leafs Needs: Centers and defense
26 Rangers Needs: Any strong pieces for rebuild
27 Blackhawks Needs: Immediate improvement.
28 Rangers Needs: Any strong pieces for rebuild
29 Blues Needs: Defensive depth
30 Red Wings Needs: Defense, wingers
31 Capitals Needs: Continue building organizational depth
Live blog on latest news
Follow along with all of the latest news and trade buzz ahead of the first pick on Friday night. If the live blog isn't working for you, click here.
The 2018 NHL Entry Draft is underway in Dallas, with the Sabres taking Rasmus Dahlin No. 1 as expected. Free agency is still a week away, but that hasn't stopped big-name coaching changes and big-name trades from taking place ahead of the draft, which runs through Saturday. Here's a rundown of all the latest rumors surrounding picks and (more) trades centered on this weekend's big event, followed by our live blog with all the latest news.
Karlsson still up for grabs?
Erik Karlsson, the Ottawa Senators' top defenseman -- and player -- could very well be the target of blockbuster trade talks as free agency draws near. With his former teammate, Mike Hoffman, now out the door, some may think Karlsson is actually more secure in Ottawa considering Hoffman's fiancee was accused of harassing the Karlsson family. But TSN's Bob McKenzie and Frank Seravalli are among those who've suggested the Sens are still listening to offers for their All-Star.
Karlsson, remember, was the hottest name floated at the in-season trade deadline, but Ottawa ultimately retained him for the close of an abhorrent season. Now, look out for the Vegas Golden Knights, who eyed him before and have now tasted the Stanley Cup Final; and the Tampa Bay Lightning, who were reportedly big suitors in February, to make potential trade pitches.
Islanders could be leveraging first-rounders for 'D' help
According to USA Today's Kevin Allen, the New York Islanders could get aggressive with their two first-round picks (Nos. 11 and 12) now that they've juiced up their leadership with Lou Lamoriello at general manager and Barry Trotz at head coach. That could mean either a move around the first round or a package offer for some veteran help on defense. Considering the murky future of free agent-to-be John Tavares, of course, maybe staying put and adding a pair of top prospects isn't such a bad idea, either.
Sabres may want third overall pick for O'Reilly
The Montreal Canadiens are after the Buffalo Sabres' alternate captain, Ryan O'Reilly, TSN's Pierre LeBrun has reported. But a deal might not happen, per LeBrun, without the Habs surrendering the No. 3 overall pick, which would obviously enable the Sabres to pair an elite prospect with Jack Eichel. For Montreal, of course, the pressing offseason concern is simply to land a top-line center, and offloading Max Pacioretty could ultimately be part of the solution.
Oilers prepared to offer 10th overall pick for immediate help
Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli told Sportsnet's John Shannon that he's open to dealing the team's first-rounder for a veteran blue-liner. He also admitted it's "not that easy" to pull off a deal that immediately benefits the Oilers, but he has to try. Edmonton might've been the biggest disappointment of the 2017-18 NHL season if it weren't for the collective collapse of previous playoff teams like the Senators, Canadiens, New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks.
Rangers have the ammunition for a run at a top-three pick
Speaking of the Rangers, Kevin Allen, from USA Today, speculates that New York could shake up the top of the draft if it chooses to package any or all of its three first-rounders (Nos. 9, 26 and 28), saying "they would grab one of the premium scorers" if a deal got them all the way to the second or third overall spot. Veteran center Kevin Hayes, Allen noted, is also on the trading block.
Flyers making Wayne Simmonds available via trade?
This would be like the anti-Karlsson move -- one that's never seriously been on anyone's radar. But The Athletic's Michael Russo said in reporting on potential Minnesota Wild trade targets that the Philadelphia Flyers might be "gearing up" to sell their soon-to-be-30-year-old forward. After an injury-riddled 2017-18 and with a contract expiring after this year, perhaps it makes sense to explore potential return packages, but the Flyers would almost assuredly be admitting to a rebuild by dealing their fan favorite.
Senators reportedly exploring trade partners for Craig Anderson
Karlsson might not be the only big name on the move out of Ottawa after Hoffman's departure. According to TSN's Frank Seravalli, the Senators are already working with the agent of Craig Anderson to identify potential new homes for the 37-year-old goalie. Nothing is imminent on the trade front, Seravalli added, but it appears Ottawa is bent on moving on from Anderson, who at times was a postseason stud during the team's 2016-17 Eastern Conference Finals run, before his deal expires in two seasons.
Live blog on latest news
Follow along with all of the latest news and trade buzz ahead of the first pick on Friday night. If the live blog isn't working for you, click here.
Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson could be traded before the season starts. (Photo: Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports)
DALLAS — A collection of thoughts, rumors, analysis and news from Friday's first round of the 2018 NHL draft (7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network).
Follow our pick-by-pick analysis.
8:43 p.m. Oilers grab a top-flight defenseman
By taking Evan Bouchard at No. 10, the Edmonton Oilers finally get the big shot on the point they have lacked. Not unthinkable that he might be able to make the team this upcoming season like Cam Fowler did when he made the Anaheim Ducks after he fell in the draft to 12th overall in 2010.
8:20 p.m. First surprise pick
NHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr told USA TODAY Sports a couple of hours before the draft that Barrett Hayton was better than people think he is. He views him as potential No. 1 center. Hayton went fifth to the Arizona Coyotes, probably four or five picks higher than expected.
7:50 p.m. The draft starts with the expected
Rasmus Dahlin, the premiere defenseman from Sweden, goes No. 1. Follow along with our pick-by-pick analysis throughout the night.
7:45 p.m. Humboldt Strong
The NHL took time before the draft to honor The Humboldt Broncos with the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence. The Broncos lost 16 people (players/staff members), with 13 more injured, as a result a truck-bus accident. Four players remain hospitalized.
7:44 p.m. Fans boo Bettman even during Humboldt honor
It's a tradition for fans to boo Commissioner Gary Bettman at NHL drafts, but it was too much for Dallas fans to boo him while the league was trying to honor the Humboldt Broncos. He asked them to delay the booing only long enough for him to salute the Broncos, but disgracefully a smaller collection of people in attendance continued to boo.
Pretty disgraceful to boo Bettman while he talks about the Humbolt Broncos. What is wrong with these people??? — Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) June 22, 2018
7:08 p.m. We have a trade
TRADE | The Washington Capitals have acquired a second round pick, 47th-overall from the Colorado Avalanche in the 2018 NHL Draft in exchange for defenseman Brooks Orpik and Philipp Grubauer. #ALLCAPShttps://t.co/xUUHHVPQfu — Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 22, 2018
Why the Capitals made the trade: They clear up salary cap space necessary to re-sign key players, particularly defenseman John Carlson (UFA), Tom Wilson (RFA), Devante Smith-Pelly (RFA) and Michal Kempny (UFA). Orpik's cap hit was $5.5 and Grubauer (RFA) was at $1.5 million. The Caps have roughly $21 million to sign eight players. Grubauer was expendable because Ilya Samsonov is waiting in the wings. Orpik, 37, played well for the Capitals in the playoffs, but he's a quarter-step slow for the modern game.
Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan is a big winner in the trade because he landed a second-round pick and found the cap space he needed to sign his key players.
Why the Avalanche made the trade: Grubauer (RFA) gives them a top-level backup or a contender to be the No. 1 goalie. Orpik is a tough, heavy hitter, though he has lost a step. More importantly, he's a leader and an important dressing room presence. But he could be traded again or his contract bought out.
5:30 p.m. Making room for Tavares?
If John Tavares goes to free agency, the Sharks are expected to make a major push for him.
The Sharks continued to clear cap space Friday by buying out the contract of defenseman Paul Martin. The move will save the team more than $2.8 million in cap space, according to Capfriendly.com. They now have more than $19 million in cap space.
John Tavares expected to make the call tomorrow on whether or not he plans on taking advantage of the interview period which opens Sunday. — Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 22, 2018
5:05 p.m. Hayton has No. 1 potential to be No. 1 center
Dan Marr, the NHL's Director of Central Scouting, doesn't necessarily buy the contention that Finland's Jesperi Kotkaniemi is the only No. 1 center available in the first round.
He believes Barrett Hayton has skills package to end up as one. Marr told USA TODAY Sports that Hayton might not even know how good he can be.
The Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario Hockey League) standout might not be be receiving his due as an offensive player because he is such a strong two-way player. Hayton had 60 points in 63 games in 2017-18.
4:30 p.m. Trades that could make sense
1. Defenseman Erik Karlsson going from the Ottawa Senators to the Vegas Golden Knights. They need a star on the blue line and they have the assets to make it happen.
2. Goalie Philipp Grubauer going from Washington Capitals to the New York Islanders. The Islanders need a No. 1 goalie and new coach Barry Trotz knows Grubauer well.
3. Ryan O'Reilly going from the Buffalo Sabres to the Montreal Canadiens. They covet a center of O'Reilly's consistency. O'Reilly has averaged between 54 and 64 points in each of the past five seasons.
4. Max Pacorietty going from the Montreal Canadiens to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes are looking for a forward who can play in their top six.
3 p.m. Flames trying to move up
Without a 1st, 2nd or 3rd round pick, the Calgary Flames are investigating all potential to acquire a 1st round pick. — Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 22, 2018
The Flames' first pick, barring a trade, will be 105th overall.
1:54 p.m. First-round sleeper?
Look for Thayer Academy (Mass.) center Jay O’Brien to land in the second half of the first round. O’Brien was ranked No. 32 among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, but that may reflect that O’Brien was playing prep school hockey, meaning he was dominating against below average competition.
But NHL teams like his offensive gifts and speed. He has flair to his game. He is heading to Providence College.
1:08 p.m. More goalies available
Botterill confirms the Sabres have told Lehner he won’t return. — Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) June 22, 2018
Lehner posted a .908 save percentage last season, a year after recording a .920 mark. He made $4 million last season.
1:05 p.m. Another player on the block?
We can add another Senator to the list. #Sens are working with agent Justin Duberman to try and find a potential new home for G Craig Anderson. Nothing imminent. He has two years left at $4.75M and, oddly, has been statistically excellent every other season for last number of yrs — Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 22, 2018
Given the state of the Senators, it's not surprising to see them look to move a veteran like Anderson. There should be interest here.
11:28 a.m. Six players who could be dealt
1. Defenseman Erik Karlsson, Senators: If the Senators don’t believe they can re-sign him, they could deal him for a package that would include players, a first-round pick and a top prospect.
2. Defenseman Noah Hanifin, Hurricanes: It’s not the Hurricanes' first choice to deal Hanifin, a restricted free agent, but they haven’t been able to sign him yet and teams are lining up with good offers.
3. Center Ryan O’Reilly, Sabres: Why would the Sabres trade a hard-nosed, feisty 60-point center as they are just starting to put together an intriguing roster? It’s a fair question, but there have been trade discussions about him.
4. Goalie Philipp Grubauer, Capitals: The Islanders and Hurricanes are looking for a starting goalie, and several teams want proven backups. Washington has top prospect Ilya Samsonov coming, meaning the right time to deal Grubauer is now.
5. Left wing Jeff Skinner, Hurricanes: Many of the teams looking at signing at Ilya Kovalchuk to bolster their offense have a Skinner deal as Plan B. He has scored 30 or more goals three times.
6. Left wing Max Pacioretty, Canadiens: Before last season’s struggles, Pacioretty, 29, had scored 30 or more goals for four consecutive seasons.
10:33 a.m. Five teams expected to make moves
1. Islanders: With Lou Lamoriello running the show and Barry Trotz now coach, the Islanders are aggressively looking to re-sign John Tavares and acquire a goalie.
The Islanders have two first-round picks (No. 11 and No. 12) to use to add young prospects or trade away for help on defense or in net.
2. Hurricanes: Don Waddell is the team’s new general manager and he has made it clear he wants to change the look of his roster. He’s looking for a goalie and a top-six forward. The Hurricanes will get immediate help today because they pick No. 2 in the draft and are expected to grab scorer Andrei Svechnikov, the draft’s highest-ranked forward.
3. Canadiens: Montreal’s most pressing need is a No. 1 center, and early intrigue of the draft will be whether they will take center Jesperi Kotkaniemi with the No. 3 pick. Most teams have scoring winger Filip Zadina ranked No. 3 behind defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and Svechnikov. Will the Canadiens address the need? Or will they trade Max Pacioretty to land a center? They could do both.
4. Rangers: The rebuilding Rangers have three first-round picks (Nos. 9, 26 and 28) and are willing to move center Kevin Hayes. They would like to move up to land one of the top defensemen in the draft or a top-flight defensive prospect. If they could move to No. 2 or No. 3, they would grab one of the premium scorers.
5. Senators: The trading of Mike Hoffman might just be the first step for the Senators, who own the No. 4 pick. Some Senators critics believe they are making a mistake by not giving that pick to Colorado to complete the Matt Duchene deal. By keeping it, they will give up their top pick in 2019 to the Avs. The Senators are expected to be among the worst teams next year, which means they will have a ticket to the Jack Hughes sweepstakes. Hughes is an American center expected to go No. 1 in 2019.
