Redrafting the 2018 NHL draft: A new number one

Ah, the 2018 NHL draft. After some of the best classes in recent memory, the quality of picks in the top 10 took a step back in 2018. The top four included some of the best talents in the NHL, but after that, it was a struggle to find consistent stars from this draft class, especially in the later rounds.

Let’s redraft the 2018 NHL draft.

#1. Andrei Svechnikov to the Buffalo Sabres (Carolina Hurricanes)

2023 NHL All-Star - Skills Competition

The only clear star in this entire draft class (although it can also kind of be said about the next four players) is Andrei Svechnikov. Every season, Svechnikov has played more than 60 games in his career and has scored 20 or more goals.

#2. Rasmus Dahlin to the Carolina Hurricanes (Buffalo Sabres)

Rasmus Dahlin started out slow in his career but has recently become one of the best defensemen in the NHL due to a resurgence. Only 50 games into the season, Dahlin has surpassed his career-high points total, adding yet another wrinkle into his overall game for the Buffalo Sabres.

#3. Quinn Hughes to the Montreal Canadiens (Vancouver Canucks)

Vancouver Canucks v New Jersey Devils

Quinn Hughes burst onto the scene right out of the gate and continued the trend in recent drafts of fast, offense oriented defensemen being taken high. Somewhat overshadowed by his younger brother, Quinn Hughes has been a major part of the Vancouver Canucks for the last five seasons.

#4. Brady Tkachuk to the Ottawa Senators (Ottawa Senators)

The Ottawa Senators hit this pick out of the park. Brady Tkachuk has brought a new energy to the flailing Senators franchise since making his NHL debut.

#5. Joel Farabee to the Arizona Coyotes (Philadelphia Flyers)

Philadelphia Flyers v Detroit Red Wings

Joel Farabee hasn’t put up the same numbers in the 2022-23 season due to playing for the struggling Philadelphia Flyers. However, he is still a major offensive piece that the Flyers have tried to build around.

#6. Jesperi Kotkaniemi to the Detroit Red Wings (Montreal Canadiens)

At one point, Kotkiniemi was highly desired around the league. A new change of scenery from Montreal to Carolina hasn’t garnered much production, but the potential is still there.

#7. K’Andre Miller to the Vancouver Canucks (New York Rangers)

Minnesota Wild v New York Rangers

K’Andre Miller has been a good depth piece for the New York Rangers in his first three seasons. Miller’s youth and the way he plays the game gives reason to believe there is still a lot of potential to be realized.

#8. Filip Zadina to the Chicago Blackhawks (Detroit Red Wings)

Filip Zadina has been one of the players that is all offense, no defense. Zadina has had a poor +/- in his career for Detroit, but last season scored over a dozen goals. He’s struggled with injuries for most of this season.

#9. Evan Bouchard to the New York Rangers (Edmonton Oilers)

Edmonton Oilers v Toronto Maple Leafs

Evan Bouchard exploded for Edmonton’s blue line last season, recording 31 assists and 43 points. Bouchard hasn’t been able to match that production this campaign, but for a Rangers team that would have Miller already gone, Bouchard is a pretty nice replacement.

#10. Barrett Hayton to the Edmonton Oilers (Arizona Coyotes)

Last season, Barrett Hayton found the back of the net 10 times for the Arizona Coyotes. Arizona still believes that the young center has the potential to be something special. One thing that could have unlocked that talent was learning behind the best in the game.