New York Rangers: 2018 NHL Entry Draft rankings

2 of 7

The NHL Entry Draft is less than two weeks away. Who will the New York Rangers select? The team at Blue Line Station has put there 2018 prospect rankings together.

The most important day for the New York Rangers since game seven of the 2015 Eastern Confernence Finals is June 22. That is the day the Rangers will use (or trade) their three first round picks to help jumpstart their rebuild.

There are lots of talented prospects in this draft. It is a very deep draft class, especially on defense, and whether the team moves up, moves down a few slots, or stays where they are, they will end up with a really good prospect at the top of the draft. Even with their late round picks, the Rangers might stumble upon some players with enormous potential.

This weekend, a few members of our Blue Line Station family –Dan Carrozzi, Jen Moglia, Peter Reichert, Sean Raggio and myself– got together to make our NHL Entry Draft first round big board. Each of us made separate 1-31 rankings. After that, we all averaged our rankings together and that’s how we got this list. Check it out!

BUFFALO, NY – JANUARY 4: Rasmus Dahlin /

#1- Rasmus Dahlin, LHD, SHL

Consensus: 1. Highest ranking: 1. Lowest ranking: 1.

“It’s almost a no-brainer that Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is going first overall. Drafting Dahlin could help add more offensive scoring to a relatively young blue line, most likely slotting in as a pair with Rasmus Ristolainen.” – Sean Raggio

#2- Andrei Svechnikov, RW, OHL

Consensus: 2. Highest ranking: 2. Lowest ranking: 2.

“Like Dahlin, Svechnikov is a clear step above the next few picks in the draft, great at reading the play, powerful skating and excellent release.” – Dan Carrozzi

#3- Filip Zadina, RW, QMJHL

Consensus: 3.2. Highest ranking: 3. Lowest ranking: 4.

“He’s an absolute force of nature in terms of offense with a hard, accurate shot. Zadina is also skilled defensively, playing a complete, well-rounded game.” – Jen Moglia

#4 Quinn Hughes, LHD, NCAA

Consensus: 4.8. Highest ranking: 4. Lowest ranking: 6.

“Quick defenseman who excels at breakouts. A key member of Michigan’s Frozen Four team.” – Peter Reichert

#5 Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, USHL

Consensus: 6.4. Highest ranking: 5. Lowest ranking: 11.

“I think Oliver Wahlstrom has the best shot in the draft. At 17-years old, he already has an NHL ready body at 6-foot-1, 205 lbs. He’s a pretty well-rounded player overall but while he isn’t the greatest defender, he will be able to at least hold his own.” – John Williams

PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 15: Adam Boqvist #3 of the Sweden Nationals turns up ice against the Finland Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 15, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Finland defeated Sweden 5-3. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Adam Boqvist /

#6 Adam Boqvist, RHD, SWE-1

Consensus: 6.6. Highest ranking: 5. Lowest ranking: 9.

“Slick offensive defenseman who has garnered comparisons to Erik Karlsson. Incredibly quick puck mover with an electric shot.” – Peter Reichert

#7 Brady Tkachuk, LW, NCAA

Consensus 7. Highest ranking: 4. Lowest ranking: 9.

“Tkachuck’s draft case has been an exceptionally weird one. A lot of people in NHL circles say that teams look at him as a top four pick while prospect pundits across the web are a lot lower on the winger. I think that he is, without question, a top 10 pick based on his versatility. He has the tools to be an elite power forward for years to come.” – John Williams

#8 Noah Dobson, RHD, QMJHL

Consensus 8.2. Highest ranking: 3. Lowest ranking: 11.

“Dobson, though he does have a few areas to improve on, is a great skater and a reliable defenseman that can rarely be found out of position.” – Jen Moglia

#9 Evan Bouchard, RHD, OHL

Consensus 9.6. Highest ranking: 7. Lowest ranking: 17.

“Average foot speed, but an absolute cannon of a shot. Will be a consistent offensive threat and power play quarterback if skating improves.” – Peter Reichert

#10 Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, SM-Liliga

Consensus 9.8. Highest ranking: 7. Lowest ranking: 13.

“Kotkaniemi has a dangerous shot and a high hockey IQ, making him a great option for any team to take. He can rarely be found out of position.” -Jen Moglia

BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 2: Dominik Bokk performs the standing long jump during the NHL Scouting Combine on June 2, 2018 at HarborCenter in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) /

#11 Ty Smith, LHD, WHL

Consensus 12.2. Highest ranking: 11. Lowest ranking: 14.

“A little undersized but has great Hockey IQ and has shown great leadership qualities. He finds spots on the ice really well and is very good with the puck on his stick. He’s very good at getting shots on net from all angles. Not super fast but still very quick.” – John Williams

#12 Dominik Bokk, RW, SweHL

Consensus 14. Highest ranking: 9. Lowest ranking: 16.

“Bokk is a gifted winger with a great shot. He brings something new and creative to the table with his passing and shooting abilities.” -Jen Moglia

#13 Joel Farabee, LW, USHL

Consensus 14.8. Highest ranking: 7. Lowest ranking: 27.

“Overshadowed by Quinn and Jack Hughes, Wahlstrom and Tkachuk on the US NTDP, nonetheless a skilled playmaking winger. Second on the NTDP in points last season after Wahlstrom.” -Dan Carrozzi

#14 Vitali Kravtsov, RW, KHL

Consensus 15. Highest ranking: 14. Lowest ranking: 16.

He plays a gritty game. His strong performance in the KHL’s playoffs could be an indication of his offensive potential.” – Sean Raggio

#15 Joe Veleno, C, QMJHL

Consensus 15.8. Highest ranking: 10. Lowest ranking: NR.

“Exceptional passer with NHL size. Positioning is very good, very good skater. Shot could use a bit of improvement but it’s something you could work with.” – John Williams

BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 26: Rasmus Kupari #34 of Finland and Brett Howden #21 of Canada during the second period at KeyBank Center on December 26, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

#16 Rasmus Kupari, C, SM-Liliga

Consensus 16. Highest ranking: 14. Lowest ranking: 19.

“Like Kotkaniemi, the winger acquitted himself well in Finland’s top senior league, both as a scorer and passer.” -Dan Carrozzi

#17 Bode Wilde, RHD, USHL

Consensus 17.6. Highest ranking: 13. Lowest ranking: 23.

“One of the most intriguing players in the draft. Extremly quick release to his wrist shot. Not the best decision maker, he’s a bit Wilde with the puck (see what I did there?) He’s incredibly speedy for somebody with his size. Very physical defender”- John Williams

#18 Barrett Hayton, C, OHL

Consensus 18.2. Highest ranking: 12. Lowest ranking: 29.

“Though he doesn’t seem to have the highest ceiling, Hayton has the ability to become a great player in the next few years. He plays a great offensive game and has a great, strong shot.” -Jen Moglia

#19 Grigori Denisenko, LW, KHL

Consensus 19.2. Highest ranking: 18. Lowest ranking: 22.

“At just 17-years-old, he has a lot more time to develop, but scoring 22 points in 31 games including 7 in 12 playoff games is a good sign for the future.” -Sean Raggio

#20 Rasmus Sandin, LHD, OHL

Consensus 20.4. Highest ranking: 19. Lowest ranking: 22.

“OHL’s leading rookie defenseman scorer last season. Playmaker that also defends well.” -Dan Carrozzi

LONDON, ON – NOVEMBER 12: Ryan Merkley #6 of the Guelph Storm skates away from a checking Alex Formenton #80 of the London Knights during an OHL game at Budweiser Gardens on November 12, 2016 in London, Ontario, Canada. The Knights defeated the Storm 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

#21 Ryan Merkley, RHD, OHL

Consensus 20.4. Highest ranking: 11. Lowest ranking: NR.

“Probably the most polarizing player in the draft. Undeniable offensive skill but lack of defensive skill and effort may knock him out of the first round entirely.” -Dan Carrozzi

#22 Ryan Mcleod, C, OHL

Consensus 24. Highest ranking: 21. Lowest ranking: 25.

“He has all the tools to be a top power forward in the league; size, skill and speed. McLeod’s biggest problem is his inconsistency, not just in production, but in his activity on the ice. He gets too passive at times, but the potential is there. Also plays power play and penalty kill minutes which is a plus.” -John Williams

#23 Martin Kaut, RW, Czech

Consensus 25. Highest ranking: 20. Lowest ranking: NR.

Skating seems to be his best asset, played with Chytil and Zadina with the Czechs at the WJC. Solid showing in the top senior Czech league.

#24 Akil Thomas, C, OHL

Consensus: 25.6. Highest ranking: 19. Lowest ranking: NR.

“Talented center with an outstanding shot. Can also play wing if needed.” -Peter Reichert

#25 Isac Lundestrom, C, SweHL

Consensus: 26.8. Highest ranking: 20. Lowest ranking: NR.

“With a lot of experience already under his belt, Lundestrom could be closer to the NHL than some of the other players being drafted. He’s not a superstar with flashy plays, but the nuances and little details of his game are what make him so appealing.” -Jen Moglia

PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 14: K’Andre Miller #19 of the USA Nationals skates up ice against the Czech Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 14, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. The Czech Republic defeated the USA Nationals 6-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** K’Andre Miller /

#26 Serron Noel, RW, OHL

Consensus: 27. Highest ranking: 21. Lowest ranking: NR.

“Hulking winger (6-foot-5, 205 lbs) like other larger players in this draft, defies stereotypes about his size with relation to skating.” -Dan Carrozzi

#27 Jonatan Berggren, C, SweHL

Consensus: 27.2. Highest ranking: 21. Lowest ranking: NR.

“One of my favorite sleeper picks, Berggren has an extremely high motor and is a spark plug type player. He has impressive hands and is a very smooth skater. He’s not a big player at all and because of that he is not very physical, but he is also coming from a Europe where the game is not as physical as North American hockey anyway.”- John Williams

#28 K’Andre Miller, LHD, USHL

Consensus: 28. Highest ranking: 19. Lowest ranking: NR.

“At 6-foot-4, Miller has the size to bring a physical presence, but his 29 points in 58 games shows that despite being a hard-hitting defender, he can still contribute to the scoresheet.” -Sean Raggio

#29 Ty Dellandrea, C, OHL

Consensus: 28.8. Highest ranking: 26. Lowest ranking: NR.

“Center who can use his size to protect the puck well. Can score in a lot of different situations.” -Peter Reichert

#30 Jesse Ylonen, RW, Mestis

Consensus: 29. Highest ranking: 17. Lowest ranking: NR.

“Very reliable with the puck on his stick. He has one of the best wrist shots of any skater in the draft. He needs to put on weight to stick around in the NHL. Very elusive, quick skater. Great passer.” -John WIlliams

#31 Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C, QMJHL

Consensus: 29.2. Highest ranking: 24. Lowest ranking: NR.

“The little details about Groulx’s game are what make. it so entertaining. He’s a fast, hockey-smart, determined player.” -Jen Moglia

Others who got top 31 votes

Albin Eriksson, RW, SweHL
Jett Woo, RHD, WHL
Jay O’Brien, C, USHL
Jacob Olofsson, C, SweHL
Jared Mcisaac, LHD, QMJHL
Ruslan Iskhakov, C, MHL
Calen Addison, RHD, WHL
Jake Wise, C, USHL
Peter Abbandonato, C, QMJHL
Alexander Alexeyev, LHD, WHL
Ivan Morozov, LW, KHL
Justin Almeida, C, WHL
Nils Lundkvist, RHD, SweHL
Allan Mcshane, C, OHL
Sampo Ranta, RW, USHL

Next: Don't worry, the Rangers will draft a great prospect at nine

Stay tuned to Blue Line Station for all upcoming draft news. June 22 and June 23 should be very busy days in RangersTown so get excited!

Home / Analysis