If your fantasy season is in the tank and you are going to be a trade deadline seller this year, you are going to be building for the future, and that means prospects and draft picks. We give you plenty of coverage on already NHL drafted prospects every day here at DobberProspects, and we also give a fair amount of attention to NHL Draft eligible prospects as well. Sure you can find lots of excellent NHL Draft Rankings and we recommend visiting MY NHL Draft for a one-stop-shop for the best in the business. (you can find ours on our NHL Draft page here)

The only problem with these lists is they are not focused on Fantasy Hockey, so here at DobberProspects we have exactly what all the fantasy GM’s are looking for, the Fantasy Ranking the NHL Draft.

I reached out to some friends in the business, and with their help, along with some of the senior writers from DobberProspects I have complied this year’s first edition of the fantasy rankings for the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

The following criteria were considered to compile the rankings:

• Based on points only keeper leagues
• Projected upside
• How quickly they may develop into an NHL player and contribute to your roster
• Probability of success, both in reaching the NHL and achieving full potential

We invited the following nine writers to contribute to this ranking

Adam Kimelman ( @NHLAdamKimelman) – NHL.com and Co-host of DraftCast

Russ Cohen (@sportsology) – Sportsology and Co-host of Hockey Prospect Radio

Steve Kournianos (@TheDraftAnalyst) – Draft Analyst

Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) – The Athletic

Brock Otten (@BrockOtten) – OHL Prospects

Cam Robinson (@CrazyJoeDavola3) – DobberProspects Associate Editor – Vancouver Canucks

Pat Quinn (@FHPQuinn) – Dobber Prospects Associate Editor – Washington Capitals

Zachary DeVine (@zakkthebear) – DobberProspects Senior Writer – San Jose Sharks, The AthleticSF

Kevin Wickersham (@KWcrosscheck) – Dobber Prospects and DobberHockey Senior Writer – Columbus Blue Jackets, Managing Editor Goalie Post

Will Scouch (@Scouching) – DobberProspects Writer – Minnesota Wild

Peter Harling (@pharling) – DobberProspects Managing Editor, Co-Host DobberProspects Radio (@DPR_Show)

Each writer was asked to provide their own ranking of the top 31 prospects for Fantasy Hockey and the consensus overall rankings are what this article provides.

 

1. Rasmus Dahlin, D – Frolunda (SHL)

The best draft talent has been described as a talent who can provide franchise-defining play at defense the way Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid did as centers. – Adam Kimelman

Dahlin is a pure power-play quarterback who doesn’t rely on playing the point as his only means of generating offense. He is always in attack mode and you can count on him to make multiple dashes to the net in every game.  Dahlin is very comfortable letting shots go from near the blue line, and his scoring pace as a 17-year-old defender in Sweden’s top league is enough of an impression to consider him a future top-scoring rearguard in the NHL. – Steve Kournianos

Dahlin is going to be a star in the NHL and it’s going to come more naturally to him than it will for any of the other prospects in this ranking. Position aside, that should make him your go-to pick in any fantasy draft format. – Scott Wheeler

He has all the tools to become a game-changing pillar for an organization. His effortless skating and offensive ability make you swoon while his defensive game grows with each passing contest. One of the best stick handlers in the draft who already makes professionals look silly on a regular basis. A threat to push for a point-per-game from the backend at some point. Borderline generational talent. – Cam Robinson

2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW – Barrie (OHL)

Svechnikov has been dominant; if he was healthy he’d lead rookies in scoring and be among the league leaders in goals. He’s got NHL-ready size and a skill set that could have him producing in the NHL next season. – Adam Kimelman

Impacts the game on so many different levels. Plays a power game and uses his size offensively. But is also a terrific playmaker who exhibits more poise and patience than your average power winger. Additionally, he’s already a committed three zone player. It has been an absolute joy to watch him in the OHL this year. – Brock Otten

Svechnikov is the best pure goal scorer in the class and that should give him fantasy longevity. He’s the clear No. 2, even after Zadina’s rise. – Scott Wheeler

From a purely fantasy point of view, it’s hard to justify bypassing the premier goal scorer of his class who not only can rack up assists, but is a huge shot generator and plays with enough bite to post significant PIM totals. – Steve Kournianos

3. Filip Zadina, RW – Halifax (QMJHL)

He believes he can go as high as second in the draft. With the pro one-timer he has and coming off an amazing 2018 WJC performance, he will be in the discussion – Russ Cohen

The fastest riser in this class, you can now feel confident taking Zadina anywhere in the top-5. He’s so dynamic that he may become a perennial all-star. – Scott Wheeler

Zadina’s an exceedingly dangerous, alert, cerebral offensive weapon who has excelled in international play. The 6-0, 198-pound Zadina impressively skates through often-overmatched traffic, using his hustle and contagious energy to regularly beat defenders into the offensive zone, but isn’t afraid to patiently wait for plays to develop before acting – Kevin Wickersham

Zadina is a 200-foot beast that knows how to finish, plus sees plenty of ice time on both the power play and on the penalty kill. This will lead to inflated totals on special teams in addition to being among his team leaders in every traditional statistical category. – Steve Kournianos

His ability to find gaps in defensive coverage, and step into those gaps at precisely the perfect time in combination with his lethal shooting ability makes him a goal scoring threat the likes of Brett Hull, Alex Ovechkin and Patrick Laine. – Peter Harling

4. Brady Tkachuk, C/LW – Boston U. (NCAA)

There’s nobody else like him in this draft. He has size, finesse, a temper and the ability to “blow things up” in a good way which puts a lot of stress on the opposition. He’s top 5 but he could go higher – Russ Cohen

After a slow start he’s scoring nearly at a point-per-game basis. His 200-foot game will give him a great shot to play in the NHL next season, and his offensive game should give him a chance to succeed as a middle-six forward. – Adam Kimelman

Even more of a loose cannon than his older brother or NHL all-star father, Brady still brings talent with his pestering style of play. Already playing for the Boston Terriers with 16 points in 22 games as a true freshman and nine points in seven WJC contests. Already a pro-ready frame. Could be a scary player in the NHL as he matures, I’d put him at No. 2 in a multi-cat. – Zachary DeVine

 

The elder statesman of the 2018 crop missed last year’s draft by a single day. That advanced age will help him transition to the pros sooner than other prospects. Many see Tkachuk as a centre at the next level, but I feel he needs a distributor to feed him and will be a winger long term. His hands are soft, his shot his heavy and he plays an abrasive and pro-style game. Will be a load to handle as a net front presence on a top unit down the line. – Cam Robinson

 

 

5. Adam Boqvist, D – Brynas (SHL)

The scouting report on this swift-skating Swede is simple – He loves to skate and shoot. Boqvist will let shots go from just about anywhere, and his release is quick enough that he rarely needs to wait for opening. He isn’t physical and at this point can’t be trusted on the penalty kill, but don’t be surprised when he accumulates high totals in both goals and assists, especially on the power play. – Steve Kournianos

Dynamic puck skills, terrific vision, speed, smarts, and a heavy shot. His late birthday means he is just a month away from being eligible for the 2019 class further illustrating how massive his potential is, but also likely means the wait time is extended. Destined for a top power play unit and gaudy point totals. – Cam Robinson

An outstanding but not flashy passer, Boqvist’s a nimble, fast, smooth skater that handles the puck amid offensive zone traffic masterfully. Owns an accurate and extremely hard shot he fires liberally with an impressively rapid release that presages future power play quarterback success. – Kevin Wickersham

6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW – (USNTDP)

He already has man strength. He is a goal scorer first but he can make a great pass as well. Already 205 pounds, smart and humble – Russ Cohen

A dynamic offensive player with 20-goal, top-line potential. Can play and create above the circles and is strong enough to be effective below the dots. – Adam Kimelman

Sniper or a playmaker, centre or winger, he does it all. – Pat Quinn

A true goal-scorer with impressive playmaking ability, Wahlstrom moves the puck like he owns it, manipulating it at will while deceiving opponents with quick bursts of speed and defender-jarring stops. Sees the ice very well and uses his keen sense for the game to detect gaps and capitalize on goalies even momentarily out of position or obscured – Kevin Wickersham

7. Quinton Hughes, D – U. of Michigan (NCAA)

Size might keep him in college hockey a bit longer, but his offensive skills and ability to control the game will make him a big-time point producer in the NHL. – Adam Kimelman

He’s not the best defenseman in this draft but he could be the smartest. He’s always thinking a step ahead. His two-way game is solid but he has elite offensive talent. He has top-10 talent. – Russ Cohen

Skating, Skating, and more skating. This guy is just so explosive through the neutral zone on the attack. He’ll need to learn to pick his spots better to avoid getting caught up ice, but if we’re talking about potential, this guy has an insane amount. – Brock Otten

 

Something about this kid just screams top talent to me, I fear he will drop in the draft because #Size but don’t let him fall too far in your prospect draft. – Pat Quinn

8. Ryan Merkley, D – Guelph (OHL)

Merkley is a fantasy dream if you play in a league that builds predominantly on points. He doesn’t have the defensive aptitude of some of the other defencemen in this class but his offensive gifts are world class. – Scott Wheeler

Ultimate boom or bust prospect. The skating ability and vision on the powerplay are elite. Opens up lanes by how well he turns and can change pace/direction. But the defensive shortcomings are legitimate. If we’re doing a ranking on pure fantasy potential though…this guy needs to be ranked highly. In reality though, there’s no way that I’d have him this high, at least at this point. – Brock Otten

Ryan Merkley will probably score a ton of points if he can get focused to play a bit more reliably defensively. Not sure there is a case of DeAngelo-Murphy Syndrome. Great passer, great puck mover, controls offensive pace well, but defensive play needs work. – Will Scouch

An offensive blueliner, Merkley’s a slick puck handler that’s adept at leading teammates with accurate passes and setting up high-percentage scoring opportunities. Not huge at 5-11, 165-pounds, Merkley positions himself well and can skillfully slow attackers with his stick, but is developing in his own zone. – Kevin Wickersham

9. Joel Farabee, LW – (USNTDP)

Slight and slippery, he feasts on oppositions with his vision and his finishing ability. Great skater who works tirelessly in all three zones. Seems to elevate his game next to highly skilled players. – Cam Robinson

He has great speed, scoring ability and a solid two-way game. He’s still just 17. – Russ Cohen

The captain for a lethal U18 NTDP squad, has NHL success written all over him. Hockey IQ and above-average skater with a good motor. Perhaps not the highest offensive upside but a lock for the next level who earns points the way you often have to in the NHL. – Zachary DeVine

 

His playmaking ability has been fantastic this year. Pat Quinn

10. Calen Addison, D – Lethbridge (WHL)

Loved his game at the Hlinka as I thought he was Canada’s best defender. Lack of size is going to be an issue, but he’s a true competitor and has everything you’d look for in an elite offensive blueliner for the next level. If Brannstrom can go as high as he did last year, why can’t Addison? – Brock Otten

 

Small, dynamic right-shot defender needs to thicken up and improve positioning to handle stronger players but knows how to create offense. – Cam Robinson

The draft is full of undersized, dynamic offensive defensemen and Addison is exactly that. He is posting over a point per game offense in his draft year and can bring the offensive skills, transition offense, possession style the NHL demands. – Peter Harling

11. Ty Smith, D – Spokane (WHL)

Smith isn’t the biggest (or best) defender, but the offensive toolbox is complete. His skating is silky smooth and is in the mix in the second tier of defenders. His ability in his own zone is improving. – Zachary DeVine

 

A dynamic two-way defender continues to display his full arsenal of weapons with Spokane this season. The former first overall pick in the 2015 WHL bantam draft, Smith is an excellent skater who demonstrates poise and patience with the puck. His outlets are crisp and his head is always up. He’s a player you fall in love with because he always makes the right play. Another top power play option down the line. Cam Robinson

Takes command of the ice from the blue line with a combo of smart puck-moving and smooth, quick-skating talent that can catch opponents unaware creating offensive opportunity. Instinctive at manning the point well, Smith excels at passing through tight defensive gaps and weaving among defenders to create space. – Kevin Wickersham

12. Rasmus Kupari, RW – Karpat (Liiga)

His wrist shot was on display at the 2018 WJC. He was a whiz on the power play and he buzzes around the ice. He’s a guaranteed first round selection – Russ Cohen

Owns high-end playmaking ability that compliments his quick and elusive style. Will need to continue to build his frame, but is a smart player who defends well. Has top line upside. Cam Robinson

The play-making abilities of Kupari keep him in the top half of the first round despite no points in five WJC games. He processes the game quickly and his ability to be a focal point for the offense to pass through is high-end. Excellent skater. Often draws comparisons to Sebastian Aho (the Finnish one) and that is big praise. – Zachary DeVine

 

13. Evan Bouchard, D – London (OHL)

Has been an absolutely insane minutes eater for the Knights this year (playing well over 30 minutes a night at times). Leads the OHL in shots by defenders and has an absolute cannon from the point. With his smarts and skill set, he should be a quality powerplay QB at the NHL level. – Brock Otten

Bouchard is phenomenal and a potential sleeper as GMs close in on forwards they’ve targeted. He’s as gifted as just about any of the defencemen in this class after the big four of Dahlin, Hughes, Boqvist and Merkley. I have him confidently slotted in the same tier as Smith, Wilde, and Addison. – Scott Wheeler

At the Mid-season point, Bouchard is leading all NHL Draft eligible defensemen in scoring. – Peter Harling

14. Joe Veleno, C – Drummondville (QMJHL)

Strong offensive performer seems to have been rejuvenated since trade to Drummondville. Showing what he can do with better teammates. – Adam Kimelman

He dictates play, either threading the needle before defenders are ready with hard, accurate passes that set up cohorts in advantageous scoring position, or patiently waiting for opportunities to open up. A smooth skater with impressive acceleration, the 6-0, 181-pound Veleno projects as a top-line NHL forward. – Kevin Wickersham

Great speed, tireless work ethic and racks up a bushel of points with the man advantage. Likely better suited for a 2C role. – Cam Robinson

15. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C – Assat (Liiga)

Take Kotkaniemi early and don’t look back. A sleeper worth reaching for with talent that could blossom at the NHL level. – Scott Wheeler

Size, complete game and hands. Literally the entire package right here with the ability to play center or wing. – Zachary DeVine

 

Kotkaniemi plays a North American style North/South game in a men’s league already and is producing very well. – Will Scouch

16. Noah Dobson, D – Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

A defender with the rare mix of power, speed and finesse, Dobson has been torching the QMJHL, leading in several categories including assists and power play goals, plus he’s second with a whopping 177 shots in only 44 games. – Steve Kournianos

Dobson is another defender, like Bouchard, who should be considered as a worthwhile option in the teens as a sleeper. Big kid who can fly and create from the backend. – Scott Wheeler

Size, skill, and skating ability. – Pat Quinn

17. Ryan McLeod, C – Mississauga (OHL)

Speed runs in the family. Isn’t as hard-nosed as older brother, Michael but plays a similar game. Missed the 2017 cut-off by a week so developmental arc is a little clearer. – Cam Robinson

Still another younger brother from a hockey family, Ryan excels as a distributor thanks to his blazing speed, shifty skating, high degree of awareness and ingenuity. Has a large and developed frame, particularly for an 18-year-old. – Kevin Wickersham

McLeod is an exceptional skater who is dangerous every time he’s on the ice. – Will Scouch

 

18. Isac Lundestrom, C/LW – Lulea HF (SHL)

Skilled puck-distributor has shown very well as a draft-eligible player in the SHL. His skill may not jump off the page, but the nuances to his game are terrific. He’s the type of player you like the more you watch him. Likely more of a top six option than true first line talent. – Cam Robinson

Already in his second year in the SHL with Lulea. – Zachary Devine

 

Lundestrom is posting impressive numbers as a 18-year-old playing pro hockey against men in the SHL, but has not lit the lamp playing against his elite peer group internationally in the Hlinka and WJC with a combined four points in 12 games. – Peter Harling

19. Akil Thomas, C – Niagara (OHL)

Has had an up and down season where consistency in production has been an issue. But I’m a big fan of his. Does a lot of things really well and I see him becoming a terrific support winger (even though he’s playing center this year) on a scoring line at the NHL level. – Brock Otten

Very complete center that doesn’t have great size but I like his versatility on the ice at a young age and get the hunch there is room offensively to grow. – Zachary DeVine

 

A buzz-saw of a player. Needs to add strength, but moves as quick with the puck as he does without. Having a strong year with Niagara. – Cam Robinson

20. Jack McBain, C – Toronto (OJHL)

Scouts wondering how he would handle a higher level of play had to be impressed with his performance at the World Junior A Challenge. It’ll take some patience but 6-3, 197-pound centers who can skate and produce are worth waiting for. – Adam Kimelman

Massive center who plays a very pro-style game. Drives play through the middle of the ice and as he gains strength, could be a very difficult player to stop in transition. Is headed to Boston College next year, but I wish (selfishly) that he chosen to sign with Barrie. – Brock Otten

 

Best player in the Junior A ranks has a great frame at 6-3 and nearly 200 pounds. Needs to get his feet moving quicker but once he gets going his skating is fine. Second-line center upside here for the Boston College commit. Zachary DeVine

 

21. Barrett Hayton, C – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Kind of a similar player to Akil Thomas. Slippery support player who has developed insane chemistry with Flyers’ first round pick Morgan Frost as part of an absolutely dominate Sault Ste. Marie squad. Is going to be an excellent pro because of how active he is without the puck and because of how good his hands are in tight and in traffic. – Brock Otten

 

Already well past his point totals from last year, this is a name I expect to rise up the board, but for now, he’s on the list. – Zachary DeVine

 

22. Grigori Denisenko, LW – Loko Yaroslavl (KHL)

Creative with the puck who loves to dart in and out of the lanes with expert edgework, quick acceleration and creative lines. Slight stature but enjoys engaging physically. Lack of exposure may see him slide on draft day, but it won’t be due to a lack of skill. – Cam Robinson

 

Exceptional skating ability and executes at speed. Size is OK at 5-11 but he’ll need to pack on some muscle. Solid upside play as a scoring winger. – Zachary DeVine

 

Highly skilled Russian hidden away in the MHL. – Pat Quinn

23. Dominik Bokk, LW/RW – Vaxjo (SuperElite)

Agile, quick hands, elusive in the offensive zone and makes a habit of landing on the scoresheet. Destroyed the J20 circuit and now finds himself with Växjö of the SHL. Watch him continue to rise. – Cam Robinson

Big body, excellent shot and already playing against men. I think he will be a riser, even from this position. – Zachary DeVine

 

Bokk has jumped from the German U19 league to a full time position in the SHL on the best team in the league in under a year. Could be a home run late in the 1st round. – Will Scouch

 

24. Dmitri Zavgorodny, C – Rimouski (QMJHL)

Tremendous Ivan Hlinka tournament got him on the radar, but this undersized winger has the speed, hands and vision to be a producer in the NHL if placed in the right situation. – Cam Robinson

Sneaky player and has an excellent shot/release combination, plus his hands are incredibly soft. – Peter Harling

25. Jett Woo, D – Moose Jaw (WHL)

Calm and collected are his trademarks. Is being leaned on heavily in Moose Jaw this season. Likely a secondary offensive producer in the NHL. – Cam Robinson

I’m higher on Jett Woo than most people, and his production isn’t quite at the level of other CHL defenders in this range, but I’ve loved everything I’ve seen of him in terms of generating offense and playing a solid two-way game. He skates and sees the ice very well, and he suppresses goals against better than anyone in the draft relative to his team, which means fewer issues to patch over moving forward and a greater emphasis on growing his skillset. – Will Scouch

Hockey name hall of famer and not even drafted yet. Crafty skilled defender that has taken big steps this year. Thick at 6’ and 200+ pounds. – Zachary DeVine

 

26. Serron Noel, RW – Oshawa (OHL)

Extremely raw. Massive winger at 6-5 who can dominate in possession because of how hard he is to separate from the puck. Coordination is still developing, but once he adds strength to a gangly frame, he could be an absolutely dominant force below the hash marks and a very tough player to stop near the crease. – Brock Otten

Serron Noel is a true modern power forward who gets to the net, gets his chances, and is nasty to deal with. He’s got a great frame and a solid set of wheels for a big man, so I believe his likelihood of at least having a full time NHL position is pretty high. – Will Scouch

The 6-5, 201 pounder is a beast and has good feet for a young man in such a large frame. Room to grow into a more offensively impactful game and has flashes the show what is possible. – Zachary DeVine

 

27. Martin Kaut, RW – HC Dynamo (Czech)

Really opened eyes at World Juniors. Teams were highly impressed by his offensive skills. – Adam Kimelman

Impressive WJC and a full turn already in Extraliga. He was a contributor to a top line of Martin Necas and Filip Zadina showing he has the offensive chops not just to hang with the big player, but help them play better as well. Skating needs attention but has an underrated defensive game to boot. – Zachary DeVine

 

Monster WJHC has shown the world what he could be capable of. Quick, elusive and a great mind for creating offense. – Cam Robinson

 

28. Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C – Halifax (QMJHL)

6-1, 190 –C – This center can distribute and score. He draws penalties but takes a few too many. Should be a first-round pick but could slip to the second round. – Russ Cohen

Former first overall pick in the QMJHL Draft really impressed me at the Hlinka tournament this summer. One of those guys who seems to do everything well and projects as a solid pro. Opinions about his offensive potential seem to vary, but I think he’s definitely worthy of a place on a list like this. – Brock Otten

The tools are all there but it doesn’t always come together like it should for Groulx. But too many boxes are checked for him to slide any more. – Zachary DeVine

 

29. Jacob Olofson, C – Timra (Allsvenskan)

Displays high-end skill at times, but hasn’t translated it into to consistent production. Loads of potential. – Cam Robinson

Playing junior hockey in Sweden has him under the radar in North America, but his performance at the Ivan Hlinka posting four points in five games left a strong impression. – Peter Harling

30. Jared McIsaac, D – Halifax (QMJHL)

Top-pair lefty for the Mooseheads plays a 200-foot game with solid fundamentals. High NHL floor with decent size as well. – Zachary DeVine

McIsaac is the whole package; he has good size, skates well and posted 32 points in 59 games as a rookie defenseman in the Q winning the QMJHL Defensive Rookie of the year award. – Peter Harling

31. Philip Kurashev, LW/C – Quebec (QMJHL)

The big Russian with Swiss papers has been a force in the QMJHL and has taken a step forward here in his second season with the Quebec Remparts who know a thing or two about skilled Russians. – Zachary DeVine

 

The Swiss forward is having a strong second season in the QMJHL after a terrific rookie campaign. Was relied on to do a great deal of heavy lifting at the WJHC. Versatile and owns good puck skills. – Cam Robinson

 

Honorable Mention

Bode Wilde, D:

A smooth skating defenseman who makes good decisions and can lay a hard check. He has first round written all over him. – Russ Cohen

Big and skilled in all zones, Wilde’s heady and calm on the ice, featuring a heavy and hard slapper that flummoxes even high-end goalies. A valuable puck-mover and future NHL top-pairing who creates scoring frequent chances with accurate, zip passes and excels at stumping opponents with defensive positioning – Kevin Wickersham

More of an NHL defender than a fantasy producer. Multi-cats could see his value tick up a bit. – Zachary DeVine

 

Another USNTDP blue liner. Owns a big shot and strong in both zones. A safe player to be leaned on for years to come. –Cam Robinson

 

Allan McShane, C: McShane has a real knack for finding the net, whether it’s a tip-in, re-direct, or crisp pass setting up a teammate, he combines quick, elusive skating with skilled hands to produce points by any means necessary – Kevin Wickersham

Jesse Ylonen, RW: A work-in-progress player but the feet are there along with vision and offensive instincts. A home-run swing here where many league champs will be drafted is the best strategy to keep the pipeline full. – Zachary DeVine

Alexander Khovanov, C: Owns top-level offensive abilities but lacks a dynamic skating element. Has missed nearly a year battling Hepatitis A. – Cam Robinson

Vitali Kravtsov, C: Smooth skater with skill to burn has managed to produce a few points in the KHL as a 17-year-old – no easy feat. Lacks exposure due to not being selected for Russia’s international squads. A highly talented player. – Cam Robinson

Mattias Samuelsson – He’s big and tall like his dad, Kjell. He hits hard. He can play on the edge defensively and sometimes goes over it. He already has a pro shot. – Russ Cohen

Matthias Emilio Pettersen – A great Norwegian talent. Effortless passer. He has a pro wrist shot. He could go in the late first round if he can stay hot. He has 21 points in 30 games for Muskegon. – Russ Cohen