Today’s News Clips April 30, 2018

Chicago Tribune

Blackhawks draw eighth pick in NHL draft lottery; Sabres nab top overall pick

Shannon Ryan April 28, 2018

The Blackhawks hoped to wait a little longer Saturday night to learn which pick would be theirs in the NHL draft.

They didn’t receive the good news they wished for, as the Hawks did not move up and will select eighth during the June 22 draft in Dallas.

The NHL revealed the 15th through fourth picks in reverse order before the Sharks vs. Golden Knights playoff game, with the top three scheduled to be announced during the second intermission.

The Hawks, who missed the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, entered Saturday night with the seventh- best odds (6.5 percent) to capture the top overall pick. They had a 20.4 percent chance of selecting in the top three.

It wasn’t a surprise to see the Hawks draw No. 8. They had the strongest odds of landing the eighth pick with a 39.5 percent chance.

The Hawks are expected to look for help on the blue line in the draft.

In franchise history, they have drafted eighth three times, most recently in 1988 when they selected Mark Bell from the Ottawa 67s of the . The Hawks also have selected (1988) and Jimmy Waite (1987) eighth overall.

No. 8 picks this decade are (2017), (2016), Zach Werenski (2015), (2014), Rasmus Ristolainen (2013), Derrick Pouliot (2012), Sean Couturier (2011) and Alexander Burmistrov (2010).

The Sabres, who had the best odds of winning the lottery entering with an 18.5 percent chance, will have the first overall selection.

The Hurricanes will have the second draft pick and the Canadiens the third.

Chicago Sun-Times

From Russia with luck: Blackhawks hoping to hit the jackpot in draft lottery

Mark Lazerus April 28, 2018

It’ll be a little after 2:30 a.m. in Moscow when the results of the NHL Draft Lottery start trickling in, and a little after 4:30 a.m. when the top three spots are finally unveiled.

But a travel-weary Mark Kelley won’t be setting an alarm clock in his Moscow hotel. He won’t need to.

“I’m sure I’ll get a phone call from Stan [Bowman],” Kelley said.

It has been a decade since Kelley, the Hawks’ chief scout, has had to sweat out a random generation of ping- pong balls. The Hawks have been picking in the latter part of the first round since 2009. Heck, in 2015 and 2016, they didn’t even have a first-round pick. It is the price of success, and a price the Hawks were happy to pay.

But Saturday night, Bowman in Toronto and Hawks fans everywhere will be crossing their fingers in hopes that the balls bounce their way after a season in which very little did. The Hawks have a 6.5 percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick in the draft and prized Swedish defenseman , a breathtaking talent who could instantly fill the Hawks’ biggest need on the blue line. They’ll have a 20.4 percent chance of moving up into the top three. If they don’t, they’ll pick seventh, eighth, ninth or 10th.

And if you’re the superstitious sort, the last time the Hawks won the draft lottery, when they had an 8.1 percent chance and picked Patrick Kane, Kelley was in — wait for it — Russia in 2007.

“When the phone rang and I saw who was calling, I knew it right away,” Kelley said. “But I’m not that superstitious.”

You can’t be in Kelley’s line of work. There’s far too much preparation involved to rely on good fortune. Kelley and his vast army of scouts have spent countless hours traveling North America and Europe to find the next generation of Hawks, and that doesn’t change whether the Hawks pick first or 31st. Even in 2015, when the Hawks’ first pick came late in the second round, Kelley and his staff had lengthy scouting reports compiled on Connor McDavid and . Because, hey, you never know.

Most years, the Hawks have fewer than 100 names on their board. But they might need a bigger board this year because not only do they have their lottery pick, they acquired the Predators’ first-round pick — which will be somewhere between 24 and 31 — in the Ryan Hartman trade.

“The process isn’t different [this year] because you have to know both ends of the draft,” Kelley said from Russia, where he is scouting the under-18 world championships. “Usually, at this time, you have a better idea of where you’re picking.”

It has been awhile, but Kelley has sweated out the lottery before. His previous job was in the Penguins’ scouting department. In 2004, Pittsburgh lost the lottery, despite having the best odds, and lost Alex Ovechkin to the Capitals (Evgeni Malkin was a heck of a consolation prize at No. 2). And in 2005, the Penguins hit the biggest jackpot of all, winning the lottery and landing Sidney Crosby.

The swift-skating, puck-moving Dahlin could be that kind of generational talent. A couple of other top prospects — forwards Andrei Svechnikov, Brady Tkachuk and Filip Zadina, among them — could step into an NHL lineup right away, too. But even if the Hawks don’t win the lottery, Kelley believes they will get a terrific prospect.

“It’s a good draft,” Kelley said. “You’ve always got four or five players that separate themselves, but it’s a strong draft after that. After you get through the first 30 or 40 players, all drafts are the same. The strength of a draft is in the first round.”

That said, the difference between, say, the second pick and the ninth pick is as significant as the difference between the ninth pick and the 28th pick. Winning the lottery, or at least leaping into the top three, fast- tracks the whole process. It is highly unlikely the eighth or ninth pick in the draft will play professional hockey next season.

“You never know; you can’t discount that,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “They say that there’s a lot of good players in this year’s draft. Getting a player at that number is going to be a good opportunity for our scouts. There’s some excitement in that area.”

Once the Hawks know where they’ll be picking, they’ll start assessing which players will be available. That’s where all the scouting over the last couple of years comes into play, with a more intense vetting taking place at the draft combine in Buffalo at the end of May. There’ll be interviews, character assessments, physical evaluations and all sorts of player parsing.

“Bottom line is, we’re trying to draft players that are going to play for the Blackhawks,” Quenneville said. “And if not, they’re going to become valuable assets that can help the team compete.”

And the ultimate value of this year’s top pick will be determined Saturday night. Well, Sunday morning in Moscow.

Chicago Sun-Times

NHL draft lottery 2018 results: Blackhawks fall to No. 8 pick

Mark Lazerus April 28, 2018

The Blackhawks didn’t hit the jackpot on Saturday night, but they still feel confident they’ll get an impact player with their highest draft pick since 2007, when they selected Patrick Kane first overall.

The Hawks will draft eighth — actually falling a spot considering they had the seventh worst record — on June 22 in Dallas after failing to move into the top three during the draft lottery held Saturday night in Toronto. They had a 6.5 percent chance of winning the No. 1 pick and a 20.4 percent chance of jumping into the top three. Buffalo won the first overall selection, followed by Carolina and Montreal.

Chances are, the Hawks’ top pick won’t be a difference-maker next season. Only 10 players selected in the 2017 draft played in the NHL this season, and only the top two picks — New Jersey’s and Philadelphia’s Nolan Patrick — played in more than nine games.

So while the Hawks desperately need some help on the blue line — sure-fire No. 1 pick Rasmus Dahlin would have been awfully nice — they won’t feel hemmed in to picking only defensemen.

“A lot of things play into the pick,” Hawks head scout Mark Kelley said. “But the first thing you want to do is find a player that can impact the team. If you strictly go on [positional] need, I think you’re doing a disservice in the long run.”

A quick look at recent history suggests the Hawks still could get a significant piece of their future. In the 2016 draft, Arizona chose dynamic forward Clayton Keller seventh overall, and he’s a Calder Trophy finalist after a 65- rookie season. Two picks later, Montreal selected defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, who is playing a major role for the . Eight of the top 10 picks in the 2016 draft already have played at least 71 NHL games. Other recent No. 8 picks include Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski (2015), Toronto forward William Nylander (2014), Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (2013), Vancouver defenseman Derrick Pouliot (2012) and Philadelphia center Sean Couturier (2011).

So who might the Hawks get at No. 8? Perhaps defenseman Noah Dobson, who had 17 goals and 52 assists in 67 games in the QMJHL. Or maybe American center , who posted 22 goals and 23 assists in 26 games with the U.S. National Development Team. Other possibilities include Swedish defenseman Adam Boqvist, University of Michigan defenseman , OHL center Barrett Hayton and Finnish center Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

Kelley said all drafts are pretty much the same after the first 30 or 40 picks but that this first-round crop is particularly strong and deep.

“Obviously, at the top end of the draft, you have a higher percentile of players who can come in and contribute,” Kelley said. “I don’t think you can say we’re looking to fill a need — an immediate need —with the draft. Obviously, if you’re fortunate to win one of those lottery picks, those type of players fill a need, whether you think you need it or not. Those are the type of players that can come in and impact the team.”

Among the players expected to go shortly after Dahlin are OHL winger Andrei Svechnikov (40 goals and 32 assists in 44 games), Boston University winger Brady Tkachuk (eight goals and 23 assists in 40 games), QMJHL winger Filip Zadina (44 goals and 38 assists in 57 games) and OHL defenseman Evan Bouchard (25 goals and 62 assists in 67 games).

Daily Herald

Rozner: Blackhawks made winning look easy

Barry Rozner April 28, 2018

The last time the Blackhawks won a playoff series, they didn't sleep much that night.

Or the next night. Actually, for several days.

They saw the sun rise after winning the 2015 Stanley Cup in Chicago, celebrating with city and bringing the silver trophy with them everywhere they went.

It was quite the party, one Chicago became rather accustomed to throwing.

In the process, local hockey fans might have forgotten just how difficult it is to win a single playoff series, let alone four straight in the same postseason.

Sitting home for the first time in a decade, it is far more apparent now as you watch teams around the game try to survive a period, a game, a series.

It's brutal.

Seeing Boston outscore Toronto 4-0 in the third period to win 7-4 in Game 7 a few nights ago -- when the Leafs appeared to be in control -- was yet another reminder of the cruel nature of playoff hockey.

And a reminder of how good Chicago has had it.

The Bruins celebrated like they had won the Cup itself -- and they might yet this time around -- because of how rough the series was and how hard it is to endure and advance.

At the same time, the Leafs can only think about what might have been, giving up a lead going into the third period of a game that might have sent them a very long way this spring.

"I thought we were the fresher team and we were in the driver's seat," said Toronto coach Mike Babcock. "I'm disappointed because I thought we were set up perfectly going into the third."

An early Boston during a 4-on-4, with help from a questionable call, tied the game.

"We were still in a good spot there. The next one hurt us," Babcock said. "We didn't respond. It was like devastation instead of keep playing and executing.

"You're all part of it when it goes good and you're all part of it when it doesn't go good. The bottom line is, you own it all as the head coach and you own it all as players. "That's just the way the game is. The best way to fix things is to take total responsibility yourself."

It's no picnic answering questions after a Game 7 loss, but Babcock did all he could to maintain perspective.

"Right now, you can't say anything. You're emotional," Babcock said. "Keep your mouth shut for a day or two, and then look at the whole picture and comment on that.

"At the start of the series, if you'd have told me we'd be right here going into the third period, I'd have taken that all day long. I don't think anybody in Toronto or anybody on our team would've complained about that."

The Leafs have some really good young players who will have to look ahead, much as the Hawks did after losing to the Wings in the 2009 conference finals.

"You've got to find a way to get to the next level. Some of these hard knocks are a growth opportunity for you in life," Babcock said. "You've got to embrace it. You've got to dig in and you've got to grow your craft in the offseason."

Much like the Hawks did from 2009 to 2010, when they could have lost Game 5 at home to Nashville in the opening round, but a late miracle put them in a position to win the series in six games.

You think of games like the clincher in Philly in 2010, Game 7 against Detroit and Game 6 against Boston in 2013, and Game 7 against Anaheim in 2015.

There were some tough ones, like Game 7 defeats in Vancouver (2011) and St. Louis (2016), and the worst was the Game 7 loss to Los Angeles in 2014 that ultimately cost them a three-peat.

But so many huge wins in games that could have gone either way gave the impression that when it mattered most, the Hawks would find a way.

Now, watching teams tear each other apart just to get out of the first round is a stern reminder of how good the last decade has been, of how special an era we have lived through in Chicago.

Whether that time is over will be debated for at least another 12 months.

Daily Herald

Chicago Blackhawks will have 8th pick in NHL draft

John Dietz April 28, 2018

Unlike 2007, luck was not on the Blackhawks' side Saturday night.

The NHL unveiled the results of its draft lottery in Toronto, and the Hawks -- with a 20.4 percent chance to move into the top three -- instead dropped a spot, from seventh to eighth.

Buffalo, which had the best chance to win the top pick, did indeed win the lottery. Carolina (previously 11th) moved up to No. 2, and Montreal (previously fourth) moved up to No. 3.

The Nos. 4-7 picks belong to Ottawa, Arizona, Detroit and Vancouver.

The draft will be in Dallas on June 22 and 23.

The Hawks were hoping to defy the odds -- as they did 11 years ago when the moved up from No. 5 to No. 1 and ended up taking Patrick Kane -- but it was not to be.

Still, general manager Stan Bowman will have the opportunity to improve the Hawks in a draft the Sporting News believes is so deep that there will be "first-round quality prospects well into the late stages of the second round."

The Hawks have eight picks -- two in the first round, two in the third and one each in Rounds 4-7. Their other first-round pick was acquired from Nashville in the Ryan Hartman trade. Where that pick falls will be based on how far the Predators advance in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Most pundits believe 18-year-old Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin will be the top pick. He has been compared with Bobby Orr, and his "passing ability and puck-control techniques are unique for a defender of any era," according to the Sporting News.

Neck-and-neck with Dahlin, however, is Russian winger Andrei Svechnikov. The 6-foot-2, 186-pounder racked up 40 goals in 44 games in the OHL this season. The Sporting News believes he has the potential to be the next Alex Ovechkin or Patrik Laine.

Both Dahlin and Svechnikov will almost certainly play big roles next season on the Sabres and Hurricanes, assuming of course, they are taken 1-2.

There have been plenty of busts at No. 8 over the last 15 years, but some of the better selections include:

• In 2011, Philadelphia selected Sean Couturier, who has 101 goals and 166 assists in 498 games.

• In 2008, Phoenix took Mikkel Boedker (109G, 179A in 618 GP). He's now with the Sharks.

• In 2005, San Jose selected Devin Setoguchi (131G, 130A in 516 GP). He's now with the Kings.

• In 2003, Atlanta grabbed D-man Braydon Coburn. He has played in 850 games and reached the Stanley Cup Final with the Flyers in 2010 and the Lightning in 2015.

The Athletic

Blackhawks land No. 8 pick in 2018 NHL draft

Scott Powers April 28, 2018

The ping-pong balls bounced just as they were expected to for the Blackhawks on Saturday.

The Blackhawks had the greatest odds (39.5 percent chance) of landing the eighth overall pick in the 2018 draft, and that’s where they ended up.

Even at No. 8, the Blackhawks will have a chance to add a high-end player.

“The top tier runs about nine players deep for me and for the scouting industry in general, although who is in that top tier differs depending who you ask,” The Athletic prospects writer Corey Pronman said. “It appears Quinn Hughes is sliding down boards. If he was available at seven I think that could be a potential impact pick.”

Hughes, a Michigan freshman defenseman, is one possibility that could be there for the Blackhawks. Some other possible players are forwards Brady Tkachuk, Oliver Wahlstrom and Joe Veleno and defensemen Adam Boqvist, Noah Dobson and Evan Bouchard.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said after the season he wasn’t ruling out drafting someone who could play in his NHL lineup next season.

“You never know,” Quenneville said. “You can’t discount that. They say that there’s a lot of good players in this year’s draft. Getting a player at the number is going to be a good opportunity for our scouts, there’s some excitement in that area. It’s a lottery as well, so we’ll see how that all plays out.”

The last time the Blackhawks had the eighth overall pick was 1998. They selected forward Mark Bell that year. The Blackhawks also took Jeremy Roenick at No. 8 in 1988 and Jimmy Waite at No. 8 in 1987.

Recent No. 8 picks include Casey Mittelstadt (2017), Alexander Nylander (2016), Zach Werenski (2015), William Nylander (2014), Rasmus Ristolainen (2013), Derrick Pouliot (2012), Sean Couturier (2011) and Alexander Burmistrov (2010).

The Athletic

Blackhawks season review: Nick Schmaltz takes next step

Scott Powers April 30, 2018

The Blackhawks were a mirage for the most part early in the season.

They built up hope and expectations with their play in the preseason and especially with their impressive season-opening wins over the and Columbus Blue Jackets. There was a buzz about the play of a number of individual Blackhawks. Those performances wouldn’t be sustained, though, and the Blackhawks came back down to earth.

But Nick Schmaltz was different. He showed signs early in the season that he was ready to take a major step in his second NHL season, and that’s what he did.

While several Blackhawks players disappointed last season, Schmaltz was one of the few exceptions. He probably even exceeded expectations.

Schmaltz isn’t a finished product — he needs to shoot more and improve his faceoffs — but he showed he can be a difference-maker this season. He finished tied for second on the team in points, reached 20 goals for the first time in his career, led the team in takeaways and was reliable on both sides of the puck.

“Nick Schmaltz took the next step in his development,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said after the season.

Season highlight

Schmaltz was at his best in late December/early January, when he produced six goals and six assists in eight games.

Season lowlight

Schmaltz had a stretch during which he went pointless in 8-of-10 games in February.

Inside the numbers

Of the 118 players who scored at least 20 goals this season, Schmaltz finished with the second-fewest shot attempts with 218 and second-fewest shots on goal with 118.

“It’s always been my instincts to look for the pass first, so trying to work my way out of that,” Schmaltz said. “My linemates help me by looking to pass to me and stuff like that. Just keep drilling in your head to shoot the puck, and then if the pass is there, make the pass.”

Schmaltz was third on the Blackhawks in wins above replacement (WAR) at 1.49. He was third with a 1.49 offensive WAR and 12th with a 0.0 defensive WAR.

Team rank

Overall points: 52 (t-2nd) 5v5 points: 33 (3rd) Power play points: 13 (2nd) Overall goals: 21 (3rd) 5v5 goals: 7 (t-7th) Overall assists: 31 (3rd) 5v5 assists: 16th (5th) 5v5 Corsi percentage (min. 41 games): 51.63 (9th) 5v5 on-ice goals for percentage (min. 41 games): 52.17 (4th) Takeaways: 86 (1st)

Quotable

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville on Schmaltz’s development: “I think you’re right on with [Patrick Kane]. He does a little bit. He adds to this speed and his strength and his quickness every single offseason and it adds to his game. I thought Schmaltz last year absorbed some of that. I think he took that to heart. I think he made some good progress last year. I think that’s got to be a continuation plan. You want to be faster, you want to be stronger, you want to be quicker. It means everything to guys that have skill. They got a little separation. Guys who see and make plays like that in tight areas, you can get your shot away quicker and all of a sudden, it’s got a little more pace to it. Your strength in puck areas coming up with loose pucks is a lot of times everything. For those kind of guys, any kind of guy, I think young guys should place an emphasis on offseason conditioning. Any way you can enhance your strength and quickness is a good idea.”

Schmaltz on where he improved this season: “I think I got better defensively, two-way game, playing more of a complete game, using my speed a lot more, kind of finding the balance of when to shoot the puck and when to pass. Still got to work on that a little bit, but I thought I took some strides in that area too.”

Scout’s take

“Schmaltz’s game took another step forward this season. He’s an integral part of this core going forward. His passing, vision, and play-making abilities are at an elite level. He has the shot and ability to score more goals, but he defers to linemates first. He needs to get a little more selfish and take more shots, he still passes up too many prime shooting opportunities. That can be taught and adjusted. Kane was similar his first year or two in the league. Lesser talked about it is Schmaltz’s defensive game. What was once a question mark at the time he was drafted has evolved into a strength in his game. Especially his defensive play in the neutral zone. He picks pockets on the backcheck extremely well and it generates rushes and offensive opportunities the other way in transition. Especially with Hossa gone, that slack being picked up is a welcome dimension to Schmaltz’s game. He can still hit another gear with his game, especially if he starts electing to shoot more, but he had a strong season last season and should continue to trend upward as his game continues to mature.” Off the ice

Schmaltz may consider a singing career if hockey doesn’t work out for him.

Offseason plans

Schmaltz decided to pass on the World Championship after participating last season. He said his priority this offseason will be improving his faceoffs. As a rookie, he won 84-of-272 faceoffs for a 30.9 percentage. This past season, he won 321-of-801 faceoffs for a 40.1 percentage. Of the 114 players who took at least 600 faceoffs this season, Schmaltz had the second-worst winning percentage. On the power play, he won 34-of-83 faceoffs (41.0 percent). On the kill, he was 21-of-46 (45.6 percent).

“Obviously I want to get better in all areas, but faceoffs is definitely a big thing,” he said. “Starting with the puck is a big thing. That just adds to your game. You can earn more trust out of your coach and be out in those situations that you want to be on whether you’re down or up a goal where you can be relied on. I think it’s coming up with different techniques [on faceoffs]. Strength is definitely a factor into that. But whether you can create more 50/50 pucks for your wingers to help out, I don’t know, I got to find out some new strategies over the summer.”

Contract status

Schmaltz is entering the final year of his three-year entry-level contract. He will have a cap hit of $925,000. He also can make $850,000 in performance bonuses next season. Bowman said re-signing Schmaltz was one of his priorities moving forward.

Next season

Schmaltz will be expected to take another step next season. Centering him alongside Kane makes the most sense. The duo was on the ice for 33 goals for and 31 against in 5-on-5 play this past season. Schmaltz had some success with Alex DeBrincat, but Quenneville has been reluctant to put DeBrincat, Schmaltz and Kane together. Whether it’s that combination or another, Quenneville will want to find a consistent left winger for that line.

Perhaps next season will finally bring Schmaltz the opportunity to play a regular-season game against his older brother, Jordan, a St. Louis Blues defenseman. That didn’t happen for a few different reasons this season. chicagoblackhawks.com

BLOG: Blackhawks have history at eight

Chris Wescott April 28, 2018

The are slotted at eighth overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, following the results of Saturday night's NHL Draft Lottery.

The franchise has previously selected in that spot three times in their history. The first time was in 1987, when they took Jimmy Waite from the Chicoutimi Saqueneens of the QMJHL.

The went on to play parts of five seasons for Chicago, before being traded to the for future considerations on June 19, 1993. Waite played in 106 NHL games in his career, recording a 3.35 goals-against average and .871 save percentage.

Waite is currently the goaltending coach for the Blackhawks.

1988 marked the second year in a row that Chicago would select eighth. With that pick, they'd take forward Jeremy Roenick from Thayer Academy.

Roenick went on to have a long, successful NHL career in which he skated in 1363 regular season games, scoring 513 goals and recording 703 assists. He also suited up in 154 playoff games in the NHL, scoring 53 goals and adding 69 assists.

Roenick played for Chicago between the 1988-89 and 1995-96 seasons.

In 1998, the Blackhawks selected Mark Bell of the OHL's Ottawa 67's. The center played for Chicago from the 2000-01 season to 2005-06. He finished his NHL career with 450 regular season games on his resume, scoring 87 goals and adding 95 assists. He also appeared in nine playoff games over the course of his career, five with Chicago.

The 2018 NHL Draft will take place June 22-23 in Dallas. chicagoblackhawks.com

BLOG: Bowman comments on lottery results

Chris Wescott April 28, 2018

Chicago Blackhawks Senior Vice President/General Manager Stan Bowman spoke shortly after the results of the NHL Draft Lottery and gave his thoughts on the team's placement at eighth overall.

"Well, we were hopeful to at least stay where we were or move up and we went down one spot, so not ideal but at least we didn't move down a couple more," he said. "We're optimistic. It's a good draft. We're confident we're going to get a good player at number eight. It wasn't our year for the lottery, but we'll still get a good player."

The Blackhawks haven't chosen in the top 10 in the draft since taking Patrick Kane first overall in 2007. This will be an interesting turn of events for the franchise, who will now go over their scouting reports on a different tier of first round prospects than they have in recent years.

"That's really exciting," said Bowman. "Our scouts work hard every year, but this year especially it's different because you're going to get a guy that's hopefully an elite player in the league. Watching the players, I've had a chance recently to see a number of these guys and there are some special players out there, not just the top couple that get a lot of attention but even the player we'll get at number eight should be a special player."

The Blackhawks currently hold eight picks in the draft, including two in the first round. NHL.com

Mock draft: Dahlin will go No. 1 to Sabres

NHL Staff April 28, 2018

NHL.com writers Adam Kimelman, Mike G. Morreale and Guillaume Lepage are unanimous in their belief that Rasmus Dahlin will be the first pick of the 2018 NHL Draft, which will be held at American Airlines Center in Dallas on June 22-23.

They agreed on little else.

Following the results of the 2018 NHL Draft Lottery on Saturday, the three NHL.com writers made their predictions on how the first 15 picks of the draft could go.

The won the lottery on Saturday and have the No. 1 pick, followed by the and .

The will pick back-to-back at No. 11 and No. 12. The 12th pick was acquired from the Flames as part of the trade on June 24, 2017.

The have the No. 14 pick, which they received from the St. Louis Blues as part of the Brayden Schenn trade on June 23, 2017.

1. Buffalo Sabres Kimelman -- Rasmus Dahlin, D, Frolunda (SWE): Dahlin is the unquestioned best player available in the 2018 draft class. His offensive instincts are first-rate, and at 6-foot-2, 181 pounds, he's not afraid to play physically if needed. Despite not turning 18 until April 13, after his season ended, he was the best defenseman at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, starred in the and played for Sweden at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. He's the kind of player you build your franchise around.

Morreale -- Dahlin: The one player in the 2018 draft class who is considered a generational talent, because of his skating, puck-handling, vision and intelligence. Dahlin excelled against players his own age at the World Junior Championship and was the youngest player by seven years with Sweden at the Olympics.

Lepage -- Dahlin: The Sabres will get a player who has the ability to join center Jack Eichel as the leaders in the Sabres' quest to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The dynamic defenseman undoubtedly will have a significant role next season.

2. Carolina Hurricanes Kimelman -- Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Barrie (OHL): One scout who watched Svechnikov play said he already looked like an NHL player. The Hurricanes need to add offense, and the 6-2, 188-pound wing is the best forward in the draft. Morreale -- Svechnikov: A power forward with great offensive instincts, high-end skills, puck control and a fantastic shot. He had 72 points (40 goals, 32 assists) in 44 games in his first OHL season, including 58 points (30 goals, 28 assists) in 34 games after returning Dec. 8 from a hand injury that kept him out two months.

Lepage -- Filip Zadina, RW, Halifax (QMJHL): The Czech Republic-born forward had a great first season in North America and took advantage of every opportunity to shine. A sharpshooter with good size (6-0, 195), he can change the course of a game when he decides to take matters into his own hands. Making the fit even better is that he showed good chemistry with center Martin Necas, the Hurricanes' first pick (No. 12) in the 2017 NHL Draft, at the World Junior Championship.

3. Montreal Canadiens Kimelman -- Brady Tkachuk, LW, Boston University (H-EAST): A big (6-3, 196), skilled linemate to play with No. 1 center Jonathan Drouin is a must in Montreal, and Tkachuk is an NHL-ready power forward.

Morreale -- Zadina: He'll go to the tough areas to generate scoring chances and is a dynamic goal scorer with a quick, accurate release. Zadina won the Michael Bossy Trophy as the top professional prospect in the QMJHL after leading the league's rookies with 44 goals and 82 points.

Lepage -- Tkachuk: The son of United States Hockey Hall of Fame forward Keith Tkachuk and younger brother of forward Matthew Tkachuk, Brady may not be the most talented forward available but has a unique set of qualities that the Canadiens should find too tantalizing to pass up. In addition to holding his own offensively, Tkachuk brings an intense and gritty style of play.

4. Ottawa Senators Kimelman -- Zadina: Zadina made the transition from the Czech Republic look easy, finishing tied for third in the QMJHL with 44 goals. He is the dynamic offensive force the Senators need to add to their top six.

Morreale -- Tkachuk: Tkachuk can dictate and control the play with his speed and physical attributes. He has the size, hands and ability down low to create matchup problems, and revels in high-pressure moments.

Lepage -- Noah Dobson, D, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL): Dobson steadily increased his value during the season, led by his intelligence and vision. With his size (6-3, 180) and easy skating stride, he eventually should establish himself as a complete NHL defenseman. It's easy to see him forming a solid pair with Thomas Chabot.

5. Kimelman -- Evan Bouchard, D, London (OHL): Big (6-2, 193), strong, skilled right-shot defensemen are a rare commodity, and Bouchard dominated at each end of the ice this season. The Coyotes have done well building a nice group of young forwards, and now is the time to add some top-end defensemen.

Morreale -- Dobson: The right-shot defenseman has ascended draft boards all season. He has an effective two- way game, makes good decisions under pressure, and has a big shot from the point. He had 69 points (17 goals, 52 assists), can transition the puck well and plays big minutes in all situations.

Lepage -- Svechnikov: Svechnikov piled up the points this season in the OHL and looks like he's ready to make the leap to the NHL as soon as next season. 6. Kimelman -- Quintin Hughes, D, Michigan (BIG10): His ability to control the game far exceeds any questions about his size (5-9, 170). He's a dazzling skater and puck-handler with a hard, accurate shot from the point. The Red Wings should be able to stay in-state to fill a major need.

Morreale -- Adam Boqvist, D, Brynas Jr. (SWE-JR): Boqvist (5-11, 168) is a skilled right-shot defenseman with excellent vision and on-ice awareness with a very good understanding of the game. He is a finesse-type player, but at times has shown a willingness to play a bigger game. He has a tremendous shot and a big upside with proper development.

Lepage -- Bouchard: The right-shot defenseman showed this season that he can be a leader on a young London team. The Red Wings won't pass on the opportunity to select a defenseman this talented.

7. Kimelman -- Dobson: The Canucks have built an exciting crop of young forwards. Now they need someone to get them the puck, and Dobson, a right-shot who does well in all areas of the ice, would be a big help in improving their transition game.

Morreale -- Bouchard: Bouchard tied for seventh in the OHL with 87 points (25 goals, 62 assists), the first defenseman to finish among the top 10 scorers in the OHL since Windsor's Ryan Ellis (Nashville Predators) was tied for fourth with 101 points in 2010-11. David Gregory of NHL Central Scouting called Bouchard the prototypical new-millennium defenseman teams look for.

Lepage -- Hughes: He has a few shortcomings with his defensive-zone play, but Hughes has the potential to become a star. Canucks fans will appreciate his vision and instincts.

8. Chicago Blackhawks Kimelman -- Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, USA U-18 (USHL): The Blackhawks need an infusion of young skill and Wahlstrom (6-1, 205) is a strong skater who scored 47 goals in 60 games with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program under-18 team, and seven goals in seven games to help the United States win the silver medal at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship. He has the puck skills to create room for himself and get his shot off from above the face-off dots, and the size and strength to execute below the circles.

Morreale -- Hughes: A prototypical offensive-defenseman, Hughes is a strong skater with good poise and puck skills. He can play at any pace and rarely is overpowered by bigger players. He's also started to understand how to be more effective in all three zones.

Lepage -- Wahlstrom: Not only is Wahlstrom fast, but he probably has the best wrist shot in this draft class. With that kind of power to go with his formidable size, the Blackhawks will be in business.

9. New York Rangers Kimelman -- Serron Noel, RW, Oshawa (OHL): At 6-5, 205, Noel has a classic power-forward build combined with good speed; one scout said Noel reminded him of forward Blake Wheeler. The Rangers drafted two top-end centers in the first round last year (Lias Andersson, Filip Chytil) and focused on young defensemen at the trade deadline (Ryan Lindgren, Libor Hajek). A high-skill wing would be the next smart addition to that group.

Morreale -- Barrett Hayton, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): Hayton (6-1, 190) knows where to locate linemates as a natural playmaking center; he had 60 points (21 goals, 39 assists) in 63 games this season. He has great hockey sense, can play the power play or penalty kill and is projected to transition into a solid two-way NHL center. He has a high compete level and scored eight power-play goals and five game-winning goals.

Lepage -- Boqvist: The Sweden-born defenseman is cast from the same mold as Hughes, from a size aspect as well as his well-developed offensive instincts. The next step for him is proving he can excel against men after spending most of the season playing in Sweden's junior league.

10. Kimelman -- Boqvist: The right-shot defenseman has the skills and size of another Sweden-born defenseman, of the Ottawa Senators. Like Karlsson, Boqvist likely will need another season in Sweden to prove himself in the SHL, but then should add a high-end puck-moving piece to the Oilers attack.

Morreale -- Wahlstrom: Wahlstrom already has an NHL-caliber shot with a quick release and the ability to create space for himself and linemates. He's most known for his goal-scoring ability and elite shot, and can hit a one-timer as good or better than many professional players.

Lepage -- Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Assat (FIN): Even though Kotkaniemi (6-1, 188) had a disappointing playoff series in Liiga, Finland's top professional league, with one assist in seven games, he did enough through the course of the season to show that he's among the top prospects in this year's draft class.

11. New York Islanders Kimelman -- Kotkaniemi: Kotkaniemi played regular minutes in Liiga and won't turn 18 until July 6. He's used in the middle and on the wing, and kills penalties, which speaks to his high hockey IQ.

Morreale -- Ty Smith, D, Spokane (WHL): Smith (5-10, 175) emerged as a leader for Spokane in his second full WHL season. 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. He's smart and can adapt his game to any situation he encounters.

Lepage -- Hayton: Hayton is one of the most complete centers in this year's draft class. He showcased his defensive effectiveness on a deep Sault Ste. Marie team, but also distinguished himself offensively when the opportunity presented itself. With the unknown future of No. 1 center , who can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, the Islanders have the chance to build for the future at center.

12. New York Islanders (from Calgary Flames) Kimelman -- Smith: He won't solve all the Islanders' defensive issues, but 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).

Morreale -- Joseph Veleno, C, Drummondville (QMJHL): A fantastic playmaker who rediscovered his scoring touch after a Dec. 19 trade from Saint John to Drummondville, with 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) after he was moved. Veleno (6-1, 193) has a great work ethic, is willing to learn and plays with a lot of pace. He also has strong leadership traits.

Lepage -- Veleno: The center's excellent second half of the season allowed him to increase his value and rise to be ranked among the best at his position, which won't go unnoticed by the Islanders.

13. Dallas Stars Kimelman -- Hayton: Hayton averaged close to a point per game on an offensive juggernaut in Sault Ste. Marie, but he's more than just a scorer. He had a plus-24 rating, won 49.9 percent of his face-offs and is used to playing against the opposition's best. He might not be a big scorer in NHL, but he plays a complete game and likely will develop into a valuable top-nine forward.

Morreale -- Kotkaniemi: Kotkaniemi, who compares his style of play to Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, is a playmaker with strong hockey sense, a good compete level, a quick shot, and a nose for the net. He gained valuable experience in Liiga with 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) in 57 games.

Lepage -- Rasmus Kupari, C, Karpat (FIN): The Finland-born center (6-1, 183) has impressive offensive skills, and the Stars certainly will not overlook a center of his caliber available beyond the top 10. The Stars feel they found success by taking a player from Finland with their first pick (No. 3) of the 2017 draft, defenseman Miro Heiskanen, so going back there with their first pick this year makes sense.

14. Philadelphia Flyers (from St. Louis Blues) Kimelman -- Joel Farabee, LW, USA U-18 (USHL): The Flyers have drafted a number of talented forwards the past two years, including five in the first four rounds in 2017. But what separates Farabee (5-11, 164) is his speed, combined with a high hockey IQ and a quick-release shot that produced 33 goals this season.

Morreale -- Farabee: Farabee, a two-way puck mover with outstanding vision, plays a hard game in all areas of the rink. Committed to play at Boston University next season, he's earned praise for his passing, hockey sense and compete level. Farabee was second with the NTDP under-18 team with 74 points (33 goals, 41 assists) in 60 games. He had eight power-play goals and four game-winning goals.

Lepage -- Noel: Noel's size draws attention, but it's his offensive skills and skating ability that would make him too hard for the Flyers to pass on.

15. Kimelman -- Veleno: Panthers general manager Dale Tallon likes big, skilled players with high-end skating ability, and Veleno checks all three boxes. He also has a high hockey IQ and a strong work ethic.

Morreale -- Vitali Kravtsov, RW, Chelyabinsk (RUS): Kravtsov (6-2, 170), a left-shot forward, made a rapid ascent on draft boards after a solid performance in the Kontinental Hockey League playoffs, with 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 16 games after he had seven points (four goals, three assists) in 35 regular-season games. He's a strong skater with balance and speed, plays with an edge and can create offense around the net. He's been compared to Evgeny Kuznetsov of the . Lepage -- Farabee: He was part of arguably the best line at the World U-18 Championship, along with Wahlstrom and 2019 draft prospect Jack Hughes; he had eight points (four goals, four assists) to help the U.S. win the silver medal. He's impressed scouts with his work ethic and hockey IQ.

ESPN.com

Winners and losers of the 2018 NHL draft lottery

Greg Wyshynski April 28, 2018

The NHL held its annual draft lottery on Saturday night, determining the draft order of the teams that did not qualify for the playoffs.

While the team with the best chances of landing the No. 1 pick did, in fact, wind up with that selection, there were some surprises (and disappointments) in other NHL cities.

Here's a look at the winners and losers:

Winners Buffalo Sabres. Oh, the hockey irony of getting the second overall pick when they tanked for the first in 2015, and then getting the first overall pick when they genuinely didn't want to be terrible this season. This is the first time the Sabres will draft first overall since 1987, when they took Pierre Turgeon.

The addition of a game-changing defenseman in Rasmus Dahlin could alter the trajectory of this franchise, as well as give coach and Hall of Fame defenseman Phil Housley an enormously talented blueliner whom he can groom.

By winning the draft lottery, the Buffalo Sabres are in position to add Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, the consensus No. 1 ranked prospect for the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. So what will the Sabres be getting in Dahlin, should they choose to take him No. 1 in June? Believed by many to be one of the best defensemen to enter the draft in the last decade -- if not longer -- Dahlin is a mature 18-year-old blueliner who is poised and creative with the puck on his stick. He is a smooth skater with high-end hockey sense and vision, making him solid at both ends of the ice. For reference, Dahlin's 0.49 points per game in the Swedish Hockey League this season, was identical to that of in the same league in his draft year. Dahlin, who checks in at 6- 2, 183, still needs to add some muscle and sharpen things defensively to maximize his potential, but his deficiencies are limited. Already having Jack Eichel in the mix and last year's first-round pick Casey Mittelstadt showing great potential, Dahlin should be the cornerstone defenseman Buffalo sorely needs. He won't fix everything right away, but that will be another great piece for the Sabres to build around should they do what everyone expects them to on the draft floor in June.

Just a note for you future Jack Hughes tankers out there.

Tom Dundon. The new owner of the Carolina Hurricanes has been criticized for his nontraditional managerial approach, and there's been speculation that he might have trouble finding the right candidate for his vacant general manager role because of it. (As well as his frugal nature.)

But his team defied its odds (2.7 percent chance for the No. 2 overall pick) and is primed to draft the kind of impact offensive player his roster lacks. The Canes' GM gig just got a bit sexier.

Marc Bergevin. The beleaguered Montreal general manager didn't end up with the first overall pick, but the Canadiens will snag an impact player at No. 3. Unless, of course, Bergevin decides to move the pick to bolster a veteran lineup that's very "win now." Which, for the record, he should not do.

Losers

Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning told Sportsnet 650 that Fin, the team's plush orca mascot, was denied an appearance in Toronto on Saturday night. "Fin wanted to go this year, but we checked with the league and they said he couldn't come," said Benning.

Personally, I really can't believe the NHL wouldn't allow a mascot to a very serious event in which a series of lottery balls determines the order of logos being placed on oversized cardboard squares. Well, at least the Canucks only dropped one spot in the lottery, which is a nice change from recent seasons.

Ottawa Senators. The Sens had the second-best lottery odds at 13.5 percent, but fell to No. 4 overall thanks to the Hurricanes and Canadiens jumping the line to the top three. The Senators will obviously still land a quality player here, but it's going to be whomever the Canadiens opt not to draft.

Also, we were robbed of this summer's Erik Karlsson drama being even more dramatic with countryman Rasmus Dahlin as the understudy ready to replace him.

Teams outside the top eight. The general feeling about the 2018 NHL draft is that the top eight picks will yield significant players, but there's a drop in impact after that. Which is why as good as it is that the New York Islanders have back-to-back picks in the draft -- thanks to the Calgary Flames giving up a first-rounder for Travis Hamonic in an ill-begotten move -- it's a bummer neither of them are in the top eight.

The NHL's timing. The NHL's decision to announce the first 12 picks prior to the Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks playoff game on Saturday night, and then announcing the order of the top three picks during the game's second intermission, was a good one in theory. It brings more eyes to a Saturday night game on NBC. It gets the draft lottery some social media buzz.

But announcing the results in the second intermission pushed it past 10 p.m. on the East Coast, which isn't ideal. Otherwise, a fun idea that just needs a tweak.