1. Buffalo Sabres

Kimelman -- Rasmus Dahlin, D, Frolunda (SWE): Dahlin (6-foot-2, 181 pounds) is the consensus No. 1 player in this year's class and could step right onto the Sabres' top defense pair next season.

Morreale -- Dahlin: Considered the next generational talent because of his skating, puck-handling, vision and intelligence in each zone. Dahlin was named best defenseman at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship and at age 17 (he turned 18 on April 13) he was Sweden's youngest player at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics in February by seven years.

Lepage -- Dahlin: The Sabres will get a player who has the ability to change the face of the franchise and undoubtedly will have a significant role with Buffalo next season.



2. Carolina Hurricanes

Kimelman -- Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Barrie (OHL): Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell believes they need scoring help; Svechnikov (6-2, 188), who scored 40 goals in 44 games this season should help.

Morreale -- Svechnikov: A forward with great offensive instincts, high-end skills, puck control and a fantastic shot, he led OHL rookies with 72 points, 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 season. A sharpshooter with good size (6-0, 195), Zadina can change the course of a game. He showed chemistry on a line with Martin Necas, Carolina's first-round pick (No. 12) in the 2017 NHL Draft, at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship; Zadina tied for second at the tournament with seven goals, and Necas tied for the tournament lead with 11 points (three goals, eight assists).

3. Montreal Canadiens

Kimelman -- Brady Tkachuk, LW, Boston University (H-EAST): He might not be a dominant scorer, but his size (6-3, 196) and strength will make his linemates a few inches bigger. When he's not scoring, he'll help in other areas of the game.

Morreale -- Tkachuk: He can dictate and control the play with his speed and physical attributes and has the size, hands and ability down low to create matchup problems. Tkachuk is the kind of player that cherishes pressure moments.

Lepage -- Tkachuk: His intense, gritty style of play makes him a player the Canadiens should not pass up.

4. Ottawa Senators

Kimelman -- Zadina: The sublimely skilled forward showed an easy transition to the smaller North American ice in his first season. Zadina led QMJHL rookies in goals (44) and points (82).

Morreale -- Zadina: He'll go to the tough areas to generate scoring chances and has a quick, accurate release. Zadina won the Michael Bossy Trophy as the top professional prospect in the QMJHL after finishing tied for third in goals.

Lepage -- Svechnikov: The high-skill forward looks ready to make the leap to the NHL as soon as next season.

5. Arizona Coyotes

Kimelman -- Noah Dobson, D, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL): Maybe the most impressive thing about Dobson, a 6-3, 180-pound right-shot defenseman, was that he was just as good in the Memorial Cup final, his 91st game of the season between the QMJHL regular season, playoffs and Memorial Cup, as he was at any other point.

Morreale -- Dobson: 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) in 67 games, can transition the puck well and plays big minutes.

Lepage -- Dobson: He increased his value throughout Acadie-Bathurst's run to the Memorial Cup championship. With his extraordinary vision and skating ease, he shouldn't need too much more development time to establish himself as a major part of the Coyotes' future.

6. Detroit Red Wings

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 -- Evan Bouchard, D, London (OHL): The big (6-2, 193) right-shot defenseman tied for seventh in the OHL with 87 points (25 goals, 62 assists), the first defenseman to finish in the top 10 since Ryan Ellis of Windsor in 2010-11 (101 points, tied for fourth). David Gregory of NHL Central Scouting said Bouchard is "the prototypical new-millennium defenseman."

Lepage -- Hughes: Although he has a few shortcomings, mostly his defensive play, he has the potential to become a star. Red Wings fans will appreciate his on-ice vision and instincts

7. Vancouver Canucks

Kimelman -- Bouchard: Players with Bouchard's skill set are a rare commodity. The Canucks have done well building a group of young forwards, and now is the time to add some top-end defensemen. After three full seasons in the OHL, he could be ready to jump right into the NHL.

Morreale -- Hughes: A prototypical offensive-defenseman, Hughes has good poise and puck skills. He can play at any pace and rarely is overpowered by bigger players. He's started to understand how to be more effective in all three zones and likely will remain at Michigan for at least one more season.

Lepage -- Bouchard: Bouchard has shown that he is able to handle important responsibilities with a young team. The Canucks will not pass up the opportunity to add him.

8. Chicago Blackhawks

Kimelman -- Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, USA U-18 (USHL): The Blackhawks need an infusion of young skill up front, and Wahlstrom (6-1, 205) is a strong skater who scored 48 goals in 62 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 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. He can create room for himself and get his shot off from above the dots and has the size and strength to execute below the circles.

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 more of a finesse-type player who at times plays bigger than he is but has a tremendous shot and his upside is high with proper development.

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

9. New York Rangers

Kimelman -- Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Assat (FIN): Kotkaniemi (6-1, 188) plays regular minutes in Liiga, Finland's top pro league, and won't turn 18 until July 6. He was used at center and on the wing, and kills penalties. That kind of deployment at a young age speaks to his high hockey IQ.

Morreale -- Kotkaniemi: He's a playmaker with good hockey sense, a good compete level, a quick shot, and a nose for the net. He had 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) in 57 games with Assat, and nine points (three goals, six assists) for gold medal-winning Finland at the 2018 World Under-18 Championship.

Lepage -- Boqvist: He is cast from the same mold as Hughes and has well-developed offensive instincts, but it remains to be seen what he can do against men. He'll get that chance next season with a full-time spot in the Swedish Hockey League.

10. Edmonton Oilers

Kimelman -- Boqvist: He has the skills and size of another Sweden-born defenseman, Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators. Should eventually add a high-end, puck-moving piece to the Oilers attack.

Morreale -- Wahlstrom: He has elite scoring ability and a quick release on his shot. Wahlstrom can hit a one-timer as good or better than many professional players.

Lepage -- Kotkaniemi: Even though he had a disappointing playoff series for Assat, he excelled at the World U-18 Championship and did enough throughout the season to prove to the Oilers that he is the best option at this spot.

11. New York Islanders

Kimelman -- Barrett Hayton, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): One scout said of Hayton (6-1, 190), "He's a player you win with." He was used primarily in a checking role this season but had 60 points (21 goals, 39 assists) in 63 games. When asked to step into an offensive role while teammates were away at the World Junior Championship, he had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in eight games on the top line.

Morreale -- Ty Smith, D, Spokane (WHL): He was a leader for Spokane in his second full WHL season. Smith (5-10, 175) was extremely effective on the power play, with 27 points (three goals, 24 assists). The left-shot defenseman can dissect the forecheck and pick it apart with a smooth transition from his zone. He's smart and can adapt his game to any situation he's presented with.

Lepage -- Hayton: Likely one of the most complete centers in the draft. With the uncertainty surrounding John Tavares' future, the Islanders could take this opportunity to replenish their depth 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. He can skate the puck out of the zone or carry it and start the rush. Smith had 73 points (14 goals, 59 assists) in 69 games.

Morreale -- Hayton: He knows where to locate linemates as a natural playmaking center. Hayton has great hockey sense, a high complete level, and can play on the power play and the penalty kill. He's projected to be a solid two-way center in the NHL but showed he could do well on the wing.

Lepage -- Smith: After getting Hayton, the Islanders could opt for a defenseman, and Smith appears to be the perfect fit. He's not as dominant offensively as some other first-round prospects at the position, but his defensive game is solid.

13. Dallas Stars

Kimelman -- Joseph Veleno, C, Drummondville (QMJHL): A good mix of work ethic and top-end skill. Veleno (6-1, 193) got better as the season went on, with 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) in 33 games after a trade from Saint John on Dec. 19, and led Drummondville with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 10 playoff games.

Morreale -- Veleno: A fantastic playmaker who plays with a lot of pace and also has great leadership traits.

Lepage -- Veleno: He is considered among the best at his position in this year's draft class. The Stars' future at defenseman is in good hands with Miro Heiskanen, the No. 3 pick of the 2017 NHL Draft, so Dallas can opt for a forward here.

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 in 62 games this season.

Morreale -- Farabee: He's a two-way puck mover with outstanding vision who plays a hard game in all areas of the rink. Committed to Boston University in 2018-19, Farabee was second in scoring with the NTDP U-18 team with 76 points and had eight power-play goals and four game-winning goals.

Lepage -- Serron Noel, RW, Oshawa (OHL): At 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, Noel draws attention. But when you focus on his offensive contributions and his skating ability, he fits perfectly with the kind of players the Flyers like.

15. Florida Panthers

Kimelman -- Noel: Panthers general manager Dale Tallon likes to find bigger players who can skate (Aleksander Barkov, Nick Bjugstad, Henrik Borgstrom), making Noel an ideal choice. The son of a former Canadian Football League player, his smarts and athleticism will allow him to add strength without sacrificing the speed that makes him an appealing prospect.

Morreale -- Bode Wilde, D, USA U-18 (USHL): The 6-2, 195-pound right-shot defenseman had 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) and a plus-35 rating in 61 games. Committed to the University of Michigan in 2018-19, Wilde is skilled, tough and has a good shot from the point. The Panthers need to replenish their defensemen prospects.

Lepage -- Rasmus Kupari, C, Karpat (FIN): Kupari (6-1, 183) has impressive offensive skills, and the Panthers won't overlook a center of his caliber available beyond the top 10. Florida already boasts a top Finland-born center, Barkov, and Kupari could be their next one.

16. Colorado Avalanche

Kimelman -- Kupari: He had a bit of an up-and-down season but he ended on a high, helping Karpat win the Liiga championship, and had three points (two goals, one assist) in four games to help Finland win the gold medal at the World U-18s. His skating is close to elite; he needs to find consistency and add strength.

Morreale -- Grigori Denisenko, LW, Yaroslavl 2 (RUS-JR): Denisenko (5-11, 176) is one of the most skilled two-way players in the draft class. A right-handed shot, he can maneuver well in traffic, protect the puck, and is strong and effective in the corners. He had 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) and a plus-8 rating in 31 games for Yaroslavl in the MHL, Russia's junior league. He's best suited to play on the wing but can take face-offs and is responsible in his end.

Lepage -- Farabee: Playing in the shadow of linemates Wahlstrom and Jack Hughes, a top prospect for the 2019 NHL Draft, Farabee was effective at the 2018 World U-18 Championship with eight points (four goals, four assists) in seven games. He earned points with scouts for his work ethic and on-ice intelligence.

17. New Jersey Devils

Kimelman -- Wilde: He checks all the boxes teams look for in a defenseman: size, scoring touch and skating ability. The Devils need young defensemen, and with patience Wilde should develop into a top-end player.

Morreale -- Rasmus Sandin, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): The 5-11, 184-pound left-shot defenseman has tremendous poise and hockey sense, and never puts teammates in a bad position with the puck. Sandin led OHL rookies with a plus-35 rating, and led rookie defensemen with 45 points (12 goals, 33 assists) in 51 games.

Lepage -- Denisenko: The forward did very well in his second season in Russia's junior league. He is blessed with individual skills and knows how to turn on the jets when a lane opens in front of him. He plays very aggressively and knows how to use his body.

18. Columbus Blue Jackets

Kimelman -- Denisenko: An outstanding skater and playmaker, Denisenko played well enough to earn his first promotion to the Kontinental Hockey League and get into four playoff games for Yaroslavl. Although not the biggest player on the ice, he's fearless and physical.

Morreale -- Vitali Kravtsov, RW, Chelyabinsk (KHL): The KHL rookie of the year, Kravtsov (6-2, 170) grew in stature in the minds of scouts with a solid performance in the KHL playoffs, with 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 16 games. He's a strong skater with balance and speed, and can create offense around the net.

Lepage -- Isac Lundestrom, C, Lulea (SWE): In a draft class that comes up a bit short in top-line centers, Lundestrom (6-0, 185) catches the eye with his speed, puck-protection skills and offensive-zone flair. He played well for Sweden at the World Junior Championship and has developed a complete game.

19. Philadelphia Flyers

Kimelman -- Sandin: The Flyers' crop of defensemen has graduated to the NHL (Ivan Provorov, Travis Sanheim, Robert Hagg ) or is close to NHL-ready (Samuel Morin, Philippe Myers), so now would be a good time to start restocking. The Sweden-born Sandin had an easy transition to North America this season, and the Flyers saw a lot of him playing with top forward prospect Morgan Frost, the No. 27 pick of the 2017 draft.

Morreale -- Mattias Samuelsson, D, USA U-18 (USHL): Samuelsson (6-3, 217) plays a steady, physical game, reminiscent of his father, Kjell Samuelsson, who played 813 NHL games and works in player development for the Flyers. Mattias had 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists), 113 penalty minutes and 93 shots on goal in 58 games this season.

Lepage -- Wilde: Hits hard and has a devastating shot. He's reliable in all three zones and could become the Flyers' go-to defenseman down the road if he grows his sense of the game.

20. Los Angeles Kings

Kimelman -- Alexander Alexeyev, D, Red Deer (WHL): The Kings haven't drafted a defenseman in the first round since Derek Forbort in 2010, and they didn't have one younger than 25 play more than 35 games this season. Young defensemen are a need, and Alexeyev is big (6-3, 200) and skilled with excellent hockey sense.

Morreale -- Noel: He might have the highest ceiling of any player expected to be picked in the first round. A good skater and proven scorer, he has the size to battle for pucks and position down low.

Lepage -- Martin Kaut, RW, Pardubice (CZREP): With seven points (two goals, five assists) in seven games for the Czech Republic at the World Junior Championship, Kaut (6-1, 176) proved he belongs among the elite. The confidence he gained during that tournament carried him through a strong second half of the season.

21. San Jose Sharks

Kimelman -- K'Andre Miller, D, USA U-18 (USHL): He's been a defenseman for three seasons but has developed quickly. Scouts like his raw talent, his NHL-ready size (6-3, 206) and his skating. The Sharks need to add defensemen to their pipeline, and Miller, after some development time at the University of Wisconsin, likely will reward their patience.

Morreale -- Miller: Shifted from forward to defenseman at the suggestion of his coach at Minnetonka (Minnesota) High School. He had 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists), two shorthanded goals, a plus-23 rating and 103 shots on goal 58 games. He's got range, a good defensive stick and can skate well.

Lepage -- Sandin: It didn't take long for him to adapt to the North American style of play after coming to Sault Ste. Marie. He found a way to make his mark on the offensive and defensive side and would be a good addition to a team that needs to find quality young defensemen.

22. Ottawa Senators (from Pittsburgh Penguins)

Kimelman -- Akil Thomas, C, Niagara (OHL): After taking a scoring wing with their first pick, finding a speedy, playmaking center who can get him the puck, Thomas (5-11, 171) is a smart choice here.

Morreale -- Jett Woo, D, Moose Jaw (WHL): His hits are followed by a Ric Flair-esque "Woo!" by fans in Moose Jaw. Woo (6-0, 205) had 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 44 games. The right-shot defenseman has a good shot, makes plays, is physical, and has a good work ethic. Senators fans are going to enjoy his relentless motor.

Lepage -- Ty Dellandrea, C, Flint (OHL): Dellandrea (6-0, 185) gained in the eyes of scouts in part because of the two goals he scored at the CHL Top Prospects Game in January. He was the best player for Flint, which finished 19th of 20 teams in the OHL.

23. Anaheim Ducks

Kimelman -- Lundestrom: As stalwarts Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler get older, the Ducks need to add skilled forwards to support them. At 18, Lundestrom has two full seasons playing against men in the SHL. He's a strong skater with a finishing touch and well-developed 200-foot game.

Morreale -- Ryan McLeod, C, Mississauga (OHL): He has great speed and is considered one of the better passers in the draft. McLeod (6-2, 203) had 70 points (26 goals, 44 assists) and six power-play goals in 68 games, and won 54.3 percent of his face-offs. He's the younger brother of Devils forward prospect Michael McLeod.

Lepage -- Thomas: The fast skater led draft-eligible OHL players with 81 points (22 goals, 59 assists) in 68 games. Scouts like his work ethic and compete level.

24. Minnesota Wild

Kimelman -- Dellandrea: Scouts loved how hard he fought through a tough season and continued to contribute in all areas. When given the chance to play with better players he raised his game; he starred at the Top Prospects Game and was one of Canada's top players at the World Under-18 Championship.

Morreale -- Dominik Bokk, RW, Vaxjo Jr. (SWE): Born in Schweinfurt, Germany, the 6-1, 180-pound right-shot forward had 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in 35 games as a rookie for Vaxjo in Sweden's junior league. Bokk is a finesse-type forward who is strong on his skates and looks to shoot.

Lepage -- Miller: The big defenseman has drawn the attention of several teams. Miller was one of the best defensemen with the NTDP and appears to have a lot of potential.

25. Toronto Maple Leafs

Kimelman -- Jared McIsaac, D, Halifax (QMJHL): Smarts and skating are the foundation of his game. The Maple Leafs need players who can trigger than transition game, and McIsaac (6-1, 196) can do that by carrying the puck out of the zone or with a smart pass to an open forward.

Morreale -- Lundestrom: His solid all-around skill set makes him stand out. He had 15 points (six goals, nine assists), a plus-7 rating, and 15 blocked shots in 16:04 of ice time in 42 SHL games. Lundestrom had two goals in seven games to help Sweden win a silver medal at the 2018 World Junior Championship.

Lepage -- McLeod: Possibly one of the fastest players in this year's class, his speed would make him a good fit for how the Maple Leafs like to play.

26. New York Rangers (from Boston Bruins)

Kimelman -- Ryan Merkley, D, Guelph (OHL): The 5-11, 170-pound right-shot defenseman could be the wild card of the draft. His offensive skills are high-end, but scouts have had concerns with his maturity. The bet is he grows out of any issues and becomes a top-four defenseman who can quarterback a power play.

Morreale -- McIsaac: He's smart and steady, can play physical, has good vision and transports the puck well. He had 47 points (nine goals, 38 assists) and a plus-14 rating, and led Halifax with 21 power-play points (four goals, 17 assists) in 65 games.

Lepage -- McIsaac: After an impressive first season in Halifax in 2016-17, McIsaac took a while to get going this season but found his stride. He had a solid season offensively but it looks like his calling card in the NHL will be his effectiveness defensively.

27. Chicago Blackhawks (from Nashville Predators)

Kimelman -- Calen Addison, D, Lethbridge (WHL): The Blackhawks have a need for young defensemen, and Addison's skating and offensive ability are high-end. A 5-10, 180-pound right-shot defenseman, he needs to get stronger to improve his defensive play, but that should come with time and proper development.

Morreale -- Dellandrea: He was Flint's top offensive weapon, with 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists) in 67 games and is a prototypical puck hound with plenty of speed, scoring ability and determination.

Lepage -- Alexeyev: It was not an easy season for Alexeyev, who took time off after the death of his mother in January, then missed games late in the season because of an injury. Scouts like that he kept coming back and playing well, especially in the WHL playoffs, when he had five points (two goals, three assists) in three games.

28. New York Rangers (from Tampa Bay Lightning)

Kimelman -- Sampo Ranta, LW, Sioux City (USHL): Ranta (6-1, 190) has great skating ability and always seems to be around the net in the offensive zone. Playing next season at the University of Wisconsin should aid his development.

Morreale -- Thomas: The right-shot forward excelled taking face-offs, winning 53.4 percent, and shows that he wants to be a difference-maker each shift.

Lepage -- Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C, Halifax (QMJHL): Although he may not shine because of his individual skills on the ice, Groulx (6-1, 195) is a well-rounded center. He was in the middle of Halifax's top line this season and can be used in all situations.

29. St. Louis Blues (from Winnipeg Jets)

Kimelman -- McLeod: The Blues need to add depth in the middle, and McLeod has the makings of a solid second-line center. He has high-end hockey sense.

Morreale -- Alexeyev: A strong skater with a solid shot from the point, Alexeyev is an intimidating presence. He had 37 points (seven goals, 30 assists) in 45 games.

Lepage -- Bokk: Bokk learned a lot in his first season in Sweden, and his individual skills make him one of the most intriguing players in this class. He played well enough with Vaxjo's team in Sweden's junior league that he was called up to play 15 games with Vaxjo in the SHL.

30. Washington Capitals

Kimelman -- Jonathan Tychonick, D, Penticton (BCHL): He was the fastest player in the pro agility drill at the 2018 NHL Scouting Combine, which cemented for the scouts his great skating ability and speed burst. The Capitals have some good defenseman prospects but none with the speed element Tychonick (5-11, 173) brings. He'll play at the University of North Dakota next season.

Morreale -- Kaut: An exceptional skater with great acceleration and the speed to create odd-man rushes, Kaut had 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in 38 regular-season games as an 18-year-old against men in the top Czech Republic pro league.

Lepage -- Kravtsov: His strong play during the KHL playoffs as an 18-year-old suggests he is not too far from the NHL.

31. Detroit Red Wings (from Vegas Golden Knights)

Kimelman -- Samuelsson: After getting the offensive-minded defenseman they need early, it makes sense for the Red Wings to select a big, sound, physically dominant partner for him. Samuelsson likely won't be a point producer in the NHL, but his offensive game has taken strides, and he'll play next season not far away at Western Michigan University.

Morreale -- Groulx: He had 55 points (28 goals, 27 assists), eight power-play goals and 169 shots on goal in 68 games. Groulx competes hard, has good vision, is strong below the dots, and won 50.6 percent of his face-offs. His father, Benoit Groulx, is coach of Syracuse, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Lightning.

Lepage -- Jacob Olofsson, C, Timra (SWE-2): Olofsson (6-2, 192) had 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 43 games in his first full season against men, in Sweden's second division. His maturity and his two-way game draw scouts' attention.