- NHL 18,Leading candidate for the 2018 Draft in Buffalo

NHL 18 is a hockey simulation game developed by EA Sports based on the National Hockey League, published for PS4 and XboxOne. The game also features several game modes such as: Hockey Ultimate Team, Online Mode, revamped version of “be a GM”, Manager Mode, Franchise Mode etc. NHL 18 Coins is the in-game currency to buy players and player packs.

We prepares you for the future every two weeks with the NHL Draft Watch 2018. Every second Tuesday, we deliver news and information on the emerging talents of today that could shape the NHL of tomorrow.



Once again this year, there will be some candidates in the squad, who are considered by experts to be promising candidates for the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft. In addition to players already featured in our column, such as Rasmus Dahlin, Filip Zadina and Brady Tkachuk, there are seven other athletes looking for a place in the first round of the draft.

Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Russia

Andrei Svechnikov is considered the toughest competitor for Rasmus Dahlin in the fight for the number one draft pick. The 17-year-old forward is currently serving in the Ontario Hockey League's Barrie Colts, scoring 14 goals and 21 points in 16 games this season after injuring 17 games. He made the move to North America for the 2016/17 season after breaking the record for most points in the Russian U16 league for Ak Bars Kazan with 31 goals and 22 assists in 13 games. At the age of only 16, he made 29 goals and 58 points for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the United States Hockey League and became the rookie of the year.

Svechnikov is a strong skater with good puck control and stick technique, but knows how to use his 188 cm height as well as his technical abilities and his instinct to score. All these skills, combined with a good overview and a deadly arsenal of shots, make him probably the best striker of the forthcoming Drafts.

Vitali Kravtsov, RW, Russia

Vitali Kravtsov is the second of three young Russians who deserve special attention. The right winger celebrated his 18th birthday on December 23 and could be the perfect strike partner for Svechnikov. Kravtsov proved with Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk in the Russian MHL last season with 13 goals and 23 assists in 41 games, that he is a capable playmaker who can use his chances if necessary, but also himself.

Alexander Alexeyev, D, Russia

Alexander Alexeyev completes the trio of Sbornaja. The 18-year-old defender, like Svechnikov, is active in North America and runs for the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League. Last season, he has already scored four goals and 21 points in 41 games, a mark he will surely outrank this season, but are now on his account, after only 25 games, already three goals and 18 counters to book.

With his 190 cm and 90 kg, he is a physically strong defender, who is in his own zone a not to be underestimated obstacle and know the pucks he conquered know how to bring on the offensive. His employer not only benefits from his abilities in defense, but also his front men in attack are always grateful to him for his work in building up the game and as a preparer.

Isac Lundestrom, C, Sweden

Rasmus Dahlin also enjoys active support from two of his compatriots, who are considered top candidates for the draft. The first day is Isac Lundeström, an 18-year-old striker who is playing for Lulea HF in Svenska Hockeyligan, the country's biggest league, as an outside striker. He is in 2016 for the first team Lilleas and inherited past season a regular place in the team. This season he scored up to three goals and ten points.

Jacob Olofsson, C, Sweden

The third Swede is Jacob Olofsson, a 17-year-old club signing with Timra IK in HockeyAllsvenskan, the second Swedish league. Last season, the team was started from the estate and is now a regular player who scored goals and five assists in ten parties this season.

Rasmus Kupari, C, Finland

Rasmus Kupari, a 17-year-old center from Kotka, will be an important factor in the attack of the Finns. He plays for Oulun Kärpät in the first Finnish league. There I score three goals and a template in 19 matches.

Kupari is being traded as a candidate for the first ten picks on behalf of Draft.

Quintin Hughes, D, USA

The US, the top favorite and defending champion, can look forward to a talented newcomer in their defenses. 18-year-old defender Quintin Hughes scored one goal and nine assists in 16 games for the University of Michigan in his team's National Development Program.