2018 NHL Draft: First Round Open Thread

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The 2018 NHL Draft is upon us. As of the writing of this post, the Rangers hold the 9th, 26th, and 28th picks in the first round. Of course that could change at any point, as the draft is where we see a good amount of action. This post is going to be updated throughout the draft, so stay tuned!

There are a bunch of Rangers rumors from throughout the day, so here’s a quick rundown:

• There is a lot of smoke around Kevin Hayes, potentially to Calgary, but there is no interest in Dougie Hamilton. Sights could be set on Adam Fox or Sam Bennett, but Travis Hamonic’s name came up.
• The Rangers appear to be in on a salary dump involving Milan Lucic.
• The Rangers want to move up in the draft.

Update 7:04 pm: The first trade domino has fallen; the Avs have acquired goaltender Philip Grubauer and defenseman Brooks Orpik from the Capitals in exchange for a 2nd round pick, number 47 overall.  Looks like Washington is trying to free up some cap space to retain John Carlson.

Update 7:49 pm: In the shock of the century, the Sabres select Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin with the number one overall pick.

Update 7:55 pm: The Hurricanes make the right call and go with Andrei Svechnikov.

Update 8:02 pm: Montreal does Montreal stuff and takes Jesperi Kotkaniemi instead of Filip Zadina.

Update 8:08 pm: Ottawa with it’s own epic stupidity, takes Brady Tkachuk.

Update 8:15 pm: Arizona continues the streak of stupidity and takes Barrett Haydon at number 5.

Update 8:20 pm: The Red Wings finally make things right and select Filip Zadina.

Update 8:26 pm: Canucks don’t embarrass themselves and select Quinn Hughes.

Update 8:32 pm: The Blackhawks keep our dreams alive and select Adam Boqvist.

Update 8:37 pm: *face palm* The Rangers select Vitali Kravtsov.  *drinks heavily*

Update 9:17 pm: I don’t hate the pick, I just would have preferred the less risky upside of Wahlstrom.  Kravtsov was a small reach and can be a great player, it just feels like a missed opportunity.

Update 8:43 pm: The Oilers continue to accumulate top 10 talent that they will ultimately trade away with Evan Bouchard.

Update 8:49 pm: The stupid Islanders take Oliver Wahlstrom.

Update 8:54 pm: The Islanders continue their ridiculous luck and take Noah Dobson.

Update 8:58 pm: The Stars take Ty Dellandrea at 13.  A bit of a reach.

Update 9:07 pm: Philly takes Joel Farabee at 14.

Update 9:13 pm: The Panthers take Grigori Denisenko from Locomotiv at 15th.

Update 9:18 pm: Colorado selects Martin Kaut at 16.

Update 9:25 pm: Devils grab defenseman Ty Smith at 17.

Update 9:31 pm: Columbus goes with Liam Foudy with the 18th pick.  Seems a bit of a reach, as well.  Must be the theme tonight.

Update 9:37 pm: Philly back on the board with the 19th pick.  They select Jay O’Brien.

Update 9:44 pm: The Kings grab Rasmus Kupari with the 20th overall selection.  Man, this draft is all over the place.

Update: 9:50 pm: The Sharks go with Ryan Merkley at 21.  Boom or bust for San Jose.

Update 9:54 pm: TRADE!! The Rangers trade 26 and 48 to Ottawa for 22. NYR must have someone they like.

Update 9:59 pm: The Rangers select K’Andre Miller at 22.  I think they could have gotten him at 26.

Update 10:04 pm: Ducks take Isac Lundestrom at 23.  Looking good for NYR at 28.

Update 10:09pm: The Wild go with Filip Johansson in yet another off-the-board pick.

Update 10:14 pm: TRADE!! Toronto is trading this pick to St. Louis for the 29th and 76th pick.

Update 10:19 pm: St. Louis selects Dominik Bokk at 25.  A nice Ranger target off the board.

Update 10:25 pm: Ottawa selects Jacob Bernard-Docker with the Rangers’ pick.  Have to wonder if the Rangers needed to trade up to 22.

Update 10:31 pm: The Hawk’s grab defenseman Nicolas Beaudin at 27.  Rangers on deck with an awful lot of talent out there.  Especially Veleno and Noel.

Update 10:35 pm: The Rangers select Nils Lundkvist.  Now they have Lundqvist, Lindqvist and Lundkvist.  The trifecta.

Ok, everyone, I know there are a few more picks, but I am an old man (this is Justin, not Dave) and I am going to bed.  Feel free to use the open thread for the remainder of the evening.  We will have much more analysis on all the Rangers’ Draft choices over the next few days.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend.