DRAFT: Previewing the top defensemen

The NHL Draft is right around the corner as the 31 franchises will converge in Dallas June 22-23 to select the future of the sport. Get to know the top draft eligible prospects with our chicagoblackhawks.com positional previews. We begin with some of the top defensemen available, using scout rankings, mock drafts and information gathered from draft prognosticators.

RASMUS DAHLIN, FROLUNDA (SWEDEN)

The defacto first-overall pick is Frolunda blueliner Rasmus Dahlin. When you research the draft and prospect rankings, his name will always be at the top. The franchise-altering defensemen is likely to go to the Buffalo Sabres, who won the NHL Draft Lottery in April.
Dahlin is described as an elite defender with high-end skating and skills with and without the puck.

Some of his career highlights are being named the U16 Swedish Men's Best Defenseman, as well as being named to the U20 World Juniors All-Star Team, winning the World Juniors Best Defenseman and helping Sweden capture a silver medal at the tournament.
At the youthful age of 17, Dahlin represented his home country at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. He recorded 20 points (7 G, 13 A) in 41 games in the SHL this season.
NHL Central Scouting:"Dahlin has the skating, skills and elite hockey sense that can dictate the style of play and the pace of a game with or without the puck. He finds ways to contribute in all situations, is ultra-competitive and a high-character person who leads by example."
Rankings:
CSS:1st among European Skaters
ISS:1st
Red Line Report:1st
With Dahlin likely off the board at first overall, there are several other defensemen in competition to be chosen next. Should the Blackhawks be focused on selecting a blueliner, one of these prospects could be there at eight.

ADAM BOQVIST, BRYNAS JR (SWEDEN JR)

Adam Boqvist earned the respect of talent evaluators enough this season to be named NHL Central Scouting's second-ranked European Skater.
The blueliner is a dynamic offensive defenseman with a full resume of awards and accomplishments, including being named the U18 World Juniors Best Defenseman, while scoring the most goals and points by a defender in that tournament.
For Brynas Jr. this season, Boqvist scored 14 goals and added 10 assists for 24 points in 25 games. Like Hughes, Boqvist has hockey in his blood with his brother being drafted 36th overall by New Jersey in 2017.
NHL Central Scouting:"Boqvist is a finesse defenseman who is very skilled, possesses excellent vision and tons of talent. He is fun to watch and full of surprises on the ice. He often plays bigger than his size and skated in his first games with Sweden's Senior National Team in April."
Rankings:
CSS:2nd among European Skaters
ISS:8th
Red Line Report:10th

EVAN BOUCHARD, LONDON (OHL)

Evan Bouchard is NHL Central Scouting's fourth-ranked North American Skater heading into the draft. He's lauded for his intelligence and all-around game, making him an intriguing asset for any team looking to bolster their blueline. His smooth skating and offensive ability helped him rack up an impressive 25 goals and 62 assists in 67 games for the OHL's London Knights, with whom he wore the captain's "C."
Bouchard ranked first among the league's defenders and eighth overall in scoring.
He was an OHL champion in 2015-16, after being drafted in the first round, 17th overall, by the Knights in the 2015 OHL Draft.
NHL Central Scouting:"A highly intelligent defenseman with exceptional vision and offensive instincts. He reads the play very well and his passing ability allows him to be a constant threat in his team's transition game. He's one of the top offensive defensemen in the Canadian Hockey League and magician-like when quarterbacking the power play."
Rankings:
CSS:4th among North American Skaters
ISS:6th
Red Line Report:4th

NOAH DOBSON, ACADIE-BATHURST (QMJHL)

Sitting in the fifth spot among North American Skaters on NHL Central Scouting's final draft rankings, Noah Dobson is a defender with size and the skill to match. The 6-foot-3 blueliner finished the season tied for second among QMJHL defensemen in scoring with 69 points (17-52-69) in 67 games for Acadie-Bathurst.

Dobson is described as a two-way defender who is reliable in all situations. He's been recognized since a young age for his talent, earning the nod as the Atlantic Canada Peewee AAA Championship Top Defenseman twice. He also helped Canada secure gold at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka tournament and was named a QMJHL First Team All-Star.
NHL Central Scouting:"A very effective two-way defenseman with good puck distribution and a strong shot from the point on the power play. He is a point-producer with size who defends well and utilizes strong positioning and a good stick in the defensive zone."
Rankings:
CSS:5th among North American Skaters
ISS:9th
Red Line Report:6th

QUINTIN HUGHES, MICHIGAN (NCAA)

University of Michigan defenceman Quintin Hughes has quite the pedigree. His mother played soccer and ice hockey at the University of New Hampshire and was a member of the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team.

His father was a member of the American team that won the 1988 Spengler Cup. His brother is projected to be a top prospect in next year's draft. His uncle and cousin also played for Boston College.
Those hockey bloodlines and good genes have undoubtedly helped Hughes become one of 2018's top blueliners. Described as a fast and decisive, elite defender, His creativity and vision set him apart from other prospects.
He finished 2017-18 with 29 points (5 G, 24 A) in 37 games for the Wolverines.
NHL Central Scouting:"Quintin is a smooth-skating, mobile defenseman who carries the puck very well and can transition from defense to offense with his feet or by making a pass. He reads the play very well and uses good positioning and the use of his angles to defend. Projects to be a top-four defenseman in today's game because of his skating and puck skills."
Rankings:
CSS:6th among North American Skaters
ISS:7th
Red Line Report:9th
The 2018 NHL Draft will be held June 22-23 in Dallas. The Chicago Blackhawks currently hold the 8th and 27th picks in the first round, and eight picks overall. Stay tuned to chicagoblackhawks.com for on-going coverage leading up to the draft, including content from the NHL Scouting Combine.
NEXT UP:Our positional preview for the top wingers.