Top 2018 NHL Draft prospects expected to compete at World Juniors

The 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship is going to be a hockey haven for NHL scouts because of the anticipated number of 2018 NHL Draft-eligible players expected to be competing for their respective countries.
The tournament could have as many as 10 players from five different countries selected in the first round of the 2018 draft in Dallas on June 22.

The 2018 WJC will be held at KeyBank Center and HarborCenter in Buffalo from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5. The United States, Canada, Finland, Slovakia and Denmark will play in the Group A preliminary-round field. Group B consists of Sweden, Russia, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Belarus.
Here's a list of 10 players expected to be chosen in the first round who could be representing their country at the 2018 WJC (players listed alphabetically):
Alexander Alexeyev, D, Russia:The left-hand shot has 18 points (three goals, 15 assists) in 25 games for Red Deer of the Western Hockey League. Alexeyev, 18, possesses good size (6-foot-3, 200 pounds), logs plenty of minutes and is good on the transition in gaining the offensive zone.
Ramus Dahlin, D, Sweden: At age 17, Dahlin (6-2, 181) is not only the star player for Sweden but possibly the best player in the tournament. He has 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 26 games for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League. "His skating and ability to adjust to the play are his two greatest assets," said Sweden National Junior coach Tomas Monten. "He can play both ends of the ice and for a skilled defenseman, he's really good defensively. He's young and needs to get stronger, but he is tall, pretty big and hasn't grown into his body yet. In 3-to-4 years, he's going to be a really good defenseman."
Quintin Hughes, D, United States:He has NHL speed, quickness and smarts to handle and move the puck efficiently in all zones. He's a smaller defenseman (5-9, 170) but possesses assets that place him in the "special prospect" category, according NHL Director of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr. Hughes, 18, has 10 points (goal, nine assists) and a plus-7 rating in 16 games as a freshman at the University of Michigan.

Vitali Kravtsov, RW, Russia:The left-handed shot was a regular with Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League before he injured his wrist in September. Kravtsov (6-2, 170), who turns 18 on Dec. 23, returned and has six points (three goals, three assists) in 24 games. He's fast and knows where to go to provide options for linemates.
Rasmus Kupari, C, Finland:A right-hand shot, Kupari (6-1, 183) can play center or wing. He is strong on his skates and capable of making plays at top speed. He's strong on face-offs and has a good work ethic. Kupari, 17, has four points (three goals, assist) in 19 games for Karpat in Liiga.

Isac Lundestrom, C, Sweden:At 6-0, 185 pounds, Lundestrom, 18, has 10 points (three goals, seven assists) and a plus-3 rating in 24 games for Lulea in the SHL while averaging between 18-20 minutes in ice time. "He reminds me of a young (Detroit Red Wings captain) Henrik Zetterberg," Lulea coach Thomas Berglund said.
Jacob Olofsson, C, Sweden:He is a left-shot center with a lot in his toolbox, according to Goran Stubb, NHL director of European Scouting. Olofsson (6-2, 192), 17, has 10 points (five goals, five assists) and a plus-7 rating in 24 games for Timra of Allsvenskan. He is lauded as an effective two-way player with acceleration and for being smart and calm in all situations.
Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Russia:He could be the first forward off the board at the 2018 draft. Svechnikov (6-2, 186) missed 17 games for Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League with a hand injury but has since returned and has 21 points (14 goals, seven assists) in 16 games. Karl Stewart of NHL Central Scouting said that Svechnikov, 17, could probably step into an NHL lineup right now. He possesses a powerful stride, has great puck skills and is a threat on the power play.
Brady Tkachuk, LW, United States: He plays with a similar edge to his brother, Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk, but might have the better skill set. At age 18, Tkachuk (6-3, 196), who has 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 19 games as a freshman at Boston University, offers athleticism, good hands and an ability to rise to the occasion in pressure moments.

Filip Zadina, RW, Czech Republic: A solid performance at the tournament could go a long way for Zadina, 18, who has impressed during his first season in North America with 46 points (24 goals, 22 assists) and a plus-14 rating in 32 games for Halifax of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The 6-0, 196-pound left-hand shot was compared to Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane by Troy Dumville of NHL Central Scouting.