DRAFT: Previewing the top wingers

As each day goes by we inch closer and closer to the NHL Draft, with all of the franchises heading to Dallas June 22-23. Get to know the draft eligible prospects with our chicagoblackhawks.com positional previews. We continue our coverage with some of the top wingers available, using scout rankings, mock drafts and information gathered from draft prognosticators.
- RELATED: Previewing the top defensemen

ANDREI SVECHNIKOV, BARRIE (OHL)

Andrei Svechnikov won't likely be waiting long to hear his name called on June 22. The 18-year-old winger for the Barrie Colts has a blend of speed and power that makes him dynamic offensively.
He potted an impressive 40 goals this season for the Colts, and added 32 assists, to finish second on his team in scoring. He led all OHL rookies in goal scoring and points (72), and was named to the league's First All-Rookie Team.
NHL Central Scouting:"Svechnikov has a consistent and competitive power game that gets the puck through checks and to the net with speed and skill. He's able to create and finish scoring chances in a timely manner and quickly established himself in the OHL as an offensive impact player."
Rankings:
CSS:1st among North American Skaters
ISS :2nd
Red Line Report:2nd

BRADY TKACHUK, BOSTON UNIVERSITY (NCAA)

If you're looking for a winger to play all over the ice and fearlessly attack the dirty areas, look no further than Brady Tkachuk, son of long-time NHLer Keith Tkachuk.
Brady is a high-end power forward and the go-to guy in key moments of a game. He captained Team USA's gold-medal winning entry at the 2017 U-18 World Juniors, recording seven points (1G, 6A) in seven games.
In his freshman season at Boston University, Tkachuk scored eight goals and added 23 assists for 31 points in 40 games, finishing fourth on the team in scoring.
Tkachuk has plenty of hockey in his bloodlines, including his brother, Matthew, who plays for the Calgary Flames and was a top draft pick as well.
NHL Central Scouting:"He's a complete package who can be impactful in every situation, with and without the puck. If you need a goal, he'll go get a scoring chance. If you're protecting a lead, he'll be responsible defensively. If you need someone to go in there and throw their weight around a little bit, he's a guy who steps up. He seems to rise to those occasions."
Rankings:
CSS:2nd among North American Skaters
ISS :4th
Red Line Report:5th

FILIP ZADINA, HALIFAX (QMJHL)

Czech Republic native Filip Zadina had about as good of a first North American season as you could ask for, compiling 44 goals and 38 assists in 57 games for the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL.
The dynamic offensive forward is described as possessing explosive mobility and high-level hockey sense. Although a natural goal-scorer, Zadina's two-way game has also gained recognition as he's a competitive player with and without the puck.
He was named to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team, won the Mike Bossy Trophy as the league's Best Professional Prospect and was also named to the First All-Star Team.
NHL Central Scouting:"High-end skilled forward with excellent playmaking ability. He has very good vision, excellent anticipation and exceptional natural instincts. Possesses strong puck skills, a quick, accurate release, and looks to shoot. He is committed to playing a two-way game."
Rankings:
CSS:3rd among North American Skaters
ISS :3rd
Red Line Report:3rd

JOEL FARABEE, US NTDP (USHL)

Add Joel Farabee's name to the impressive list of natural scorers at the top of the 2018 NHL Draft. For US National U18 Team C, Farabee buried 33 goals and recorded 43 assists in 62 games this past season.
The Boston University commit also had a great performance at the U18 World Juniors, scoring four goals and adding four assists in seven games. He helped Team USA secure a silver medal.
Farabee is another high-energy player who can make things happen for his team.
International Scouting Services:"Dangerous two-way forward who uses his legs and IQ to make something happen most shifts."
Rankings:
CSS:12th among North American Skaters
ISS :11th
Red Line Report:19th

OLIVER WAHLSTROM, US NTDP (USHL)

A scoring machine, Oliver Wahlstrom scored 48 goals and added 46 assists for 94 points in 64 games for US National U18 Team A.
The Yarmouth, Mass. native is described as the kind of player who can shoot with defenders hanging off him, and has the ability to score from many angles.
He was named to the U18 World Juniors All-Star Team after a seven-goal, two-assist effort in seven games this past year.
He's committed to playing at Harvard.
International Scouting Services:"Natural goal scorer - a threat whenever he's on the ice. Great anticipation and hockey sense."
Rankings:
CSS:7th among North American Skaters
ISS :5th
Red Line Report:7th
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 centers.