2018 NHL Draft: WHL Live Blog
The 2018 NHL Draft continues Saturday, June 23 from Dallas, Texas, with coverage of the second through seventh rounds provided by Sportsnet.
A total of two WHL players heard their names called in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft Friday night, including Spokane Chiefs defenceman Ty Smith (17th, New Jersey Devils) and Red Deer Rebels defenceman Alexander Alexeyev (31st, Washington Capitals).
Follow along with WHL.ca’s 2018 NHL Draft Live Blog for all the latest news on WHL prospects, including player vitals, highlight reels, social activity and more.
2018 NHL Draft – WHL Selections
A product of Lloydminster, Alta., defenceman Ty Smith enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Spokane Chiefs, tallying 73 points (14G-59A) in 69 games in 2017-18. Selected first overall in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, the 5-foot-11, 176-pound blueliner took care of business off the ice as well, winning the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year. In his first trip to the WHL Playoffs, Smith performed admirably for the Chiefs in the first round, securing seven points (2G-5A) in seven games. Over the course of 137 career WHL regular season contests, Smith has 107 points (19G-88A) to his credit. Additionally, Smith has plenty of international experience under his belt, having captained Canada’s U18 squad at the 2018 IIHF U18 World Championship, previously winning a 2017-18 Hlinka Memorial gold medal, and IIHF U17 World Championship silver medal.
The newest member of the @NJDevils, Smith finished second in scoring among WHL defencemen this season with 73 points (14G-59A) in 69 games. #NHLDraft #NJDevils pic.twitter.com/jNPRyByIHC
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
Welcome to Jersey, @_tysmith_24!
The #NJDevils have selected defenseman Ty Smith with the 17th overall pick in the 2018 #NHLDraft. pic.twitter.com/Cuxlvi3bAN
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) June 23, 2018
A product of St. Petersburg, Russia, defenceman Alexander Alexeyev battled adversity in 2017-18 and still managed to stack up 37 points (7G-30A) in 45 WHL regular season games. Selected 49th overall in the first round of 2016 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot-4, 196-pound blueliner represented Team Russia at the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series, suiting up for both games played in WHL territory. In 86 career WHL regular season games spread across the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, Alexeyev has collected 58 points (11G-47A). He brings with him additional international experience, having represented Russia at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship and 2016 IIHF World U18 Championship.
WATCH: During the 2017-18 season, @Capitals defensive prospect @Alexeyev04 had 37 points (7G-30A) in 45 games! #NHLDraft #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/nuwJgjwko9
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
With the 31st pick in the 2018 #NHLDraft, the Washington Capitals select defenseman Alexander Alexeyev! #CapsDraft#ALLCAPSpic.twitter.com/UwQDuYqZRU
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 23, 2018
A product of Winnipeg, Man., defenceman Jett Woo played a big role as the Moose Jaw Warriors claimed a franchise-first Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as WHL Regular Season champions in 2017-18. The 6-foot, 200-pound defenceman registered a career-high 25 points (9G-16A) in only 44 regular season games this past season, before adding another three points (2G-1A) in 14 WHL Playoff games. Woo recently represented Canada at the 2017 Hlinka Memorial Cup after having skated for his nation at the 2017 IIHF World U18 Hockey Championship. Woo was originally selected by the Moose Jaw Warriors with the fourth overall pick at the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft. In 116 career WHL regular season games, Woo has 48 points (14G-34A) to his name.
In 44 games this season, new @Canucks prospect @Jett_Woo of the @MJWARRIORS tallied 25 points (9G-16A) in 44 games! #NHLDraft #Canucks pic.twitter.com/obaHuAPzP2
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
To kick off the second round of the #NHLDraft, help us welcome Jett Woo to the #Canucks organization! pic.twitter.com/BDhmNWUwq8
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 23, 2018
WOO! pic.twitter.com/2GVQ7FtsjW
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 23, 2018
A product of Brandon, Man., defenceman Calen Addison has been a fixture on the Lethbridge Hurricanes blueline for two years and showed his value in 2017-18 after posting a career-high 65 points (11G-54A) in 68 games. The 5-foot-10, 178-pound defenceman helped the Hurricanes make a second consecutive trip to the WHL’s Eastern Conference Championship, notching an outstanding 19 points (7G-12A) in 16 games during the 2018 WHL Playoffs. Over the course of 135 career WHL regular season contests, Addison has 98 points (20G-78A) to his credit. Originally selected second overall by the Hurricanes at the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, Addison won a gold medal with Canada at the 2018 Hlinka Memorial Cup as well as a silver medal at the 2016 World U17 Hockey Challenge.
New @penguins prospect @calenaddison finished the 2017-18 season with 65 points (11G-54A). He was also tied for second in scoring among WHL defencemen in the #WHLPlayoffs with 19 points (7G-12A). #NHLDraft #LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/5688JEvPLi
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
With the 53rd pick in the 2018 #NHLDraft, the Penguins select defenseman Calen Addison (@calenaddison). Welcome to Pittsburgh! pic.twitter.com/RyOCakDjjK
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 23, 2018
A product of Winnipeg, Man., forward Riley Stotts exploded after being acquired by the Calgary Hitmen from the Swift Current Broncos midway through the 2017-18 WHL season. The 6-foot, 168-pound pivot recorded 41 points (17G-24A) in 47 games with the Hitmen in order to finish the campaign with 44 points (19G-25A) in 69 contests. Originally selected by the Broncos 10th overall in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, Stotts represented Canada Red at the 2016 World U17 Hockey Challenge, registering three points (2G-1A) in two games. Over the course of 121 career WHL regular season games, Stotts has notched 60 points (28G-32A).
Newest @MapleLeafs prospect @rileystotts8 had 44 points (19G-25A) last season, including a .87 point-per-game average in 41 games with the @WHLHitmen! #NHLDraft #TMLTalk pic.twitter.com/8SJpcTHGQH
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
From @WHLHitmen, the @MapleLeafs select @rileystotts8. #NHLDraft | #TMLtalkpic.twitter.com/ieWeQ1ejot
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 23, 2018
A product of The Pas, Man., Everett Silvertips forward Connor Dewar enjoyed a breakout season in 2017-18, securing 68 points (38G-30A) in 68 games to help his Club claim a U.S. Division banner. A 5-foot-10, 177-pound centre, Dewar brings a gritty two-way presence to the ice. He played a vital role for the Silvertips as they staked out a Western Conference Championship, advancing to the 2018 WHL Championship Series. Over the course of 22 games in the 2018 WHL Playoffs, Dewar recorded 26 points (12G-14A) in 22 games, along with a plus-24 rating. Originally selected in the fifth round (107th) of the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft, Dewar has collected 116 points (63G-53A) in 211 career WHL outings.
Newest @mnwild prospect Connor Dewar led the @WHLsilvertips with 38 goals this season and finished the campaign with 68 points. #NHLDraft #mnwild pic.twitter.com/Gt5LWWqhuO
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
Welcome to #mnwild Connor Dewar! pic.twitter.com/QBHuhNQKpL
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) June 23, 2018
A product of Calgary, Alta., Everett Silvertips forward Riley Sutter brings unparalleled hockey pedigree to the Washington Capitals. Son of longtime NHL forward Ron Sutter, Riley helped the Silvertips win the WHL’s U.S. Division, contributing 53 points (25G-28A) in 68 regular season games. Sutter represented the WHL at the 2018 Sherwin Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Sutter helped the Silvertips advance to the 2018 WHL Championship Series, netting 19 points (9G-10A) in 21 playoff games. Over the course of 166 WHL regular season contests, Sutter has secured 96 points (46G-50A) after being a sixth-round selection (125th) of the Silvertips at the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.
In 68 games this season, new @Capitals prospect @sutts_14 had 53 points (25G-28A) with the @WHLsilvertips, including a four-goal game on Dec. 27, 2017 vs. Vancouver. #NHLDraft #CapsDraft #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/wnNVQ4E1RM
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
WE GOT A SUTTER! #ALLCAPS#CapsDraftpic.twitter.com/Ikx4T0JfYI
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 23, 2018
A product of Winnipeg, Man., goaltender Joel Hofer enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign with the WHL Champion Swift Current Broncos, going 8-3-1-1 with a 2.61 goals-against average and .914 save percentage and adding one shutout in 19 regular season appearances. The 6-foot-3, 160-pound netminder was not selected in the WHL Bantam Draft, but was listed by the Broncos in 2016.
New @StLouisBlues prospect Joel Hofer was the top-ranked WHL goaltender by NHL Central Scouting and won a WHL Championship this season with the @SCBroncos! #NHLDraft #stlblues pic.twitter.com/3VW4X8PQ5E
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
With the 107th overall pick in the 2018 #NHLDraft, the #stlblues select Joel Hofer. https://t.co/wHcFYTRef0pic.twitter.com/IqG8AEYZNB
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) June 23, 2018
A product of Kysucke Nove Mesto, Slovakia, Vancouver Giants forward Milos Roman produced admirably in his first WHL season, notching 32 points (10G-22A) in 39 games. Originally selected in the first round (sixth) of the 2017 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot, 188-pound centre suited up for Slovakia at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording two goals in five contests.
.@NHLFlames prospect @milosroman_ tallied 32 points (10G-22A) with the @WHLGiants in the regular season and six points (3G-3A) in the #WHLPlayoffs. #NHLDraft #Flames pic.twitter.com/8G8RCIRnAh
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
With the 122nd pick, we have selected forward Milos Roman from @WHLGiants!
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) June 23, 2018
A product of Everett, Wash., defenceman Wyatte Wylie joins former Everett Silvertips teammate Carter Hart with the Philadelphia Flyers. The 6-foot, 190-pound rearguard enjoyed a career campaign in 2017-18 posting 31 points (6G-25A) and a plus-12 rating as the Silvertips earned a U.S. Division title. In 22 WHL Playoff games, Wylie added another eight points (2G-6A) and a plus-12 rating as the Silvertips advanced to the 2018 WHL Championship Series. Originally selected in the sixth round (128th) of the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft, Wylie has notched 41 points (6G-35A) and a plus-9 rating in 143 career WHL regular season games.
New @NHLFlyers prospect @WyatteWylie86 had 31 points (6G-25A) in 72 games with the @WHLsilvertips this season. #NHLDraft #Flyers pic.twitter.com/yTaTvGf1sc
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
With the 127th pick in the #NHLDraft, the #Flyers select Wyatte Wylie. Welcome to Philly!
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) June 23, 2018
A product of Estevan, Sask., Prince Albert Raiders forward Cole Fonstad emerged as a top-tier setup man in the WHL’s East Division, dishing 52 assists and recording 73 points through 72 games during the 2017-18 WHL regular season. Originally selected fifth overall by the Raiders at the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, the 5-foot-10, 159-pound pivot suited up for Canada at the 2018 IIHF World U18 Championship, skating in five games. Over the course of 143 career WHL regular season games, Fonstad has 100 points (32G-68A) to his name.
Fonstad finished second in scoring among @PARaidersHockey skaters this season with 73 points (21G-52A)! #NHLDraft #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/rSg8JNAIx5
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
Avec le 128e choix, les Canadiens ont sélectionné l’attaquant Cole Fonstad.
With the 128th pick, the Canadiens have selected forward Cole Fonstad.#NHLDraft#GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 23, 2018
A product of Kitimat, B.C., forward Justin Almeida erupted during the 2017-18 campaign, posting a career-high 98 points (43G-55A) in 72 games, helping the Moose Jaw Warriors claim the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as 2018 WHL Regular Season Champions. The 5-foot-9, 158-pound pivot was originally selected by the Prince George Cougars fifth overall at the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. In 192 career WHL games split between the Cougars and Warriors, Almeida has collected 132 points (56G-76A) while adding another 15 points (8G-7A) in 24 WHL Playoff games.
You’ve got a strong scorer @penguins fans! Almeida had 98 points (43G-55A)
in 72 games this season for the @MJWARRIORS! #NHLDraft #LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/Sbp8WwfTNH— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
With the 129th selection in the 2018 #NHLDraft, the Pittsburgh Penguins select center Justin Almeida. pic.twitter.com/kJFZMmCFFz
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 23, 2018
A product of Blansko, Czech Republic, defenceman Filip Kral was a mainstay on the Spokane Chiefs blueline during his rookie campaign in the WHL as he contributed 35 points (9G-16A) alongside a plus-9 rating in 54 regular season games. Originally selected in the second round (78th) of the 2017 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot-1, 171-pound Kral suited up for the Czech Republic at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, striking for one goal in seven games. He previously won a gold medal with the Czech Republic at the 2016 Hlinka Memorial Cup.
The @MapleLeafs prospect recorded 35 points (9G-26A) this season, maintaining the second-best point-per-game average among @spokanechiefs defencemen! #NHLDraft #TMLTalk pic.twitter.com/WUyV7DfrJ7
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
From the @spokanechiefs, the @MapleLeafs select Filip Kral. #NHLDraft | #TMLtalkpic.twitter.com/owshOGNaMX
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 23, 2018
A product of Vitebsk, Belarus, defenceman Vladislav Yeryomenko was leaned upon heavily by the Calgary Hitmen as he produced 41 points (13G-28A) in 63 games during the 2017-18 WHL regular season. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound rearguard was also a leader for his nation at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, registering four points (1G-3A) in six games at the annual tournament. Originally selected 46th overall at the 2016 CHL Import Draft, Yeryomenko has 66 points (19G-47A) and a minus-11 rating under his belt through 125 career WHL regular season outings.
.@PredsNHL prospect Vladislav Yeryomenko had 41 points (13G-28A) with the @WHLHitmen this season. #NHLDraft #Preds pic.twitter.com/osxWnv495d
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
#Preds pick up another defenseman, Vladislav Yeryomenko. #NHLDraftpic.twitter.com/UggQlMkq9D
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) June 23, 2018
A product of North Vancouver, B.C., goaltender David Tendeck was the backbone for a resurgent Vancouver Giants club in 2017-18, going 25-16-3-2 with a 3.02 goals-against average, .912 save percentage and three shutouts. Originally selected buy the Giants in the sixth round (130th) of the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft, Tendeck owns a career record of 30-31-3-2 with a 3.57 GAA, .895 SV% and three shutouts across 72 career WHL regular season appearances.
In the words of @Panger40 “Holy Jumpin’!”
The @ArizonaCoyotes got a good one in @WHLGiants goaltender David Tendeck. #NHLDraft #Yotes pic.twitter.com/KW9Ng5HzzO
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
Our next pick is in: At No. 158, we select goalie David Tendeck.
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 23, 2018
David Tendeck is the second goalie we’ve added to Our Pack today. pic.twitter.com/PuWysCSeTT
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 23, 2018
A product of Regina, Sask., defenceman Alex Kannok-Leipert put forth a quality rookie campaign with the Vancouver Giants, recording 21 points (5G-16A) and a minus-1 rating in 60 regular season games during the 2017-18 season. The 5-foot-11, 193-pound blueliner was originally selected by the Giants in the fourth round (79th) of the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft and has 24 points (6G-18A) to his credit through 68 career WHL regular season games.
Get to know newest @Capitals prospect Alex Kannok-Leipert with highlights from his season with the @WHLGiants! #NHLDraft #ALLCAPS #CapsDraft pic.twitter.com/xVM9Kg4urI
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
With the 161st Pick, the Washington Capitals select defenseman Alex Kannok-Leipert! #ALLCAPS#CapsDraft
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 23, 2018
A product of Foxwarren, Man., defenceman Dawson Barteux emerged as a reliable presence for the Red Deer Rebels during the 2017-18 WHL season, contributing 32 points (3G-29A) from the backend. Originally selected 14th overall by the Regina Pats at the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, Barteaux joined the Rebels as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Anaheim Ducks prospect Josh Mahura to the Pats at the 2017 WHL Trade Deadline. Over 107 career WHL regular season games, the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder has 36 points (3G-33A) to his name.
With pick 168 in the 2018 #NHLDraft, the Dallas Stars select defenseman Dawson Barteaux (WHL). pic.twitter.com/YcugkfjW2N
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) June 23, 2018
A product of Arborg, Man., forward Jermaine Loewen led the Kamloops Blazers in scoring during the 2017-18 season, tallying 64 points (36G-28A) in 66 games. An imposing presence at 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, Loewen was originally selected by the Blazers in the third round (48th) of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. Over 236 career WHL regular season contests, Loewen has 96 points (50G-46A) to his credit along with another two points (1G-1A) in 13 WHL Playoff games.
Newest @DallasStars prospect Jermaine Loewen had a career year with the @blazerhockey, leading the team in goals (36) and points (64). #NHLDraft #GoStars pic.twitter.com/3awoUTw7QN
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
The Dallas Stars have selected forward Jermaine Loewen with the 199th pick in the #NHLDraft. pic.twitter.com/uyqC7Zlh2n
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) June 23, 2018
A product of Edmonton, Alta., forward Trey Fix-Wolansky led the Edmonton Oil Kings in scoring during the 2017-18 season, firing home 32 goals and 89 points through 71 contests. The 5-foot-7, 188-pound winger was originally listed by the Prince Albert Raiders before being traded to the Oil Kings prior to the 2016-17 season. In 141 career WHL regular season games, Fix-Wolansky has registered 143 points (56G-87A).
With #CBJ‘s 7th round pick, 204th overall, the club selects Edmonton Oil Kings right wing Trey Fix-Wolansky. The 19-year old had 32-57-89 in 71 regular season games.
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) June 23, 2018
A product of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., forward Eric Florchuk blossomed with the Saskatoon Blades during the 2017-18 season, stacking up 22 points (9G-13A) in 28 games in the Bridge City after being acquired from the Victoria Royals earlier in the campaign. In total, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound centre registered 50 points (16G-34A) in 71 games split between Saskatoon and Victoria. Originally selected by the Royals 13th overall at the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, Florchuk has secured 59 points (19G-40A) in 122 career WHL games. He previously earned a silver medal with Canada Black at the 2016 World U17 Hockey Challenge.
New @Capitals prospect Eric Florchuk had 50 points (16G-34A) in 71 games between Saskatoon and Victoria this season. #NHLDraft #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/DsQ4TeeFgA
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
With the final pick in the 2018 NHL Draft (No. 217), the Washington Capitals select center Eric Florchuk! #CapsDraft #ALLCAPS
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 23, 2018
2018 NHL Draft Preview with BC Tree Fruits
The WHL has 41 players and four goaltenders featured on the NHL Central Scouting Draft Rankings heading into the 2018 NHL Draft. Click through for a more detailed look at some of the highest-touted future stars set to represent the WHL at the 2018 NHL Draft. – READ MORE
2018 NHL Draft History: WHL First Round selections
The Western Hockey League has committed to developing professional hockey players and people for many years. Since 1975, the league has seen 291 players drafted in the first round of the NHL Entry/Amateur Draft. Some notable names among the most recent include Brandon Wheat Kings forward Nolan Patrick leading last year’s group of seven WHL players selected in Round One of the 2017 NHL Draft. Others, including defenceman Ivan Provorov, and forwards Jake Debrusk, Mathew Barzal and Leon Draisaitl have gone on to make significant contributions to their respective clubs.
#NHLDraft history: 291 #WHLAlumni selected in the first round by NHL teams since 1975.
DETAILS ???? | https://t.co/Gs6ByZqNAr pic.twitter.com/W1RMrU1xkt
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 22, 2018
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