Montreal Canadiens: Was The 2018 NHL Draft Really That Bad?
Jesperi Kokaniemi
Kotkaniemi was a polarizing player, as the number one ranked centre of the ’18 Draft class, but the centre crop wasn’t a strong one. Although the Canadiens had a glaring need at centre, there were much better options at other positions that would help the Canadiens. As mentioned, Tkachuk and Hughes were available there, and they would have been tremendous additions to the fold.
It obviously didn’t go that way, and the Habs selected the Finnish centre. And his start wasn’t bad, there were flashes, but he looked gassed and like he was rushed before the end of his rookie season. Whether he was rushed or not, it’s a lesson learned, draft the best player available.
He stuck around for a few seasons, and his play drew the ire of the Carolina Hurricanes. They offersheeted him and the Canadiens decided not to match their offer, making Kk a Hurricane. The Canadiens received a first and second-round selection as compensation.
Jesse Ylonen
Ylonen was selected in the second round of the draft with the 35th overall selection after he posted 27 points through 48 games in the Finnish Mestis League with Espoo United. He was touted as a jitterbug-type player, he skates brilliantly and his puck skills are a strength of his game. And he was set to have the Habs brass watching him from now on, and his 2018-19 season saw him make the jump to the top Finnish League, playing for the Lahti Pelicans.
He played 53 games and scored 27 points (13 goals and 14 assists) in his draft-plus-one season. Canadiens fans knew what they had, and while he failed to beat his numbers in his sophomore season with the Pelicans, he showed an ability to play a sound game against men at just 18-19 years old. The following year was more of the same, and Ylonen opted to sign his entry-level contract to play in Laval with the Rocket.
Over the past three seasons, Ylonen has fought his way up to the NHL, and he has a huge opportunity to secure a spot with the Canadiens. Over three seasons with the Rocket, he has played 120 games and posted 85 points (34 goals and 51 assists). He played 37 games for the Habs this year and scored six goals and 16 assists. He looks primed to play in the Canadiens’ top nine and produce solid numbers, which is a push in the right direction for the ’18 Draft class.