Nearly seven years have passed since the 2018 NHL Draft, held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Of the 31 first-round picks, all but three have reached the NHL, with many playing over 100 games. Some have blossomed into stars, while others have struggled to meet expectations.

Top picks like Quinn Hughes, Brady Tkachuk, and Rasmus Dahlin have established themselves as elite players among the NHL’s best. Others, such as Andrei Svechnikov and Noah Dobson, have also proven their worth as valuable additions to their teams. .

With the benefit of hindsight, we’re taking a look at the top 10 picks from 2018 and seeing where some players might have ended up if the scouts had done their jobs, starting with picks 1-5. 

1. Buffalo Sabres

Original Pick: Rasmus Dahlin
Redraft: Quinn Hughes

Originally selected seventh by Vancouver, Hughes has developed into an elite puck-moving defenseman. Fresh off winning the Norris Trophy (awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman) and currently in the running for a second consecutive win, Hughes is an easy choice at No. 1. He is one of the league’s best players and arguably the top defenseman in the game today. While Dhalin is by no means a bad player, Hughes is perhaps generational.

2. Carolina Hurricanes

Original Pick: Andrei Svechnikov
Redraft: Brady Tkachuk

Tkachuk, initially taken fourth, has emerged as a dominant power forward and captain for Ottawa. His physicality, scoring ability, and leadership would fit well in Carolina’s system, which lacks depth down the middle. Tkachuk brings an old-school-hockey element as well that every team would appreciate- good hands, gritty, physical, and never afraid to drop the mitts when called upon. 

3. Montreal Canadiens

Original Pick: Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Redraft: Rasmus Dahlin

While Dahlin was a strong pick at No. 1 in 2018, he moves to third in this redraft. The talented defenseman has become a core piece of Buffalo’s rebuild and one of the top blueliners in the league—any team would appreciate his services.

4. Ottawa Senators

Original Pick: Brady Tkachuk
Redraft: Andrei Svechnikov

Originally drafted second overall, Svechnikov remains a dynamic offensive presence. Though injuries have limited him at times, he continues to be a key contributor in Carolina’s top six. Missing out on Tkachuk in this redraft, the Senators opt for one of the most skilled forwards available.

5. Arizona Coyotes / Utah Hockey Club

Original Pick: Barrett Hayton
Redraft: Noah Dobson

Selected 12th overall in 2018, Dobson has developed into a top-tier defenseman for the Islanders. Now, as the franchise relocates to Utah, they would benefit from adding Dobson as part of their rebuilding efforts, starting with the blue line. 

You can check out picks 6-10 here.