Add another player to the list of those who hold dual citizenship and yet choose to represent the United States internationally.

Oliver Wahlstrom, whose father played at the University of Maine before playing in the Swedish Elite League, has represented the U.S. on multiple occasions, including at the last two U18 Men’s World Championships where he earned a gold and a silver medal, respectively.

Wahlstrom is perhaps most widely-known, however, for a viral video of him scoring a shootout goal prior to a Boston Bruins game when he was nine years old. It's a gross understatement to say his puck skills have only improved since that day.

Year in review

If you want a quick snapshot of how Wahlstrom’s season went, he had 48 goals in 62 games and hit seven more at the U18 Men’s World Championships. Let’s not talk about the heartbreaker he missed with less than a second left on the clock in the gold-medal game against Finland. Instead, let’s recall how he was not only named one of the top three players on Team USA by the coaching staff, but was also selected to the tournament All-Star Team. Team USA’s silver continued a medal streak at the U18s that dates back to 2004.

Wahlstrom’s USHL play, in particular, was impressive this year. His goals-per-game mark is the league's highest in six seasons, with 22 of his 48 goals coming in only 26 games. While he's listed as able to play center, he’s mostly been used on the right wing - of late, typically on the flank of U17 player Jack Hughes, with Joel Farabee on Hughes’ left to complete a formidable trio.

Wahlstrom is currently committed to Harvard University for the 2018-19 season. If he changes his mind and chooses to go the CHL route, his rights are held by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL.

Areas of strength

Wahlstrom is the dangerous goal-scoring forward armchair GMs want Brady Tkachuk to be. His puck skills are sublime, and he can use them at full speed, through traffic, and pretty much anywhere he pleases. He’s an incredible playmaker, making skilled passes to teammates through tight openings and extending plays as required to find (or create) the right opportunity. He’s also a sniper, with a wide and high-end array of shots that continues to improve as he develops. And he doesn’t just score from far out - he’s just as willing to go to the net for a rebound or a tip-in.

He’s also a fantastic skater. He accelerates to his top speed at the drop of a hat thanks to his great first step. It also allows him to abruptly change speeds, evading opponents with his agility and edgework. Combine his puck skills and skating skills and, in addition to being an elite-level prospect, Wahlstrom is just plain fun to watch.

Areas of improvement

Perhaps the biggest area of Wahlstrom’s game that needs improvement is his defensive play. While that’s somewhat understandable given he’s used to having the puck all the time, that won't be the case at higher levels.

He needs to be more present and engaged in the defensive zone; eliminating his tendency to puck watch should be high on his priority list. He’s a great skater and can be a physical force - he just has to actively get involved. Flying by the seat of his pants when the other team has the puck won’t work out well for him in college hockey.

The good news? The NCAA is a good place to develop those skills, and his ceiling is high enough that there’s no reason to allow the deficiencies in his defensive game to convince you not to draft him if you’ve got a pick that falls somewhere between, say, eight and 15.

Scouting reports

"Wahlstrom already has an NHL-caliber shot with a quick release and the ability to create space for himself and linemates. He's most known for his goal-scoring ability and elite shot, and can hit a one-timer as good or better than many professional players." - Mike Morreale, NHL.com

“Owns some of the best pure puck skills in the draft. The goal-scoring forward doesn’t shy away from attacking dangerous scoring areas and boasts strong speed and quick feet. An incredible season with the USNTDP this year, leading the charge from tip to tail. Loves to engage physically almost as much as he loves finding the back of the net. Feasts on the man advantage.” - Cam Robinson, DobberProspects.com

Did You Know?

• Like many other highly-skilled hockey players, including Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, Wahlstrom attended Shattuck-St. Mary’s. He stayed for two years before joining the USNTDP.

• In 26 USHL games this season, Wahlstrom scored 0.85 goals and 1.73 points per game.

• He also averaged almost five shots per game in USHL play.

Other entries in this series:

• Rasmus Dahlin
• Andrei Svechnikov
• Filip Zadina
• Quinn Hughes
• Adam Boqvist
• Brady Tkachuk

(Photos Courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Does any hockey family share a clearer on-ice resemblance than the Tkachuks?

They’re all cast from the same mold: offensive upside combined with the habit of being a real pain in the neck for opponents. Matthew Tkachuk’s lineage has already become obvious in his emergence with the Calgary Flames - he may take a lot of penalties, but he draws more (and puts up points besides), and it infuriates opposing teams.

With that in mind, each Tkachuk is his own player. Brady isn’t Keith, nor is he Matthew. Here’s who he is: a potential power forward with a nose for the net. Though he isn’t the best forward available in this draft, he should still make the NHL team that selects him very happy.

Year in review

Tkachuk spent the 2017-18 season playing for Boston University, where he was used mostly as a left wing (though he can play center). He curbed his tendency to take penalties, averaging just under two penalty minutes per game. He also put up 31 points, including eight goals, in 40 games. The Terriers won the Hockey East championship, and Tkachuk was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team.

Tkachuk also played for Team USA at the 2018 World Junior Championship. He and Quinn Hughes were the only first-time draft-eligible prospects on the roster. Tkachuk totaled nine points, including three goals, in seven tournament games, and took home a bronze medal.

It was recently reported that Tkachuk will return to BU in the fall. While things can certainly change (especially if, for example, he were to make his NHL team), it seems unlikely, as BU apparently stopped pursuing a graduate transfer student-athlete because Tkachuk would be back.

Areas of strength

When Tkachuk goes to the crease, everyone watching knows he’ll shoot as soon as he gets the opportunity - that’s why he crashed the net in the first place. His offensive strengths lie more in his creative playmaking ability, however. His hockey sense and passing ability are high-end. He can make the kind of perfect pass in a tight space that other players might not be able to execute, and his stickhandling is good.

Tkachuk is also effective away from the puck. In an echo of his brother Matthew, he is capable of driving his opponents up the wall. Brady goes about it a bit differently, however, constantly battling for the puck, staying in the faces of opposing goaltenders, and using his stick to cut down passing and shooting lanes. He’s also not shy about finishing his checks - or running his mouth.

Areas of improvement

Skating is frequently listed as an area where Tkachuk needs to improve, and with good reason. He has a powerful stride, good lower-body strength and balance, and his top speed is good. The problem lies in his first step. Acceleration and explosiveness off that first step are crucial when trying to reach top speed and win races. He could improve his agility as well.

It's also important to note that Tkachuk isn’t the elite goal-scorer that many people who rank him above prospects like Filip Zadina want him to be. That’s more an indictment of the person evaluating him than his skill level, however. He shouldn't be drafted based on what a team wants to believe he is, or simply hopes he’ll grow into. As one of the oldest players in this draft class, the trajectory of his development is more clear than it might be for others.

Scouting reports

“Skilled, two-way power winger with a soft touch who mixes physical play with elite vision and hockey sense. Brady with his helmet off may look like a teenager, but every aspect of his play on the ice makes you wonder how a kid so young can perform with such savvy and maturity.

Brady, whose father Keith was one of the NHL’s top snipers of the 1990s, is a relentless puck hound with decent speed and a long, smooth stride. His agility and exceptional stickhandling buy him more than enough time and space to create for his linemates. And although his zone entries are controlled and calculated, he has mastered the art of the soft dump-in and chase - Tkachuk has a long reach and finishes his checks with authority, and defenders appear wary to turn their backs for puck retrieval. Additionally, he is deadly from in close, using an array of moves and dekes to bury the puck. Want to talk hybrid? How about a physical, 200-foot winger with size who doubles as a top-line playmaker and is an outstanding penalty killer.” - Steve Kournianos, TheDraftAnalyst.com

“Brady Tkachuk plays the game as his name would suggest: physically, aggressively, and with a significant amount of skill. Tkachuk has a pro-ready game in most respects as he is physically mature and strong enough to play against men. His skating is an asset as he has good acceleration and top speed, and is very strong on his skates in terms of balance and can make power drives to the goal when he drops his shoulder ... He is dangerous in front of the goal as he uses his size and strength to plant himself as a screen in front of the goalie and has excellent hand-eye coordination for tips and rebounds. Tkachuk has a quick release on his shot, (and) has a variety of dangerous shooting options from a quick wrist shot to a powerful one-timer.” - Peter Harling, DobberProspects.com

Did You Know?

• Tkachuk is blogging about his draft experience for NHL.com.

• In his last season with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, Tkachuk had 129 penalty minutes in 61 games.

• According to Tkachuk himself, one of his best qualities is his versatility and ability to play in any situation.

Other entries in this series:

• Rasmus Dahlin
• Andrei Svechnikov
• Filip Zadina
• Quinn Hughes
• Adam Boqvist

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In the weeks leading up to the 2018 NHL Draft, theScore NHL prospect writer Hannah Stuart breaks down 10 of the most notable draft-eligible prospects. The fifth edition focuses on Adam Boqvist.

You’re an NHL general manager who isn’t drafting first overall. You can’t have Rasmus Dahlin, but you still want a high-flying, dynamic blue-liner. What do you do? While there is no shortage of talented defensemen in the top half of this year’s first round, Adam Boqvist stands out among his peers - and not just because he’s a right-handed shot.

With his August 2000 birthday, Boqvist is one of the youngest players in this year’s draft class - almost a full year younger than Quinn Hughes and Evan Bouchard. Considering the high-end skill Boqvist already displays, knowing he’s got almost a year of development potential on his fellow defensive prospects has to be tempting.

Year in review

Boqvist bounced around a bit this season, playing 25 games with Brynäs IF J20 in the SuperElit league and 15 games with Brynäs IF in the SHL. He was also loaned to Almtuna IS of the Allsvenskan for seven games. He didn’t put up high point totals in the latter two leagues, notching one and two points, respectively. This is not particularly concerning, however, given how young of a prospect he is.

In part, this is because Boqvist was dominant against players his own age this year. He was almost a point-per-game player in the SuperElit with 24 points, including 14 goals, and was phenomenal in both the Ivan Hlinka tournament and this year’s U18 World Championship, where he won a bronze medal and was named the tournament’s best defenseman.

Areas of strength

Boqvist is a phenomenal skater. His edgework and agility allow him to take chances as he can quickly transition from offense to defense. He’s dangerous offensively, able to both make plays and score goals. A key to his success? He thinks the game at an elite level, uses his hockey sense to find or create opportunities, and determines whether the right call is to shoot or pass.

On defense, Boqvist has good positioning and gap control. He knows how to use his stick to free up the puck from opponents, and his speedy and elusive skating allows him to carry the puck out of the zone. His aggressive approach can, on occasion, get him into trouble, but refining that will come with time - keep in mind he’s still only 17. His potential ceiling is sky-high and worth any risk that may come along with it.

Areas of improvement

Boqvist is another prospect whose size is noted as a detriment, though he is not afraid to take hits and can outskate opponents. The youngster will likely spend at least one more season in Sweden, giving him time to add muscle, ideally in a way that won’t affect his speed and agility. More development will also help him improve his play in his own end, where he has strengths, but could stand to get more playing time against tough competition.

One area to keep an eye on - and one where his size might come into play - is Boqvist’s tendency to take the aforementioned risks. He likes to gamble. Most of the time it pays off for him, but when you lose the puck, it takes upper-body strength to get it back from opponents. Mentioning this feels a bit like nitpicking, but it is a valid observation.

Scouting reports

“A dynamic offensive defenceman that can carry plays with the puck on his stick. A highly mobile and nimble skater that moves with fluidity, balance, and confidence. Utilizes an active stick and creates turnovers frequently. Could be more proactive in his own end, but has shown progression in understanding lanes and reading unfolding plays; most of his best defensive work comes through the neutral zone, as there is a lot less time and space to work with, and it is in those moments that Boqvist shines. Offensively, Boqvist is electric; he has the toolbox of a top-line forward. Slick puckhandling ability paired with excellent vision and positional awareness makes him a dangerous threat every time he is on the ice. He also takes advantage of the attention and bodies he draws toward himself in creating space for teammates. All-in-all, Adam Boqvist is a complete offensive defenceman that knows how to get the puck from point A to the back of the net, and can make it happen all by himself.” — Curtis Joe, EliteProspects.com

“Boqvist is a confident, puck-moving blue-liner … skates well with quick agile feet that generate solid levels of speed … solid on his edges … very efficient skater … keeps the game simple, and cuts out the extra overly creative pass by finding open teammates in good position … moves the puck quickly and beautifully around the ice with crisp clean passes … can fire the puck accurately on the net with a quick release … adept at sneaking into open lanes for an opportunity … a steadying presence … plays the point well and has impressive ability to keep the puck in the offensive zone … very active stick at both ends, and uses it wisely to keep the pressure on the defense, helping hem them in their own zone or to disrupt the attack defending in his zone … very active feet, can contain his assignment with good agility and willing to get after the opposition with physical play … positions his body to box out opponents … his size is the obvious drawback … provides his team with a steady presence on the blue line, and thinks the game at a high level … a potential top-four, two-way defenseman.” — FutureConsiderations.ca

Did You Know?

• Boqvist is the younger brother of New Jersey Devils prospect Jesper Boqvist.

• He totaled eight points in five games at last September’s Ivan Hlinka tournament.

• He will likely play a key role on Team Sweden at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Other entries in this series:

• Rasmus Dahlin
• Andrei Svechnikov
• Filip Zadina
• Quinn Hughes

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In the weeks leading up to the 2018 NHL Draft, theScore NHL prospect writer Hannah Stuart breaks down 10 of the most notable draft-eligible prospects. The fourth edition focuses on Quinn Hughes.

Born in Florida, raised in Toronto, and a key part of the future of USA Hockey, Quinn Hughes sounds like an inspirational sports movie. And his NHL career is just months, at the least, away from its start. With a father who is the former director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and a mother who played at the University of New Hampshire, hockey is in the eldest Hughes son's blood - and when he's on the ice, it shows.

Last season in his Draft-2 year, Hughes was a point-per-game player in 26 USHL games. Those numbers are almost unheard of for a defenseman his age. To give you an idea of just how good they are, no other defenseman in USHL history has put up a better points-per-game ratio in his Draft–1 year (i.e. the season leading up to his draft). That includes fellow Americans Seth Jones and Charlie McAvoy, who are widely considered some of the top defensemen among USA Hockey’s younger set.

Year In Review

Hughes accelerated his education and finished high school early to attend the University of Michigan and play for the Wolverines this year. Despite being the youngest player in college hockey (he turned 18 in mid-October 2017), he finished the season with 28 points, the third-highest on his team. He was named to the All-Big Ten freshman team and the All-Big Ten second team, and currently sits in first place for assists by a freshman D-man in program history with 24.

He represented Team USA at the 2018 World Junior Championships in Buffalo, where he had three assists and earned a bronze medal. Hughes is currently in Denmark as a member of Team USA for the upcoming IIHF World Championships. It remains to be seen how much ice time he'll get - he was listed as the team’s seventh defenseman in the first tuneup game against Denmark. It's a great opportunity for him either way, and it shows that USA Hockey clearly has him in mind when looking at its future.

Areas of Strength

Hughes is probably the best skater in this year's draft class. He separates himself from his opponents easily with his stride and top-end speed. He's agile, able to beat defenders easily 1-on-1 and to get back quickly if it becomes necessary. He's got a quick release and a solid arsenal of shots, but he's an even stronger playmaker. He constantly jumps up into the rush, his elite hockey sense and vision guiding him when it comes to choosing his opportunities.

He frequently anticipates the play better than those on the ice with him, opponents and teammates alike. Hughes is a creative player, so he's going to take more risks than your average stay-at-home blue-liner. High-risk, high-reward. It's the direction the defensive game is going in the NHL, albeit slowly.

Areas of improvement

There is some belief that Hughes needs to add size, as he's a smaller player (he's listed at 5-foot-10 and 174 pounds). Size issues can be overcome with his speed and his elusive nature, however. His play in the defensive zone could use some work, including improving his positioning and working on getting pucks from attackers. But given how high-level his hockey IQ is, it's a good bet that those things will come with further experience.

Scouting Reports

"After an initial feeling-out phase as the NCAA's youngest player, Hughes has been entering dominant mode ... For comparison sake, the 5-foot-10 rearguard outproduced fellow 2018 draft pick and forward, Brady Tkachuk and has more points than 2017 fourth overall pick Cale Makar as a first year NCAA player. Hughes blends exquisite edgework with blistering acceleration and a mind for creating offense. He's a one man breakout machine and could challenge Filip Zadina for third overall when names are being called in Dallas this June." - Cam Robinson, DobberProspects.com

"Hughes is a strong playmaker with excellent vision, capable of threading the needle with either hard or saucered cross-ice passes. Additionally, he has a heavy shot with a quick release, and goaltenders have to work hard to control rebounds off his shots. Hughes makes plays on his backhand look effortless, and he's adept at receiving and settling down pucks while traveling at a high rate of speed. His defensive play is relatively sound in terms of positioning and 1-on-1 tactics. Hughes has improved the timing of his step-ups and hip checks, and he stands his ground on zone entries despite obvious limitations in size and stick length. Losing slot territory to bigger players should be expected, but Hughes is a clever thief with a quick stick who transitions from defense to offense in the blink of an eye. He has top-pairing potential and can quarterback any power play regardless of the talent or skill level of the surrounding personnel." - Steve Kournianos, TheDraftAnalyst.com

Did You Know?

• Hughes was inspired to attend the University of Michigan after watching fellow U.S. National Team Development Program alumni Dylan Larkin and Zach Werenski play for the Wolverines.

• When he was asked about it once, Hughes said he'd never considered getting a Canadian passport to play for Canada - it was always Team USA.

• His nontraditional market roots aren't limited to his Florida birthplace. Mom Ellen, who also played defense, was born and raised in Dallas, Texas.

Other entries in this series:

• Rasmus Dahlin
• Andrei Svechnikov
• Filip Zadina

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.