New York Islanders 2018 NHL Mock Draft post-Lottery 2.0

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GATINEAU, CANADA – DECEMBER 1: Joe Veleno #9 of the Saint John Sea Dogs controls the pucks against Gabriel Bilodeau #44 of the Gatineau Olympiques on December 1, 2017 at Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Laplante/FreestylePhoto/Getty Images) /

The Islanders Two Picks: 11 and 12

With two picks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders are in a similar position to the Boston Bruins from 2015. Hopefully, they don’t do like Boston and miss out on a Mathew Barzal level player.

11. Ty Smith | New York Islanders

Ty Smith is an offensive defenseman. In 69 games in the WHL, he put up 73 points (14 goals, 59 assists). He was second in the league in points for defenseman trailing Isles prospect David Quenville.

Smith is an elite skater and displays impressive closing speed. Smith has high upside and finding him at 11 would be a steal for the Islanders.

Some would argue that Smith, who is five-foot-ten, is too small to take this high. With the NHL evolving to a speed game, Smith is the perfect guy to add to your already deep prospect pool of defenders.

12. Joe Veleno | New York Islanders

In four seasons playing in the QMJHL for the Saint John Sea Dogs and the Drummondville Voltigeurs Veleno has 162 points in 171 games. The kid can score. But he’s also a good 200-foot player.

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Next: Pros and Cons of Trading Up At 2018 Draft

Don’t expect Veleno to come in and make the team immediately. Even if he does, don’t expect the next coming of Mathew Barzal. Think more along the lines of Frans Nielsen. A good responsible player that can score. Someone dependable. That’s Veleno.