Hurricanes to draft Svechnikov barring trade for 2nd overall pick

The Carolina Hurricanes have made up their mind about who they'll select with the second overall pick in the 2018 draft on June 22.

With Swedish blue-liner Rasmus Dahlin a virtual lock to be taken by the Buffalo Sabres in the top spot, the Hurricanes will choose from the best of the rest. As it stands, Carolina has its sights set on Russian sniper Andrei Svechnikov, general manager Don Waddell told Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.

While it's possible Carolina could trade the No. 2 pick, Waddell said he'd only do so for an offer that "blows us away." The Hurricanes haven't received such an offer to this point.

Svechnikov netted 40 goals and added 32 assists in 44 appearances this season with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League.

"These kinds of players don't come along that often," Waddell told Bridget Condon of ABC11. "That's why you have to be careful thinking about can we do better in the draft if we do something else. He's a special player and he could make a big impact and be a part of this progress as we move forward for a long time."

Svechnikov spent two days in Raleigh earlier this week, meeting with new head coach Rod Brind'Amour and Hurricanes owner Thomas Dundon.

The Montreal Canadiens own the draft's third selection and are expected to choose among forwards Filip Zadina and Brady Tkachuk, and defenseman Quinn Hughes.