Grading the Top-10 Picks from the 2013 NHL Draft

Nov 7, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward

(16) looks on before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Elias Lindholm, Carolina Hurricanes

With the 5th overall pick, the Carolina Hurricanes selected the first Swedish player in the 2013 NHL Draft, Elias Lindholm.

With several options available other than Lindholm, specifically Horvat, Monahan, and Nurse, the Hurricanes had a tough selection to make.

Instead of returning to Sweden for another season, Elias Lindholm was kept in North America with the Hurricanes.

Despite having low stats in his rookie year, Lindholm did show signs of star potential with players like Jeff Skinner and Riley Nash by his side.

98 games into his NHL career, Lindholm has tallied 38 points. While his playmaking ability was what most raved about, nearly half of his 38 points are goals (17).

Lindholm has been plagued by a bad team in his first 2 seasons. When the team played well back in November, he did as well. He picked up 11 points in 15 November games. Since then, just 5 points in 17 games.

Elias Lindholm has top-six forward potential, without a doubt. He has already turned into a top-nine lock at the age of just 20. That leads me to believe that he will turn into a top-six or even top-three forward very soon with the right pieces around him.

Next: 6th Overall: Calgary Flames