Dominik Bokk is one of the more intriguing offensive talents in this draft class. If the Buffalo Sabres want to add high-end skill to their prospect pool, they’d be wise to target the German-born winger.
The defense always gets the attention, but the Sabres could use an infusion of offensive talent to their system. Outside of Alex Nylander, Casey Mittelstadt and soon Rasmus Dahlin, the Sabres lack prospects with the type of skill that Bokk can provide.
The Numbers
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 179 lbs.
Age: 18
Position: RW
Shoots: R
Nationality: Germany
Team: Vaxjo Lakers U20 (SuperElit)
Bokk tore up the SuperElit playing for Vaxjo in Sweden. He scored 14 goals and 41 points in 35 games. Bokk’s offensive skill jumps off of the screen when you watch him play and is what made him an offensive powerhouse in the U20 junior league.
Dominik Bokk reducerar för Växjö 4-1. #J20gifs #JuniorSM2018 #VäxjöJ20 #KHKJ20 pic.twitter.com/010opju42p
— Anton Johansson (@antonj85) March 24, 2018
He’s one of the more gifted players in this draft with his stick handling ability. Playing on the big ice in Sweden only made him more dangerous with the time and space.
German #2018NHLDraft hopeful Dominik Bokk with a great 1st pro goal with Växjö last night. Ranked 99th in @FCHockey‘s preliminary rankings. pic.twitter.com/GrjKUXSABA
— Janik Beichler (@JanikBeichler) November 4, 2017
It’s not just his stick handling that makes him an intriguing prospect. He has great awareness and is a good playmaker as well. He creates space for his teammates and is a great passer which makes him even more dangerous. To go along with all of that, Bokk possesses a good shot with a quick release.
And Bokk with a lightning quick move to the backhand and a beauty of a pass to set up a goal pic.twitter.com/rp69cK2e47
— Dan Silver (@dsilver88) May 31, 2018
As expected with players at his age, he could use some work in the defensive end of the ice. He’s not a liability to his team, but it needs to develop more over the next few years.
He also needs to add some bulk to his frame to be able to play against men. We’ve seen Sabres 2016 draft pick Alex Nylander struggle against fully developed competition. Bokk weighs in at only three pounds heavier (179 lbs.) than Nylander did in his draft year (176 lbs.).
Luckily for Bokk, the team that selects him will keep in Sweden for a few more years at least and not force him into a league he’s not ready to play in.
Final Thoughts
Bokk has the potential to be available to the Sabres at 32nd overall. However, I believe his offensive upside will get him picked in round one. The good news it’ll probably be in the 25-31 range. Therefore it won’t cost a lot for the Sabres to move up if they want to make sure they can draft the German forward.
He’s been one of my personal favorites to follow throughout the draft process. Bokk continues to rise up draft boards and whichever team selects him will have a happy fan base behind them.