NHL mock draft 2017: Nico Hischier, Nolan Patrick lead the crop
The NHL draft starts Friday at 7 p.m. ET (NBC Sports Network) at Chicago's United Center and continues Saturday morning at 10 a.m (NHL Network).
Here's a look at our mock draft:
1. New Jersey Devils
Center Nico Hischier, Halifax (QMJHL), 6-0/180
The Swiss forward is a dynamic offensive catalyst, proven by his 86 points in 57 games this season. But he is also mindful of his defensive responsibilities.
2. Philadelphia Flyers
Center Nolan Patrick, Brandon (WHL), 6-3/200
His dad (Steve Patrick) and two uncles (James Patrick and Rich Chernomaz) combined for almost 1,600 games of NHL experience. His late grandfather Steve played in the Canadian Football League. His mom, Carrie, played for the Canadian national volleyball team. This kid has athletic success in his genes. Think Jonathan Toews. He’s a complete player.
3. Dallas Stars
Defenseman Cale Makar, Alberta Junior Hockey League, 5-11/179
He’s game-breaking rushing defenseman who has committed to play college hockey at UMass. He’s a poor man’s Erik Karlsson.
4. Colorado Avalanche
Defenseman Miro Heiskanen, Finland, 6-0/172
A smooth, poised, efficient puck mover with the ability to be above average to exceptional in all areas of the game. If he develops as expected, he could be a Ryan Suter-type defenseman
5. Vancouver Canucks
Center Cody Glass, Portland (WHL), 6-2/180
A classic, smart playmaker who had 62 assists in 69 games this season. Also scored 32 goals.
6. Vegas Golden Knights
Center Casey Mittelstadt, Edie Prairie (Minn.) HS/Green Bay (USHL), 6-1/200
Boasts game-breaking speed, and he knows how to play the game without the puck. Could be the next American star.
7. Arizona Coyotes
Center Nick Suzuki, Owen Sound (WHL), 5-11/190
With 96 points in 65 games, Suzucki has climbed into most teams’ top 10. The Hockey News predicts he will be “the steal of the draft.”
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8. Buffalo Sabres
Center Gabriel Vilardi, Windsor (OHL), 6-3/205:
Not the fastest player in the draft, but gets to where he needs to make impact players. NHL Central Scouting has him ranked fourth in North America.
9. Detroit Red Wings
Center Martin Necas, Czech Republic, 6-1/170
Skates well, creates scoring chances out of nothing plays, slick passer, entertaining player. He’s been playing against men in the Czech League.
10. Florida Panthers
Defenseman Timothy Liljegren, Sweden, 5-11/190
He’s this year’s Jakob Chychrun. He started out ranked in the top two or three and he’s slid down on most lists. Could be a high-value pick.
11. Los Angeles Kings
Right Elias Pettersson, Sweden, 6-2/170
Tall scoring winger who will need a couple of years to add some bulk and strength. His scoring touch is elite.
12. Carolina Hurricanes
Center Ryan Poehling, St. Cloud State, 6-2/200
Two-way competitor, dependable, plays a style that coaches love, does the little things that helps teams win. Safe pick. Born and raised in Minnesota.
13. Vegas Golden Knights (from Winnipeg Jets)
Center Michael Rasmussen, Tri-Cities (WHL), 6-6/215
Scored 32 goals and posted 55 points in 50 games this season. His blend of size and skill intrigues teams.
14. Tampa Bay Lightning
Defenseman Cal Foote, Kelowna (WHL), 6-4/200
Son of former NHL standout Adam Foote. Could be more offensive than his father was.
15. Vegas Golden Knights (from New York Islanders)
Defenseman D Juuso Valimaki, Tri-City (WHL) 6-2/205
Came over from Finland to make himself more NHL-ready, and he’s done exactly that. He’s scored 19 goals this season and he’s also a quality one-on-one defender.
16. Calgary Flames
Left wing Kristian Vesalainen, Finland, 6-3/210
Had a poor regular season, but scouts can see he has the potential to be a menacing offensive threat off the rush or down low.
17. Toronto Maple Leafs
Right wing Eeli Toivanen, Sioux City (Iowa) (USHL), 5-11/180
He’s an offensively gifted Finnish player taking a different route by playing in the USHL and committing to Boston University.
18. Boston Bruins
Right wing Owen Tippett, Mississauga (OHL), 6-1/205
Red Line Report calls him the “best sniper in the draft. Can score from anywhere.” Scored 44 goals in 60 games this season.
19. San Jose Sharks
Defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Charlottetown (QMJHL), 6-1/165
Put up 39 points this season. He's the ounger brother of Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Mathieu Joseph. Scouts refer to him as a sleeper.
20. St. Louis Blues
Jason Robertson, Kingston (OHL), 6-2/200
Born in Northville, Mich., Robertson offers exceptional hands and offensive instincts. Generated 42 goals and 81 points in 68 games this season.
21. New York Rangers
Defenseman Erik Brannstrom, Sweden, 5-10/180
Some scouts like him better than Liljegren. He’s a highly skilled, smooth skating, puck possession defenseman. He tries to make things happen.
22. Edmonton Oilers
Center Lias Andersson, Sweden, 5-11/200
Became an important player for HV71 in its Swedish championship run. Had 19 points in 42 games and scored four more goals in postseason. Effective two-way forward. Plays a mature game.
23. Arizona Coyotes (from Minnesota Wild)
Jake Oettinger, Boston University, 6-4/220:
Posted a 21-11-3 record in his freshman season with a .927 save percentage. Plays with composure.
24. Winnipeg Jets (from Columbus, through Vegas)
Defenseman Nicolas Hague, Mississauga (OHL), 6-5/220
Thanks to a heavy shot and quality offensive instincts, Hague has netted 32 goals over the past two seasons. His defensive game has improved this season.
25. Montreal Canadiens
Left wing Issac Ratcliffe, Guelph (OHL), 6-6/190
Impressive skater for a player his size, can make plays, but needs to grow into his body. Considered a project with scary upside.
26. Chicago Blackhawks
Right wing Kailer Yamamoto, Spokane (WHL), 5-8/160
If he were 6-1, 185, he would be a candidate to land in the top five. He scored 42 goals in 65 games this season. He can be an electrifying player.
27. St. Louis Blues (from Washington Capitals)2
Center Shane Bowers, Waterloo (USHL), 6-0/180
Above average ability. Registered 51 points in 60 games this season, understands what his job is in all situations.
28. Ottawa Senators
Right wing Klim Kostin, Russia, 6-3/200
Played eight games for Dynamo Moscow in the KHL, but season-ending shoulder surgery made it impossible to know exactly where his game is at. He has late first-round skill, but he probably will slide.
29. Dallas Stars (from Anaheim Ducks)
Center Filip Chytil, Czech Republic, 6-1/180
Boasts outstanding speed and was able to play in the Czech Elite League this season. Can be a dazzling puck-handler at times.
30. Nashville Predators
Defenseman Conor Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL), 6-1/185
Produced 61 points in 67 games this season and seemed to improve defensively as the season wore on.
31. Pittsburgh Penguins
Goalie Keith Petruzzelli, Muskegon (USHL) 6-5/190
NHL coaches love big goalies these days, and Petruzzell is a tall goalie with mobility and anticipation. His technique has improved dramatically this season.