No, there isn't an Austin Matthews or Connor McDavid in this year's NHL Entry Draft which takes place in Chicago starting tonight with round one and then wraps up with round two through seven on Saturday. Mike Mackley, who is a Scout for HockeyProspect.com, and associate GM with the Powassan Voodoos, gives us a look at how the first round of the NHL Entry Draft should shape up.
1) New Jersey Devils - Nico Hischier (C) - Hischier rose through the NHL draft rankings and will finish where every player dreams to be come draft day, at number one. Nico had a tremendous year with Halifax of the Quebec Major Junior League and nearly single handily willed the Swiss entry at the World Junior Championships past the eventual gold medal winning Team USA. A highly intelligent, skilled centre with above average skating and speed, Nico Hischier may be less "pro ready" in terms of body type/size than Nolan Patrick, but his long-term upside does project to be more impactful.
2) Philadelphia Flyers - Nolan Patrick (C) - In a year where there is no generational talent atop the draft board, the Flyers will be thrilled to select a player who many still believe is the best available player in 2017. Patrick is coming off an injury plagued season which has generated speculation that he may be prone to injuries and worth passing on. But how do you realistically pass on a 6'3, 195-pound centre with a combination of smarts and skill. A player with a powerful stride and a versatility to play in any situation. Let's not forget, Patrick tallied 102 points in 2015-2016 and another 46 in just 33 games this past season.
3) Dallas Stars - Gabe Vilardi (C) - Number Three, where things get interesting. Sure Dallas would love to add a defensive prospect to the player pool and Miro Heiskanen and Cale Makar are excellent prospects. But the ability to add a player of Gabe Vilardi's abilities doesn't come around often. A player who stands 6'2, boasts tremendous hockey sense and elite skill, Vilardi has the skill set to emerge from this draft as best pro player. Sure Vilardi could improve his foot speed, but he's the type of player who make those around him better, know easy task for a seventeen year old player on a veteran laden team like the Windsor Spitfires. Vilardi put up 61 points in just 49 games this season and was arguably one of Windsor's best players in their Memorial Cup run.
4) Colorado Avalanche - Miro Heiskanen (D) - With Dallas passing on Heiskanen and Makar the Avalanche will get to choose between the two best defensive prospects in the draft. The Av's have selected a forward with their first pick of the draft for eight straight years, and go figure they are in dire need of defensemen both on their NHL roster and in the system. Heiskanen is a two-way defender with a capable frame. A player who possesses excellent mobility and tremendous poise, Miro was able to play an integral role with HIFK of the Finnish Elite League this season recording 5 goals and 5 assists in 37 regular season games. The 6-foot Finn thrived against competition of his own age at both the U-18's and World Junior Championships.
5) Vancouver Canucks - Casey Mittelstadt (C) - With a need to upgrade their prospect pool in a number of areas, the Canucks simply need to add the best player available. While some will debate Timothy Liljergren or Cale Makar with this pick, Mittelstadt's high end, game-breaking offensive abilities are too hard for a team who hasn't drafted an offensive stud since '99 (Daniel & Henrik Sedin) to pass on. Mittelstadt tore up the Minnesota High School loop with 64 points in 25 games. While with Green Bay of the USHL facing stiffer competition Mittelstadt continued to produce tallying 30 points in 24 games. A dynamic player with good speed, sound vision, and playmaking skills and creativity the Canucks may have their perfect complement to Bo Horvat down the middle.
6) Las Vegas Golden Knights - Cale Makar (D) - The first draft pick in Golden Knights history will be one of the drafts most intriguing players in Cale Makar. The slightly undersized, uber talented Makar quietly broke onto the scene at the 2015-2016 World Junior A Challenge, he followed that up with a very impressive showing at the RBC Cup, despite his Brooks Bandits failing to take home the championship. This season the smooth skating, speedy defender had everyone and their mother's taking notice of him after a dominating performance at the World Junior A Challenge, were he tallied 8 points in 4 games. Named the AJHL's top defender after a 75 point campaign, Makar led Brooks to yet another RBC Cup and this time right to the final, although they ultimately fell to the Cobourg Cougars. Makar is your modern day skilled, offensive minded defender who boasts excellent hockey sense, sounding puck skills and some nastiness to his game that allows him to thrive despite his 5'11 frame.
7) Arizona Coyotes - Timothy Liljegren (D) - The Coyotes may have the best crop of young forwards in the NHL, it would only make sense for them to add a talented young defender to the mix. With Heiskanen and Makar off the boards, look for the Yotes to take a calculated risk that may end up being a home run, with the selection of Timothy Liljegren. The right shot Swede had a rough 2016-2017 campaign, struggling at times as he bounced between the SuperElit, Allsvenskan and Swedish Elite League. Still he is a dynamic, offensive defenseman who pushes the pace in transition, can create offense out of nothing and has strong mobility. His defensive game has errors to it, but hey so did Erik Karlsson's in his draft year. This isn't exactly an off the board pick, but it will be one that could back fire, if Liljegren doesn't develop his defensive game.
8) Buffalo Sabres - Elias Pettersson (LW) - Buffalo will surely be a little annoyed that none of Heiskanen, Makar or Liljegren are available at number eight, however they shouldn't pout as Elias Pettersson has all the ability to thrive as top-six winger in the NHL. A player who toiled against men this season suiting up for Timra of the Allsvenskan, Pettersson racked up 19 goals and 22 assists in 43 games. Elias routinely wowed with his speed and puck skills, creating and scoring a number of highlight reel goals throughout the season. While his World Junior was slightly underwhelming as far as point production goes, that was a small sample size and shouldn't take away from his future potential. With great hockey sense and elite skill, as Pettersson gets strong he will begin to dominate more and more.
9) Detroit Red Wings - Cody Glass (C) - Detroit doesn't pick in the top 10 very often, to be more specific, the Wings haven't made a top 10 selection since 1991 when the pick Martin Lapointe out of the QMJHL. This time around expect the Wings to head West and select Portland Winter Hawks centre, Cody Glass. Glass exploded for 94 points in 69 games this season, after tallying just 27 as a rookie with Portland in 2015-2016. Glass is a 6'2, 170 pound centre with strong vision and playmaking abilities that allow him to make those around him better. A very intelligent player with two-way abilities and an imposing frame, as Glass fills out he will only get tougher to play against. Glass has a ceiling similar to Mark Scheifele, while his low end maybe somewhere along the lines of a Jordan Staal.
10) Florida Panthers - Urho Vaakanainen (D) - This pick may be off the board as far as some mock draft/rankings go, however, the Panthers are in a position to select a player with a tremendous amount of potential and give him time to develop his skill. Vaakanainen is that player. Urho outplayed the likes of Miro Heiskanen at the World Juniors and U-18's this season and has been playing in the Finnish Elite League against men for the past season and a half, where he has been an integral part of the JYP program this season. Vaakanainen projects as a two-way defender, a player with good mobility, puck-moving skills and a deceptive physical edge. His decision-making under pressure will need to improve, however, he has all the markings of a solid pro defender.
11) Los Angeles Kings - Michael Rasmussen (C) - Los Angeles hasn't drafted this high since they drafted Brayden Schenn fifth overall in 2009. That isn't all, the Kings have only had a first-round pick in two of the last six drafts, leaving their farm system fairly bare despite some shrewd drafting in the later rounds. So they will be thrilled to add hulking Tri-City Americans centre Michael Rasmussen to the fold. A 6'5, 203 pound forward, Rasmussen already boasts an NHL body and is coming off a 32 goal/55 point WHL campaign. Analytic folks aren't high on this intriguing forward, however its hard to ignore his size, skill and production. Michael has a long and powerful stride, allowing him to generate good speed, a nose around the net, a physical edge and a developing two-way game. The Kings have time to develop Rasmussen and he should dominate the WHL next season before moving on to pro hockey.
12) Carolina Hurricanes - Martin Necas (C) - Carolina has done an excellent job at filling the cupboards so to speak, having successful drafts over the past handful of years. With that being said, the Hurricanes can use the best player available approach with the twelfth pick and that should be centre Martin Necas. Necas possesses good size at 6'1, but will need to fill out and find a consistency to his game. However his hockey sense and skill set are very intriguing. A player who played in the Czech Elite league this past season, he wasn't able to show his offensive flare, however, it was on display early on this season at the Ivan Hlinka where he competed against many other top draft eligible players. Necas had a good World Juniors and plays a mature game, slated to return to the Czech Elite League next season, I'm sure Carolina would love to see him play a year in the CHL.
13) Las Vegas Golden Knights - Juuso Valimaki (D) - The Golden Knights acquired the thirteenth overall pick in a deal with the Winnipeg Jets just prior to the Expansion draft on Wednesday night. With the pick, the Golden Knights could benefit from selecting a young forward after the earlier addition of Cale Makar. However teams build from the net out and with Marc-Andre Fleury holding down the fort, Vegas will benefit from adding another talented young defender in Juuso Valimaki. Valimaki is a 6'2, 200 pound left shot defender who thrived with the Tri-City Americans this season. A player who will push the pace in transition and get up ice, Valimaki has intriguing offensive upside to his game, while also displaying a capable defensive game. A player with maturity and leadership qualities to his game, Valimaki's upside is intriguing.
14) Tampa Bay Lightning - Nick Suzuki (C) - Tampa Bay has arguably the best prospect pool of any NHL club and despite missing the playoffs in 2016-2017 still possess a roster capable of challenging for a cup in 2017-2018. With their fourteenth overall selection expect Tampa to go the route of best available prospect and that in my opinion is Owen Sound Attack forward Nick Suzuki. The Lightning pride themselves in selecting smart and talented players and Nick Suzuki is that and so much more. While slightly undersized at 5'11, Suzuki is coming off a 96 point campaign which included 45 goals. Suzuki possesses a tireless work ethic, elite hockey sense, reliable two-way play and a versatile skill set, what is not to like. Expect Suzuki to have his coming out party at this year's World Junior Championships.
15) Las Vegas Golden Knights - Eeli Tolvanen (LW) - The New York Islanders desperately wanted to protect several players from the Expansion Draft, thus it cost them a 2017 first round pick on top of a few more assets. With Vegas adding to young defenders already, its time they pluck a forward off the board. Why not Eeli Tolvanen? Tolvanen was expected to go in the top 10 when the season opened, however despite a good statistical campaign with Sioux City of the USHL, I expect him to still be available at 15 due to a combination of things. One of which was his poor interviews at the NHL Draft combine. Still Tolvanen boasts a dynamic skill set that is tough to pass up. A player who possesses elite speed and a goal scorers tough, Tolvanen's game-breaking ability will stop his "slide" at 15. His consistency and defensive play will need to round out and he would likely benefit from a season in the OHL, where the Oshawa Generals own his rights. However, he is slated to attend Boston College next season.
16) Calgary Flames - Callan Foote (D) - The Flames have done a fine job at improving their prospect depth at both the forward and goaltending position. With the NHL club boasting a fairly strong and deep defense core, adding prospect Callan Foote makes sense for the Flames. Foote is a towering 6'4, 210 pound right shot defenseman who plied his trade with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL this season, or as some like to call it the factory that produces NHL defensemen. Foote will have time to improve his foot-speed and looks to be about three years away from active NHL duty. A big, physical defenseman with two-way capabilities, Foote racked up 57 points in 71 games this past season and should be a lock for Canada's World Junior team in December.
17) Toronto Maple Leafs - Klim Kostin (RW) - We all know the Leafs would love to add a defenseman to their current roster, well guess what, no player available at #17 is going to be able to contribute to an NHL roster for at least 2-3 years. So why not take the best player available when the pick rolls around. Klim Kostin is that player. Sure the hype isn't there here in June, but it was early in the season when many believed Kostin had all the markings of a top five pick. A 6'3, 196 pound winger with elite skill, pure shooters shot, a physical edge and an ability to thrive in traffic, Kostin has the ability to dominate. Kostin suited up in the KHL, VHL and MHL, struggling to produce because of limited ice-time in Russia's top pro leagues. However, when toiling with his own age group at the Ivan Hlinka and World Junior A Championships, he simply dominated. An upper body injury ended his season early and the "Russian factor" will play a part in his slide, however, Kostin is worth a calculated risk.
18) Boston Bruins - Isaac Ratcliffe (LW) - Boston has a number of quality prospects knocking on the NHL's door, allowing them to snag a player who will need time to develop, but when he does could be the steal of the draft. Ratcliffe is a rangy winger with a 6'5 frame who produced 28 goals and 26 assists in 67 games with a young Guelph team. A player who has quality hands and a versatile offensive skill set that allows him to generate offense as both a shooter and goal scorer, Ratcliffe"s lengthy stride allows him to generate good speed and is a handful when attacking the offensive zone with possession. As mentioned Isaac will need to fill out his thin frame, but with his hockey sense and potential, he is worth investing some time in.
19) San Jose Sharks - Owen Tippett (RW) - Many will be surprised with Tippett's slide to #19 given his production in his sophomore season with the OHL's Mississauga Steelheads. Tippett can be electrifying with the puck on his stick as he attacks the zone with speed and releases a heavy and accurate shot from all over the ice. There is no doubting his shot or nose for the net, however, upon closer observations you quickly realize Tippett has a very incomplete game. A player who can help the Sharks as a complementary winger, Tippet will need to work on his versatility offensively, play away from the puck and his decision making before he can utilize his shot and speed at the pro level. Still, his potential to be a 30+ goal scorer is worth the risk for the Sharks at 19.
20) St. Louis Blues - Ryan Poehling (C) - A two-way centre with skill, smarts and size. There is lots to like about 6'2, 185 pound Ryan Poehling. Playing with his older twin brothers at St. Cloud State had the youngest Poehling competing in arguably the best division in college hockey and while there where some inconsistencies to his game as he adjusted to playing at the NCAA the potential was glaring. The Blue likes to add size in the draft and will have a need down the middle in short time, allowing Poehling to develop for another couple of seasons in the NCAA should make him NHL ready when he completes his four years of school. Ryan participated in 35 games with St. Cloud State, racking up 13 points. However against competition of his own age at the U18's he was just under a point per game player.
21) New York Rangers - Lias Andersson (C/LW) - The Rangers haven't had a first round pick in four years and their track record in the first round hasn't exactly been great when they have owned a pick. With a need to add skill and the ability to not rush this pick to the NHL, Lias Andersson makes perfect sense. Many are calling Andersson the safest pick in the draft. While the upside might not be as great as some in the draft, Andersson is a pretty sure bet to develop into a top nine forward in the NHL. A player who is slightly undersized, Lias played in the Swedish Elite League with HV71 last season and was able to tally 19 points in 42 games. Andersson possesses a versatility offensively, smarts and speed that will allow him to be impactful with any team he skates with. Should Lias come to the CHL next season, expect a 65-70 point campaign.
22) Edmonton Oilers - Erik Brannstrom (D) - Edmonton isn't drafting in the top half of the draft this season and that's fantastic news. Another reason Oilers fans will be happy is they are in a position where drafting undersized, offensive defenseman Erik Brannstrom makes sense. Brannstrom skated in 35 games with HV71 of the Swedish Elite League, after dominating the SuperElit league to the tune of 23 points in 19 games. Erik was great at the U-18's and Ivan Hlinka and possesses intriguing upside despite his smaller frame. Brannstrom often utilizes his elite skating and strong puck skills to lead offensive attacks and many feel he has little to no flaws in his game. What is holding Brannstrom back is his size. Myself like many other scouts wonder if he can defend and withstand the riggers of the NHL at his size. I will say he is 100% worth the risk.
23) Arizona Coyotes - Kailer Yamamoto (C/LW) - The Arizona Coyotes have shown a willingness to take risks on undersized skilled players, showing an emphasis on skill and hockey sense above all. Kailer Yamamoto has both. The 5'9, 160 pound forward has tore apart the WHL offensively since his arrival in Spokane during the 2014-2015 season. As a rookie the speedy forward picked up 57 points in 68 games. The following season Yamamoto got closer to the point per game mark with 52 in 57 games. While this season he absolutely exploded with 42 goals and 57 assists for 99 points in 65 games. A player who thrives in transition, Yamamoto has quick strike ability and while he may project as more of a complimentary skilled player, his ability to create and finish plays limit the worry of size.
24) Columbus Blue Jackets - Kristian Vesalainen (LW/RW) - Columbus plays a heavy game with speed and skill, you could also describe Kristian Vesalainen's game as a heavy game with speed and skill, see the connection. Vesalainen has been highly touted for the 2017 draft for the past couple of years after dominating the 2014-2015 U-17 tournament. Vesalainen then went on to dominate the U-18's the following season, which had many predicting him as a top 10 pick in 2017. This season the 6'3, 207 pound Finn struggled to produce offensively playing in both the Swedish and then Finnish elite league. Finland's struggles at the World Juniors also didn't do Kristian any favors, however a player of his skill set is still a highly intriguing prospect. Vesalainen combines a powerful skating stride with good speed, strong possession and puck protection skills and a bullet shot. Columbus gets good value at 24.
25) Montreal Canadiens - Shane Bowers (C) - Montreal has a desperate need for talent down the middle, both at the NHL level and in their prospect pool. They should be thrilled to add Halifax, Nova Scotia native, Shane Bowers to the mix. Bowers is coming off a productive campaign with the USHL's Waterloo Blackhawks were he tallied 51 points in 60 games. A former fourth overall pick in the QMJHL draft by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, Bowers is committed to Boston University for the 2017-2018 season and will have time to round out and already intriguing skill package. Bowers is the type of player who does everything well and nothing fantastic and that's not to take away from his skill set, he simply doesn't have that one attribute that stands out. A player who many consider a "safe" pick, Bowers has NHL make-up to him, however his development in the coming years will dictate if he has top six potential or is simply a bottom six role type player.
26) Chicago Blackhawks - Jake Oettinger (G) - Chicago hasn't held a first round pick in the last two drafts and will welcome the 26th pick in 2017. While the Blackhawks could go defenseman with this pick, it would not shock me to see them snag the drafts top goaltender in Jake Oettinger. The Hawks system is void of any true goaltending prospect and while Corey Crawford isn't exactly falling off or pushing the back nine of his career, securing the crease wouldn't be a poor plan for Chicago. Oettinger is a 6'4, 205 pound goaltender who was outstanding for Boston University this season, posting a record of 21-11-3 with a 2.11 GAA and a 0.927 save percentage. A truly calming presence in the crease, Oettinger moves well in the crease and utilizes his size effectively. With strong rebound control, excellent poise and big game experience, Oettinger's pedigree continues to grow.
27) St. Louis Blue - Pierre-Olivier Joseph (D) - After adding 6'2 centre Ryan Poehling with their earlier first round pick, look for the Blues to add a young defender to the mix in Pierre-Oliver Joseph. Joseph skated with the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL this past season, racking up 39 points in 62 games. An average sized defender who will need to get stronger as he develops, Joseph possesses excellent hockey sense that will likely allow his game to translate to the next level. Joseph is a positionally sound defender who despite a lack of physicality to his game is strong defensively utilizing his skating, strong gaps and an active stick to find success. Joseph can be tough to describe at times, but you consistently come away liking what you saw.
28) Ottawa Senators - Robert Thomas (C) - The Ottawa Senators have drafted very well over the past few seasons and are sure to reap the benefits as the likes of Logan Brown, Colin White, Thomas Chabot and Filip Chlapik make their way to the big club. While Ottawa has a number of good young centres in the system, they don't have one like Robert Thomas. Thomas is a reliable two-way centre with skill and grit to his game. At 6'0, 188, the Aurora, Ontario native picked up 66 points in 66 regular season games for London of the OHL this season. While Thomas displays a competence in his own zone, a physical edge and ability to check opposing teams top lines, he also has deceptive offensive upside as a playmaking centre. It is very hard not to compare this young man to a former Senators pick and current Nashville Predator Mike Fisher.
29) Dallas Stars - Henri Jokiharju (D) - Dallas went with a big bodied, skilled centre with their third overall pick, now they'll get to add a defensive prospect to the fold in Portland Winter Hawks defender Henri Jokiharju. The 6'0, 170 pound puck moving defenseman from Oulu, Finland adapted well to the North American game this season, tallying 48 points in 71 appearances. A player who won't wow you on a shift-to-shift basis, Jokiharju provides a simple two-way game. With that being said Henri did shine on the biggest stage this season, racking up 3 assists in the CHL Top Prospects game, where nearly every NHL scout and GM were in the building. Jokiharju skates well, see's the ice well and makes good decisions in possession, while he isn't flashy like Makar or Liljegren, he will be a nice piece for the Stars.
30) Nashville Predators - Kole Lind (RW) - Nashville is coming off their best season in franchise history and with that they will look to find value with the 30th overall pick. While some say the 2017 NHL entry draft isn't a deep one and they would be right, finding a player like Kole Lind at number 30 will be a pleasant surprise for the Western Conference champs. Lind isn't a flashy player, but a player who simply plays the game the right way and consistently finds way to produce. Lind racked up 30 goals and 57 assists in 70 games with Kelowna this season. Lind thrives in possession, exceling in transition where he can utilize his versatile skill set to create in various ways. At 6'1, 173, Lind will need to fill out and add a physical element to his game, however he will have time to develop his game in the Predators system.
31) Pittsburgh Penguins - Marcus Davidsson (C) - This pick may be a little off the boards in terms of other "Mock Drafts" out there, but I see intriguing value and upside in Tyreso, Sweden native Marcus Davidsson. Davidsson is 6'0, 192 pound centre who just completed a full season in the Swedish Elite League with Djurgarden where he appeared in 45 games and tallied 9 points. Now the production certainly isn't there for a first round pick, but keep in mind this youngster is just eighteen years old and still has a ton of room to grow both physically and as a player. Davidsson is a two-way centre with elite skating ability and speed. A player who has an offensive skill set to his game, Davidsson may benefit from playing Major Junior hockey next season opposed to returning to Sweden despite the intriguing of a pro pay cheque.
