EHE Mock Draft

Thought I'd give this a go since most of the order is locked in. 2017 isn't a "weak" draft as is being reported but the talent at the top certainly gives this draft a weaker look. Still lots of talent well into the 3rd round. Players are linked to their eliteprospect page to view their stats. Here's how I see the 1st round shaking out:

1. Arizona - C Nico Hischier 6'0" 179 lbs - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

It's rumoured that Tim will draft whoever the Flyers take in the NHL. I have that down as Hischier.

2. Chicago - C Nolan Patrick 6'3" 198 lbs - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

There are only two at the top this year so Patrick is the obvious choice here.

3. Buffalo - C Gabriel Vilardi 6'2" 192 lbs - Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

If his skating was elite he'd be in the conversation with the top 2.

4. Vegas - C/LW Casey Mittelstadt 6'1" 201 lbs - Eden Prairie (US HS)

Patrick Kane like qualities, he faced weak competition this year in high school so he's hard to compare to his peers.

5. Dallas - C Cody Glass 6'2" 179 lbs - Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Glass has been a riser this year, Portland seems to consistantly come up with gems.

6. Calgary - D Cale Makar 5'11" 179 lbs - Brooks Bandits (AJHL)

Top Dman in the draft will be Makar, weaker competition compared to the other Dmen but ouses talent.

7. Tampa Bay - RW Owen Tippett 6'2" 203 lbs- Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Tippett would be higher if not for the questions about hockey IQ. Has all the tools to score at the next level though.

8. Philly - D Miro Heiskanen 6'0" 174 lbs - HIFK (SM-Liiga)

One of the biggest risers this year in the rankings. He's seen as a safer pick among the Dmen.

9. San Jose - C Elias Pettersson 6'2" 165 lbs - Timra IK (Allsvenskan)

Plays a strong 200 foot game and will play against men next year in the SHL. Might need to bulk up.

10. Winnipeg - C Martin Necas 6'1" 168 lbs - HC Kometa Brno (Czech)

Held his own playing in the top Czech league. He plays a smart two-way game.

11. Columbus - C Nick Suzuki 5'11" 183 lbs - Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

Not the tallest but is stocky and plays bigger than he is. Seems to be high on most lists.

12. Florida - C Michael Rasmussen 6'5" 203 lbs - Tri-city Americans (WHL)

Huge center was dynamite this year. There are a few questions around the offensive potential at the next level.

13. Toronto - D Timothy Liljegren 6'0" 192 lbs - Rouge BK (SHL)

Struggled with injury and illness this year but still has one of the higher potentials in the draft.

14. Montreal - C Lias Andersson 5'11" 198 lbs - HV71 (SHL)

Has tons of skill and showed flashes against men this year in the SHL.

15. New Jersey - D Juuso Valimaki 6'2" 201 lbs - Tri-City Americans (WHL)

He was a PPG player in the dub this year and almost scored 20 goals. He also looked more comfortable in his own end this year.

16. St. Louis - W Kristian Vesalainen 6'3" 209 lbs- Frolunda HC (SHL)

Comparisons to Jagr may have people reaching on him. Struggled in the SHL and will be back in Finland next year.

17. LA - D Callan Foote 6'3" 209 lbs - Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Don't expect Adam Foote 2.0 here, Callan plays nothing like his dad and has good puck moving ability.

18. Anaheim - D Nicolas Hague 6'6" 214 lbs - Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

He moves the puck well for a big guy and makes smart decisions with and without the puck. Skating obviously needs refining.

19. Minny - LW Eeli Tolvanen 5'10" 181 lbs - Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)

He plays the game at a high tempo and does nothing but score goals. Does not play like a small player.

20. Pitts - C Robert Thomas 6'0" 187 lbs - London Knights (OHL)

A well rounded player who played very well in an expanded roll in London scoring at a PPG clip.

21. Nashville - W Kailer Yamamoto 5'8" 159 lbs - Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Possibly the highest offensive potential in the draft but falls due to his size.

22. Detroit - LW Jason Robertson 6'2" 194 lbs - Kingston Frontenac’s (OHL)

Big time goal scorer netted 42 this year and continued his great season into the playoffs.

23. Carolina - D Erik Brannstrom 5'10" 179 lbs - HV71 (SHL)

Another of the risers this year, he is a crafty puck mover with good hockey IQ.

24. NYR - LW Nikita Popugayev 6'6" 203 lbs - Prince George Cougars (WHL)

He had a Jekyll & Hyde season playing well with the Warriors and struggled with the Cougars. Upside is still there.

25. Washington - D Pierre-Olivier Joseph 6'0" 161 lbs - Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)

He had a breakout season in the Q. He does everything well and looks to be a two-way Dman at the next level.

26. Edmonton - C Ryan Poehling 6'3" 185 lbs - St. Cloud State (NCAA)

Big kid had a good year playing against older bigger players in college. Should get more ice-time next year.

27. Boston - D Conor Timmins 6'1" 183 lbs - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Smart player who makes a good first pass and skates well. Needs to use his size better.

28. NYI - LW Isaac Ratcliffe 6'5" 205 lbs - Guelph Storm (OHL)

Big kid protects the puck well and has a great shot. Disappears at times though.

29. Vancouver - LW Maxime Comtois 6'2" 201 lbs - Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

Had a bit of a down year but I still expect someone to reach for him due to his potential.

30. Colorado - RW Kole Lind 6'1" 185 lbs - Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Progressing well with Kelowna and drives the offense on his line.

31. Ottawa - C Shane Bowers - Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)

Committed to BU next year, no skills seem to be lacking but nothing looks elite. A fairly safe late pick in the 1st.

Comments or insults welcome.