Updated Mark's Mock 2017 NHL Draft

By Mark Pukalo

The 2017 NHL draft is not much different than most. It’s about finding jewels past the first 15 picks and avoiding mistakes early.

The depth of no-brainer, solid future NHL players simply does not seem as strong in the first 15-16 picks. There is some high potential in that group, but the key is to steer away from the Brett Connollys (sixth), Alexander Burmistrovs (eighth) and Brandon Gormleys (13^th) while selecting someone closer to Cam Fowler (12^th), Vladimir Tarasenko (16^th) or Jaden Schwartz (14^th) - using the 2010 draft as an example.

The most interesting group is the offensive-minded players, who are either on the small side or have not shown much interest in the defensive end. There is plenty of risk-reward there and it may be the type of draft year to take chances.

Here’s a quick look at what might happen:

1. New Jersey – Nolan Patrick C, Brandon (WHL) - The Devils have a difficult choice here, mainly due to Patrick’s injury history, but versatile No. 1 centers with size don’t grow on trees in Newark.

2. Philadelphia – Nico Hischier C Halifax (QJHL) - Another skillful Moosehead should blast his way into the NHL next season and the Flyers are happy to add the talent to their top nine forwards.

3. Dallas – Gabriel Vilardi C Windsor (OHL) - Anything can happen between 3-15, but Vilardi may have sealed a top-five spot with his performance at the Memorial Cup. He has good size and hands, but needs to improve his skating - according to many scouts.

4. Colorado – Cale Makar D Brooks (AJHL) - Many agree he is the best puck-mover in the draft and he is slated to play at UMass next season. The Avs can use any kind of defenseman, even though he might be similar to Tyson Barrie.

5. Vancouver – Cody Glass C Portland (WHL) - Rapidly-improving offensive player who could end up being a home run for the Canucks. Good skater and he will be able to fill out a 6-2 frame.

6. Vegas – Casey Mittelstadt C Minnesota (NCAA) - The Minnesota-bound forward is a complete player with a lot of upside and fits the longer-range needs for an expansion franchise. Could end up being one of the best two in the draft, but the Knights would have to wait a few years.

7. New York Rangers – Timothy Liljegren D (Sweden) - Might have the highest upside of any d man in the draft, but did not have as good a 2016-17 season as was expected after getting Mono. The Rangers grabbed this spot to take a swing at a future PP QB?

8. Buffalo – Miro Heiskanen D (Finland) - Smooth, smart player who may be a safer pick than Makar or Liljegren and could go as high as No. 3. 

9. Detroit – Juuso Valimaki D Tri-City (WHL) - The Wings likely would take one of the previous two, but settle for a solid all-around rearguard with decent size.

10. Florida – Martin Necas RW (Czech Rep.) - Lost two top-nine forwards to Vegas, so the Panthers probably look for some offensive upside and must hope this guy is just inconsistent because of his age.

11. Los Angeles – Eeli Tolvanen LW Finland (NCAA) - The offensive dynamo is headed to Boston College and the Kings can use more skill and creativity to go with their size up front.

12. Carolina – Michael Rassmussen C Tri City (WHL) - The power forward (6-5, 200), who is very good around the net, could go anywhere from 3-15 and the relatively small Hurricanes may be a good spot for him.

13. Vegas – Callan Foote D Kelowna (WHL) - More of a two-way player on the backend than his rough and tough father Adam, he would fit nicely for the Golden Knights at 6-4, 210. It doesn’t hurt that he shoots right-handed either.

14. Tampa Bay – Kailer Yamamoto RW Spokane (WHL) – The Lightning need more skill and smarts after the loss of Jonathan Drouin and this small, talented kid could provide it in a few years. Might go for Foote, Liljegren and Tolvanen or a big Russian if they are there. Or, perhaps move down for an extra second or third.

15. Vegas – Owen Tippett RW Mississauga (OHL) - With two picks already in the bank, the Golden Knights may take a chance here with a terrific offensive player who appears to be allergic to his own zone at this point.

16. Calgary – Elias Pettersson C Timara (Sweden) - Scouts say he has just about everything to his game, but is extremely thin (6-2, 161) and needs time.

17. Toronto – Robert Thomas C London (OHL) – With all the offensive talent already on the roster, the Maple Leafs may look for a solid two-way forward and this guy fits the bill.

18. Boston – Maxime Comtois LW Victoriaville (QJHL) - The Bears could use some more skill, but might settle for a solid all-around player that may look like he should have been a top-10 pick in a few years.

19. San Jose – Kristian Vesalainen LW Finland (Euro) - He has a lot of ability and a pro body already (6-3, 207), so the Sharks might bet on improved production as time goes on.

20. St. Louis – Lias Andersson C/LW HV71 (Sweden) - The Blues can make a safe pick here and scouts say this son of former NHLer Niklas Andersson is a coach’s dream.

21. New York Rangers – Klim Kostin RW Russia (Euro) - Has plenty of talent and size (6-3, 196), but has been a bit enigmatic in his early career. May not get past the Lightning at No. 14, though.

22. Edmonton – Erik Brannstrom D HV71 (Sweden) - The Oilers could use an offensive defenseman to groom and the Swede has everything you need except size (5-10, 179).

23. Arizona – Jake Oettinger G Boston University (NCAA) – The Coyotes don’t really have a goalie of the future type, so with a second pick in the first round they may grab one and watch him develop as a Terrier.

24. Winnipeg – Nicolas Hague D Missisauga (OHL) – The Jets could use another solid d man in the system and Hague definitely has the size (6-5, 216) to be a factor.

25. Montreal – Urho Vaakanainen D JYP (Finland) - Smooth-skating rearguard who has been playing against men. The Habs have to retool on defense for the future.

26. Chicago – Ryan Poehling C St. Cloud State (NCAA) - Two-way center who competes and can develop in college for a few more seasons.

27. St. Louis – Conor Timmins D Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) - Solid player who is showing improvement on the offensive end. Safe pick that could prove very smart down the road. Lightning could move down to take him.

28. Ottawa – Nick Suzuki C Owen Sound (OHL) - One of those smallish forwards that could catch a team’s eyes in the middle of the opening round. A hard worker that Guy Boucher would like.

29. Dallas – Jason Robertson LW Kingston (OHL) – This player could go earlier, too, but his skating has come under question. The kid can score though and you can’t teach that.

30. Nashville – Josh Norris C Michigan (NCAA) – Has been under the radar a bit, but his talent is starting to pour out. The Predators could take a chance that he keeps improving.

31. Pittsburgh – Ivan Lodnia RW Erie (OHL) – Plays bigger than his size (5-10, 181) and looks to be on the rise.  Many ways Penguins can go here.