With the big midseason tournaments and the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in the rearview mirror, it's time for my midseason update of the 2017 NHL draft class.
The rankings are based on games I've scouted throughout the season, live and on video. I've seen just about all of the top prospects live at least once and many several times. I also supplement that with discussions with scouts and sources across the industry, as well as statistical analysis of the players' performances.
The 2017 class is shaping up to be one of the weakest of the post-2005 lockout era. There is no guarantee that's the case going forward -- players can change in a dramatic way in a short period of time. But as of now, it's hard to give a ringing endorsement of the class, as it looks similar in quality to the 2011 and 2012 classes.
Nico Hischier and Nolan Patrick, this year's top two prospects, likely would be in the discussion for the No. 3 to No. 5 range in the past two drafts. Previous ranks refer to my first draft board of the season, which posted in October.
1. Nico Hischier, C, Halifax (QMJHL) (Previous rank: 5)
2016-17 stats: 43 GP | 37 G | 39 A
Everything has been pointing in the right direction for Hischier this season. He was fantastic from the word go between juniors and international play, and he has put himself into a reasonable discussion to go first overall. He's the complete package offensively. He's a very good skater, with the ability to be dangerous due to his first step and top gear but particularly in how elusive he is. Hischier is a creative puck handler who can dictate possession with his skill. As with Patrick, his best trait is his hockey sense. He anticipates pressure well, moves the puck into the right places and outsmarts defenders. He's not a bulky guy, but he gets to the net with frequency and is a solid defensive center.
Why I went with Hischier at No. 1:
I'm going to anticipate the argument. "Corey likes being controversial. He put Patrik Laine ahead of Auston Matthews last summer, and now this!" You think I liked having Leafs fans hurl insults at me all last spring and summer? I'd much rather be watching baseball than having to deal with outrage. I have a duty in my view to my readers to give my best, reasoned decision no matter the public perception.
On the merits of the decision, I had Patrick slotted at No. 1 most of the season, but I became uneasy about it the past few weeks. Frankly, I've been more impressed by Hischier this season on a tools level. There is a pretty significant age calculation I'm trying to make in my mind when balancing these two players. Patrick is four months older than Hischier (and has a full extra season of experience), with mildly superior performance, but that's in a small sample for Patrick, given that he missed most of the season due to injury. Last season in the WHL -- when Patrick arguably performed as well as Hischier this season, when adjusting for league -- he would have been eight months younger than the current version of Hischier. It's a tough balancing act, and I wouldn't fault anyone for picking either of them first overall. Given what's a close statistical call in my mind, the fact Hischier has looked better to my eye evaluation tilts the scale. Ultimately, I see slightly more dynamic elements in his game, to the point where I think he could potentially be an elite player in the NHL.
2. Nolan Patrick, C, Brandon (WHL) (Previous rank: 1)
2016-17 stats: 14 GP | 9 G | 14 A
Patrick hasn't had the best draft season he could have envisioned, mostly because he missed a substantial part of the season due to injury. However, he still remains a top prospect. His best trait is his hockey sense. He's a highly creative playmaker, with high-end vision and puck skills. Patrick also shows an above-average shot. His skating isn't as dynamic as his playmaking -- it's about pro average instead of being top level -- but he'll be able to skate in the NHL. He's a player without a glaring flaw, as he'll be what you want in a top-level center. His downside is he's not the true game-breaker you'd like to get at the No. 1 or 2 slot. He doesn't wow you like Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid did as draft prospects.
3. Owen Tippett, RW, Mississauga (OHL) (Previous rank: 11)
2016-17 stats: 47 GP | 38 G | 27 A
Tippett is a very exciting winger to watch. He has been a dominant goal scorer this season in the OHL due to the ability to get a high quantity of quality shots on goal. Tippett is one of the best speedsters in the draft class. He has a high skill level and can make some open-ice plays, but he's much more comfortable going north-south than east-west. He can kill penalties due to his great speed and be a shorthanded scoring threat while doing so. Tippett's game is more about playing in straight lines, but don't let his tilted goal-to-assist ratio fool you, as he can make plays to his teammates as well.
4. Eeli Tolvanen, RW, Sioux City (USHL) (Previous rank: 2)
2016-17 stats: 32 GP | 17 G | 16 A
Simply put, he has produced everywhere he's gone. He has been the best player in the USHL this season and has dominated international play during the past few seasons. Tolvanen is known mostly for his big-time shot, making him one of the more feared goal scorers in this year's class. However, he's more than a shooter. Tolvanen has great hands, can make difficult feeds and plays at a quick pace, although he is most comfortable when he's winding up his cannon. He's small and not incredibly quick for a player his size, but he's smart enough to put himself in positions to score and has a little physical edge to his game, too.
5. Klim Kostin, LW, Moscow (KHL) (Previous rank: 3)
2016-17 stats: 8 GP | 0 G | 0 A
Kostin's ice time was limited playing against men in Russia, followed by a season-ending injury, but he's impressed during international play over the past few years. His skill level is incredible for a 6-foot-3 player, as he makes tough offensive plays seem easy. Kostin can stickhandle in open space, but he also excels as a playmaker and can make the smart play when an option is available. Kostin's skating isn't high end, but he skates well for a player his size, showed significant improvements on that front during the past year and could be average as a pro.
6. Gabriel Vilardi, C, Windsor (OHL) (Previous rank: 7)
2016-17 stats: 33 GP | 19 G | 21 A
I've been slightly underwhelmed by Vilardi this OHL season relative to lofty expectations coming in, but at the end of the day he's a very strong prospect, and one with a lot of upside. Big men who can make the plays that he can are hard to find. His skill level is legitimately top level, as his ability to maintain possession, create offense off the rush and evade pressure are as good as some of the better 5-foot-11 forwards. Some shifts he'll battle hard for pucks and use his size, but that part of his game can be inconsistent, and overall I wouldn't qualify his off-puck game as a strength. Vilardi's skating is also an issue with a below-average top gear.
7. Timothy Liljegren, D, Rogle (SHL) (Previous rank: 4)
2016-17 stats: 19 GP | 1 G | 4 A
Liljegren missed a sizeable chunk of the season due to mono, but he's one of the most dynamic offensive defensemen of the past few drafts. "He was able to quarterback an SHL power play when he was 16. You just don't see that," said one scout. LIljegren skates very well and can get up in a rush, but it's his skill and offensive mind that elevate him to the highest levels. While he's an imaginative and effective puck mover, he can get himself into trouble at times. He gives the puck away a lot going for the one extra play. He also has struggled defensively since returning to pro play. One NHL exec made a comment on his play on recovering from mono, "It can take a few weeks, sometimes even a few months, to get your feet under you. I think he could turn his season around starting in February."
8. Martin Necas, C, Brno (Czech Extraliga) (Previous rank: 10)
2016-17 stats: 35 GP | 6 G | 7 A
Necas has been an effective player this season for a team in the top Czech league at age 17, although he plays on a team that is deep in scoring talent. That said, he's certainly a dynamic talent himself. Necas' skating ability is very good, as he's one of the quicker skaters available in this class. While he excels when playing a fast-paced game, Necas is also a very good playmaker who can slow the game down and make plays from the boards. You see the occasional good defensive play that exemplifies his work ethic and IQ, but he's clearly more polished with the puck on his stick than without.
9. Cody Glass, C, Portland (WHL) (Previous rank: Not ranked)
2016-17 stats: 51 GP | 24 G | 47 A
While he wasn't on my top 30 to start the season, Glass shattered expectations at the start of the season and has maintained his play throughout the first half. He's a dynamic playmaker, who has the skill, size and IQ to be a significant scorer in the NHL. Glass' puck skills are elite, and he's a smart playmaker who can make plays at a quick tempo and control the center third of the ice. Some scouts I talk to praise his skating; I haven't seen a great top gear from Glass, but he looks above average in that area. He needs to bulk up his frame significantly, as he can be pushed off pucks too easily, but he works hard for pucks and has the IQ to be useful in his own end.
10. Kailer Yamamoto, RW, Spokane (WHL) (Previous rank: 15)
2016-17 stats: 45 GP | 30 G | 34 A
It takes a lot of talent to convince me that a player under 5-foot-8 (Kailer measures in at 5-foot-7.5, per NHL central scouting) should go in the top 15, but Yamamoto clears that bar due to his talent level and a relatively weak draft class. He's a plus skater, puck handler and passer, with great agility on his edges, combined with a good top gear. He can create so much when he's carrying the puck due to his skill, creativity and ability to see the ice. As an 18-year-old at the WHL level, he showed he could be decent defensively, but the main concern as he advances up the ranks is how he will do away from the puck given his size.
11. Casey Mittelstadt, C, Eden Prairie (US high school) (Previous rank: 12)
2016-17 stats: 21 GP | 14 G | 32 A
After being a top player in the USHL this season, Mittelstadt left to rejoin his high school team. However, even though he left Green Bay months ago, he's still top five on the team in scoring. Mittelstadt is a dynamic playmaker who can generate scoring chances in bunches. He can dangle in open ice with the best of them, can play with pace and make a highlight happen at any given moment. Mittelstadt sees the ice very well, often executing on high-difficulty feeds and serving as a primary starting point of offense. His skating isn't as dynamic as his hands, but he skates well and has that extra separation gear in his feet. Off the puck he isn't as great, as he loses more battles than he should.
12. Nick Suzuki, C, Owen Sound (OHL) (Previous rank: 19)
2016-17 stats: 47 GP | 25 G | 34 A
Suzuki has been consistently impressive and one of the top overall players in the OHL. The first thing any scout will say about him is to praise his hockey sense. He sees the ice very well as a playmaker, but overall his ability to make quick, creative and correct decisions consistently helps make him a dangerous two-way force. Defensively, he's solid in his positional play, winning battles without taking penalties, and is a shorthanded scoring threat to boot. His skating technique isn't sublime, but I wouldn't categorize him as slow -- maybe just a little awkward in how his feet get him to where he's going.
13. Cale Makar, D, Brooks (AJHL) (Previous rank: Not ranked)
2016-17 stats: 43 GP | 16 G | 39 A
Makar has been lights-out good this season in the AJHL, and he had a dominant performance at the World Junior A Challenge. Small, older (a late 1998 birth date) defensemen from Junior A don't get me excited that often, but Makar deserves a ton of recognition. Makar skates very well and has a strong burst out of each stride. He's aggressive jumping into the play and can pressure with his speed. Makar also is a highly skilled puck handler with high-end offensive instincts. He can make tough offensive plays with consistency and quarterback a power play. His defense was passable at the Junior A level, but scouts are concerned about him checking pros due to his size and defensive IQ.
14. Kristian Vesalainen, LW, Frolunda (SHL) (Previous rank: 8)
2016-17 stats: 22 GP | 1 G | 5 A
Vesalainen split time between the SHL and Liiga as he struggled to establish himself at either level as a 17-year-old. His poor regular season aside, he still has a lot of promise as an NHL prospect. Players of his size -- 6-foot-3, 200 pounds -- who can jet as well as Vesalainen does are hard to find. He has slick puck skills, and while he won't be a premier playmaker, he is able to generate quite a bit of offense from his creativity, speed and ability to drive the high-percentage areas. His game needs to round out a lot, though. He's not that great defensively, and while he can play a power game, he needs to work on being more consistent in loose-puck battles.
15. Michael Rasmussen, C, Tri-City (WHL) (Previous rank: 17)
2016-17 stats: 50 GP | 32 G | 23 A
It's easy to imagine why some scouts would be optimistic about a 6-foot-6 center with significant scoring numbers. While Rasmussen has put up a ton of goals this season, I've been more impressed by his passing skills. He's a smart playmaker who plays at a pro-level pace. He's a multi-dimensional player. He has the aforementioned vision, a really good shot, and I've seen Tri-City lean on his size as a net-front player on the power play. Rasmussen is also solid defensively, and he wins puck battles using his size. His main drawback is his skating. He's below average in terms of speed, and while that's not a huge issue in the grand scheme of his skill set, it keeps him from being truly dynamic.
16. Miro Heiskanen, D, HIFK (Liiga) (Previous rank: 13)
2016-17 stats: 30 GP | 5 G | 5 A
Heiskanen established himself as a regular in the middle of a top Finnish league team's lineup as one of the younger players in this draft class. His hockey sense is so good that he dictates the play due to how effectively he moves the puck. He makes great decisions, understands how to create chances while keeping his plays simple, and overall shows no issues playing at a pro pace. His mobility is pretty good, too, as he can get up into the rush well and close his gaps efficiently. He's a little shorter than average for an NHL defender and needs bulk, but I see his IQ translating well as he rises up the ranks.
17. Ivan Lodnia, RW, Erie (OHL) (Previous rank: 18)
2016-17 stats: 48 GP | 21 G | 24 A
I know I'm higher on Lodnia than others in the industry, but whenever I've seen him this season I've been impressed. He has one of the highest skill levels among all players in the draft class. He dangles defenders seemingly every shift, and he is able to create dangerous chances with consistency. His vision isn't as good as his puck skills, but he's clearly an above-average playmaker. That being said, there are significant flaws in his game. He's small, not a great skater -- particularly for a 5-foot-10 player -- and isn't going to be the first guy a coach sends over the boards to kill a penalty.
18. Elias Pettersson, C, Timra (SHL) (Previous rank: Not ranked)
2016-17 stats: 33 GP | 15 G | 18 A
Pettersson was a significant riser this season after producing at a point-per-game pace versus men in Sweden and often appearing on highlight reels for positive reasons. Simply put, he's a playmaker. Pettersson has quick hands, and even when he's being tightly checked he's able to generate space for himself. Elias sees the ice very well and can make difficult feeds. "He has the talent to be a star," said one scout. That doesn't mean Pettersson's game is perfect. He has heavy feet and struggles to win battles, as he has a wiry frame and isn't a very intense battler. That noted, it's hard to ignore his significant point-producing potential as a pro, and I could see a team being more enamored with Pettersson than I am.
19. Robert Thomas, C, London (OHL) (Previous rank: Not ranked)
2016-17 stats: 48 GP | 14 G | 30 A
Thomas is a smart and skilled center. His coordination and creativity with the puck are top notch, and he consistently moves the puck into good spaces to generate chances. Thomas also can be quite effective on the defensive side of the puck despite his smaller frame, and he was one of London's better penalty killers this season. He could be marginally faster for a player his size, but I think he skates fine and will be competent in that area as a pro. Don't let his "just fine" counting stats fool you -- buried behind No. 20 NHL prospect Cliff Pu as London's No. 2 center, Thomas has been an impactful player.
20. Erik Brannstrom, D, HV71 (SHL) (Previous rank: 22)
2016-17 stats: 28 GP | 1 G | 4 A
A notable favorite of mine relative to other scouts. I've been very impressed by him the past two to three seasons and think he has a good ceiling. He's a small defenseman at 5-foot-10, but he does a lot well. Brannstrom is a great skater and has the ability to make plays in open ice because, though his puck skills aren't fantastic, his feet and great vision allow him to make a lot happen. He has showed the ability to play tough minutes defensively despite his subpar size. Despite the occasional gaffe, his hockey IQ shines on most shifts.
21. Lias Andersson, C, HV71 (SHL) (Previous rank: 14)
2016-17 stats: 32 GP | 6 G | 5 A
All Andersson does is produce wherever he's gone for the past few years. He won't dazzle you with high-end dekes, but there is a lot of skill to Andersson's game. He makes quick decisions, has a quick shot, sees his options well, and has good puck skills. Though he may be below-average in size, he's tough and pretty strong for a player his age, and can kill penalties adequately. I don't love his skating, but he's not dragging anvils all over the ice. Considering all the other positive attributes in his offensive game, you can live without game-breaking speed.
22. Ryan Poehling, C, St. Cloud State (NCHC) (Previous rank: 16)
2016-17 stats: 27 GP | 6 G | 3 A
Poehling was one of the most impressive players at the Ivan Hlinka tournament this past summer. During this season, as one of the youngest players in college hockey, he's been decent at times, with the inconsistencies that are expected from a 17-year-old playing against some players who are in their 20s. Poehling is a very smart playmaker down the middle, who can score as well. He displays good hand-eye coordination, consistently makes above-average skill plays and can play with pace. His skating isn't fantastic, but shows at an average level.
23. Henri Jokiharju, D, Portland (WHL) (Previous rank: 24)
2016-17 stats: 52 GP | 6 G | 27 A
Though he started off a little slow adjusting to North America, he seems to have finally made the transition. I've always been impressed by his skill set and think he has significant NHL upside. He's a great skater, and one of the more mobile defenders available in this class. He's a smart two-way defenseman who can dictate tempo and move the puck efficiently. I don't think his skill is top-end level, but it's due to his vision, feet and decision making that he's going to be able to rack up a lot of points. Despite not being a big guy, Jokiharju is quite effective defensively because he's very smart with his positional play.
24. Alexei Lipanov, C, Balashikha (VHL) (Previous rank: Not ranked)
2016-17 stats: 17 GP | 3 G | 4 A
Lipanov has been quite impressive this season playing versus men in Russia's second-division league, as well as in international play. He's a very well-rounded player. Lipanov is a great skater who can push defenders back off the rush. I wouldn't qualify his playmaking as elite, but he's a coordinated puck handler who can set up chances for his teammates on a frequent basis. He's a solid defensive player and can win battles without taking penalties. At the World Jr. A Challenge, he was first over the boards for Russia to win a power play draw or kill off a penalty.
25. Callan Foote, D, Kelowna (WHL) (Previous rank: 9)
2016-17 stats: 52 GP | 5 G | 36 A
Big defensemen with skill aren't easy to find, and it's why Adam Foote's son will make himself a real valuable asset on draft day. He is 6-foot-4, has above-average puck skills, sees the ice well, and has been a pillar for Kelowna this season, quarterbacking their top power-play unit. His defense is fine. He uses his frame to win battles and has adequate defensive sense. I think given his size and offensive skill he'll be a competent two-way defenseman as a pro. I don't love his skating, particularly his first step, and that's what keeps him from being a true upper-echelon prospect.
26. Nikita Popugaev, RW, Prince George (WHL) (Previous rank: Not ranked)
2016-17 stats: 55 GP | 25 G | 35 A
Forwards with a high skill level that stand 6-foot-6 will always get careful attention from any scout. Popugaev is incredibly coordinated for a player his size. He can make dangles seem effortless, and has the vision to make soft touch plays. Popugaev uses his big body well to shield the puck when his team is on the attack, and gets his nose dirty in the corners too. He has a big shot, but I like his game more when he's looking to be a playmaker. I've heard from some scouts who think he's a competent skater, but in my viewings I've seen a player with sub-par bursts out of the gate, and just a mediocre top gear.
27. Filip Westerlund, D, Frolunda (SHL) (Previous rank: Not ranked)
2016-17 stats: 26 GP | 0 G | 4 A
Westerlund established himself in the SHL getting a regular shift with Frolunda as a 17-year-old. He has great hockey sense and overall puck-moving skill. His offensive IQ is high-end and it's a big selling point, but it comes with the fact there isn't a ton of other selling points to his game. Westerlund has mediocre speed, he's undersized and not very physical. His IQ allows him to be competent defensively, and he closes his gaps fine, but I wouldn't qualify him as a shutdown player either. You're betting on his upside, which is quite notable.
28. Juuso Valimaki, D, Tri-City (WHL) (Previous rank: 26)
2016-17 stats: 43 GP | 15 G | 30 A
A very well-rounded defenseman. Valmaki stands in at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, but skates like a 5-foot-11 player, with an easy, powerful stride. His puck skills aren't dynamic, but he has decent hands to couple with very good offensive instincts. He moves the puck quite well and can project as a potential second-unit power-play man in the pros. I've been more impressed with his offensive instincts in the WHL than I have been in international play for Finland. Defensively, he's a rock, with the ability to close gaps with his speed, on top of winning a lot of battles and making smart, simple plays.
29. Maxime Comtois, LW, Victoriaville (QMJHL) (Previous rank: 6)
2016-17 stats: 47 GP | 16 G | 21 A
Comtois has trended down this season after entering as a potential top-5 pick. I'm left wanting for the "wow" in his game. He's steady, and there are pro attributes in his skill set, but he isn't going to take over a shift. For a guy standing in at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, he's a really good skater with an easy burst out of his stride. He competes for pucks, is good defensively, and can get to the tough areas. There is certainly skill in his game, but it's not of the high-end variety.
30. Aleksi Heponiemi, C, Swift Current (WHL) (Previous rank: 32)
2016-17 stats: 52 GP | 20 G | 45 A
Heponiemi is a dynamic playmaker who has impressed me all season and been of the top under-18 scorers in the CHL. He can use his great skating ability to push the pace, and create chances off the rush. He also has the top-level vision to see plays develop from a slower pace and make the difficult feeds. Detractors will point to his 5-foot-10 frame, and that he's not very physical. I think he's OK defensively, and given his high hockey IQ, I think he'll find a way to survive.
31. David Farrance, D, USNTDP (USHL) (Previous rank: Not ranked)
2016-17 stats: 17 GP | 1 G | 10 A
There hasn't been a ton to watch at the USNTDP this season (unlike most prior seasons), but Farrance is one of the few players that consistently stood out to me among that group. He's a fantastic skater, who can get up into the rush in a blink while also having the four-way mobility to evade pressure and control the puck. His skill isn't elite, but he's still a pretty creative and coordinated puck handler who makes tough offensive plays. It's easy to point to his 5-foot-11 frame and say, "no thank you," without any giant counting numbers to support his case, but he's a player I believe in due to his talent and intelligence.
32. Kole Lind, RW, Kelowna (WHL)
33. Ian Mitchell, D, Spruce Grove (AJHL)
34. Jake Leschyshyn, C, Regina (WHL)
35. Nic Hague, D, Mississauga (OHL)
36. Joni Ikonen, C, Frolunda (SHL)
37. Mason Shaw, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)
38. Matthew Strome, LW, Hamilton (OHL)
39. Pierre-Olivier Joseph, D, Charlottetown (QMJHL)
40. Alexander Polunin, LW, Lokomotiv (KHL)
41. Morgan Frost, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
42. Jarret Tyskza, D, Seattle (WHL)
43. Sasha Chmelevski, C, Ottawa (OHL)
44. Shane Bowers, C, Waterloo (USHL)
45. Grant Mismash, LW, USNTDP (USHL)
46. Urho Vaakanainen, D, JYP (Liiga)
47. Markus Phillips, D, Owen Sound (OHL)
48. Antoine Morand, C, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
49. Stelio Mattheos, RW, Brandon (WHL)
50. Josh Norris, C, USNTDP (USHL)
Top 5 goaltenders
It's plausible we could see a goalie taken in the first round this season, due to the relatively mild strength of the skater group. I couldn't tell you who it is, because if you ask five different scouts, you'll get five different answers on who the top goalie is in this group. However, some scouts do love goalies like Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen or Jake Oettinger enough to endorse them as first-round picks.
1. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, HPK (Jr. A Liiga)
2. Michael DiPietro, Windsor (OHL)
3. Jake Oettinger, Boston University (Hockey East)
4. Ian Scott, Prince Albert (WHL)
5. Olle Eriksson Ek, Farjestad (J20 SuperElit)