The 2017 NHL draft class is one without the fanfare of the prior two seasons, due to the lack of bona fide elite prospects at the very top of the class. That doesn't mean the class is devoid of talent, but everything gets shifted downwards without a player like Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews for the taking.
Without a true top talent or two, players that would usually be selected No. 3-6 go at the top, players who would normally go in the teens are in the discussion in the top 10 and so on throughout the first round. The result is a draft class that is projected to be below average.
While discussions with many sources in the industry take place to gather information, the rankings, profiles and analysis are completely my own, and reflect my opinion of who I believe the top prospects in the draft class are. These may differ from the industry -- at times in a significant manner. This is not a projection of what will transpire on draft day in Chicago; for that, be sure to check out my forthcoming mock draft.
We'll kick off my ranking of the top 100 prospects with a look at Nos. 81-100, and will reveal an additional 20 each day until the full list publishes on May 19.
81. Kyle Olson, RW, Tri-City (WHL)
DOB: 3/22/99 | Ht: 5' 10.5" | Wt: 161
2016-17 stats: 72 GP | 20 G | 37 A
Olson might not have other-worldly counting stats, but he has progressed well this season and didn't get ice time with Tri-City's first power-play unit due to playing on a team with a lot of good players. Olson is small but has a good skill level, and competes at both ends of the rink. He has the puck skills to make quick-twitch plays and create off the rush. He shows an above-average shot as well, and isn't afraid to get goals by going to the greasy areas. I don't love his skating for a smaller player. He's not super slow, but it's a noticeable shortcoming. It helps that he hustles every shift, allowing him to be a competent penalty killer.
82. Andrei Svetlakov, C, CSKA (KHL)
DOB: 4/06/96 | Ht: 6' 0.0" | Wt: 202
2016-17 stats: 37 GP | 4 G | 12 A
He was intriguing last year at age 19, and took a step forward this season. Whether it was in the KHL, or centering Valeri Nichushkin and Ivan Telegin in international play, Svetalkov showed a steady two-way game down the middle. I don't see truly dynamic qualities in his play, but he does a lot well. He's an above-average skater, he has solid puck skills, grinds for pucks and can be a reliable penalty killer. He's not the first guy I think of when I think of a center creating on the power play, but he can generate a fair amount of offense. The major downside for Svetlakov is an injury history, particularly having multiple concussions.
83. Jonah Gadjovich, LW, Owen Sound (OHL)
DOB: 10/12/98 | Ht: 6' 2.0" | Wt: 209
2016-17 stats: 60 GP | 46 G | 28 A
A really tough player for me to get a read on this season. I see why people like Gadjovich: He's big, strong, physical, kills penalties and skates at a decent level for his size. He also produced a ton in terms of scoring numbers and generated a lot of shots on net, as he's a tough player to move from the crease when he gets near that area. There is a lack of a "wow" factor for me, though. He's got subpar hands and offensive instincts despite his significant point totals this season. I see him being worth a gamble in the third or fourth round. He's smart enough for something real to be there, but I think his numbers belie the true level of his skill set.
84. Tim Soderlund, C/LW, Skelleftea (SHL)
DOB: 1/23/98 | Ht: 5' 9.0" | Wt: 163
2016-17 stats: 39 GP | 3 G | 4 A
Soderlund has been effective for an under-19 player in the SHL and was very impressive at the World Junior Championship for Sweden. "He's a grinder with the skill to make the plays a lot of hard-nosed guys can't," one NHL scout said. Despite being a re-entry prospect, Soderlund is one of the best speedsters in the class. He's often a shorthanded threat, because if he ever gets puck control and is near the defenseman, he can easily blow past them. While Soderlund is not a playmaking dynamo, he has solid puck skills and can move the puck around. He's at his best when he's hustling for pucks and barreling through the neutral zone. He'll need to bulk up to be more effective with his style of play.
85. Santeri Virtanen, C, TPS Jr. (Liiga)
DOB: 5/11/99 | Ht: 6' 1.5" | Wt: 194
2016-17 stats: 5 GP | 2 G | 4 A
Virtanen missed most of the season with an injury but ended his season strong at the world under-18 tournament, being one of the top players for silver medalist Finland. He's a solid two-way forward, and is often one of his team's better penalty killers. He can be a short-handed scoring threat thanks to his solid puck skills, and makes good, quick decisions on the ice. While he can make plays to teammates, Virtanen is more at home getting pucks and himself to the net. His skating has shown a lot of improvement from past years to where he now looks like he can skate competently with pros.
86. Tyler Steenbergen, C, Swift Current (WHL)
DOB: 1/07/98 | Ht: 5' 10.25" | Wt: 188
2016-17 stats: 72 GP | 51 G | 39 A
Steenbergen showed massive improvements in his second draft-eligible season, and the former first-rounder in his WHL bantam draft was one of the top goal and point producers in the league. He's a good skater even when you consider smaller guys are usually a little more explosive. He's a decent penalty killer who uses his speed well to be a short-handed scoring threat. With the puck, Steenbergen shows good coordination and creativity, and occasionally make a high-skill play. A 50-goal scorer this season, Steenbergen is also able to score from a distance. While his defensive awareness is decent, he's not as physical as you'd like a smaller player to be, and I do have questions if his skill set is going to be dynamic as a pro. However, it's hard to argue that he hasn't shown promise to be a scorer as a pro.
87. Jonas Rondbjerg, RW, Vaxjo (SHL)
DOB: 3/31/99 | Ht: 6' 1.5" | Wt: 187
2016-17 stats: 42 GP | 9 G | 22 A
Rondbjerg was solid this season in Sweden and was a critical part of Denmark's surprise performance at the World Juniors. "He's a coach's dream," one NHL scout said of Jonas. "He's super smart, plays like a pro, is responsible in all areas of the game." Rondbjerg's skating has always stuck out to me as the major flaw in his skill set. You never really see him put defensemen on their heels. However, he's still a quality playmaker and has good stick skills. He wins a lot of battles and can kill penalties well. I don't see Rondbjerg becoming an NHL star, but his game is advanced, and he has the talent level to be a useful pro.
88. Nate Schnarr, C, Guelph (OHL)
DOB: 2/25/99 | Ht: 6' 3.25" | Wt: 180
2016-17 stats: 54 GP | 18 G | 18 A
There's no other way to put this: Schnarr is a dull prospect, but one who is steady and effective at both ends of the rink. His scoring stats were suppressed by a poor supporting cast, but he was an important offensive player for Guelph. Schnarr skates well for a 6-foot-3 forward, and with the hustle he displays every shift he always seems to be around the puck. His skill level isn't high-end, and he isn't the first guy I think of when I want a power-play quarterback, but he can make some plays because of his smarts and vision. His shot shows at an above-average level, and as he continues to get stronger I can see that becoming a real weapon. Ultimately, Schnarr is a solid defensive forward who can play in tough defensive situations and push the play forward.
89. Eemeli Rasanen, D, Kingston (OHL)
DOB: 3/06/99 | Ht: 6' 6.75" | Wt: 208
2016-17 stats: 66 GP | 6 G | 33 A
Towering, 6-foot-6 defensemen who can move the puck generate discussion quickly in the scouting world, and Rasanen fits that description. He's tall and he's physical, but he was also on Kingston's top power-play unit. The main issue with Rasanen is his skating. He has heavy feet, which isn't abnormal for a player his size who isn't going in the top 15 picks, but it's really apparent watching him that he can't get himself out of trouble with his skating or get up into the rush. With that in mind, he's still effective offensively because he thinks the game well. He's able to make impressive hands plays for a big man, and has good vision moving the puck up the ice. He has a solid shot from the point as well.
90. Cale Fleury, D, Kootenay (WHL)
DOB: 11/19/98 | Ht: 6' 1.25" | Wt: 201
2016-17 stats: 70 GP | 11 G | 27 A
The brother of 2014 No. 7 overall pick Haydn Fleury (Carolina Hurricanes), Cale has been an important part of a weak Kootenay club. Fleury is a very good skater, with an easy first step and four-way mobility. His offensive upside isn't 50 points in the NHL, but he can move the puck effectively on his outlets and was a competent power-play guy in the WHL. I like Fleury's two-way play. He's strong for his age and doesn't shy from playing the body. As a result, he wins a lot of puck battles. His IQ is decent, and overall he's a reliable defender. Fleury won't wow you, but he does a lot well every night.
91. Adam Thilander, D, North Bay (OHL)
DOB: 9/18/98 | Ht: 6' 0.0" | Wt: 190
2016-17 stats: 64 GP | 6 G | 29 A
Thilander has been a name on the radar for a few years, catching my eye many times playing internationally for Sweden. While he wasn't outstanding for an 18-year-old in the OHL, he was a top scorer on a rather weak North Bay team. Thilander is a solid yet unspectacular two-way defenseman, whose hockey sense is his best trait. He can be an effective power-play quarterback with how well he sees the ice and has the skill to make a checker miss and create some space for himself. Defensively, he's able to be put in tough situations, win some battles and get the puck out of trouble. I'm not saying his reads are perfect, because he makes the odd mistake, but overall he understands the game. His skating is OK in terms of his technique and footwork, but he lacks explosiveness.
92. Robin Salo, D, Sport (Liiga)
DOB: 10/13/98 | Ht: 6' 0.75" | Wt: 187
2016-17 stats: 54 GP | 1 G | 15 A
Salo was a useful top-four defenseman for Sport this season -- yes, there is a Finnish sports team called Sport -- and has been impressive in international play during his career. Salo skates very well, with an easy, powerful stride and great edge work. His skill level is somewhat above average, with the offense coming more from his vision and feet. Salo can play the game with pace, and stayed above his head versus men this season while maintaining an offensive role. Salo has average size, but he's a hard worker who can win puck battles. His IQ allows him to get in lanes and his feet allow him to close gaps efficiently. Salo won't blow you away in each game, but there's a reason every coach he plays for gives him big minutes.
93. Lukas Elvenes, C/RW, Rogle (SHL)
DOB: 8/18/99 | Ht: 6' 0.5" | Wt: 173
2016-17 stats: 41 GP | 15 G | 30 A
Elvenes was very good at the junior level this season but struggled in his time up with the top-level SHL team. He has a lot of talent and has spurts where you see a big-time player, but I've never seen him make a real impact when I've watched an entire game. When he has the puck, you notice Elevenes. He has great puck skills, he's patient in how he creates offense and he can make plays to his teammates. He's a brutal skater though, which scouts note can be accentuated by an occasional lack of hustle in his game. He might require a lot of time to work on his game away from the puck, but there is upside here.
94. Jonathan Smart, D, Regina (WHL)
DOB: 6/01/99 | Ht: 6' 0.0' | Wt: 194
2016-17 stats: 67 GP | 3 G | 25 A
Jonathan is a pretty smart defenseman -- sorry, had to do it; I apologize for nothing. Onto the analysis now. He's a very good puck mover, but I don't see him as a very mobile type of player, although he can evade pressure and get up the ice competently. Instead, Smart moves the puck well through his vision and quick, simple decision-making. He's the type of defenseman who doesn't burn his own team and is reliable with the puck on his stick to make a tough play. Even on a powerhouse Regina team, he was a useful player who was relied upon to set up chances and line up on the man advantage. Late in the season, he was asked to play forward as well. He's solid defensively for a player his age, getting in lanes well and being sound with his positional play.
95. Denis Smirnov, RW, Penn State (Big Ten)
DOB: 8/12/97 | Ht: 5' 8.25" | Wt: 185
2016-17 stats: 39 GP | 19 G | 28 A
There are a whole host of reasons to be skeptical about Smirnov. He's small and not overly physical, he's a mediocre skater at best and Penn State's schedule was tame before the divisional games began. However, at the end of the day, Smirnov was one of the top scorers and playmakers in college hockey as a teenage freshman. His skill level and work ethic are high-end, and he has shown the ability to be a game-breaker at the college level. He can make some risky mistakes, but in general his great creativity and vision allow him to make tough plays seem routine. NHL scouts are tentative on him in part because of how slow he is for a smaller guy. But when considering all of his attributes, there is value here.
96. Scott Reedy, C, US U-18 (USHL)
DOB: 4/04/99 | Ht: 6' 1.5" | Wt: 204
2016-17 stats: 51 GP | 20 G | 20 A
Reedy came into the season with a lot of hype after being a top player in his age group as a 16-year-old. He didn't dominate this season, with good stints in some instances and riding the pine in others, but I see a player with a ton of skill who might be due for an uptick in performance next season at the University of Minnesota. He is a very skilled puck handler, making great displays of puck control. He also showed above-average vision, with the patience and sense to make plays. He has a great power game, using his big frame to win battles and control pucks down low. "I think he can be a scoring power forward in the NHL," one NHL scout said. On the negative side, I haven't seen an explosive gear from his skating, but some scouts think that area of his game is fine. He can also be a little indifferent defensively.
97. Luke Martin, D, Michigan (Big Ten)
DOB: 9/20/98 | Ht: 6' 3.75" | Wt: 216
2016-17 stats: 35 GP | 1 G | 6 A
Martin has never wowed me in the many times I've seen him, but he showed enough solid play to be considered an NHL prospect. Martin is a smart, two-way defenseman who doesn't make many glaring errors. His skating is above average, allowing him to close gaps well, and jump up into an occasional rush. His offensive instincts aren't his selling point, but he has decent stick skills and can make fine distributions. Martin is a strong, tall defender who wins his fair share of battles. Being able to use his body and brain to make stops makes him a very reliable player.
98. Josh Brook, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)
DOB: 6/17/99 | Ht: 6' 1.0" | Wt: 182
2016-17 stats: 69 GP | 8 G | 32 A
The point totals for Brooks were slightly helped by a good Moose Jaw team, but he looked solid overall when I watched him. Brook is a good skater and very mobile for a 6-foot-1 player. He's able to evade pressure fine, and often shows the ability to be effective leading a rush. His skill level isn't fantastic, but he's a competent puck mover with decent stick skills. His point totals this season are a little higher than his true talent, but I think he can put up some points in the pro ranks. He's solid defensively, with good gap control, a physical edge and the ability to disrupt plays. He's not perfect in all his reads or decisions yet, but in general he's a pretty steady defender whom you don't generally notice for bad reasons.
99. Logan Hutsko, RW, US U-18 (USHL)
DOB: 2/11/99 | Ht: 5' 9.75" | Wt: 172
2016-17 stats: 8 GP | 0 G | 2 A
If I had to pick a true "sleeper" in this year's draft class, Hutsko is one of the first names that comes to mind. Hutsko missed almost the entire season with an undisclosed lower-body injury after missing parts of the previous season as well. I saw him a couple of times early in the season, so I at least have as much of a recent report as possible. I see a player with big-time offensive upside -- when healthy. He possesses high-end vision and great puck skills. When Hutsko has the puck on his stick, he generates chances with high frequency and does it through his creativity. He's small, and while not an explosive small guy, he does skate at an above-average level, particularly with his great edge work. To switch sports for a metaphor, he's a tough breaking ball to hit if your team takes a swing at him, but if you make contact, it can go a long way. He's committed to Boston College for 2018-19.
100. Matt Timms, D, Peterborough (OHL)
DOB: 5/12/98 | Ht: 5' 10" | Wt: 187
2016-17 stats: 68 GP | 11 G | 52 A
Timms was the leading scorer for the Petes, and was one of the top overall defensemen in the OHL in his second draft-eligible season. There's a lot of offensive upside in his game. He's a skilled puck handler, who often makes difficult, creative plays and does so at a quick pace. Despite the fact that he's an undersized defenseman, he has a little bite in his game. He's not a fantastic defender, but he has shown he can be competent. However, he is more at home with the puck on his stick, pushing the play forward and creating chances. The main issue with Timms is his skating. He can be a little shifty from a standstill but doesn't have a blow-you-away gear, and too often he'll get beat by a quick forward.
Honorable mentions (alphabetical order):
Sebastian Aho, D, Skelleftea (SHL)
Yaroslav Alexeyev, RW, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
Jordan Bellerive, C, Lethbridge (WHL)
Benjamin Crawley, D, London (OHL)
Antoine Crete-Belzile, D, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
Sean Dhooghe, C, US U-18 (USHL)
Zach Gallant, C, Peterborough (OHL)
Tobias Geisser, D, Zug (Swiss-2)
Lukas Haudum, C, Malmo (SHL)
Patrik Hrehorcak, RW, Trinec (Czech Jr.)
Austen Keating, LW, Ottawa (OHL)
Pavel Koltygin, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)
Brandon McManus, RW, Chicago (USHL)
Greg Meireles, C, Kitchener (OHL)
Kalle Miketinac, C, Frolunda (J20 SuperElit)
Thomas Miller, D, USTDP (USHL)
Emil Oksanen, LW, Espoo (Mestis)
Michael Pastujov, LW, USNTDP (USHL)
Clayton Phillips, D, Fargo (USHL)
Elijah Roberts, D, Kitchener (OHL)
Mark Rubinchik, D, Saskatoon (WHL)
Calle Sjalin, D, Ostersund (Sweden Division 1)
Kirill Slepets, LW, Yaroslavl (MHL)
Zach Solow, RW, Dubuque (USHL)
Jack Studnicka, C, Oshawa (OHL)
Maksim Sushko, RW, Owen Sound (OHL)
Aarne Talvitie, C, Blues (Liiga Jr. A)
Alexei Toropchenko, RW, Balashikha (MHL)
Artur Tyanulin, RW, Ottawa (OHL)
Reilly Walsh, D, Proctor Academy (US HS)