The 2017 NHL draft class is 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 downward without a player such as Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews available for the taking.
Without a true top talent or two, players who would usually be selected Nos. 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.
Although 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 might 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 continue my ranking of the top 100 prospects with a look at Nos. 41-60:
41. Antoine Morand, C, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
DOB: 2/18/99 | Ht: 5'10.0" | Wt: 178
2016-17 stats: 67 GP | 28 G | 46 A
Morand is a small but skilled center who has been very good the past two seasons in the QMJHL. I haven't seen Morand dominate, and I have some concerns about his ultimate upside, but some scouts I've talked to speak very highly of his talent. He's an above-average skater, quicker out of the gates than fast, but he's effective getting up the ice. Morand has very good stick skills and coordination while handling the puck. He excels as a playmaker, using his skill and vision to create chances, as well as being able to slow down the pace to let the play develop. Despite his smaller frame, he has shown that he can be an effective center at the QMJHL level. He's no Patrice Bergeron, but his defensive play is passable, and he'll battle for pucks.
42. Shane Bowers, C, Waterloo (USHL)
DOB: 7/30/99 | Ht: 6'1.25" | Wt: 183
2016-17 stats: 60 GP | 22 G | 29 A
Bowers has been a name to know for several years when he was coming up as a bantam in Halifax, and he had a very solid second USHL season. Bowers is a great skater, with an easy first few steps. He works hard to pressure defensemen and can play on both sides of the ice. The ultimate question with Bowers is his offensive ceiling. Some scouts I talk to swear by him as a potential frontline NHL player; other scouts, including me, question whether he'll be able to score much as an NHLer. That isn't to say Bowers can't make high-level offensive plays. He has good hands and vision and was more consistent in that regard in the second half of the season. Bowers is committed to Boston University starting in the 2017-18 season.
43. Jaret Anderson-Dolan, C, Spokane (WHL)
DOB: 9/12/99 | Ht: 5'11.0" | Wt: 188
2016-17 stats: 72 GP | 39 G | 37 A
Anderson-Dolan is one of the youngest prospects available in this year's class -- he was three days from heading into 2018 draft eligibility -- and he was one of the top draft-eligible performers in the WHL this season. He isn't an elite skill type of player, but he does a lot well, and he was always noticeable during games. I like the first few steps, speed and hustle in Anderson-Dolan's game. He isn't a player who gives up on a play on either side of the ice. He's always putting pressure on defensemen or grinding to get the puck back on the defensive end of the ice. His skill is slightly above-average, but he makes plays because he's quick. Quick feet, quick twitches in his hands, quick decisions and a quick shot -- yes, there's a particular adjective that defines this player. I wish there were an element of his game in which he took over the offense more, but he's still effective -- and quick.
44. Conor Timmins, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
DOB: 9/18/98 | Ht: 6'1.25" | Wt: 185
2016-17 stats: 67 GP | 7 G | 54 A
Timmins can look like a rather boring player and isn't going to excite a lay observer. However, his hockey sense drives a ton of value to his game. He doesn't have "wow"-caliber skating or puck skills, but he's one of the smartest defensemen in the CHL. Timmins is a very effective puck mover with top-level vision. You rarely see him cough up the puck, and he's so effective at quickly relieving pressure and making a good play with the puck. Defensively, he's solid because of his IQ and the way he battles to win pucks, though he needs to continue to bulk up. I see a player who can be used in many situations and could be a solid pro overall but lacks the upside to be a foundational piece.
45. Stelio Mattheos, RW, Brandon (WHL)
DOB: 6/14/99 | Ht: 6' 1.0" | Wt: 192
2016-17 stats: 69 GP | 26 G | 35 A
Mattheos wouldn't be what one would call a prototypical Pronman guy. (I've seriously had people tell me that in rinks; I've learned to live with it.) However, despite the fact that he isn't overflowing with skill, I see a hardworking forward who skates well and has enough puck skills to make the most of his athletic attributes. Mattheos doesn't wow you in any one aspect of the game, but he's always involved in the play. He's a solid defensive forward who can play multiple positions up front. Mattheos is coordinated with the puck and has creativity but is more effective when he's driving the net than trying to be a playmaker. In seemingly every stop along his development, he has earned a high share of ice time, including at the IIHF under-18 championship, where he was one of Canada's top players and leading shot-generators.
46. David Kvasnicka, D, Plzen (Czech)
DOB: 4/14/99 | Ht: 5'9.0" | Wt: 172
2016-17 stats: 23 GP | 0 G | 3 A
Kvasnicka impressed me a lot this season during international play. In league play, he was relegated to a lower-ice-time role while playing at the top level in the Czech Republic. Kvasnicka is carried by his hockey sense, and that delivers most of his value. He's a skilled puck mover with great instincts in terms of executing his passes and being able to support the attack. Given that he's 5-foot-9, I don't love his mobility. He moves OK, but he isn't a blazing fast skater. He also isn't very physical. However, he's competent defensively due to his reads and being able to minimize errors.
47. Nick Henry, RW, Regina (WHL)
DOB: 7/04/99 | Ht: 5'10.75" | Wt: 191
2016-17 stats: 72 GP | 35 G | 46 A
Henry had a great rookie season in the WHL. He played on the top line for a good chunk of the season on one of the best teams in the CHL and put up a lot of points skating alongside WHL MVP Sam Steel, the No. 30 pick in the 2016 draft (Anaheim). His skill level doesn't jump out at you, but Henry is a very effective offensive player. He's a solid, if not above-average, skater who pressures defenders on the fore check with his speed and hustle. He's a smart playmaker, with the vision and pace to slide in on the top power-play unit next to elite CHL players and fit right in. He doesn't often dangle, but occasionally Henry will make the odd pass or creative play that could dazzle. As a young 1999 birth date, with the rookie WHL season he had, there is reason for optimism with Henry.
48. Ian Mitchell, D, Spruce Grove (AJHL)
DOB: 1/18/99 | Ht: 5'11.0" | Wt: 173
2016-17 stats: 53 GP | 8 G | 29 A
Small defensemen from Spruce Grove are not usually at the top of my draft board, but hear me out on Mitchell, who looked like one of the top defensemen at the Ivan Hlinka tournament last summer and was very good all season. He's a smart puck mover with good stick skills. Mitchell can be an evasive player in open ice, outlet the puck well and quarterback a power play. His skating isn't explosive, but he has above-average speed, with good edge work and the ability to get out of trouble. His 5-foot-11 frame will obviously be a point of contention. Although I don't think he's amazing defensively, his impressive hockey sense allows him to make stops and be in the right positional spot. He's headed to the University of Denver this fall.
49. Nikita Popugaev, LW, Prince George (WHL)
DOB: 11/20/98 | Ht: 6'5.75" | Wt: 217
2016-17 stats: 71 GP | 29 G | 40 A
A second WHL season helped to turn my opinion on Popugaev as the season went along. Forwards who are 6-foot-6 with a high skill level 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 he 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 subpar bursts out of the gate and just a mediocre top gear.
50. Marcus Davidsson, C, Djurgarden (SHL)
DOB: 11/18/98 | Ht: 6'0.0" | Wt: 191
2016-17 stats: 45 GP | 5 G | 4 A
Davidsson got a regular shift in the SHL this season, though he didn't play on a very strong Djurgarden team. He has shown fine playing over the years in international play as a guy who pushes the play forward. Scouts I talk to overseas have one common description of Davidsson: smart. He's a versatile player. He can play center or the wing effectively and play a role on both special teams. Davidsson skates at an above-average level, sometimes flashing a very high grade. He can make some offensive plays, but I wouldn't describe him as a dangler -- more as a quick decision-maker with decent vision. He'll work hard to win pucks and projects to have value defensively as a pro.
51. Mikey Anderson, D, Waterloo (USHL)
DOB: 5/25/99 | Ht: 5'11.75" | Wt: 197
2016-17 stats: 54 GP | 5 G | 29 A
Anderson was very impressive all season and was the top 17-year-old defenseman in the USHL. Before I get to the scouting bits, an important note: No, he does not go by Mike or Michael -- it's Mikey. Anderson is a sound, two-way defenseman. Defensively, he's a rock, with great gap control, good reads and a willingness to sacrifice the body. He shows good vision transitioning the puck up ice and solid stick skills when evading pressure. I'd like to see a more explosive gear in his skating, particularly for a player under 6-foot. His point production and shot generation were impressive this season, and he might have more offensive upside than some believe. He will join his brother -- and New Jersey Devils prospect -- Joey Anderson at Minnesota-Duluth next season.
52. Alexander Polunin, LW, Lokomotiv (KHL)
DOB: 5/25/97 | Ht: 5'9.0" | Wt: 172
2016-17 stats: 45 GP | 9 G | 10 A
Polunin enters his third season of NHL draft eligibility. I'm not sure if he will be picked this season, but I remain a big fan of his and see a lot of upside, even if it comes with moderate risk in his projection. He has excelled at the KHL and under-20 levels the past two years. When you think of Polunin's game, it's all skill. His hands are top-of-the-draft-class good. He's able to make unique plays to evade pressure and create offense. Polunin is a fine skater, albeit not an amazing one for a smaller player. Still, he creates offense in bunches because of his offensive IQ. He's small but will grind for pucks, though his success rate isn't the best in that regard. He's sub-optimal on defense, often cheating off the defensive blue line or not being effective down low on the boards.
53. Morgan Frost, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
DOB: 5/14/99 | Ht: 5'11.25" | Wt: 170
2016-17 stats: 67 GP | 20 G | 42 A
Frost showed significant development in his 17-year-old season, being a top player for the Greyhounds. His hockey sense is what stands out to me. Frost is a great playmaker who is often a primary creator of scoring chances. While he's great when he has the puck on his stick in general, I'd like to see him improve away from the puck. He also isn't a fierce competitor in puck battles. Moreover, his skating doesn't look explosive. His top gear is just OK, though he shows great agility and burst in his first few steps. I see a lot of potential in Frost's game, but he'll need time to round out some of those deficiencies.
54. Jake Leschyshyn, C, Regina (WHL)
DOB: 3/10/99 | Ht: 5'10.75" | Wt: 185
2016-17 stats: 47 GP | 17 G | 23 A
It was easy to not notice Leschyshyn playing on a stacked Regina Pats team, but he was a player who always caught my eye for good reasons. The son of former NHLer Curtis Leschyshyn (the No. 3 overall pick in 1988) is not a blazing skater, but his speed is solid to above average. He hustles on every shift, and with his IQ/work ethic combo, he can project to play the center position reliably as a pro. Leschyshyn has quality stick skills, and while his game is more north-south than east-west, he can make skilled plays and be dangerous off the rush. He can be used on both special teams effectively, though he's a bit stronger of a penalty killer than he is a playmaker with the man advantage. His season ended early due to a torn knee ligament.
55. Max Gildon, D, US U-18 (USHL)
DOB: 5/17/99 | Ht: 6'3.0" | Wt: 191
2016-17 stats: 53 GP | 7 G | 18 A
Gildon was a highly touted prospect the past few years. He didn't quite reach the level some anticipated when he entered the NTDP, but I see a lot to like in his game, even if some holes remain. Gildon also finished his draft year strong, being one of the top defensemen at the IIHF under-18 championship. Gildon has real offensive upside, as he's a very smooth skater, particularly for a 6-foot-3 player. He moves the puck fine and has a big shot from the point. His hockey IQ can be up and down. Some days, he's showing good vision and creating well. Other days he's making brain-cramp turnovers and misreading the play. There are consistency issues in his game, but at the end of the day, he can make a difference. He'll skate for the University of New Hampshire this fall.
56. Alexei Lipanov, C, Balashikha (VHL)
DOB: 8/17/99 | Ht: 6'0.0" | Wt: 165
2016-17 stats: 21 GP | 3 G | 5 A
Lipanov was quite impressive for an under-18 player facing men in the KHL minor league this season, and he was great for Russia in international play. Lipanov can play a quick-tempo game and has the skill to create offense from a standstill. He's a very good skater who can push defenders back off the rush. He also has good hand-eye coordination, and though he won't dangle guys left and right, he can make some skilled plays. I like him more as a playmaker than a hands guy, though, as he creates a lot of chances with his vision. Lipanov's intelligence translates to the defensive side of the puck too, as I've often seen him leaned on versus his peers to be a critical situations player. He has a lot of room to bulk up, but when he gets more physically mature, I think he has the skill set to be impactful at the pro level.
57. Evan Barratt, C, US U-18 (USHL)
DOB: 2/18/99 | Ht: 5'11.5" | Wt: 188
2016-17 stats: 54 GP | 15 G | 32 A
Barratt wasn't the most leaned on player for the NTDP this season, but he was an important pivot for the team and stood out due to his skill and two-way play. It was rare for me to watch a game and not come away with at least a mild positive impression of him. He's able to make a lot of tough offensive plays with the puck on his stick. He has soft hands in tight spaces and makes above-average passes seem routine. He'll make soft touch plays, but he has the grit in his game to win battles and get to the net. Defensively, he plays his position fine and isn't afraid to sacrifice the body. I don't love his speed, particularly for a smaller player, and it's the only thing keeping me from giving him a top grade as an NHL prospect. He's headed to Penn State this fall.
58. Fabian Zetterlund, LW/RW, Farjestad Jr. (SHL)
DOB: 8/25/99 | Ht: 5'10.75" | Wt: 195
2016-17 stats: 40 GP | 16 G | 20 A
Zetterlund was consistently solid throughout the season at the junior and international levels. He has never been a star prospect, but he has always been a very productive player in his age group and is a well-rounded prospect. A skilled offensive player, he shows above-average puck skills, vision and finishing ability. When he gets open space, he's often making a good play, and he can operate as a quarterback on the power play. He should have competent speed at the pro level, with the occasional burst of something extra. Despite his size, I see a guy who works to win puck battles; while not great on the defensive side, he has shown some progress.
59. Alex Formenton, LW, London (OHL)
DOB: 9/13/99 | Ht: 6'1.75" | Wt: 165
2016-17 stats: 65 GP | 16 G | 18 A
I can describe the pitch to draft Formenton in one word: speed. Formenton is one of the quickest -- if not the quickest -- skaters available in the draft class. At 6-foot-1, his ability to jet is that much more impressive. He works hard in puck battles, and due to his work ethic and elite speed, he can be a useful penalty-killer. He doesn't have All-World hands, but he has decent skills and was used by London as a net-front guy on the power play to get his stick on pucks. As a rookie OHLer and one of the youngest players available in the draft class, it's possible that Formenton has a lot of room to grow in his game and could be poised for a breakout in his 18-year-old season in 2017-18.
60. Adam Ruzicka, C, Sarnia (OHL)
DOB: 5/11/99 | Ht: 6'3.5" | Wt: 202
2016-17 stats: 61 GP | 25 G | 21 A
Ruzicka disappointed this season after I thought he could be a first-round type of player coming into the season. His assist totals weren't gaudy in the OHL, but I think he has fine vision and can make creative plays. There might have been an issue of pace for him at times in juniors; the talent shines through -- but inconsistently. Ruzicka is also able to play a decent power game and shows an above-average wrist shot. His skating is worrisome, however. He has a heavy first step, and though he can skate fine when he gets going, I worry if he'll be able to put NHL defensemen on their heels.