Here are the top ten drafted prospects as voted on by members.
1. Elias Pettersson - Vancouver Canucks
2. Casey Mittelstadt - Buffalo Sabres
3. Miro Heiskanen - Dallas Stars
4. Cale Makar - Colorado Avalanche
5. Eeli Tolvanen - Nashville Predators
6. Dylan Strome - Arizona Coyotes
7. Kirill Kaprizov - Minnesota Wild
8. Martin Necas - Carolina Hurricanes
9. Lias Andersson - New York Rangers
10. Henrik Borgstrom - Flordia Panthers
Thanks to poster @Elias Pettersson for conducting the voting and all the quotes from other members about the prospects.
1. Elias Pettersson - Vancouver Canucks
He's just a natural. Great smarts on both ends, awesome hand-eye and passing ability, controls the puck so well. No real electrifying weapons, just so very smart and so gifted, just natural instincts and knack for reading the game and creating chances.
I dunno if John Tavares is a reasonable style comparison, but someone like that who hasn't got elite skating or a rocket of a shot but still creates things with his smarts and hands all the time.
2. Casey Mittelstadt - Buffalo Sabres
Total package on offense: electric puck skills, sneaky release, top end vision, endless motor. Confidence and hands usually only seen in much smaller players. Phenomenal both in transition and on the cycle. Committed on defense. Less proven than other top guys given competition, but he shouldn't need more than a year at Minnesota before his NHL debut.
3. Miro Heiskanen - Dallas Stars
3rd overall was the absolute best position in this draft IMO, because as far as I'm concerned Heiskanen will be remembered as the best player of the 2017 draft class when it's all said and done...you just couldn't justify taking him ahead of Hischier or Patrick at the time.
4. Cale Makar - Colorado Avalanche
I live in Brooks and have been watching him for the last 3 years. I have seen him play probably 30+ times, and what you saw in the last game is routine for him. His vision, first pass, stick handling are truly great. While not a physical player, he offsets that by real sound positioning. His one weakness is a lack of shot from the point. I really wouldn't worry too much about the size, his speed and IQ more than makes up for it. I am really looking forward to how he does at UMass next year.
5. Eeli Tolvanen - Nashville Predators
Kid looks very good for 18 yr old. He does remind me of Tarasenko in some ways. Obviously not built like a tank, at least not yet, but he handles the puck the same way, looks for shooting opportunities the same way and always tries to challenge d-men. Could become a poor mans Tarasenko, like 25-25 type of player in the NHL. And if the stars align, 30 goals isn't out of the question, but i'd rather be a bit conservative. Sniper on the Preds 2nd line seems like where NSH would like to slot him anyway in the future.
6. Dylan Strome - Arizona Coyotes
He has ridiculous numbers at every level. Makes sense when you're 6'3 with an elite level hockey sense, shot, hands and playmaking ability. He may be a bit slow, a bit inconsistent, a bit one-dimensional and a bit lazy, but the kid produces everywhere he plays. There may be an adjustment period when he reaches the pro level, but I expect him to eventually end up as a 60+ point center in the Spezza-mold.
7. Kirill Kaprizov - Minnesota Wild
Kaprizov's most impressive aspect is his ability to find openings, both as a playmaker (this is why he often runs the PP) and as a player to pass to. He never shies away from corners and loves to play in front of the net. He doesn't have a good shot or some crazy puck or skating skill, but he's very smart and elusive. He sure doesn't play prototypical NA style, but I think he would do well on small ice, if coaches use him right.
8. Martin Necas - Carolina Hurricanes
What i really like about him is his attention to detail. He reads the play really well, he's defensively responsible and he's very strong on faceoffs. Super smart. Good skater and offensive tools as well, can't see him not being a top 10 pick (personally hes in my top 5 right now). He doesn't have Couturier's size but he reminds me of him. Very mature, defensively responsible and a smart player.
9. Lias Andersson - New York Rangers
He does all the little things well, will put in his defensive shift, be hard to play against, take the key face-offs, work hard to carve out space for teammates, and he'll score his points in front of the net, and on wrist shots.
10. Henrik Borgstrom - Flordia Panthers
Tall kid with good reach but doesn't really use his size. Extremely skilled, great hands and a ton of tools offensively. Defensively he still has room to improve and will likely fill out his 6'3, 175 lbs frame as he matures. Basically, an extremely offensively gifted center with long reach.
Thanks to poster @Elias Pettersson for conducting the voting and all the quotes from other members about the prospects.
