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2017 NHL Entry Draft: First Round Mock Draft

By Santagata JJ

Feb 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman during a press conference to announce that Chicago will host the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman during a press conference to announce that Chicago will host the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 nhl entry draft
Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; General view of the fans during the third period between the Calgary Flames and the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

#11 Los Angeles Kings- Michael Rasmussen

The 6’5 203 lb forward provides a good size for LA and fits well with the Kings roster and style of play. Rasmussen 55 points in 50 games in the WHL this season.

#12 Carolina Hurricanes- Elias Pettersson

The tall, 162 lb forward, plays all three zones, the only downside to the young forward is his lack of physical strength as he progresses and gets stronger Pettersson will be a good fit for Carolina.

#13 Winnipeg Jets- Eeli Tolvanen

Winnipeg has a few young defensemen and with not many options on the backend this draft, Tolvanen is the next best forward up. Tolvanen posted 54 points in 52 games for the USHL Musketeers.

#14 Tampa Bay Lightning- Kristian Vesalainen

The tall sizeable Finland forward size draws eyes to the Lightning, with many great forwards, Vesalainen would have a lot of room to grow. With production being a concern, Vesalainen’s size and play in the top Finland leagues makes him likely for the Lightning in the first round.

#15 New York Islanders- Lias Andersson

Andersson had some success at the World Juniors where he caught the eye of scouts, and with New York’s multiple young forward prospects the Swedish forward looks to be heading to NY at #15.

#16 Calgary Flames- Nicholas Suzuki

To add to Calgary’s young offensive group the Canadian forward fits just perfect in Calgary. With plenty of weapons around him Suzuki will develop just fine in Calgary. Suzuki had 96 points in 65 games in the OHL this season.

#17 Toronto Maple Leafs- Jusso Valimaki

Due to so many young forward prospects and drafting a forward who may not see NHL time for quite sometime, Toronto needs a defenseman. With Valimaki at #17 seems great for Toronto, the 6’2 defenseman plays a good two-way game and a solid game on the back end.

#18 Boston Bruins- Ryan Poehling

Boston doesn’t need another defenseman after drafting Charlie McAvoy last year and a few young defensemen right now. Poehling solid offensive capability and strong two way ability, Boston will more than likely land Poehling. Another young college hockey prospect for Boston.

#19 San Jose Sharks- Callan Foote

San Jose could use another defensive piece with a bit of an aging d core, Foote provides the most upside for San Jose here.

#20 St. Louis Blues- Klim Kostin

St. Louis already has a solidified defense, Kostin is a bit underrated coming into this draft, who brings a strong offensive game and strong shot. Blues could land Kostin here.

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