2017 NHL Entry Draft: First Round Mock Draft

#21 New York Rangers- Nicolas Hague

The Rangers need defense badly, with Hague being the best available defensemen, with his size and offensive instinct. Hague had 8 points in 9 OHL playoff games, while some scouts still believe skating is an issue for the 6’6 defenseman, the Rangers won’t pass up on him.

#22 Edmonton Oilers- Kole Lind

Edmonton could use a defenseman or forward, with Lind at #22, scouts have praised his work ethic and offensive ability.

#23 Arizona Coyotes- Josh Norris

Arizona could use a prominent, highly talked about forward and with Norris, at #23 that’s what they’ll get. The University of Michigan commit has been seen for his stickhandling and puck care.

#24 Columbus Blue Jackets- Shane Bowers

Bowers fits the Columbus prototype quite well, he’s not a standout player but plays hard and fast, which fits the Blue Jackets very well.

#25 Montreal Canadiens- Conor Timmins

Montreal would like to add to their blueline with Timmins, puck moving and skating abilty will do just that. The only concern for this 6’1 defenseman is his strength, if he can add some strength to his game he’ll pan out well for Montreal.

#26 Chicago Blackhawks- Isaac Ratcliffe

The 6’4 power forward would be exactly what Chicago would need, as we saw the Blackhawks roster a lot of young forwards this year, Ratcliffe very well could see NHL ice time next year.

#27 St. Louis Blues- Robert Thomas

The small versatile forward does not have much stand out qualities but he brings a sense of excitement to his game. Tallying 50 assists last year in the OHL, St. Louis could get a top six forward late in the draft.

#28 Nashville Predators- Kailer Yamamoto

Nashville definitely doesn’t need defense so with Kailer Yamamoto seems to be the best move for Nashville here. The small forward has said to have NHL skill and speed but lacks size. As we see Nashville’s Viktor Arvidsson, Nashville would likely land Yamamoto late here.

#29 Ottawa Senators- Erik Brannstrom

Ottawa would like to their d core, Brannstrom fits Ottawa’s possession style game well and is the next available defense here with the most upside.

Next: Tough Decisions in Weak Draft Class

#30 Dallas Stars- Maxime Comtois

Dallas got lucky with this pick in the Patrick Eaves deal, and landing the underrated Comtois would be another good move. Comtois can play any forward position and provides good size and speed to Dallas.

#31 Pittsburgh Penguins- Henri Jokiharju

Pittsburgh would like to their blueline with Jokiharju plays a solid two way game and performed real well in his first season in North America with 31 points in 44 games.