Nico Hischier — Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL
If there is one player I could see rising from top-30 ranks in November to the top 5 come draft time, it is Nico Hischier. The Swiss centre is dominating the Quebec Hockey League with the Halifax Mooseheads, after spending half of last season in the Swiss NLA.
From Future Considerations:
"A smooth-skating, playmaking center…good skating agility and top speed, but is more quick than fast…is able to make quick turns and displays good lateral movement…not big or strong, but still shows willingness to take hits and battle for space…goes into board battles and uses his body to fight for pucks…excellent playmaking instincts, vision and passing skills…puts puck where his linemates can best utilize the chance…an incredible stickhandler who thrives in possession and can make defenders look foolish…competitive and driven…poise is a major standout attribute…dangerous when given time, especially on the power play as he takes full control of the play from the half wall with the puck, using his impressive agility, hands and vision to make plays…plays a responsible defensive game…one of the best talents to come out of Switzerland."
With 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points in 21 games, Hischier is currently tied for second in QMJHL scoring. Only his line mate Maxime Fortier has one more point. Nevertheless, there are some question marks about Hischier’s game, which forced him into a 20th rank in Future Considerations’ fall rankings.
For example, it often seems like Hischier lets his line mates do the ‘dirty work’, before suddenly appearing in the right place at the right time. With the puck, Hischier is absolutely outstanding, but there are holes in his game like when it comes to getting the puck.
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That said, Hischier plays a responsible defensive game and is a strong all-around player. He, too, can play at centre or on the wing, and could be a terrific addition to the Vancouver Canucks.
The Canucks’ season went off to a rather bad start, but the 2017 NHL Entry Draft is certainly worth looking forward to.