2017 NHL Draft: Janik Beichler’s full first-round mock

By Janik Beichler | May 2, 2017

Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Michael McCleod greets NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected as the number twelve overall draft pick by the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 7

Embed from Getty Images

1. New Jersey Devils

1. player. 85. The Devils answer the question “Nico or Nolan” with their first-overall selection. His injury history may be worrying, but Patrick has proven he deserves to be No. 1. A potential top-line center with unparalleled hockey IQ. Full profile: <a href=. Center. Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL. Nolan Patrick

2. Philadelphia Flyers

player. 68. The Flyers pushed for the playoffs until the final game and needed just eight more points to reach that goal. Yet, they get to pick second overall and are happy to add an extremely talented center to their organisation. Hischier could well be the best player of this class a few years from now. Full profile: <a href=. Center. Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL. Nico Hischier. 2

3. Dallas Stars

119. The Stars weren’t really close to the playoffs, but they sure didn’t plan with a top-three pick either. Now they get to pick from a long list of talented players and opt for the top American prospect in Casey Mittelstadt. Mittelstadt’s talent level really isn’t much lower than Hischier’s or Patrick’s. Full profile: <a href=. Center. Green Bay Gamblers, USHL. Casey Mittelstadt. 3. player

4. Colorado Avalanche

4. player. 103. The 2013-14 Central Division champions had one of the worst NHL seasons of all time. One final loss put them at fourth overall in the draft, but they can be happy with the player they are getting. Miro Heiskanen has No. 1 potential and might be the most NHL-ready player in this class. Full profile: <a href=. Defense. HIFK, Liiga. Miro Heiskanen

5. Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks would have liked a top-three pick this year, but there is no need to be sad about the lottery. Gabriel Vilardi is an excellent center prospect who can be a dynamic offensive player. Bo Horvat and Vilardi will be a solid foundation for the post-Sedin era. Full profile: <a href=. Center. Windsor Spitfires, OHL. Gabriel Vilardi. 5. player. 104