Colorado Avalanche Style 2017 NHL Draft Round 1 Mock, Complete With Trades
By Ross Sellers
Nico Hischier or Nolan Patrick?
No. 1 New Jersey Devils Select Nico Hischier
This is going to be a tough decision for the New Jersey Devils; however, Nico Hischier’s stock has been rising recently, and if I were in their shoes I’d take him above Nolan Patrick. It’s definitely not an easy decision, but Patrick’s injuries leading into the draft, coupled with Hischier’s amazing showing in his first year of junior hockey, could make this an easier decision for the Devils.
No. 2 Philadelphia Flyers Select Nolan Patrick
The Devils make the decision for the Flyers, and they know they’re going to pick whoever New Jersey doesn’t because one and two in this draft are clear cut. Nonetheless, they should be extremely pleased with Nolan Patrick, who should be a nice complement to Claude Giroux down the middle, possibly even as soon as this coming season. He can also be a future No. 1 pivot for the Flyers, as Giroux is approaching thirty, and might need to pass the torch soon enough.
No. 3 Dallas Stars Select Miro Heiskanen
This pick will also determine who the Avs select, to my estimation. It really depends on whether the Stars are going to select for need, or select the likely best player available at this point. I believe they’ll go with Miro Heiskanen because they need defensemen like people in hell need ice water. Heiskanen is also an extremely talented defenseman, and has the potential to develop into a future No. 1 blueliner for the team that selects him. The Stars will be banking on just that.
No. 4 Colorado Avalanche Select Gabe Vilardi
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still real high on Nick Suzuki, and I think the Avs should seriously consider going off the board. However, Vilardi is extremely talented, and an amazing two-way player, something the Avs are clearly lacking. Furthermore, he’s also a right-hand shot, and would easily become the Avs best right-handed forward prospect. The Avs need right wings as badly as they need defense, so this pick makes absolute sense, as Vilardi is versatile enough to play all positions.
No. 5 Vancouver Canucks Select Casey Mittelstadt
The Canucks need just about everything right now, and if you feel for the Avalanche, then you might not know what it’s like to be a Canucks fan. Jim Benning can’t make the right decisions, and their prospect ranks are pretty depleted right now. So, taking the best available forward makes sense for them. Mittelstadt is an extremely skilled player, who’s also a big body, and will make an impact in the NHL. Unfortunately, the Canucks will have to wait, as they did recently with Brock Boeser because Mittelstadt is going to the University of Minnesota for at least one year.