HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
6-1	176	57	38	48	86	20	24	11	3	5	232

Owns a wealth of passing ability and is an exceptionally creative playmaker with the puck. Can also score goals himself, thanks largely to a big shot. Has a chance to become the greatest scorer Switzerland has produced. Needs to fill out his 6-1 frame and get physically stronger in order to compete against bigger National Hockey League defenders on a nightly basis. Must also continue to work on his play when he does not have the puck. Talented, creative playmaker with great upside. The Devils toyed with the idea of trading down for a defenseman, and probably thought about claiming Nolan Patrick as well, but at the end of the day Hischier is the man. New Jersey needs offense, and nobody in the 2017 NHL Draft creates more of it than the Swiss center, who is a good candidate to be Taylor Hall's new linemate for the foreseeable future. Hischier is the first Swiss-born player ever selected with the top pick. Well done!

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG
6-2	198	33	20	26	46	9	36	3	0	2

Owns great pedigree and hockey sense, as the son and nephew of former NHLers Steve and James Patrick, respectively. Can play in all game situations and is adept at playing both center and wing. Owns the size scouts love, plus a fair amount of skill. Works very hard on the ice and also boasts some leadership qualities. Injuries have already been a factor in his development, so it could become a long-range problem and a risk to his overall impact at the highest level. Is not a very flashy player, and his point potential may be somewhat limited in the National Hockey League (especially if he is asked to play a more all-around game as a professional). Savvy, strong and versatile two-way forward with good upside. The Flyers were locked in on Patrick all along, and would have probably picked him had they won the lottery. His two-way game should fit in perfectly with what Philadelphia is trying to do. The Flyers already have a great stable of young blueliners, and two quality centers in Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier. Patrick will almost certainly play in the NHL right away, likely as the No. 3 or 4 pivot. His ceiling is not as high as Nico Hischier's but he is a safer pick.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	TOI	S
6-0	170	37	5	5	10	-1	4	1	0	1	18:59	94

A smooth operator from the back end, he is an outstanding puck mover with excellent agility. Limits his mistakes with the puck and is reliable in his own end. Usually remains as cool as a cucumber under pressure. Will need to add far more bulk and strength in order to maximize output at the highest level. Also, while he can produce solid offensive numbers, he may not have the talent to quarterback a power play in the NHL. Solid, reliable puck-moving defenseman with upside. The Stars were looking to trade out of the No. 3 overall pick, and tried to land a veteran defenseman for a long time leading up to draft day. In the end, they did not get what they wanted and selected the top defenseman available in this year's draft. Heiskanen adds to a solid group of young D prospects with Dallas, but might leapfrog over most of them quickly. That said, he is not expected to jump immediately to the NHL.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG
5-11	180	54	24	51	75	18	4	0	4

Is an excellent skater who has quality offensive attributes and instincts. Can quarterback a power play and also move the puck swiftly due to precise passing skills. Is an above-average D-man in terms of his overall mobility. Does not have ideal size for the National Hockey League game, so he must get stronger and prove he can defend bigger, tougher forwards effectively at the highest level. Needs to continue to work on his play without the puck. Swift, talented offensive defenseman with upside. The Avalanche need defensemen more than any other NHL franchise, so it makes all the sense in the world for Colorado to draft Makar. He is a great offensive defenseman with huge upside. He plays the game perfectly for the NHL these days, with tremendous mobility and puck-moving skills. He is expected to go to the University of Massachusetts for 2017-18, but if he wants a shot at the NHL right away he has the goods to crack Colorado's lineup next season. It could go either way, but Makar should be an Avalanche defenseman by 2018-19 (at the latest).

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
6-2	161	43	19	22	41	15	14	5	0	3	107

Owns a very projectable (6-2) frame and plenty of two-way acumen. Is a creative playmaker who can pass the puck with aplomb. Can be used in all game situations (and both special teams). Is pretty good at everything in hockey. Needs to add significant bulk and get a lot stronger in order to maximize output at the National Hockey League level. At times, he can get out of defensive position because of over-pursuit (or simply trying too hard). Quality two-way forward with upside. The Canucks have had tremendous success with Swedish players, and they will soon need to replace both center Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. Enter Pettersson, who already has chemistry with Canucks winger prospect Jonathan Dahlen. A pure playmaker, Pettersson needs to add more bulk before entering the NHL. He and Dahlen could replace the Sedin twins as early as 2018-19, as both represent a huge part of Vancouver's rebuild.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG
6-2	178	69	32	62	94	31	36	9	1	5

Has very good passing skills and creativity as a playmaking center. Also displays sound two-way acumen and a very projectable (6-2) frame. Moves well for his frame and usually displays an exemplary work rate. Needs to add significant bulk, since he is rather lanky at this point in his development. Also, must start using his imposing frame far more to his advantage in order to maximize production at the highest level. Talented, two-way center with upside. The Knights' first-ever first rounder is a potential building block in center Glass. Perhaps Vegas GM George McPhee was trying to move up in order to draft Nolan Patrick, but Glass is an excellent consolation prize. Glass is a WHLer, a league the Knights' brass knows very well. Therefore, the fit is perfect between the newest NHL franchise and Glass, a young center who could find his way to the big league right away. Glass will compete with several other veterans in trainig camp.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
5-11	198	42	9	10	19	21	18	2	1	1	72

Has great work ethic and is a very tenacious checker in all three zones. Owns a very strong lower base and plenty of grit and physicality in his game. Is also a very smart player who can play in all game situations (at all levels). Is not the most fluid or graceful skater (though he gets to where he needs to be). Does not have ideal height for the National Hockey League. In the goal-scoring department, he is not a natural and is better at playmaking. Gritty, versatile two-way forward with upside. This is a very interesting pick for the Rangers, since they traded veteran Derek Stepan earlier in order to receive the No. 7 overall pick. Andersson is a strong two-way performer who can play both center and wing. He will surely become a Ranger one day, possibly as early as 2018-19. New York likes Andersson's two-way game more than Gabriel Vilardi, a more natural offensive center. Time will tell if New York made the right selection here.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
6-1	201	25	21	43	64	8

Is a dynamic, creative playmaker who sees the ice exceptionally well. Has soft hands and deft passing ability. Has good size for the NHL game and is versatile enough to play both center and wing. Can rack up big point totals. Needs to add more bulk and get a lot stronger in order to survive the rigors of the professional ranks. At times, he is not always on the same page as his linemates (because of his cerebral approach to the game of hockey). Talented, creative and versatile playmaker with good upside. Jason Botterill's first pick as Buffalo General Manager is a supremely skilled playmaker with big upside. The knock on Mittelstadt is a lack of strength and lack of higher competition, but his offensive smarts are off the charts. He will need some time to develop, but the Sabres have plenty of centers ahead of him. They can take their time in fully developing him. At the end of the day, Mittelstadt could become a steal with the No. 8 overall selection.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG
6-6	215	50	32	23	55	-13	50	15	1	5

Already displays great strength, thanks largely to his mammoth (6-6) frame. Is a very good goal-scorer in close and a true asset in front of the opponents' net. Also displays very good hands. There are questions about his ability to play the center position at the highest level, mostly due to a lack of optimum defensive ability (and also a lack of supreme playmaking skills). Massive, talented power forward with good upside. This pick represents a bit of a change in philosophy for the Red Wings, who have been notorious for their collection of European draft picks over the years under veteran GM Ken Holland. They usually choose skill over size, but Rasmussen has the right mixture of both. So, Detroit (a team that needs everything these days) went for a mammoth presence who can play center and be a major force around the net (especially on the power play). Rasmussen might become a great pick for a Red Wings franchise that needs to turn things around.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
6-1	200	60	44	31	75	24	36	10	0	8	284

Is a pure shooter with the mentality of a true sniper (at all levels). His shot is not only accurate, but also heavy (which is double trouble for opposing goaltenders). Also owns very good size (6-1, 200 pounds). Needs to continue to work on his play in the defensive zone. Also, he could stand to become a better passer so as to keep opponents more honest (since he has a tendency to shoot the puck from anywhere). Talented goal-scoring winger with upside. The Panthers lost two wingers in the expansion draft (Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith), so adding Tippett makes a ton of sense. He already has NHL size and is a pure scoring winger. Since Florida has a huge need at right wing right now, do not be surprised if Tippett makes his National Hockey League debut this coming October. Since he can also play on his off-wing, he could become a force with the man advantage at the highest level.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
6-3	201	49	29	32	61	13	12	8	1	4	150

Is a pure playmaker who excels with the puck on his stick. Is creative and an excellent passer, but he can also score goals due to great hands. Owns a solid frame for the National Hockey League game, too. If he is to become an upper-echelon scorer at the highest level, he will need to continue to work on his skating (which is not his best attribute). Also, he could stand to improve his defensive game. Talented playmaking center with good upside. This is an outstanding pick for the Kings, since Los Angeles has had trouble with offense in recent years. Vilardi will surely help with that aspect of the game, as he has the size and skill to protect the puck in close quarters, plus the talent to know what to do with it once he has time and space. Vilardi could be a King as soon as 2018-19, as he simply needs to work on his power-skating a little bit more (as well as his defensive-zone coverage).

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM
6-1	167	41	7	8	15	-2	6

An excellent skater, he is a highly creative and heady playmaker with deft passing ability. Is also elusive with supreme puck skills. Can play both center and wing. At times, he can be guilty of passing up too many shots (deferring too much to his linemates). Also has a tendency to hold onto the puck a bit too long. Lacks ideal size. Talented, versatile playmaker with good upside. This is a potential home run pick, so Carolina did well to grab him at No. 12. The Hurricanes have an abundance of young defensemen, and a decent stable of forward prospects, but they don't have a future franchise forward. Necas may take a little time to fully get there, but is probably their best bet to reach that lofty status one day. Overall, Necas was an excellent value pick at No. 12, with plenty of offensive potential. Nice job by Carolina.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
5-11	183	65	45	51	96	51	10	14	5	6	262

Plays a very heady, mature two-way game. Is a talented playmaker who is also adept at finishing off plays himself. Due to his hockey smarts, he can be used with the game on the line and in defensive situations. Does not have ideal size for the National Hockey League, so he needs to add more bulk and get stronger in order to maximize output. Also, he is still a bit raw as an all-round talent and needs more consistency. Quality, two-way forward with upside. The Golden Knights are starting their first NHL campaign with plenty of center strength for the future. First they acquired Cody Glass with the sixth overall pick, and now grab Suzuki. Both will get a chance to crack the NHL lineup right away, though they have plenty of competition from capable NHL veterans. Suzuki might have more two-way ability than Glass, with perhaps slightly less upside. Both are good picks for the future for the NHL's latest team.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG
6-4	212	71	6	51	57	39	41	3	1	1

Much like his dad (long-time NHL defenseman Adam Foote), he skates very well in a straight line and can recuperate quickly. Is bigger and stronger than his father and can shut opponents down. Owns a very hard shot. Is simply not as physically imposing as his father was, as he seems to lack Adam Foote's mean streak. Also, like his father, he is not great with the puck on his stick and will not be an impact offensive D-man at the highest level. Big, big-minute and big-shooting defenseman with upside. The Lightning have been seeking defensive upgrades for some time now, both on the current NHL team and for their prospects group. Enter Foote, the son of former Colorado Avalanche blueliner Adam Foote. He has good all-round upside and should eventually become a quality top-four rearguard. Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman likes to let his prospects simmer down on the farm a little (like his former team, Detroit), so he is a long-range acquisition.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
5-10	173	35	1	5	6	10	2	0	0	1	34

Is an outstanding offensive defenseman who can make an impact with his instincts and playmaking skills. Can quarterback a power play and jump up into the rush with aplomb. His mobility is also a major weapon. Needs to continue to work on his defensive game, especially in-zone coverage and whenever he does not have the puck on his blade. Also, he is somewhat undersized for the defense position at the highest level. Talented, offensive-minded defenseman with good upside. The Golden Knights already secured two quality center prospects, so now they go to Sweden to select a great offensive defenseman in Brannstrom. He will need some time to fully develop his frame, and Vegas is in no hurry really, so he be kept in the developmental stages for some time. He needs to add bulk but his potential is rather massive. Overall, the Golden Knights did very well with their three first rounders among the top 15 selections.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG
6-2	204	60	19	42	61	2	34	5	0	1

Has very good size and a penchant for producing impressive offensive numbers at all levels. Passes the puck with aplomb, so he is a smooth puck mover. Is comfortable quarterbacking a power play, too. Does not always use his imposing size to his advantage, so he could stand to become a little more aggressive in the physicality department. Also, he still needs more work in his defensive-zone coverage. Big, talented offensive defenseman with good upside. The Flames need a right-winger to play on their top scoring line, but decided to go for a future offensive rearguard in Valimaki. Calgary already has several good young blueliners in the system, but Valimaki will surely be a valued addition to their stables. He is a few years away from becoming a Flame, but Calgary can wait for him at this point.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
6-0	191	19	1	4	5	-3	4	1	0	0	20

Is an incredible and effortless skater with outstanding agility from the back end. Is very comfortable with the puck and can be used as a power-play quarterback. Puts up points naturally. Moves the puck swiftly out of danger. Is a bit undersized, so he needs to add more bulk and get stronger for the National Hockey League. Needs to also improve his play without the puck in general, and specifically his defensive-zone coverage, to maximize output. Talented offensive defenseman with good upside. The Maple Leafs need better defensemen on their current roster, so the hope is some of their top blueline prospects can make it--eventually. Add Liljegren to their prospects group. He is a very talented defenseman who did not have a great draft year, so this could be a steal at pick No. 17. It might not take a ton of time for Liljegren to make his mark in Toronto, because he is a true need pick. For now, he will probably remain in Sweden.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	TOI	S
6-1	185	41	2	4	6	5	12	0	0	0	14:57	84

Excels at the defensive aspects of playing along the blueline, such as shot-blocking ability, shutdown qualities and sound decision-making with the puck. Is a solid puck mover with a fairly projectable frame. His offensive game will never be his calling card, so he is unlikely to ever become a No. 1 rearguard in the National Hockey League. Needs to add weight and get stronger to maximize his shutdown appeal. Reliable, shutdown defenseman with some upside. The Bruins have great young talent on defense already, with Brandon Carlo and Charlie McAvoy. However, both are right-handed defensemen, while Vaakanainen is a left blueliner. A solid defensive defenseman, Vaakanainen might be the heir apparent to current captain Zdeno Chara as the Bruins' top shutdown defender. Vaakanainen may not need a lot more development time before he starts challenging for a roster spot. He is a solid choice here.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
6-1	192	25	12	14	26	9	18	1	1	2	74

Owns excellent first-step quickness, which helps him create separation from opponents. Is a sound playmaker with a quick release to score goals, as well. Displays both two-way acumen and some feistiness to his game. Will need to completely fill out his frame in order to maximize his all-round appeal for the professional ranks. As he faces stiffer competition, he must prove he can continue to produce quality offensive numbers. Solid, two-way center with some upside. At some point, the Sharks need to plan for their future at the center position (especially with veteran Joe Thornton a pending unrestricted free agent). Norris will need some more time to fully develop his two-way game, but he has a chance to become an impact player in San Jose. There is not a lot of downside to this pick.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
6-0	188	66	16	50	66	41	26	3	1	2	127

Is a heady player with excellent two-way instincts and a sound work rate. Can shoot the puck well and has good playmaking qualities, as well. Is a very trustworthy forward. Does not have ideal size (6-0, 188 pounds) for the National Hockey League, so he needs to add bulk and become stronger (especially if he wants to remain a center as a pro). Talented, two-way forward with upside. The Blues franchise still seeks a true No. 1 center. Thomas may or may not be able to get to that level one day, but at least St. Louis did well to take a shot with him here. He has two-way ability, which should suit the Blues' style perfectly well. He will likely spent another season with the OHL's London Knights before potentially competing for a roster spot in St. Louis. He is a quality selection at No. 20 overall.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM
6-1	178	38	4	4	8	-5	16

Is an excellent skater with playmaking skills and a very good wrist shot. Is also tenacious on the forecheck and versatile enough to play both center and wing. Is also an asset defensively when he does not have the puck. Needs to bulk up significantly and get a lot stronger in order to maximize output in the North American professional ranks. Also needs more strength to win board battles and forecheck consistently in the NHL. Fast, talented and versatile forward with upside. The Rangers are looking for center help, especially after trading away Derek Stepan earlier. He joins Lias Andersson as potential pivots for the Rangers. While Andersson is more of a solid, two-way performer, Chytil has the long-range upside of a No. 1 offensive center. He can also play wing. Either way, Chytil will need plenty of development time (especially with his upper body strength) in order to play in the NHL. This could end up being the steal of the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft. Great work by the Rangers here.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG
5-8	153	65	42	57	99	14	46	10	1	7

Has exceptional skating ability, which makes him a virtual lock to enjoy a lengthy career in the NHL (in whatever role is required). Plays with a bundle of energy, can agitate opponents and also possesses a good shot. Is rather small by National Hockey League standards, so he must add more bulk and get a lot stronger in order to thrive at the highest level. Otherwise, he might be reduced to being a role player in the pro ranks. Speedy, energetic winger with upside. The Oilers have tremendous centers in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, so adding a dynamic winger in Yamamoto makes great sense. He is not very big, but that should not be an issue for Edmonton (who have plenty of size throughout the lineup). Yamamoto probably needs another season in the WHL, but do not be surprised if he gets a long look in training camp. Edmonton needs someone with his skill set on the wing, so you never know.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
6-2	161	62	6	33	39	14	54	3	0	1	133

Owns outstanding mobility and skating speed, which enables him to jump up into the play and produce offense. Has good hockey sense and an active stick. Is adept at quarterbacking the power play. Needs to fill out his 6-2 frame and become stronger, which would help him generate more power on his point shot (and fend off big forwards in front of the net). Can be guilty of taking bad penalties. Mobile offensive defenseman with good upside. The Coyotes traded away Anthony DeAngelo in the trade with the Rangers for Derek Stepan, but added Niklas Hjalmarsson from Chicago for the here and now. Joseph is an excellent prospect who has all-around potential but offensive acumen already. The Coyotes have been aggressive in promoting their prospects quickly, so Joseph might be the latest to do so. That said, Joseph needs to add a lot of bulk on his frame to thrive in the NHL. He is great value at pick No. 23, and could be a real steal for Arizona. Nice work by GM John Chayka.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
6-3	207	26	1	5	6	-1	2	0	0	1	20

The big, strapping winger has power forward written all over him. He displays good hands, sound skating ability for his size and a well-rounded game. Is a trustworthy forward who can be used in all game situations. Could stand to improve his passing skills in order to maximize output at the National Hockey League level. Also, he is a bit inconsistent in terms of utilizing his size to his advantage, something he needs to work on. Talented power forward with good upside. The Jets already have a great Finnish winger in Patrik Laine, so adding Vesalainen to the mix is a great coup. He adds plenty of size up front, which has been a staple of the franchise for some time now. Vesalainen might not need too much more development time, so it may not be long before he joins Laine at MTS Centre. Another potential steal a little later in the draft. Good move by Winnipeg.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
6-2	183	35	7	6	13	-8	12	2	0	2	37

Displays great balance on his skates and is incredibly swift up and down the ice. Is strong with a very projectable frame for the NHL game. Owns very good two-way ability and can play both center or wing. Will need to add bulk to his big frame in order to maximize output at the National Hockey League level. While he possesses a quality shot, he could stand to use it more often. Lacks elite scoring ability. Big, versatile two-way forward with some upside. The Canadiens thought they had their No. 1 center in Alex Galchenyuk, but the team prefers him on the wing. So, their long-standing need for a center brings the club to 2017 with the selection of Poehling, a solid two-way pivot who should eventually play in the NHL under current coach Claude Julien (since he plays well at both ends of the ice). Do not be surprised to see Poehling in Montreal sooner rather than later, because he fills a massive need.

HT	WT	GPI	W	L	T	Min	SO	GA	SHA	GAA	SV%
6-4	212	35	21	11	3	2131	4	75	1032	2.11	0.927

Owns the impressive size (6-4, 212 pounds) National Hockey League teams covet in today's era. Is calm under pressure and a keen learner. Works hard at improving the finer points of the goaltending position. Big and athletic, he still needs to continue to improve his quickness in the crease area. Must also further hone his skills in all areas of the game in order to maximize output at the highest level. Needs more bulk, too. Big, talented goaltender with upside. The Stars traded up to grab their goaltender of the future in Oettinger, which makes a lot of sense considering their lack of stability at the position in recent years. Ben Bishop will be their main man in goal for the next few seasons, but Oettinger now becomes their top goalkeeping prospect. It is always a gamble to take a masked man in Round 1, but Dallas had a clear and definite need at the position for the future. Time will tell if this works out.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
5-11	170	67	20	42	62	15	36	8	0	3	142

His skating ability sets him apart from the crowd, as he is among the fastest players in any league. Also boasts good playmaking skills and sound two-way ability from the center position. Needs to get physically stronger in order to maximize output at the highest level, since he will probably be asked to play a two-way (and perhaps even a shutdown) role due to his speed. Speedy, two-way forward with upside. The Flyers already drafted Nolan Patrick, who should be in their lineup immediately. Now, they land Frost (who is more of a long-range center prospect). He is a two-way player, which is important these days for the Flyers, but will need some more time to develop. The Flyers traded veteran forward Brayden Schenn in a multi-player deal with St. Louis that allowed them to grab Frost at this juncture.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
6-1	183	60	22	29	51	14	20	4	1	5	162

Due to a high level of intensity and work ethic, he excels in pressure situations. Boasts a no-nonsense approach to the game and is willing to sacrifice for the good of the team. Is a good face-off man. Does all the little things. Needs to add bulk and strength, since he is a little lacking in terms of overall size for the National Hockey League. Also, he may lack some of the high-end scoring prowess of some of his peers. Is at times a little too wound up. Quality two-way forward with some upside. The Senators already have Colin White coming into the fold this upcoming season, plus a longer-range center prospect in Logan Brown. However, Bowers plays the type of two-way game the Senators are now all about. His style of play fits the mold of a Guy Boucher-coached team. So, this selection seems to fit like a glove.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG
6-0	180	71	9	39	48	14	38	4	0	1

Is an excellent offensive defenseman with the ability to quarterback the power play. His great passing skills also set him apart from the crowd. Owns tremendous mobility and confidence with the puck. Does not own ideal size (6-0, 180 pounds) for a National Hockey League blueliner, so he must add some more bulk and get physically stronger in order to maximize his defensive output at the highest level. Talented offensive defenseman with good upside. An excellent offensive defenseman, Jokiharju is a few seasons away from joining Chicago. However, when he gets there he could supplant Duncan Keith as the team's top power-play quarterback. Jokiharju skates and shoots well, but he will need to grow defensively in order to become a staple with the Blackhawks. Overall, he is a very good selection for the draft hosts.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	S
5-10	170	52	30	24	54	18	26	6	0	6	246

Has a tremendous release and excellent shot, so he can score a plethora of goals at all levels. Is also shifty and very elusive. Is quite adept at getting into scoring areas. Can play either wing position effectively. Does not have ideal size for the National Hockey League game, so he must add more bulk and get physically stronger in order to maximize output at the highest level. Also needs more work on his defense. Savvy, shifty scoring winger with good upside. The Predators are good at developing both Swedes and Finns, so adding Finnish winger Tolvanen continues that trend. Tolvanen shoots the puck with aplomb and is a natural goal-scoring winger, so he could be a long-range replacement for the recently-departed James Neal. Tolvanen will need a little more development time, though.

HT	WT	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	TOI	S
6-3	196	8	0	0	0	1	27	0	0	0	4:28	1

A big winger with plenty of playmaking skills, he owns a very projectable frame (6-3) and a powerful stride. Can be a force down low and in the corners. Does not shy away from contact. Displays solid hockey sense. Lacks consistency in a big way, so he needs to become a better player from game to game in order to maximize output at the highest level. Needs to fill out his big frame. Injuries are already a problem for him. Big, powerful scoring winger with upside. St. Louis has done extremely well with Russian forwards, with Vladimir Tarasenko and Ivan Barbashev among others. Kostin is their latest project, one with a tremendous amount of scoring potential. There may be questions about when he might be available to come to the NHL, but there is no doubt Kostin was the best player left in Round 1. So St. Louis did a great job of adding a tremendous prospect who might be playing in North America right away (either in the AHL or NHL). He probably needs a little minor-pro seasoning, but is a true talent.