2017 NHL Draft: Nolan Patrick Reassuring He’s a First Overall Talent

2017 NHL Draft: Nolan Patrick Reassuring He’s a First Overall Talent

The 2017 NHL Draft isn’t the main topic on draft analysts minds at the moment, but what was thought to be an intriguing competition for the first overall selection in next year’s draft has started to dissolve.

Nolan Patrick was coming off of a very impressive WHL rookie season with the Wheat Kings last year, scoring 30 goals and 56 points in 55 games. At the start of the year, Patrick was on the same track in terms of point production. His playmaking ability was at its best within the first 13 games of the season as he collected 16 assists in the month of October.

The middle months flew by for the Winnipeg native and he went somewhat unnoticed. Patrick produced at a point per game pace through the months of December and January (22 points in 22 games), and that is rather average for Patrick.

However, in the month of February and March, Nolan Patrick is back to his point producing ways. He has also been finishing chances at a rate that has never been seen from him before. In the last 16 games he has played in, Nolan Patrick has 20 goals, including his first career hat trick. The most goals Patrick has scored in a month’s span is 9.

His game is coming together in a full circle the right time. The Brandon Wheat Kings are getting ready for a deep playoff run that ends in, what they hope to be, a spot in the Memorial Cup Finals.

He has taken a giant lead in the race for first place among 2017 draft eligibles, but his peers have put forth quite the effort.

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Timothy Liljegren is a 16-year-old playing in the SHL with Rögle BK. Already he is one of the smartest defensemen in the league. He shows very promising potential to become a future NHL powerplay quarterback.

His 5 points in 19 games this year may not catch the eye, but his technical play has been terrific. His first pass is consistent and his IQ, as previously stated, is off the charts.

Eeli Tolvanen has been continuing a stellar U17 Worlds performance with the Sioux City Musketeers. Tolvanen started the year on fire within the 31 points in 29 games and was on pace to put up historic numbers for a USHL U17 season.

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Tolvanen hit a brick wall in terms of point production. Through the next 12 games, he only put up 5 points. While that may be looked at as rather effective, others have moved ahead of Tolvanen in rookie scoring. His playmaking ability and skating still remain strong and on showcase every game.

Maxime Comtois also had a very successful U17 Worlds that has translated into a great rookie season for the QMJHL’s Victoriaville Tigres. The third overall pick in the 2015 QMJHL Draft is third on the team in scoring with 57 points in 59 games. Comtois is a speedy skater with a quick set of hands. He can make quick moves and has a very underrated shot.

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The United States National Team Development Program has multiple 2017 NHL Draft prospects that are having great years respectively. Grant Mismash and Scott Reedy have been stellar for the U17 team.

Reedy has 50 points in 47 games. He now ranks 5th all-time in points and is tied for 3rd all-time in assists for the U17 USNTDP. Reedy and the USNTP has eight games remaining in their season and Reedy needs four assists to reach 2nd all time for the U17 squad. 2015 draft eligible Clayton Keller holds the current 2nd spot with 34. Luke Kirwan holds the 4th spot for points all-time with 57.

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Quinn Hughes is one of the best defensemen among the 2017 draft prospects. His gap control, skating, first pass and transition game are very good. There is some work to be done in the defensive and point positions, but he has built a very strong foundation.

Although there are some prospects in next year’s draft that have been outstanding for their respective teams, none of them have been as spectacular as Nolan Patrick. He is without a doubt a first overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft.