Sportsnets Sam Cosentino just did a mock draft today and had the 3rd pick for the Stars - Heiskanen & 4th to the Avs - Makar. Meanwhile at 5th he projects the Canucks to take Elias Pettersson, followed by Glass and Vilardi being taken 6th and 7th.
Here is the link: http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/2017-nhl-mock-draft-no-deficiencies-nolan-patricks-game/
1. NEW JERSEY DEVILS Nico Hischier, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL): The Swiss Mister has it all. He can play both ends of the ice, with offensive flair. He’s not quite as dynamic as Ehlers, Drouin or MacKinnon, but at this age, he’s more well-rounded.
2. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS Nolan Patrick, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): There are no deficiencies in his game and he can be relied on to play in any situation. Marry the skill with size and include being a right shot, and all the pieces come together.
3. DALLAS STARS Miro Heiskanen, HIFK (Finland): As a two-way defenceman, he processes and executes the game in mistake-free fashion. A growth spurt moved him from the 20-something crowd into top-five territory.
4. COLORADO AVALANCHE Cale Makar, Brooks Bandits (AJHL): Could be considered the most dynamic player in the draft. Makar has elite skating ability and can handle the puck at top speed. Forget the competition, but look closer at his international play and back-to-back national championship appearances and consider he was arguably the best player in the 2017 WJAC and RBC Cup.
5. VANCOUVER CANUCKS Elias Pettersson, Timra (SWE-2): Effective in every offensive situation with a skill set that’s off the charts. Height isn’t the problem, but his slight frame leaves little room to pack on a few more pounds.
6. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS Cody Glass, Portland Winterhawks (WHL): Has treated several potential mountains as mole hills along his path to becoming an NHL player. Highly motivated with a skill set to match, Glass was amongst the highest risers from the start of the season.
7. ARIZONA COYOTES Gabe Vilardi, Windsor Spitfires (OHL). Few players can control the puck on the wall and down low like Vilardi. He’s got an NHL ready shot and release with a good frame. Vilardi takes to coaching well and has great desire to improve on a daily.
8. BUFFALO SABRES Martin Necas, Brno (CZE): Great skating ability with good stick skills, Necas held his own against men, rarely backing down as a result of a Rolls Royce motor.
9. DETROIT RED WINGS Michael Rasmussen, Tri-City Americans (WHL): He could be mistaken for Captain Serious, but it is that pro mentality that has put him in the conversation as a top-10 pick. Net front presence and sniping ability are omnipresent. Stats are tilted heavily on the power play side of things, however.