2017 NHL entry draft
The 2017 NHL Entry Draft was the 55th edition of the National Hockey League's (NHL) annual player selection process, in which the league's franchises choose eligible amateur players, primarily from junior, collegiate, and European leagues, to join their organizations. Held on June 23 and 24, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, the event featured seven rounds and a total of 217 selections across the NHL's 31 teams.[1][2][3] The draft order for the first round was determined by the NHL Draft Lottery on April 29, 2017, which elevated the New Jersey Devils from the fifth position to the top spot based on their 8.5 percent odds. The Devils selected center Nico Hischier from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Halifax Mooseheads first overall, making him the highest-drafted Swiss-born player in NHL history and the first European-born center taken at No. 1 since Mats Sundin in 1990.[2][4] Subsequent top picks included center Nolan Patrick (second overall, Philadelphia Flyers), who had overcome a sports hernia injury to post 46 points in 33 Western Hockey League games; defenseman Miro Heiskanen (third overall, Dallas Stars), a top-pair defender in Finland's Liiga; and defenseman Cale Makar (fourth overall, Colorado Avalanche), the Alberta Junior Hockey League's Defenseman of the Year with 75 points in 54 games.[2][5] Other notable first-round selections were center Elias Pettersson (fifth overall, Vancouver Canucks) from Sweden's HockeyEttan and center Cody Glass (sixth overall, Vegas Golden Knights), the expansion franchise's first pick in the entry draft after their inaugural season setup via expansion draft.[2] The 2017 draft class was noted for its depth in skilled forwards and mobile defensemen, with 13 centers and 10 defensemen among the 31 first-round selections, reflecting teams' emphasis on high-end playmaking talent.[2] International representation was strong, including five players from Sweden, six from the United States, and one from Switzerland in the first round, underscoring the global reach of NHL scouting.[2] The event also highlighted the growing prominence of women's hockey through related announcements, though the focus remained on amateur male prospects eligible under NHL rules for players who had not yet reached their 19th birthday by December 31, 2017.[1]Background and Eligibility
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for selection in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, players were required to be born between January 1, 1997, and September 15, 1999, ensuring they would be at least 18 years old by September 15, 2017, and no older than 20 by the end of the calendar year.[6] This birth date window applied to all eligible amateur players, aligning with the league's standard age parameters to balance development opportunities and competitive equity. Amateur status was a core requirement, restricting eligibility to players who had not played professional hockey and were active in designated junior or developmental leagues. This included participants from the CHL (encompassing the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League), the United States Hockey League (USHL), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) programs, or international junior leagues. European and international players under 20 years old who had never been previously drafted by an NHL club were also eligible, broadening the pool to include top talents from leagues like the Swedish Hockey League or Finnish Liiga without prior North American exposure. Players who had been passed over in two prior drafts or were already on an NHL club's reserve list (except for tryouts) were ineligible.[6] Special cases addressed edge scenarios for overage players. Players aged 19 or 20 who were re-entering the draft after not being selected previously could qualify if they met amateur standards and submitted an opt-in form by May 1 or seven days after their team's season ended, whichever was later. Overage players—those born in 1997 turning 20 in 2017, who had not been drafted in prior years and met amateur standards—could re-enter the draft if they had not been passed over twice before. Players aged 21 or older were typically ineligible if they had played hockey in North America for at least one season at ages 18, 19, or 20. Undrafted players reaching age 21 without selection transitioned to unrestricted free agency status, allowing them to sign with any NHL team outside the draft process.[6] The NHL Central Scouting Bureau was instrumental in identifying and evaluating eligible players, conducting year-round scouting across North America and Europe to compile comprehensive rankings and reports. These assessments, released in preliminary, midseason, and final forms, helped NHL teams gauge prospects' skills, potential, and fit, with the bureau's final 2017 list encompassing over 400 North American and European players deemed draft-eligible.[7]Pre-Draft Preparations
The preparations for the 2017 NHL Entry Draft involved extensive scouting and evaluation activities by the NHL Central Scouting bureau and individual teams, targeting players who met eligibility criteria such as being born between January 1, 1997, and September 15, 1999, and not having signed a professional contract beyond junior levels. Central Scouting released its midterm rankings on January 18, 2017, evaluating prospects across categories including North American skaters, international skaters, North American goalies, and international goalies, based on observations from approximately 3,000 games throughout the season. The final rankings followed on April 11, 2017, with Nolan Patrick topping the North American skaters list despite injury setbacks, while Klim Kostin led international skaters; these lists provided a foundational guide for teams' internal assessments.[8][9] NHL teams supplemented Central Scouting's evaluations through their own rigorous processes, including regional scout reports, cross-over viewings, in-person attendance at junior and international games, video analysis, and data analytics to construct personalized draft boards.[10] Scouts typically viewed top prospects 20 to 40 times per season within their regions, focusing on attributes like hockey sense, skating ability, and competitiveness, before compiling rankings at team meetings.[7] Private interviews with prospects were conducted throughout the year, often at tournaments or team facilities, to gauge character, work ethic, and fit within organizational cultures. A pivotal event in the pre-draft timeline was the NHL Scouting Combine, held from May 29 to June 3, 2017, at KeyBank Center and HarborCenter in Buffalo, New York, where approximately 100 top prospects underwent fitness testing (including bike ergometer, aerobic and anaerobic capacity drills), medical evaluations, and formal interviews with all 30 teams.[11][12] These sessions allowed teams to assess physical attributes and personal qualities up close, refining their draft strategies ahead of the June 23-24 draft in Chicago. Leading into the draft, the NHL Awards ceremony on June 21, 2017, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas—combined with the expansion draft for the Vegas Golden Knights—heightened anticipation, as several teams maneuvered through trades involving draft picks to adjust their positions.[13] Trade rumors, particularly surrounding the expansion draft protections and subsequent deals like those exchanging first-round picks, influenced teams' approaches by potentially altering selection slots and prompting last-minute board adjustments.[14]Draft Lottery
Lottery Mechanics
The NHL draft lottery for the 2017 entry draft utilized a weighted system among the 14 non-playoff teams and the expansion Vegas Golden Knights (15 participants total) to determine the order of the first three selections in the first round, with the remaining picks assigned in inverse order of regular-season standings. This format ensured that only non-playoff teams and the expansion franchise could receive the top three overall picks, a structure designed to reward poor performance while incorporating randomization to promote competitive balance.[15] In response to concerns over intentional tanking, the NHL implemented significant changes to the lottery system prior to the 2015 draft, which carried over to 2017; these adjustments capped the maximum probability of winning the first overall pick at 20 percent for the worst-performing team, with the second- and third-worst at 13.5 and 11.5 percent respectively in the 14-team format. For the 2017 lottery, an additional modification accommodated the league's expansion to 31 teams with the addition of the Vegas Golden Knights, who participated despite not playing a regular-season game and were assigned odds equivalent to the third-worst team in the standings (10.3 percent for the first pick). To account for the 15th participant, all odds were reduced proportionally from the prior year's percentages.[15][16] The lottery consisted of three independent draws, each using identical initial odds based on reverse order of finish, adjusted for 15 teams: the worst team (Colorado Avalanche) held 180 out of 1,000 possible combinations (18 percent chance) for the first draw, the second-worst (Vancouver Canucks) 121 (12.1 percent), the third-worst (Arizona Coyotes) and Vegas 103 each (10.3 percent), and probabilities decreasing progressively to the 15th-place team with 5 combinations (0.5 percent). If a team won an earlier draw, it was removed from subsequent ones, and the odds for the remaining teams were adjusted proportionally upward; for example, a team originally slotted fourth-worst would see its chances for the second draw increase if one of the top three had already been selected. No team could improve its position by more than four spots from its standings-based order, ensuring the worst team picked no lower than fourth overall.[17][18] The draws were conducted on April 29, 2017, at the Sportsnet studios in Toronto, with representatives from each non-playoff team and Vegas present; the event was broadcast live on NHL Network and other outlets. Each draw employed a mechanical lottery machine containing 14 ping-pong balls numbered 1 through 14, from which four balls were drawn sequentially without replacement to generate a four-digit combination matching one of the pre-assigned 1,000 team combinations out of 1,001 possible outcomes (the extra combination serving as a contingency). The winning team for each draw was revealed immediately after, with the full first-round order finalized shortly thereafter.[19][20] For teams with identical regular-season records, initial seeding for lottery odds and subsequent draft positions was determined by points percentage (total points divided by games played); if still tied, head-to-head results (points earned in games between the tied teams) served as the primary tiebreaker, followed by additional criteria such as regulation wins and goal differential if necessary. This mirroring of regular-season tiebreaker rules maintained consistency across league operations.Lottery Outcomes
The 2017 NHL Draft Lottery was held on April 29, 2017, in Toronto, determining the order of the first three selections among the 15 lottery participants (14 non-playoff teams plus Vegas), with Vegas guaranteed no lower than sixth overall. The pre-lottery order based on inverse standings was: 1. Colorado Avalanche, 2. Vancouver Canucks, 3. Arizona Coyotes, 4. Vegas Golden Knights (slotted by odds), 5. New Jersey Devils, 6. Buffalo Sabres, 7. Detroit Red Wings, 8. Dallas Stars, 9. Florida Panthers, 10. Los Angeles Kings, 11. Carolina Hurricanes, 12. Winnipeg Jets, 13. Philadelphia Flyers, 14. Tampa Bay Lightning, 15. New York Islanders. In a series of draws, the New Jersey Devils secured the first pick despite entering with the fifth-best odds of 8.5 percent, vaulting from their projected fifth position based on regular-season finish. The Philadelphia Flyers followed with the second pick, an improbable jump from their expected 12th spot with just 2.2 percent odds for the top selection overall. The Dallas Stars claimed third, moving up from eighth with 5.8 percent odds for first.[21][16][22] These outcomes significantly altered the draft order for the bottom teams, while Vegas's position fell to sixth as they did not win a draw, per league rules for the expansion franchise. The Colorado Avalanche, who held the worst record and highest 18 percent odds for first, dropped to fourth; Vancouver Canucks to fifth; and the remaining teams from seventh to 15th followed inverse regular-season standings. This shuffling highlighted the lottery's weighted system, where no team could fall more than three spots from their original projection, but the top prizes went to mid-tier lottery participants.[23][24] Media coverage described the results as the "craziest" lottery in league history due to the underdog triumphs, with outlets like Sports Illustrated noting the Devils "bucked the odds" in a stunning upset over favorites like the Avalanche. Fan reactions in New Jersey included widespread celebrations, as captured in local reports and social media, viewing the win as a turning point for the franchise's rebuild. The Flyers' leap drew similar excitement in Philadelphia, though some Avalanche supporters expressed frustration over the drop.[22][25][26] The lottery victories prompted immediate strategic shifts for the benefiting teams, with the Devils intensifying scouting on elite centers like Nico Hischier and Nolan Patrick to capitalize on their new position. Flyers management similarly adjusted evaluations, focusing on high-impact forwards to bolster their lineup, while the Stars prepared to target defensive prospects. These preparations underscored how lottery success enabled more aggressive draft-night planning amid a deep prospect class.[19]Top Prospects
Pre-Draft Rankings
The pre-draft rankings for the 2017 NHL Entry Draft were compiled by several prominent scouting services, reflecting evaluations of prospects' skills, performance, and potential based on the 2016-17 season. NHL Central Scouting's final rankings, released on April 11, 2017, served as a key benchmark, separating North American and international skaters and goalies. Among North American skaters, center Nolan Patrick of the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) was ranked No. 1 for his well-rounded playmaking and scoring ability despite injury concerns, followed by center Nico Hischier of the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) at No. 2. For international skaters, left winger Klim Kostin of Dynamo Moscow (KHL) topped the list at No. 1 due to his physicality and skill, with center Elias Pettersson of Timrå IK (Allsvenskan) at No. 2. In goalie rankings, Jake Oettinger of Boston University (NCAA) was the top North American netminder at No. 1, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of HPK Jr. (Finland Jr.) led the Europeans.[8][27][28] Other major services, including International Scouting Services (ISS), TSN (via Bob McKenzie's scout poll), and McKeen's Hockey, produced combined overall rankings that often diverged from Central Scouting's regional splits but highlighted similar top talents. These lists emphasized a deep forward class while noting a strong but less top-heavy group of defensemen. A consensus top 10 emerged from aggregating these rankings, prioritizing players frequently appearing in the upper echelons across sources, such as Patrick and Hischier, who were viewed as the draft's elite centers with high-end vision and hockey IQ.| Rank | Player | Position | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nico Hischier | C | Top-ranked by TSN; versatile two-way center.[29] |
| 2 | Nolan Patrick | C | No. 1 on ISS and McKeen's; power forward with elite shot.[30][31] |
| 3 | Miro Heiskanen | D | High in all lists (e.g., No. 3 on TSN, McKeen's); mobile puck-mover.[29][31] |
| 4 | Gabriel Vilardi | C | No. 3 on ISS; skilled scorer with size.[30] |
| 5 | Cale Makar | D | No. 4 on TSN; dynamic offensive defenseman from U.S. NTDP.[29] |
| 6 | Casey Mittelstadt | C | Consistent top-10 across boards; playmaking pivot from U.S. NTDP.[30][31] |
| 7 | Elias Pettersson | C | Rising international star; No. 7 on TSN.[29] |
| 8 | Cody Glass | C | Projectable center; top-10 on ISS, McKeen's.[30][31] |
| 9 | Michael Rasmussen | C | Physical forward; No. 9 on McKeen's.[31] |
| 10 | Owen Tippett | RW | Speedy winger; No. 5 on ISS.[30] |
Key Prospect Profiles
Nico Hischier, a Swiss-born center standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 178 pounds, emerged as one of the premier two-way forwards in the 2017 draft class during his rookie season with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). In 57 games during the 2016-17 season, he recorded 38 goals and 48 assists for 86 points, leading all QMJHL rookies in scoring and earning the Michel Brière Trophy as the league's top rookie.[32] Hischier's play style emphasized versatility, excelling in both offensive creativity and defensive reliability, with strong puck possession skills and leadership qualities that made him a captain for Switzerland at international tournaments. Scouts praised his competitiveness and ability to drive play in all zones, projecting him as a top-line NHL center capable of contributing 60-70 points per season while logging heavy minutes on the penalty kill.[2] Elias Pettersson, a Swedish center measuring 6 feet 2 inches and 164 pounds, showcased elite offensive vision and skill while competing against men in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Timrå IK at just 18 years old. Over 43 games in the 2016-17 season, he tallied 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points, ranking second in team scoring despite his youth and lighter frame.[33] Pettersson's game featured exceptional hockey IQ, quick hands, and deceptive speed, allowing him to thread passes through tight defenses and create scoring chances with poise under pressure. His playmaking ability, highlighted by leading under-18 players in SHL assists, positioned him as a potential first-line playmaker in the NHL, with projections for high-end production in a skilled, possession-oriented role.[2] Nolan Patrick, a Canadian center at 6 feet 3 inches and 198 pounds, demonstrated high-end scoring potential with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), though his season was marred by an upper-body injury that limited him to 33 games, where he still managed 20 goals and 26 assists for 46 points.[34] Known for his mature hockey sense and ability to anticipate plays two steps ahead, Patrick's heavy shot and physical presence along the boards made him effective in high-traffic areas, but concerns over his injury history—missing 35 games—tempered evaluations of his durability. Scouts viewed him as a power forward with top-six upside, capable of developing into a 50-point NHL contributor if he maintained health and added consistency to his elite vision.[35] Casey Mittelstadt, an American center standing 6 feet 1 inch and 205 pounds, stood out as a dynamic playmaker in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Green Bay Gamblers, posting 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points in 24 games to lead the league in points per game at 1.25.[2] His elite edgework and creativity in open ice, combined with strong puck control, allowed him to generate offense through precise passing and deceptive dekes, earning him MVP honors at the 2017 World Junior A Challenge. Mittelstadt's offensive instincts suggested a future as a second-line NHL center, with potential for 40-50 points annually in a skill-focused role, bolstered by his leadership as captain of the U.S. National Under-18 Team.[2] Among other notable prospects, Finnish defenseman Miro Heiskanen (6 feet, 170 pounds) impressed with his mobility and puck-moving ability for HIFK in Finland's Liiga, recording 5 goals and 5 assists in 37 games during the 2016-17 season as a 17-year-old.[36] His smooth skating and two-way composure projected him as a top-pair NHL blueliner. Canadian center Gabriel Vilardi (6 feet 3 inches, 194 pounds) showed sniper potential with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), amassing 29 goals and 32 assists for 61 points in 49 games despite a back injury.[37] Czech forward Martin Necas (6 feet 1 inch, 189 pounds) excelled in skill with the Czech Extraliga and Kometa Brno, totaling 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points in 41 games, while also posting strong junior numbers, highlighting his speed and playmaking for a middle-six projection.[38][2] These prospects rounded out a deep class, with physical tools and styles varying from offensive dynamos to reliable defenders.Draft Selections
First Round
The first round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 23, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, featuring 31 selections due to the addition of the Vegas Golden Knights expansion franchise. The draft emphasized high-end skill and two-way play among top prospects, with the New Jersey Devils winning the lottery and selecting Swiss center Nico Hischier first overall, a player noted for his speed, vision, and leadership potential after a standout season with the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL.[2] The round saw several picks acquired through pre-draft trades, particularly benefiting Vegas with three selections from expansion agreements, and included two notable trades executed during the proceedings. The following table lists all 31 first-round selections, including the selecting team and player details:| Pick | Team | Player | Position | Notes on Acquisition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey Devils | Nico Hischier | C | Devils' own pick |
| 2 | Philadelphia Flyers | Nolan Patrick | C | Flyers' own pick |
| 3 | Dallas Stars | Miro Heiskanen | D | Stars' own pick |
| 4 | Colorado Avalanche | Cale Makar | D | Avalanche's own pick |
| 5 | Vancouver Canucks | Elias Pettersson | C | Canucks' own pick |
| 6 | Vegas Golden Knights | Cody Glass | C | Golden Knights' own pick |
| 7 | New York Rangers | Lias Andersson | C | Rangers' own pick |
| 8 | Buffalo Sabres | Casey Mittelstadt | C | Sabres' own pick |
| 9 | Detroit Red Wings | Michael Rasmussen | C | Red Wings' own pick |
| 10 | Florida Panthers | Owen Tippett | RW | Panthers' own pick |
| 11 | Los Angeles Kings | Gabriel Vilardi | C | Kings' own pick |
| 12 | Carolina Hurricanes | Martin Nečas | C | Hurricanes' own pick |
| 13 | Vegas Golden Knights | Nick Suzuki | C | Acquired from Winnipeg Jets in expansion draft trade (Vegas selected Chris Thorburn)[39] |
| 14 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Cal Foote | D | Lightning's own pick |
| 15 | Vegas Golden Knights | Erik Brännström | D | Acquired from New York Islanders in expansion draft trade (Vegas selected Jonathan Marchessault)[39] |
| 16 | Calgary Flames | Juuso Välimäki | D | Flames' own pick |
| 17 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Timothy Liljegren | D | Maple Leafs' own pick |
| 18 | Boston Bruins | Urho Vaakanainen | D | Bruins' own pick |
| 19 | San Jose Sharks | Josh Norris | C | Sharks' own pick |
| 20 | St. Louis Blues | Robert Thomas | C | Blues' own pick |
| 21 | New York Rangers | Filip Chytil | C | Rangers' own pick |
| 22 | Edmonton Oilers | Kailer Yamamoto | RW | Oilers' own pick |
| 23 | Arizona Coyotes | Pierre-Olivier Joseph | D | Acquired from Minnesota Wild in Martin Hanzal trade (February 26, 2017)[40] |
| 24 | Winnipeg Jets | Kristian Vesalainen | LW | Jets' own pick |
| 25 | Montreal Canadiens | Ryan Poehling | C | Canadiens' own pick |
| 26 | Dallas Stars | Jake Oettinger | G | Acquired from Chicago Blackhawks during draft (Chicago's original 26th pick traded for Dallas' 29th and 70th overall picks)[41] |
| 27 | Philadelphia Flyers | Morgan Frost | C | Acquired from St. Louis Blues in Mark Streit trade (March 1, 2017; Flyers also received a 2018 4th-round pick)[42] |
| 28 | Ottawa Senators | Shane Bowers | C | Senators' own pick |
| 29 | Chicago Blackhawks | Henri Jokiharju | D | Original Dallas Stars' 29th pick, acquired during draft from Dallas (see pick 26)[41] |
| 30 | Nashville Predators | Eeli Tolvanen | LW | Predators' own pick |
| 31 | St. Louis Blues | Klim Kostin | LW | Acquired from Pittsburgh Penguins during draft (Blues traded Ryan Reaves and 51st overall pick for Oskar Sundqvist and the 31st pick)[43] |
Second Round
The second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, conducted on June 24 in Chicago, focused on adding depth with emerging talents, particularly in defensive positions and from international leagues, as teams sought value beyond the headliners selected earlier. With 31 picks distributed among the 30 teams (due to the expansion Vegas Golden Knights receiving two), the round highlighted skilled forwards who slipped from pre-draft rankings alongside rugged defensemen and goaltending prospects. Trade volume was moderate, building on first-round activity to reshape selections. Notable trades included the Philadelphia Flyers acquiring the 35th overall pick from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for their 44th, 75th, and 108th picks, allowing Philadelphia to target a power forward earlier. Another key deal from the draft weekend saw the Pittsburgh Penguins trade the 31st overall pick (from the first round) and forward Oskar Sundqvist to the St. Louis Blues for winger Ryan Reaves and the 50th pick, enabling Pittsburgh to address forward depth while moving up for a defenseman. Pre-draft trades also influenced the round, such as the Calgary Flames' 47th pick going to the Ottawa Senators as part of the Curtis Lazar acquisition, and the Toronto Maple Leafs' 48th pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Brian Boyle deal. The following table lists all second-round selections:
Among the standout picks, the Dallas Stars' selection of Jason Robertson at 39th overall proved a major value acquisition, as the skilled winger, projected as a late first-rounder, developed into a prolific NHL scorer with multiple 40-goal seasons. The Buffalo Sabres' choice of goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen at 54th was viewed as a reach relative to rankings but highlighted their emphasis on athletic netminders with upside. Other notable value selections included the Vegas Golden Knights drafting defenseman Nicolas Hague at 34th, a physically imposing blueliner who became a steady NHL contributor, and the New York Islanders taking Robin Salo at 46th, a mobile defender from Finland considered a potential steal for his puck-moving ability. Conversely, some teams reached for familiar North American juniors, such as Vancouver's Jonah Gadjovich at 55th, prioritizing toughness over higher-ranked skill players.
Round trends shifted toward bolstering defenses, with 12 defensemen selected—more than in the first round—reflecting teams' needs for blue-line depth amid a prospect pool rich in stay-at-home and two-way options. International players gained prominence, comprising about 30% of picks from European leagues like Sweden's SHL and Finland's Liiga, underscoring scouts' growing interest in overseas development paths for cost-effective talent.
Third Round
The third round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, encompassing picks 63 through 93, emphasized the selection of high-upside project players and under-the-radar prospects, many of whom were viewed as long-term development investments rather than immediate contributors. Teams targeted skaters and goaltenders with raw potential from diverse amateur backgrounds, reflecting a broader scouting reach beyond top-tier junior leagues. This round saw 31 selections, with a notable uptick in players from European leagues and the United States Hockey League (USHL), alongside staples from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). For instance, eight picks hailed from the USHL or U.S. National Team Development Program, while five originated from European junior or pro circuits, including Sweden's SHL, Finland's Liiga, and Russian junior teams.[3][45] Trades were less frequent than in earlier rounds but included strategic swaps that reshaped selections. Prior to the draft, the Detroit Red Wings acquired a third-round pick from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for forward Tomas Jurco, which Detroit used at No. 71 to select defenseman Kasper Kotkansalo from the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL).[46] During the round itself, the Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes exchanged their third-round picks on June 24, 2017; Edmonton moved up to No. 78 to draft goaltender Stuart Skinner from the Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL), while Arizona slid to No. 82 and chose defenseman Cameron Crotty from the Brockville Braves (CCHL). Another pre-draft deal indirectly influenced the round when the Coyotes, having acquired Calgary Flames' third-round pick earlier, used No. 75 to select center Nate Schnarr from the Guelph Storm (OHL).[39] These moves highlighted teams' willingness to maneuver for specific targets amid the draft's mid-round value.[3] Several third-round selections have emerged as NHL contributors, underscoring the round's potential for hidden gems. The New Jersey Devils opened the round at No. 63 by drafting right winger Fabian Zetterlund from Färjestad BK's junior team (Sweden), who has since logged 266 NHL games with 53 goals and 67 assists (as of November 2025), establishing himself as a reliable scorer.[47] Carolina Hurricanes' No. 67 pick, center Morgan Geekie from the Tri-City Americans (WHL), has appeared in 354 games across multiple teams, amassing 84 goals and 93 assists (as of November 2025) while providing depth scoring and playoff contributions. Winnipeg Jets selected defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic at No. 74 from Merrimack College (NCAA), who has played 224 NHL games with 10 goals and 35 assists, noted for his steady defensive play. Edmonton's Stuart Skinner (No. 78) has solidified as a starting goaltender, posting 184 appearances and key wins in playoff pushes (as of November 2025). Other standouts include Arizona's Mackenzie Entwistle (No. 69, 193 games) and Columbus Blue Jackets' Daniil Tarasov (No. 86, 68 games as a goalie), both exemplifying the round's focus on athleticism and growth over polished skills.[3] Overall, the third round prioritized prospects with developmental ceilings, drawing from international talent pools to bolster organizational depth. While many selections remain in minor leagues or abroad, the successes of players like Zetterlund, Geekie, and Skinner illustrate the high-reward nature of mid-round scouting in 2017.[45]Fourth Round
The fourth round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, encompassing picks 94 through 124, saw teams prioritize high-upside prospects, including several goaltenders and players with potential for long-term development. Notable selections included the Boston Bruins taking goaltender Jeremy Swayman at 111th overall, a technically sound puck-handler from the U.S. National Team Development Program who later committed to the University of Maine, and the Ottawa Senators selecting forward Drake Batherson at 121st, a productive scorer from the QMJHL's Cape Breton Screaming Eagles known for his playmaking ability. Other key picks featured the Toronto Maple Leafs drafting goaltender Ian Scott at 110th, a tall Canadian netminder from the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders, and the Calgary Flames choosing center Adam Ruzicka at 109th, a skilled Slovakian pivot from the OHL's Sarnia Sting with strong offensive instincts.[45][48] Minor trades adjusted the pick order during the round, such as the New York Rangers acquiring the 123rd pick from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for their 102nd pick, allowing the Rangers to select defenseman Brandon Crawley. The Chicago Blackhawks also traded up to the 112th spot to select forward Tim Söderlund from Sweden's J20 Nationell, emphasizing their interest in international forwards with speed. These transactions were limited compared to earlier rounds but facilitated targeted acquisitions without major disruptions to the overall sequence.[39][49] A prominent trend in the fourth round was the continued selection of goaltenders, with four netminders chosen—including Maksim Zhukov (96th, Vegas), Eetu Mäkiniemi (104th, Carolina), Ian Scott (110th), and Jeremy Swayman (111th)—as teams sought to address depth in their prospect pipelines amid a perceived strong goalie class. Additionally, several American draftees, such as defenseman Jack Rathbone (Vancouver, 95th) and forward Scott Reedy (San Jose, 102nd), committed to NCAA programs like Harvard and Harvard, respectively, highlighting a growing preference for the college development route to refine skills in a structured environment. This built on the draft's earlier emphasis on versatile, skilled players by shifting toward specialized upside in later selections.[50][51] Analyses of the round underscored the inherent risks in these picks, often tied to physical size or developmental skill gaps that could hinder NHL transitions. For example, Buffalo's Jacob Bryson (99th), a mobile defenseman standing at 5'8", offered elite skating but faced concerns over competing against larger opponents, while New Jersey's Nikita Popugayev (98th), a 6'5" winger, possessed impressive puck skills yet exhibited inconsistencies in decision-making and compete level during his WHL season. Teams viewed these as sleepers with significant potential, betting on coaching and time to mitigate such vulnerabilities in projectable athletes.[52][53]Fifth Round
The fifth round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, encompassing picks 125 through 155, featured selections primarily targeting high-upside prospects with untapped potential, often prioritizing raw athleticism and physical tools over refined skills seen in earlier rounds.[3] These late-round choices represented lottery tickets for NHL teams, with many players hailing from developmental leagues where projectable traits like speed and size were emphasized.[45] Demographically, the round showcased significant diversity, with Canadian players leading at 13 selections, followed by eight from Sweden and seven from the United States.[3] Representation extended to Russia (three), Czech Republic (two), and single picks from Switzerland, Germany, Slovakia, and Slovenia. League origins were heavily skewed toward North American major juniors, with 14 players from the CHL (including WHL, OHL, and QMJHL), alongside 10 from junior circuits like the USHL and Swedish junior leagues, reflecting a blend of North American and European talent pipelines.[3][45] Among the notable selections, the Philadelphia Flyers chose left winger Noah Cates 137th overall from Stillwater High School (USHS-MN), a gritty forward who has since emerged as a reliable NHL contributor with 249 games played, primarily with the Flyers.[54] The New York Islanders selected Swedish defenseman Sebastian Aho 139th overall from Skellefteå AIK (SHL), a mobile blue-liner who has logged 190 NHL games across multiple teams, including the Islanders and later the Montreal Canadiens.[55] Dallas Stars picked center Jacob Peterson 132nd from Frölunda HC Jr. (Sweden Jr.), who has appeared in 83 NHL games, offering size and scoring touch in limited stints. Other players with NHL experience include Marian Studenič (46 games, selected 143rd by New Jersey) and Gilles Senn (2 games, 129th by New Jersey).[45] Trades were relatively sparse in this round, with most picks retained by original teams, though a few changed hands via prior deals. For instance, the 126th overall pick, used by the Arizona Coyotes to select defenseman Michael Karow from the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), had been acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a third-round pick adjustment.[44] Similarly, the Vancouver Canucks' 135th pick, originally acquired by Chicago and then traded back, was used by Vancouver to select defenseman Kristoffer Gunnarsson from Frölunda HC (Sweden).[40] Overall, the fifth round underscored the draft's depth in unpolished talents from junior and European systems, where teams bet on developmental arcs to unearth hidden gems amid the risk of later selections.[3]Sixth Round
The sixth round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft encompassed picks 156 through 186, where teams scouted deeply into junior and developmental leagues for prospects with high developmental potential, often from less conventional pipelines. This round emphasized players requiring extended seasoning, with selections drawn from North American junior circuits, collegiate programs, and overseas juniors.[42] Key selections included the Colorado Avalanche drafting forward Denis Smirnov at 156th overall, a Russian-born player competing for Penn State University in the Big Ten conference.[42] The Vegas Golden Knights followed by selecting Czech goaltender Jiri Patera at 161st from HC Motor Ceske Budejovice's junior team.[3] Other representative picks featured the Tampa Bay Lightning taking defenseman Nick Perbix at 169th from Elk River High School in Minnesota's high school league, and the New York Rangers choosing forward Morgan Barron at 174th from St. Andrew's College in Ontario's high school system.[3] The Pittsburgh Penguins closed the round by selecting Finnish defenseman Antti Palojärvi at 186th from Lukko's junior program in Finland.[42] Trades in the sixth round were infrequent and typically involved pre-draft swaps focused on future considerations or pick exchanges, such as the New York Rangers acquiring the 174th selection from the San Jose Sharks in return for their 102nd pick (with the 123rd pick also involved in the deal).[44] A prominent trend was the uptick in U.S. high school selections, exemplified by Perbix and Barron, alongside international picks from European junior leagues like those of Patera and Palojärvi, signaling teams' interest in diverse, under-the-radar talent pools beyond major CHL circuits.[42] These late-round choices demonstrated undrafted-like value over time, with several developing into NHL contributors; for instance, Perbix has logged 236 games and 66 points for the Lightning, while Barron has tallied 66 points in 268 appearances for the Rangers and others (as of November 2025).[3]Seventh Round
The seventh round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft encompassed picks 187 through 217, marking the conclusion of the selection process and offering teams final opportunities to acquire depth prospects with long-term potential.[3] This round featured minimal on-site trades, though several picks originated from pre-draft transactions, such as the New Jersey Devils acquiring the 205th and 214th selections from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for their 185th pick earlier on draft day.[56] Other notable pre-draft deals included the Montreal Canadiens obtaining the 199th pick from the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2018 seventh-rounder.[44] The following table lists all seventh-round selections, including the drafting team, player, position, and primary amateur affiliation at the time of the draft.[3]| Overall | Team | Player | Position | Amateur Team/League |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 187 | Colorado Avalanche | Nick Leivermann | D | Eden Prairie HS (USHS-MN) |
| 188 | Vancouver Canucks | Matt Brassard | D | Oshawa Generals (OHL) |
| 189 | Vegas Golden Knights | Ben Jones | C | Niagara IceDogs (OHL) |
| 190 | Arizona Coyotes | Erik Walli Walterholm | RW | Djurgårdens IF J20 (Sweden Jr.) |
| 191 | New Jersey Devils | Jocktan Chainey | D | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) |
| 192 | Buffalo Sabres | Linus Weissbach | LW | Tri-City Storm (USHL) |
| 193 | Detroit Red Wings | Brady Gilmour | C | Saginaw Spirit (OHL) |
| 194 | Dallas Stars | Dylan Ferguson | G | Kootenay Ice (WHL) |
| 195 | Boston Bruins | Victor Berglund | D | MODO Hockey J20 (Sweden Jr.) |
| 196 | Philadelphia Flyers | Wyatt Kalynuk | D | Bloomington Thunder (USHL) |
| 197 | Carolina Hurricanes | Ville Räsänen | D | Jokipojat (Finland2) |
| 198 | Winnipeg Jets | Skyler McKenzie | LW | Portland Winterhawks (WHL) |
| 199 | Montreal Canadiens | Cayden Primeau | G | Lincoln Stars (USHL) |
| 200 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Samuel Walker | F | Edina HS (USHS-MN) |
| 201 | New York Islanders | Logan Cockerill | LW | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 202 | Calgary Flames | Filip Sveningsson | LW | HV71 J20 (Sweden Jr.) |
| 203 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Ryan O'Connell | D | St. Andrew's College (USHS-ON) |
| 204 | Boston Bruins | Daniel Bukac | D | Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) |
| 205 | New Jersey Devils | Yegor Zaitsev | D | Dynamo Balashikha (Russia Jr.) |
| 206 | St. Louis Blues | Anton Andersson | D | Luleå HF J20 (Sweden Jr.) |
| 207 | New York Rangers | Patrik Virta | C | TPS (Liiga) |
| 208 | Edmonton Oilers | Philip Kemp | D | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 209 | Minnesota Wild | Nick Swaney | RW | Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) |
| 210 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Robbie Stucker | D | St. Thomas Academy (USHS-MN) |
| 211 | Winnipeg Jets | Croix Evingson | D | Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL) |
| 212 | San Jose Sharks | Ivan Chekhovich | LW | Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) |
| 213 | Washington Capitals | Kristian Røykås Marthinsen | LW | Almtuna IS J20 (Sweden Jr.) |
| 214 | New Jersey Devils | Matthew Hellickson | D | Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) |
| 215 | Chicago Blackhawks | Joshua Ess | D | Lakeville South HS (USHS-MN) |
| 216 | Nashville Predators | Jacob Paquette | D | Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) |
| 217 | Pittsburgh Penguins | William Reilly | D | Rensselaer Polytechnic (NCAA) |
Draftee Demographics
By Nationality
The 2017 NHL Entry Draft drew prospects from 15 countries, highlighting the international scope of talent identification in professional hockey. Of the 217 total selections, North American players accounted for approximately 58%, with Canada and the United States dominating the class. European nations provided the remaining selections, led by traditional powerhouses like Sweden, Finland, and Russia, signaling continued globalization in the sport.[57] The distribution by nationality is summarized in the following table:| Country | Total Selections |
|---|---|
| Canada | 77 |
| United States | 49 |
| Sweden | 27 |
| Finland | 23 |
| Russia | 18 |
| Czech Republic | 9 |
| Switzerland | 3 |
| Belarus | 2 |
| Denmark | 2 |
| Latvia | 2 |
| Slovakia | 2 |
| Germany | 1 |
| Norway | 1 |
| France | 1 |
| Slovenia | 1 |
North American Breakdowns
The 2017 NHL Entry Draft featured a strong representation from North American regions, with Canada contributing 77 draftees and the United States 49, underscoring the continent's dominant role in supplying talent to the league.[62] Among Canadian provinces, Ontario emerged as the leading pipeline with 42 draftees, many emerging from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), reflecting the province's robust minor hockey and junior development systems. Quebec followed with 25 selections, primarily through the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), while British Columbia contributed 12 players, often via the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) pathways.| Province | Number of Draftees |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 42 |
| Quebec | 25 |
| British Columbia | 12 |
| State | Number of Draftees |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | 17 |
| Massachusetts | 4 |
| Michigan | 10 |