Two of the biggest slides in the first round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft belonged to Eeli Tolvanen and Klim Kostin. Tolvanen, a Finnish winger ranked #17 by International Scouting Services, was regarded as one of the top offensive talents of the draft thanks to his heavy shot and great speed. However, recent news that Boston College admissions turned him down for 2017-18 enrollment coupled with concerns over his lack of any defensive ability sent him tumbling. Kostin, a big winger from Russia ranked #16 by International Scouting Services, fell victim to the “Russian factor” as well as a lack of a 2016-17 resume due to injury, which overshadowed his potential to be an elite power forward. Both players were considered likely top ten picks at one point, but for a while looked like they would drop out of the first round. Unfortunately for the lowly teams at the top of the second round, Tolavanen was selected by the Nashville Predators at #30 and the St. Louis Blues traded up to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ final first round slot at #31 and took Kostin. So who is still available? Here are the ten best prospects remaining on Day Two:
Nicolas Hague
Position: Left Defense
Team: Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
ISS Ranking: #18
Scouting Report: The closest thing to a top-pair shutdown defenseman in this draft, Hague will never be a smooth-skating puck-mover at the NHL level, but possesses the defensive instincts and vision to dominate the defensive zone. At 6’6″, 214-lbs. already, Hague is a big kid who will fill out into a monster on the back end, equipped with a long reach and powerful checking ability. He also packs a punch with his slap shot.
Isaac Ratcliffe
Position: Left Wing
Team: Guelph Storm (OHL)
ISS Ranking: #22
Scouting Report: At 6’5″, 203-lbs., Ratcliffe is bigger than any player selected in the first round, nevertheless forward. However, don’t let the size deceive you; Ratcliffe is a powerful skater and has great hands for someone of his stature. He simply has a lot of frame to fill out before he can put it all together and be an elite power forward.
Kole Lind
Position: Right Wing
Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
ISS Ranking: #24
Scouting Report: Lind is not a flashy, high-skill player, but he is consistent and efficient. Equipped with one of the more accurate shots in this draft class, Lind puts in the effort, wins battles, and puts up points. He has the ability to be a solid albeit unexciting top-six forward down the road.
Conor Timmins
Position: Right Defense
Team: Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
ISS Ranking: #29
Scouting Report: After a run on talented, two-way defenseman in Round One, Timmins is still on the board. A top-end puck-mover who can start the rush, make a great outlet pass, and more-or-less play mistake-free transition defense, Timmins offensive ability is unquestioned. He is an asset on the power play and capable of playing major even strength minutes. However, concerns remain about his compete level and reluctance to play physically and set the tone of the game.
Maxime Comtois
Position: Left Wing
Team: Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
ISS Ranking: #30
Scouting Report: Once considered a surefire first-round pick, Comtois suffered from a down draft year after tearing up the QMJHL as a first-year player in 2015-16. However, hidden behind a drop-off in stats is his further development as a two-way player. One of the better penalty-killing forwards in this draft, Comtois is a powerful skater who can check, block shots, and strip the puck. He plays a 200-foot game for sure, but questions remain about his offensive upside.
Jaret Anderson-Dolan
Position: Center
Team: Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
ISS Ranking: #31
Scouting Report: A late-developing player, scouts believe that Anderson-Dolan has only just begun to show his potential. A cerebral center, Anderson-Dolan is a face-off ace, plays a smart two-way game, and has play-making vision down the middle. The points finally came in a major way in 2016-17 and that could be just the tip of the iceberg.
Alex Formenton
Position: Left Wing
Team: London Knights (OHL)
ISS Ranking: #32
Scouting Report: The first player on this list almost universally projected to be available on Day Two, Formenton is nonetheless is a promising prospect. One of the best skaters in the draft – a true speed demon – Formenton’s skill and awareness have simply yet to catch up to his skating. If he puts it all together, he’ll be a dangerous weapon. The “if” is what kept him from first-round consideration though.
Stelio Mattheos
Position: Center/Right Wing
Team: Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
ISS Ranking: #33
Scouting Report: Mattheos has the intangibles of a veteran player. He has an advanced defensive game, the versatility to play all three forward positions and throughout the lineup, and a responsible, safe possession game. In 2016-17, he brought his fair share of offensive production as well. Mattheos can be a great role player in the NHL, but most scouts doubt he can ever be a top-six forward.
Jason Robertson
Position: Right Wing/Left Wing
Team: Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
ISS Ranking: #36
Scouting Report: A polarizing player in this draft class, some teams reportedly had Robertson as a first-round talent on their draft boards while others had him in the third round. A sniper who has put up big scoring numbers at the junior level, Robertson is dangerous from anywhere on the ice. However, those offensive instincts and shooting abilities cover up below-average skating and a lack of a two-way game. Robertson’s game right now is elite, but one-dimensional. Can he put the work in to round out a pro skill set?
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Position: Goalie
Team: HPK (Jr. Liiga – Finland)
ISS Ranking: #1 Goalie
Scouting Report: The next keeper up on most teams’ draft boards, Luukonen has desirable size at 6’4″, 196 lbs. He also possesses textbook positioning and great awareness. The one knock on his game is a question of his athleticism and whether or not he will be able to handle the pace and intensity of the NHL.
Other Names to Watch: Alexei Lipanov, Grant Mismash, Nikita Popugaev, Matthew Strome, MacKenzie Entwistle, Markus Phillips, Dylan Samberg, Eemeli Rasanen, Michael DiPietro, Keith Petruzelli