The NHL draft will have some intrigue this year.
NHL draft 2017 livestream: How to watch Round 1 live online
Nico or Nolan?
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
We’re not just referring to the fact the Vegas Golden Knights will make their first pick in franchise history. Or the fact the Avalanche fell to fourth overall in the lottery after a terrible season, while the Flyers (second overall), Stars (third overall), and Devils (first overall) jumped ahead of everyone.
No, we’re also referring to the wide-open nature of the first round. Unlike past years (Connor McDavid, Aaron Ekblad, Auston Matthews) there is no consensus “best player in the draft” this year.
At least five players are projected to go in the top five in some order: Canadian centers Nolan Patrick and Gabriel Vilardi, Swiss center Nico Hischier, defenseman Miro Heiskanen, and American center Casey Mittelstadt.
Either Patrick or Hischier should go first overall, but your guess is as good as ours right now. Expect some first round trades, as well.
2017 NHL Entry Draft - First Round
Location: United Center, Chicago, Ill.
Date: Friday, June 23
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: NBCSN (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada)
Stream: NBCSports.com
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