Class of 2017

[berni67]

What's the top3-5 look like in next NHL draft ?

Is there some Laine, Kane, Hedman,...?

[Kabonov]

What's the top3-5 look like in next NHL draft ?

Is there some Laine, Kane, Hedman,...?

In short...Nope. weaker then usual.
Nolan Patrick - Top Forward
Timothy Liljegren - Top D

maybe:
Gabriel Vilardi
Kristian Vesalainen
Callan Foote

Crap shoot the rest. Role players 2nd line/2nd paring and fillers. (just my opinion though... might have a diamond in the rough)

[PenguinHunter]

I think this years class will be a step back toward regression. We have been absolutely spoiled the last two years with McDavid, Eichel, Matthews, and Laine.

This years class will be a cut below the average draft class. In my opinion.

[Jouko-Pouko]

It looks like Nolan Patrick is around PL Dubois level of prospect (slightly below him even), meaning he could become a decent 1st liner or a very good 2nd liner. Consensus #1 pick, no question about it.

Liljegren is #2 right now but could drop slightly just because teams usually prefer drafting forwards in the top-5. He appears to be same level of prospect as Juolevi and Sergachev, meaning he could become decent top pair 'D' or a very good 2nd pair 'D'. After that, it's looking like a bunch of 2nd liners. Eeli Tolvanen is an interesting name for fantasy hockey but his size could become an issue. Very good offensive skills.

So yes, an average draft class. It looks very weak compared to the previous two because those have been amazing draft classes.

[Crazy Joe Davola]

There are no obvious elite talents in this draft. Does that mean there won't be any superstars that come from it? No, but at this point there are some very good players and then a bunch of wildcards.

Some highly-rated players that I'm high on for this draft are: Patrick, Middelstadt, Vilardi, Yamamoto, Tolvanen, Pettersson, Vaakanainen.

Some highly-rated players that I'm not so high on: Kostin, Comtois, Rasmussen, Hague, Strome

It's still early so there could be a revelation that comes through as the season progresses as Laine did a year ago, but if you're looking to move assets in a keeper league, this shouldn't be the year to load up on lottery picks and may be a good opportunity to trade your own early picks for more proven talent.