My reports on some of the better prospects available for the 2017 NHL Draft, headlined by Mississauga winger Owen Tippett - a probable top 10 pick in what is being perceived as a thin draft crop.
Maxime Comtois (2017), LW, Victoriaville (QMJHL) - After a terrific showing at the Ivan Hlinka tournament there was talk of Comtois challenging for a top-five selection in the draft but he will certainly have to pick up his game if he hopes to even be considered in the top ten at this point, starting the season with just eight points in his first 14 games after averaging close to a point-per-game as a 16-year-old.
"I guess he's been pretty brutal - I hear bad things," said one NHL scout based in Quebec ho has seen him once. "He's been bad. In the summer he looked good, he was kind of a horse. But right now...he doesn't want it right now. I know he's got no centerman there...he's not getting the puck, but he'll need to pick it up."
Once considered the clear frontrunner to be the first QMJHL player chosen in the 2017 draft going into the season, Comtois looks like he'll have some competition in Halifax with Swiss winger Nico Hischier.
Nicolas Hague (2017), D, Mississauga (OHL) - Mississauga's other high-end draft prospect is matching Tippett's goal-scoring production on the back end, leading all OHL defencemen with seven goals after just 11 games. Much like Tippett, Hague possesses a hard, accurate shot that makes him particularly dangerous on the power play, and his puck skills are well above average for a 6-6 blueliner, which makes him surprisingly effective in three-on-three OT situations despite his lack of quickness and issue with being knock-kneed.
Hague needs to cut down on his own-zone miscues as he has a tendency to try to do too much at times, but it is a testament to his confidence level as well. As evidenced by Logan Stanley's selection in the top 20 last June, NHL team still covet rangy defencemen, so it's not out of the question that Hague is looked at in the top 20 despite his skating issues, as he certainly brings much more offensive potential than Stanley.
Nico Hischier (2017), C, Halifax (QMJHL) - Following a six-point game on Oct. 26, Hischier now sits fifth overall in scoring with 19 points in 14 games, and just like at the Ivan Hlinka tournament is turning heads with his high skill level and determination.
"He's a little skinny but he's not afraid to get in there and make plays," noted one NHL scout. "He doesn't have a lot to play with there either. Trying to decide who is better between him and Comtois. He's quick he's agile, he's on the puck a little more."
Greg Meireles (2017), C, Kitchener (OHL) - After playing a supporting role at the Ivan Hlinka, it's safe to say scouts weren't expecting Meireles to burst out of the gate with 16 points in his first 12 games to lead all OHL rookies, centering Kitchener's high-flying top line with Jeremy Bracco and Adam Mascherin. Meireles has been racking up the assists while utilizing his speed and high revving motor...he has really impressed the scouting community with his skating skills, which weren't as evident in the summer given his lack of playing time.
He is consistently one of the hardest working players on the ice, and it results in scoring chances thanks to his speed. He has worked himself into the conversation as a top 60 prospect.
Casey Mittelstadt (2017), C, Eden Prairie (USHS-MN) - Mittelstadt is heading back to play high school hockey in Prairie Eden, and will return to Green Bay at the end of the USHL season. Given that he's a late birthday, he won't be playing at the U-18's next spring so lots of scouts went out to see him competing in the USHL before it was too late. Evidently, he did not disappoint and remains highly-touted prospect who may be a top-five selection next June.
The top-ranked American skater for the 2017 draft has not disappointed scouts in the early part of the season, collecting 10 points in his first nine USHL games with Green Bay and reinforcing his standing as a legitimate top ten prospect.
"You see it all." mentioned one NHL scout who saw Mittelstadt play last week. "He's got a great motor, can skate, good gears, good hands. He's a top 6 guy."
Owen Tippett (2017), RW, Mississauga (OHL) - The fourth overall selection in the 2015 OHL draft has been living up to the hype with a scintillating start to the season, notching a goal per game through 12 OHL contests to lead all OHL players in goals. Tippett has cashed in on the opportunity to replace Alex Nylander on Mississauga's top line alongside New Jersey Devils draft picks Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastien. the scary thing is that the line hasn't truly found chemistry as of yet, with Bastian and McLeod having just five goals between them. The main knock on Tippett at the Ivan Hlinka tournament was his reluctance to properly utilize his linemates, and while he has met all expectations in the goal-scoring department, it remains the predominant issue with his game, although in recent comments he has been starting to look to dish off the puck more often, particularly for McLeod who can drive any line with his terrific speed and puck carrying skills.
Tippett has above-average speed, size, strength and an elite shot...if he stays on the first line - and given his productive start one would assume he will - he has a solid opportunity to score 50-plus goals, which will put him very much in the mix for a top-five selection next June.
"Goal scorers are at a premium in the draft," noted one scout who has not liked his play away from the puck, but would nevertheless pick him in the top ten of what is perceived as a thin draft crop.
Eeli Tolvanen (2017), RW, Sioux City (USHL) - The 5-11 Finnish winger just keeps scoring at every level, already netting five goals through nine USHL games. He stood out at the U-20 showcase in the summer as one of the best junior snipers on the planet, especially impressive for a draft-eligible prospect.
"He's very skilled, has hands, can skate, shoot, can play on the power play, and can create," said one scout who saw him playing for Sioux City last week. "The defensive part of the game wasn't really a priority for him that game. He can really shoot it, he's a good player. I think he knows defence...when I've watched him get back he's aware, but he wasn't really into it. He needs to get stronger but he's talented. A bit like Willy Nylander. He's probably not quite as nifty, but he's good...William didn't really play that hard defensively either."