2017 NHL Draft Preliminary NHL Central Scouting List

NHL Central Scouting released their preliminary rankings for this summer’s NHL Draft. Players are broken down into three categories: ‘A’ players that are potential first round picks, ‘B’ players that are potential 2nd/3rd round picks, and ‘C’ players, which are hockey players with an active pulse.

A total of 29 players received an ‘A’ rating. Players with college ties to receive an ‘A’ rating included Michigan defenseman Luke Martin, St. Cloud State forward Ryan Poehling, Minnesota commit Casey Mittelstadt, and Boston College commit Eeli Tolvanen. Uncommitted USHL players Shane Bowers and Maxim Zhukov also received a top grade.

Brandon(WHL) forward Nolan Patrick remains the early favorite to be selected first overall in this year’s draft.

The full list of players selected by Central Scouting can be found here.