Nolan Patrick tops NHL's final draft rankings
Despite whispers he might fall from his throne, the NHL announced Tuesday that Nolan Patrick is the top draft-eligible player for the upcoming draft.
The league's rankings have the Brandon Wheat Kings forward - despite being limited to just 33 games this season - still in the top spot. The 18-year-old had a strong third season with the Wheat Kings, finishing with 20 goals and 46 points in 33 games.
Swiss forward Nico Hischier of the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads took the second spot. Hischier had an impressive world junior tournament and posted 38 goals and 86 points in 57 games as a rookie with the Mooseheads.
Filling out the top-five North American skaters are forwards Casey Mittelstadt, Gabriel Vilardi, and Michael Rasmussen.
Klim Kostin - a forward with Dynamo Moscow - and Elias Petterson of Timra were named the top international skaters.
Finally, Jake Oettinger of Boston University was named the top North American goaltender, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of HPK's junior team earned the international honor.
The 2017 NHL Draft takes place June 23-24 at the United Center in Chicago.