The 2017 NHL Draft is fast approaching with the first round set to kick-off at United Center in Chicago on June 23. Future Considerations has spent the season in rinks spanning the globe in preparation forFuture Considerations’ 2017 NHL Draft Guide.
And, according to Future Considerations, these are the top-ranked Ontario Hockey League players the 2017 draft has to offer:
Gabe Vilardi, C, Windsor Spitfires, 6-2, 192, 08-16-1999
Vilardi, fourth in Future Considerations’ Final ranking for the 2017 NHL Draft and the top-ranked skater out of the OHL, had a strong season with the Windsor Spitfires by scoring 29 goals and adding 32 assists for 61 points in 49 games. Vilardi also added two goals and four assists in Windsor’s seven playoff games, and seven assists in four games to help the Spitfires to a Memorial Cup Championship.“Vilardi is a smart, skilled forward who creates offense through his combination of elite vision and passing ability,” said Future Considerations scout Dylan Galloway.
Owen Tippett, RW, Mississauga Steelheads, 6-2, 203, 02-16-1999
Tippett, sixth in Future Considerations’ Final ranking and the second-ranked OHL skater, scored 44 goals and added 31 assists for 75 points in 60 games this season. Tippett also added 19 points in 20 playoff games helping Mississauga reach the OHL Finals before losing to the Erie Otters. “Tippett is a speedy forward who possesses all the offensive tools, and he has an NHL-caliber shot,” Galloway said. “He uses is combination of size and smarts to help him create space and get into the best scoring areas on the ice.”
Nick Suzuki, C, Owen Sound Attack, 5-11, 185, 08-10-1999
Suzuki, 19th in Future Considerations’ Final ranking and the third-ranked skater out of the OHL, had a very promising season for the Owen Sound Attack with 45 goals and 51 assists for 96 points in 65 games. Suzuki also won the OHL’s William Hanley Trophy as the league’s Most Sportsmanlike Player. “Suzuki is the full package…a clear-cut 200 foot player with an incredible hockey IQ.” Galloway said. “He has a very underrated shot, and his passing ability allow him to make some nearly impossible passes.”
Nicolas Hague, D, Mississauga Steelheads, 6-6, 215, 12-05-1998
Hague, 20th in Future Considerations’ Final rankings and the fourth-ranked OHL skater, had an impressive 18 goals and 28 assists for 46 points in 65 games. He is considered a big rangy defender with impressive mobility. “He moves the puck very well, and has a very impressive offensive upside to his game.” Galloway said. Hague added 12 points in 18 playoff games for the Steelheads on their way to the OHL Championship series.
Isaac Ratcliffe, LW, Guelph Storm, 6-6, 200, 02-15-1999
Ratcliffe, 23rd in Future Considerations’ Final ranking and the fifth-ranked skater out of the OHL, had 28 goals and 26 assists for 54 points in 67 games this season. He was a nominee for the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player by the Guelph Storm. “He is a big-bodied power forward who goes hard to the net and uses his good offensive instincts to help create offense,” Galloway said.