Yamamoto is undersized (5-foot-8/153 lbs.) but makes up for it with exceptional speed and elusiveness. In his third season with the Spokane Chiefs (WHL), Yamamoto led the team in goals (42), assists (57) and points (99).
Liljegren was a projected top 3 pick at the start of the season, but had a rough year, which started with mono. Missing eight weeks hurt his production and his draft stock, but the Leafs land a talented offensive-defenseman that loves to get into the action.
Valimaki is a mobile defenseman that oozes with offensive ability. The Finnish blueliner piled up 61 points (19G / 42A) in 60 games with the Tri-City Americans—good for fourth on the team. He’ll bring a lot of high-octane offence to the Flames blueline in the future.
Brannstrom is a bit undersized (5-foot-10/179 lbs.) for an NHL defenseman, but he was a solid two-way D-man for HV71 this season. He posted six points (1G / 5A) in 35 games this season and projects as a strong puck-moving defenseman who will need to try an add some bulk to fit into the NHL.
The son for former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Adam Foote, Callan is a solid two-way defenseman who doesn’t get himself in a lot of trouble. He plays a simple game in his own end and has the ability to put up points at the other. Foote led all Kelowna Rockets’ defensemen with 57 points (6G / 51A) in 71 games this season.
Suzuki excels as a playmaker, but he also showed off some goal scoring ability in 2016-17, scoring 45 goals to go along with 51 assists (96 points) in 65 games with the Owen Sound Attack. Suzuki is a smart centre who makes those around him play better.
Necas has high-end offensive ability and registered 15 points (7G / 8A) in 41 games en route to a Championship with HC Kometa Brno of the Czech Republic’s top league. Necas has great speed and creativity and brings a ton of compete to the Hurricanes' farm system.
Vilardi was limited to just 49 games this season, but posted an impressive 61 points (29G / 32A) for the Windsor Spitfires. He added six points in seven playoff games before they were eliminated by the London Knights, but was one of their best players during their Memorial Cup run, solidifying himself as a potential top 5 pick. He is a big bodied centre who excels below the dots with his impressive puck possession and on-ice vision.
Tippett might be the best pure goal scorer in this draft class. He has great quickness and an NHL-level shot that saw him lead the Mississauga Steelheads in both goals (44) and points (75).
Rasmussen is a huge kid, standing in at 6-foot-6, 215 lbs. and his big frame had NHL teams intrigued. Rasmussen had 55 points (32G / 23A) in 50 games and led the Tri-City Americans (WHL) in power-play goals (15). The Canadian skates well for his size and will bring a power-forward type of game to the Red Wings lineup.
Mittelstadt was the top American prospect because of his elite speed and quickness that he couples with an NHL-ready shot. The 6-foot-1, 201 lbs. centre had 13 goals and 17 assists (30 points) in 24 games with the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL).
Andersson’s offensive ability won’t jump off of the screen, but he has a great two-way game. Andersson posted a strong 19 points (9G / 10A) in 42 games with HV71 in the top league in Sweden. Andersson is already used to playing against men and is a solid, safe pick.
Glass possesses game-breaking talent as both a goal scorer and playmaker. The 6-foot-2, 179 lbs. centre led the Portland Winterhawks in points this season, registering 32 goals and 62 assists for 94 points.
Pettersson is a lanky forward but possess an abundance of speed. While playing against men in Sweden’s second division, Pettersson recorded 19 goals and 21 assists (40 points) in 43 games.
Makar led all AJHL defensemen in goals (24), assists (51) and points (75) while suiting up in 54 games for the Brooks Bandits. Makar is a strong skater with great vision and should excel as a puck-moving/offensive defenseman in the NHL.
Heiskanen is a smooth skating two-way defenseman, who recorded 10 points (5G / 5A) in 37 games with HIFK Helsinki in Finland’s top league. Heiskanen was one of, if not the best defenseman at the U18 World Championship this spring.
