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.
Patrick was viewed as the consensus No.1 heading into the 2016-17, but saw his stock drop a bit because he was limited to 33 games because of injury. Patrick is viewed as the complete hockey package. The Brandon Wheat Kings’ centre had 46 points (20G / 26A) this season and brings great leadership qualities along with an excellent shot, great vision and the skating ability you look for in a top pick.
Hischier rose up prospect rankings in 2017 by dazzling in the QMJHL. Hischier has a very high skill level and competes on every shift. After coming over from Switzerland, Hischier posted 38 goals and 48 assists (86 assists) in just 57 games with the Halifax Mooseheads.
The Oilers were able to clear some cap space by trading away Jordan Eberle, but used most of it to sign Russell. The 30-year-old doesn’t grade out well in the analytics community, but the Oilers obviously like what they have in the undersized, but fearless blueliner. Russell had one goal and 12 assists (13 points) in 68 games in his first year with the Oilers.
Schlemko, 30, was picked from the San Jose Sharks in Wednesday’s Expansion Draft and dealt to the Canadiens this afternoon. Schlemko is a steady second pairing defenseman who has 20-plus point upside, but hasn’t appeared in more than 67 games in a single year in his NHL career. He posted 18 points (2G / 16A) in 62 games with the Sharks last year and will replace Alexei Emelin on the Habs’ blueline after Emelin was also chosen by Vegas.
After being selected in the expansion draft yesterday, it was rumoured that van Riemsdyk could be on the move before Friday’s draft and Carolina is where he ends up. The 25-year right shot defenseman was limited to 58 games in 2016-17, but set a career-high with 16 points (5G / 11A). TVR is just scratching the surface offensively and should be a key member of an already talented Hurricanes’ blueline.
