2017 NHL draft tracker: Nico Hischier goes No. 1 to Devils, Flyers take Nolan Patrick at No. 2
The New Jersey Devils kicked off the 2017 NHL draft in Chicago by taking Nico Hischier with the No. 1 pick, making the center the highest-selected Swiss-born player in NHL history.
Hischier racked up 38 goals and 86 points in 57 games with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL this past season, while also putting together an impressive World Junior tournament, posting seven goals and 15 points in 11 games for Team Switzerland.
At No. 2, the Philadelphia Flyers took Nolan Patrick, a center who was ranked first by several scouting outlets. He notched 20 goals and 46 points in 33 games for the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) in a season marred by injury. Pundits point to his strong all-around game and reliable two-way play.
• 2017 NHL draft rankings: Nico Hischier, Nolan Patrick lead solid class
The Dallas Stars rounded out the top three picks with Finnish defenseman Miro Heiskanen, a smooth-skating blueliner who excels at both ends of the ice.
Making their first draft pick in franchise history, the expansion Vegas Golden Knights, owners of 13 picks over the weekend—three each in the first two rounds—added center Cody Glass with the sixth pick.
As well the Stars, Flyers and St. Louis Blues had a pair of first-round picks apiece.
Here's full results from the first round of the draft: