The Dallas Stars have a number of needs heading into the 2017 Entry NHL draft. General Manager Jim Nill addressed a few of their needs already in the off-season when he signed goalie Ben Bishop to a long-term deal. Additionally, defensemen John Nyberg signed an entry level contract, a coach in Ken Hitchcock who formerly coached the Stars in their 1996-2002 seasons was hired.
These moves aside, the Stars still lack both talent and depth on the blue line. Additionally, as with most NHL teams, they can use some help down the middle. Though the word on this years draft class is that no clear consensus must have players can be found outside of the top two positions, there are a number of interesting options for Nill who will pick in the third spot.
Though the possibility of trading out of the third spot has been discussed by Nill, he may want to reconsider as there is a wealth of talent to be had in the top half of the draft board. With the addition of Hitchcock, Dallas seems to prioritizing defense. Last season saw a number of veterans depart leaving a young and inexperienced defensive corps.
In terms of defensmen, Miro Hiskanen from HIFK Finland has been highly regarded for his elite level two way play, creativity and puck handling skills. He is only 6′ tall and 170 lbs but has shown a willingness to play physical.
Miro is a top ten talent on most draft boards and is ranked fourth by NHL central scouting for European skaters. He also has Gold and Silver World Junior Championship (WJC) medals to his credit. Defensemen can sometimes take longer to develop so the Stars will likely look to free agency to shore up their blue line.
If the Stars go with top talent on the board there are a couple of forward options to consider. I think they would likely choose between Gabriel Vilardi and Casey Mittelstadt. Both provide skill at the center position and project to be top six players at the NHL level.
Vilardi is a 17-year old North American Skater from Windor OHL who is 6’3”, 201 lbs and skates well for his size . He plays a highly skilled two-way game that has been compared to John Tavares. He brings a next level hockey IQ and is considered to be a very mature centerman. Gabriel is ranked in the top five on most draft boards but has moved down some draft boards since midterms.
Despite the talent discussed already it seems highly likely that Nill will lean towards 18-year old Casey Mittelstadt, the North American skater from Eden Prarie HS, MN. He is 6’1”, 200 lbs and has dynamic puck handling skills. He has been moving up draft boards since midterms due to his compete level and dominant play at both ends. It is no surprise that his skill set has been compared to Tyler Seguin because it is entirely possible the two will soon be teammates.
“With the third overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the Dallas Stars select, from Eden Prarie High School in Minnesota, Casey Mittelstadt”
You must be logged in to post a comment.