1. New Jersey Devils – Nico Hischier (C, Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL)
In 2015, it was generally believed Connor McDavid would go first overall over Jack Eichel. In 2016, it was generally believed that Auston Matthews would go first overall over Patrik Laine. This year, however, there’s a bit of a toss-up.
It was long presumed that fellow centre Nolan Patrick would go first overall in 2017 for a while. However, due to injuries and a bit of a setback in production, people are beginning to rank Hischier at #1. The Naters, Switzerland native posted an impressive 86 points in 57 games for Halifax last season and would become the first-ever Swiss-born first overall pick.