While most of these franchises made some major moves over last off season, teams like Toronto and Edmonton have improved with youth, meaning this years draft could be a stepping stone for future success for the likes of Colorado and the leagues newest franchise Las Vegas.
Nolan Patrick entered the year as the top-ranked player available in June and the likely top pick by whoever gets the first overall pick, but changes are happening and Nico Hischier has played his way into contention for the top pick in June.
The Avalanche are currently on track for the first selection and hockey experts are split on which young man will begin their career in Colorado, but the player that misses out, will most likely end up in Arizona playing for the Coyotes next season.
The newest team in the league is the Golden Knights and building a strong foundation will be key to future success of this franchise. Gabriel Vilardi is a high scoring center with plenty of upside and a logical choice for a team trying to fill a new arena, but several NHL experts now believe the front office will look defense and that could mean Timothy Liljegren moves into position as the third player taken this summer and the face of the new franchise.
Coming into this season, Vancouver needed scoring help and did little to help the roster over the off season. The Canucks are having another tough year and help is needed putting the puck in the net. Draft Site has winger Eeli Tolvanen as the top option in the first round, but Klim Kostin has the size the front office wants and the scoring ability this team needs, which could move this youngster into position to begin his hockey career with the struggling franchise.
