3 in the 2015 draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.Д¬allan Foote, D, Kelowna (WHL): The 6-3, 200-pound right-shot defenseman from Englewood, Colo., had eight goals, 36 points, 14 power-play points and a plus-16 rating in 71 games last season.

Central Scouting's Troy Dumville said Comtois reminds him of Cape Breton forward Pierre-Luc Dubois, who was selected No. Maxime Comtois, LW, Victoriaville (QMJHL): Comtois (6-1, 190) had 60 points (26 goals, 34 assists) and 12 power-play goals in 62 games last season. Here is a look at some other potential first-round candidates for the 2017 draft, to be held at United Center in Chicago on June 23-24: 'He's a big, physical power forward who likes to go straight for the net,' NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb said. The Helsinki-born forward had 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) in 37 games for Frolunda's team in Sweden's under-20 league, and also had one goal and one assist in 19 games with Frolunda in the SHL.

The projected top skater on the international list could be 6-2, 202-pound forward Kristian Vesalainen of Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League. Patrick is the son of former NHL forward Steve Patrick and nephew of former NHL defenseman James Patrick. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound forward, who missed being eligible for the 2016 draft by four days, had 102 points (41 goals, 61 assists) in 72 regular-season games, and was the most valuable player of the WHL playoffs after leading the league with 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 21 games and helping Brandon win the league championship. Patrick is expected to be ready for training camp after having sports hernia surgery in July. Read more: 2016-17 NHL Central Scouting Futures ListДЄmong the top players for the 2017 draft is center Nolan Patrick of Brandon of the Western Hockey League. The preliminary players to watch list will provide the A, B and C ratings for draft-eligible players. 'A number of these players will be changing teams for 2016-17 and that will be reflected in our preliminary players to watch list in September.' 'The list is based on evaluations we made of the players during the 2015-16 season,' Marr said.

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