Drafting defensemen is always a tricky proposition. The position usually requires a period of adjustment for players making the jump to the NHL level. As evidence of this fact, one just needs to look at the 2015 draft, of the eight blueliners selected in the first round, only one, top defensive pick, Noah Hanifin has NHL experience.
With that in mind, here are three defensemen that should be picked early in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
1. Timothy Liljegren: SHL
As a 16-year-old, Liljegren suited up for 19 games in Swedish Hockey League last year, scoring five points in 19 games. When he played with players his own age, as a member of the Under 20 club, Liljegren fared better, posting 22 points (7G, 15A) in 29 games.
Liljegren is good on offense as well as defense, he has very good skating and passing and is expected to become a top pairing defenseman when he reaches the NHL level.
His size may be a concern for some as he stands 6 feet even, but his strength makes up for his lack of height.
2. Nicolas Hague: OHL
If a team is in need of a big defenseman Hague will be on their radar. At 17, the blueliner for the Mississauga Steelheads is 6-foot-6 and 207 pounds.
Even though he's big, his skating is not a concern. He's fast on his feet and when that speed is coupled with his reach, it makes him a difficult player to compete against. As far as his offensive skills go, he has a powerful shot from the point, which could make him valuable on the power play.
Hague scored 24 points (14G, 10A) last season.
3. Callan Foote: WHL
If the last name and position seem familiar, that's because the 17-year-old Foote is the son of Adam Foote, the defenseman who played 1,154 games in the NHL, winning two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche, and an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada. So yes, young Callan has good hockey genes.
While Foote does not have his father's heft or snarl to him quite yet, he's already one inch taller at 6-foot-3.
As a member of the Kelowna Rockets last season, Foote scored 36 points (8G, 28A) in 71 games and added another nine points in 18 playoff games.
Foote skates well, and if he adds a little more physicality to his game, he could be in demand when the 2017 draft rolls around.
By Trent Reinsmith
With that in mind, here are three defensemen that should be picked early in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
1. Timothy Liljegren: SHL
As a 16-year-old, Liljegren suited up for 19 games in Swedish Hockey League last year, scoring five points in 19 games. When he played with players his own age, as a member of the Under 20 club, Liljegren fared better, posting 22 points (7G, 15A) in 29 games. Liljegren is good on offense as well as defense, he has very good skating and passing and is expected to become a top pairing defenseman when he reaches the NHL level.
His size may be a concern for some as he stands 6 feet even, but his strength makes up for his lack of height.
2. Nicolas Hague: OHL
If a team is in need of a big defenseman Hague will be on their radar. At 17, the blueliner for the Mississauga Steelheads is 6-foot-6 and 207 pounds. Even though he's big, his skating is not a concern. He's fast on his feet and when that speed is coupled with his reach, it makes him a difficult player to compete against. As far as his offensive skills go, he has a powerful shot from the point, which could make him valuable on the power play.
Hague scored 24 points (14G, 10A) last season.
3. Callan Foote: WHL
If the last name and position seem familiar, that's because the 17-year-old Foote is the son of Adam Foote, the defenseman who played 1,154 games in the NHL, winning two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche, and an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada. So yes, young Callan has good hockey genes.While Foote does not have his father's heft or snarl to him quite yet, he's already one inch taller at 6-foot-3.
As a member of the Kelowna Rockets last season, Foote scored 36 points (8G, 28A) in 71 games and added another nine points in 18 playoff games.
Foote skates well, and if he adds a little more physicality to his game, he could be in demand when the 2017 draft rolls around.
By Trent Reinsmith