2017 NHLPA Rookie Showcase Lets Future Stars Shine – The 2017 NHLPA Rookie Showcase was a huge success. There was an impressive list of outstanding prospects in attendance, many with future star potential. 

In total, 26 players participated in this year’s event and consisted of the following players:

  • Jake Bean (Hurricanes)
  • Anders Bjork (Bruins)
  • Brock Boeser (Canucks)
  • Jeremy Bracco (Maple Leafs)
  • Alex DeBrincat (Blackhawks)
  • Julien Gauthier (Hurricanes)
  • Cody Glass (Golden Knights)
  • Denis Gurianov (Stars)
  • Brett Howden (Lightning)
  • Max Jones (Ducks)
  • Tyson Jost (Avalanche)
  • Noah Juulsen (Canadiens)
  • Clayton Keller (Coyotes)
  • Klim Kostin (Blues)
  • Luke Kunin (Wild)
  • Charlie McAvoy (Bruins)
  • Michael McLeod (Devils)
  • Philippe Myers (Flyers)
  • Tyler Parsons (Flames)
  • Jack Roslovic (Jets)
  • Sam Steel (Ducks)
  • Tage Thompson (Blues)
  • Owen Tippett (Panthers)
  • Jake Walman (Blues)
  • Colin White (Senators)
  • Oskar Lindblom (Flyers)

Taking place at the old Maple Leaf Gardens site at Ryerson University, the prospects went through a day on the ice starting with taking photos. Then a nice lunch, some time with the mainstream media and then a game of shinny.

Some of the interesting story-lines were the fact that first overall pick Nico Hischier wasn’t there along with the second overall pick Nolan Patrick. Both players have an excellent chance at playing at the NHL level this season.

Upper Deck utilized some high-tech equipment in the form of a drone to film the players in action. (See video below.) They had them signing a variety of items throughout the day and the one thing that was evident was the smiles on their faces.

Electronic Arts was there to make sure they could get these players in the game. The fans that were there had a chance to get autographed pucks and cards from  2017-18 Upper Deck MVP Hockey of various players. You couldn’t find a prospect who didn’t collect growing up.

Seeing Cody Glass in a regulation Las Vegas Golden Knights uniform was fun and a bit surreal. Although the back was devoid of his name or number. The following players are all enrolled in USA hockey, Bjork, McAvoy, Boeser, DeBrincat, Keller, Kunin, Parsons, Roslovic, Thompson and White. All are American-born players which bodes well for the future of U.S.A. Hockey and a testament to the strength of the National Team Development Program

The players who have the best chance of making their NHL debuts at the start of the season are; Bjork, DeBrincat, Kostin, Lindblom and Gauthier. Some of the players in attendance have already played in a few NHL games last season including McAvoy and Roslovic to name a couple.

For more coverage of the 2017 NHLPA Rookie Showcase, visit Upper Deck and the NHLPA.

2017 NHLPA Rookie Showcase Lets Future Stars Shine – Image Gallery

 

2017 NHLPA Rookie Showcase Lets Future Stars Shine
Russ Cohen

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