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Vegas Golden Knights Entry Draft Outlook: Nolan Patrick

By Richard Cardinale |
QUEBEC CITY, QC - JANUARY 30: Nolan Patrick #19 of Team Cherry looks on during the third period of his Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at the Videotron Center on January 30, 2017 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Mathieu Belanger/Getty Images)
QUEBEC CITY, QC - JANUARY 30: Nolan Patrick #19 of Team Cherry looks on during the third period of his Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at the Videotron Center on January 30, 2017 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Mathieu Belanger/Getty Images)

With a little luck, the Vegas Golden Knights could get a franchise player in Nolan Patrick.

The Vegas Golden Knights are months away from picking an NHL roster, but the real key to long-term success is the Entry Draft. Building a team through the NHL Entry Draft is vital, especially when you’re an expansion team like the Golden Knights. The team however would need the lottery balls to go their way for the team to pick Nolan Patrick.

Patrick entered his fourth year with the Brandon Wheat Kings and did not disappoint despite missing time due to injury. In 33 games Patrick scored 20 Goals, 26 Assists and 46 Points.

Injuries at this age are red flags and he’s also missing time nursing a lower body injury in the Wheat Kings biggest games of the year. But what makes Nolan Patrick so special? Why is he the most hyped prospect in this years draft class?

Well for one, Patrick was the WHL Playoff MVP and led his team to a league championship in 2016.  The Winnipeg, Manitoba native had 13 Goals, 17 Assists and 30 Points in 21 playoff games. The regular season of that year he was lights out with 41 Goals, 61 Assists and 102 Points.

Patrick brings a ton of elements to the table. According to FutureConsiderations.com, he has a lethal combo of size, speed and skill. He brings a power game and he wins lots of puck battles. Patrick is currently one of the best two-way players in the CHL. Many people including Jeff Marek of Sportsnet, are comparing him to Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Patrick has a perfect frame for a center at 6’3 and 200lbs. There’s not many flaws to his game at all really. Obviously injury is a concern but if the Vegas Golden Knights don’t pick Patrick because of that reason, that would be a horrible decision.

Golden Knights Assistant General Manager Kelly McCrimmon is all too familiar with the projected number one overall pick. Prior to coming to the Golden Knights, McCrimmon was the General Manger of the Brandon Wheat Kings. McCrimmon also picked Nolan Patrick in the first round of the WHL Bantam Draft in 2013. There’s obviously a connection between Patrick and McCrimmon.

McCrimmon was also responsible of the signing of Patrick’s teammate on the Wheat Kings, Reid Duke. Duke has mostly played on the top line with Patrick while he was healthy. Perhaps McCrimmon would like to keep the connection rolling in Vegas.

Next: What If The Vegas Golden Knights Didn't Have An Expansion Draft?

However, the one person that may want Nolan Patrick more than McCrimmon is the big boss of the Golden Knights, General Manager George McPhee. McPhee said in an interview he envisions his team as a team with size, speed and skill. Who brings all those to table and instantly becomes an NHL player? The answer is Nolan Patrick and if the Golden Knights can land the number one overall pick in the lottery, they should not hesitate.

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