Top prospects downplay any thoughts of rivalry

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This article was published 21/06/2017 (2493 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CHICAGO — Nolan and Nico — it sounds like a Disney Channel movie.

But the 2017 NHL Draft is no made-for-TV flick and the two central characters, Nolan Patrick and Nico Hischier, are well aware tonight’s events will have a life-altering effect on the talented teens.

It doesn’t mean, though, they can’t get along.

In fact, Patrick, the 18-year-old Winnipegger ranked as the top draft-eligible player in the world by NHL Central Scouting, and Hischier, an 18-year-old Swiss product who’s ranked No. 2, have become pretty good friends the last month or so, even as the debate over who the New Jersey Devils should select with the first-overall pick rages on.

They got to know each other in Buffalo in early June at the NHL combine, where dozens of top prospects were invited to go through rigorous physical testing and interviews with team executives and scouts. They’ve stayed in touch and have been chumming around here in Chicago, along with some of the other probable early first-rounders.

Patrick, the son of former NHLer Steve Patrick, nephew of former NHL player and coach James Patrick and grandson of a legendary Winnipeg Blue Bomber, the late Steve Patrick Sr., has been labelled as the guy most likely to go first in the draft. The 6-2, 198-pound centre for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League is a smart, skilled leader who plays a well-developed, two-way game.

Hischier, who plays for the Halifax Moosehead of the Quebec Major Junior League, is a fast, dynamic, offensive talent who can be a game-breaker. A lot of NHL scouts believe he’s eclipsed Patrick as the go-to guy when Devils’ general manager Ray Shero steps to the podium tonight at the United Center.

Hischier, a 6-1, 178-pound centre, maintains he was only focused on his own game and wasn’t hunting down the kid he now considers a friend.

“I didn’t want to chase anybody,” he said Thursday during a media event while cruising the Chicago river system. “I just wanted to play my game, to work hard to be a better hockey player. That’s all that matters.

“I don’t really set expectations or look at some teams (that might select him). I just go to the draft and be open for everything and I know I’m going to be happy.”

The Philadelphia Flyers hold down the second pick, while the Dallas Stars select third. The Winnipeg Jets dropped from the 13th spot to 24th following a deal with the expansion Vegas Golden Knights earlier this week.

Coverage of the first round of the draft begins at 5:30 p.m. (Sportsnet). Rounds two through seven will be held Saturday.

Patrick, whose 2016-17 season in Brandon was limited to 33 games (20 goals, 26 assists) because of injuries, said any suggestion of a rivalry is nonsense.

“I’ve gotten to know Nico really well. He’s an awesome guy, really funny, good to be around,” he said. “It was never a race for me. I was just trying to be the best player I could be. If that was ranked No. 1, then awesome. If I’m not, then I know I’ve got room to improve.

“At the end of the day, after the draft is done, people are going to talk about it for two weeks and then they’re gonna start talking about the prospects for next year. So, whatever happens happens and I’ll be honoured to go anywhere.”

jason.bell@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPJasonBell