With their 13th pick — which came to them from Winnipeg — the Golden Knights selected center Nick Suzuki from the Owen Sound Attack from the OHL.
Nick Suzuki 2017 NHL Draft profile | SB Nation NHL Draft Match
Welcome Nick Suzuki to Vegas!
Posted by Knights On Ice: For Vegas Golden Knights Fans on Friday, June 23, 2017
Suzuki, at 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds may not be as large as the typical centerman, but the game has been leaning towards speed and skill over size and grit over the past few seasons. The 17-year-old certainly brings the former, as he piled up the points (96 in 65 games in the regular season) despite playing in a difficult division that includes the Erie Otters.
According to Sportsnet’s David Singh, Suzuki brings a level of hockey IQ beyond his years and can play well in all zones. To wit, the young center was voted the second smartest player in his conference last season and walked away with the William Hanley award, the OHL’s equivalent of the Lady Byng for sportsmanship.
While Suzuki is unlikely to make the jump to the NHL in this coming season — most players outside the top three rarely do — he will benefit from a second full season in the OHL and will have time to add some size to his frame.
Check out some highlights below:
Do you like the selection of Nick Suzuki at No. 13?
| Yes | 44 |
| No | 2 |