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Philadelphia Flyers: 2017 NHL Draft preview

By Anthony Mazziotti

Apr 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol talks to the media following game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Washington Capitals at Wells Fargo Center. The Capitals won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol talks to the media following game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Washington Capitals at Wells Fargo Center. The Capitals won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia Flyers found themselves in a special position in the 2017 NHL Draft, picking second overall in a two man draft class.

The 1A and 1B of this years draft class are Nolan Patrick and Nico Hischier, two excellent young players with totally different skill sets. The Philadelphia Flyers will walk away with one of them. Nolan Patrick plays a two-way game, he’s very well rounded. Nico Hischier is more offensive minded, he’s electric when the puck’s on his stick. When comparing the two it’s six of one, half dozen of the other.

To go a little deeper, Nolan Patrick is known for his hockey smarts. He excels in all aspects of the game and will make an immediate impact on whatever team he goes to. His size and hockey acumen will allow him to do so. Last season for the Brandon Wheat Kings Patrick scored 46 points in 33 games (20 goals, 26 assists).

Nico Hischier played for the Halifax Mooseheads last season, where he scored 86 points in 57 games (38 goals, 48 assists). As I mentioned before, Hischier will be a lightning rod for whichever offense he finds himself on. He should contribute immediately as well.

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It has been well documented that the difference between the two players is merely a matter of preference. If you prefer a complete, two-way game, Patrick is the skater for you. If you prefer a creative offensive mind, Hischier is your guy.

If I were managing the Philadelphia Flyers, I would lean ever so slightly to Nolan Patrick. I love the way he carries himself, he has future captain of the Flyers written all over him. He plays a complete game and reminds me of an Eric Staal or Jonathan Toews type.

This is not to say that I don’t like Nico Hischier, I do. I like him a lot. He would bring a pure goal scorer to our roster; something we haven’t had in quite some time. I would be over the moon to see him in Orange and Black. I just give the slightest of edges to Patrick.

Next: Philadelphia Flyers: Why History Won’t Repeat With the 2nd Overall Pick

The Philadelphia Flyers pick second, right behind the New Jersey Devils. Ron Hextall currently has the easiest job in Philadelphia sports, pick whoever the Devils leave you. If they draft Patrick, take Hischier. If they draft Hischier, take Patrick. There is no need to complicate this.

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