With the 13th Pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft the Vegas Golden Knights Have Selected Nick Suzuki From the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL.
About Nick Suzuki
As part of a trade that saw the Vegas Golden Knights take Chris Thorburn in the Expansion Draft, the Knights also received the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. With that pick, the newest NHL club selected London, Ontario, native Nick Suzuki – a forward with a lot of offensive upside. He’s quick, skilled and has great vision with the ability to set up his teammates.
The @GoldenKnights come back for more in Round 1, selecting @nsuzuki_37 at No. 13. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/9NKybtTc3P
— NHL (@NHL) June 24, 2017
In 2016-17 with the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL, Suzuki amassed 45 goals and 96 points in just 65 regular season games. He added another 23 points (eight goals and 15 assists) in just 17 playoff games for the Attack. He also represented Canada at the Hlinka Memorial tournament this past year.
THW Prospect Profile Excerpt:
Nick Suzuki knows success. From his time with ALLIANCE Hockey when he was their player of the year to his rookie season in Owen Sound when he scored 20 goals, Suzuki consistently performed. This is why many expected him to enjoy a breakout season in his draft year.
As expected, he did not disappoint. All Suzuki did was post 45 goals and 96 points in 65 regular-season games, while adding 8-15-23 in 17 playoff games. Despite these numbers, he wasn’t thought of much when the Central Scouting Midterm Rankings came out. He was a “B” prospect.
Sure he was a little undersized for someone playing center. But it was somewhat baffling to see him rated as a second or third-round prospect. Any question about Suzuki was answered during Owen Sound’s 33-2-3 finish to the season. When the games had more on the line, he delivered like a top prospect.
Even in defeat against the Erie Otters in the OHL’s Western Conference Finals, Suzuki showed well against a team with Memorial Cup aspirations. Every time he touched the puck, Suzuki could take over stretches of a game. He displayed a knack for reading plays and making the right decisions. He also demonstrated speed and skill needed to enjoy success in the NHL. The team who drafts Suzuki will be one of the winners of the first night of the draft.
Full player profile can be found here.
How This Affects the Vegas Golden Knights’ Plans
Obviously with this being one of the Knights’ first ever picks, Suzuki will play a major role with the club in the coming years. Still likely a year or two away from having a huge impact with the NHL club, Suzuki is among the only prospects that the Golden Knights have – therefore he’s among their best available pieces that can add to their future.
