"This is an event that all NHL scouts look forward to attending," NHL Director of Central Scouting Dan Marr said. "The game is a unique opportunity to evaluate 40 of the top draft-eligible prospects on a single stage in what has annually become an intense competition."
The rosters are expected to be announced in December. Quebec City will host the Top Prospects Game for the second time, and first since 2007. Among the players to watch for the 2017 draft are Brandon center Nolan Patrick, who is tied for fifth in the WHL with 37 goals in 63 games, and right wing Kailer Yamamoto of Spokane (WHL), who leads his team with 64 points in 50 games.
The 2016 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game was held in Vancouver. London left wing Matthew Tkachuk, No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting's midterm list of North American skaters eligible for the 2016 draft, captained Team Bobby Orr to a 3-2 win against Team Don Cherry. Sarnia defenseman Jakob Chychrun, No. 2 on Central Scouting's midterm list of North American skaters, was captain for Team Cherry.
"This event is a special experience for players across the CHL who will undoubtedly enjoy competing in the beautiful new Centre Videotron in front of Quebec's passionate fans," CHL president David Branch said.
In the 22-year history of the event, 13 players have gone from the Top Prospects Game to being the first pick in the NHL draft, including Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, the first pick of the 2015 draft. Other No. 1 picks to play in the game: Chris Phillips (1996, Ottawa Senators), Joe Thornton (1997, Boston Bruins), Vincent Lecavalier (1998, Tampa Bay Lightning), Rick Nash (2002, Columbus Blue Jackets), Marc-Andre Fleury (2003, Pittsburgh Penguins), Patrick Kane (2007, Chicago Blackhawks), Steven Stamkos (2008, Tampa Bay Lightning), John Tavares (2009, New York Islanders), Taylor Hall (2010, Edmonton Oilers), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011, Edmonton Oilers), Nathan MacKinnon (2013, Colorado Avalanche) and Aaron Ekblad (2014, Florida Panthers). Oilers forward Nail Yakupov, the first choice of the 2012 draft while playing for Sarnia, was injured and unable to play in the game.
