DRAFT: Previewing the top centers

We've previewed the top defensemen and wingers, so now it's time to take a look up the middle with the best centers in the upcoming 2018 NHL Draft. Get to know the draft eligible prospects with our chicagoblackhawks.com position previews, using scout rankings, mock drafts and information gathered from draft prognosticators.
- RELATED: Top Defensemen - RELATED: Top Wingers

BARRETT HAYTON, SAULT STE. MARIE (OHL)

Barrett Hayton is a reliable two-way player who showed significant growth in his offensive production in his second season with Sault Ste. Marie. In year two with the Greyhounds, Hayton doubled his point production and scored 21 goals as opposed to his rookie total of nine.
He also helped Canada secure a Hlinka Memorial Tournament gold medal, scoring three goals and adding three assists in five games.
While his offensive game is developing and there's skill there, Hayton's main strengths appear to be his play without the puck. He is applauded for his defensive skills, reliability and work ethic, as well as his hockey IQ.

A scout, per The Hockey News: "Well, there aren't too many centers in this draft better than this guy. He's an honest, hardworking guy who plays a 200-foot game and chips in offensively."
Rankings:
CSS:9th among North American Skaters
ISS:12th
Red Line Report:16th

JESPERI KOTKANIEMI, ASSAT (FINLAND)

Jesperi Kotkaniemi finished third on his team in scoring this past season, tallying 29 points (10G, 19A) in 57 games.
The Pori, Finland native has a good frame at 6'2''and 190 pounds, and the consensus is that he has a lot of skill and potential to go with it.
Kotkaniemi earned a gold medal for Finland at U18 World Juniors, and was named a top three player for his team, recording nine points (3G, 6A) in seven games. He also won silver the year before in the same tournament.
He played some wing for his team, but he projects as a center.
The Athletic's Corey Pronman: "He has very good hands that are high-end, if not flashing elite. He can make very skilled plays off an entry, but what impresses me is how well he can control the puck and keep plays alive. With his frame and skill, it's very hard to strip him of possession. "
Rankings:
CSS:6th among European Skaters
ISS:16th
Red Line Report:27th

ISAC LUNDESTROM, LULEA (SWEDEN)

With Team Sweden, Isac Lundestrom earned a silver medal in the 2018 World Juniors. As The Hockey Newspointed out, Sweden was stacked in that tournament with high-end forward talent, but Lundestrom centered perhaps the most consistent line.
The center played the entire 2017-18 season with Lulea of the SHL, where he scored six goals and added nine assists in 42 games.

The ability to make smart plays at a high speed and his responsible defensive play make Lundestrom a smart pick for teams looking for the safe bet.
A scout, per The Hockey News: "I'm a big fan. He already plays a developed and polished game: two-way player, diligent in coming back, reliable in the faceoff circle. He's almost as safe a pick as there is."
Rankings:
CSS:8th among European Skaters
ISS:20th
Red Line Report:35th

AKIL THOMAS, NIAGARA (OHL)

Niagara IceDogs center Akil Thomas has put up impressive numbers in the OHL. This past season, he scored 22 goals and recorded 59 assists for 81 points in 68 games. That put him 14th in league scoring.
The right-shot pivot is considered a well-rounded prospect who is usually in the right places on the ice to make plays. Particularly dangerous on the power play, Thomas racked up six goals and 26 assists on the man advantage.
He was on Canada's recent Ivan Hlinka gold medal team. Both his father and uncle had careers in the minor leagues.

International Scouting Services: "Good skating center, plays all situations and point on the power play, slick puck skill and great vision."
Rankings:
CSS:15th among North American Skaters
ISS:27th
Red Line Report:20th

JOE VELENO, DRUMMONDVILLE (QMJHL)

Likely to be among the first of his position off the board, Joe Veleno was the first player to be given exceptional status to play in the QMJHL as a 15 year-old.
The hard-working player split time this season between Saint John, where he wore the captain's "C," and Drummondville. He totaled 79 points (22G, 57A) in 64 games.
Zone entries and playmaking are Veleno's top skills.
A scout, per The Hockey News:"He still needs to shoot the puck more, but that's not him - he's a playmaker. He works his butt off every game."
Rankings:
CSS:8th among North American Skaters
ISS:10th
Red Line Report:32nd
The 2018 NHL Draft will be held June 22-23 in Dallas. The Chicago Blackhawks currently hold the 8th and 27th picks in the first round, and eight picks overall. Stay tuned to chicagoblackhawks.com for ongoing coverage leading up to the draft, including content from the NHL Scouting Combine.
NEXT UP:Our positional preview for the top goalies.