NHL Entry Draft: All 31 Picks By Each Team's Biggest Need

So far, Puck Prose has done a lot of work with the NHL Entry Draft. But now it's time to discuss a different way of drafting. Instead of only taking the best available, let's take the biggest need.

I say instead of only best available because there's no way New Jersey takes anybody not named Nolan Patrick in the NHL entry draft. Nothing wrong with that, as New Jersey needs both offense and defense. So first we'll say which player each team selects, then discuss why they fit a need.

More from Puck Prose

First Round Trades

A reminder of what's in store in terms of trades. Already, three teams have traded away their first round pick in the 2017 NHL entry draft. Those teams are Minnesota, Washington, and Anaheim. All three made the playoffs, which means their picks were later in this draft.

The teams receiving the picks: Arizona, St. Louis, and Dallas. That means that Arizona will be picking 7th and 23rd, St. Louis will pick 20th and 27th, and Dallas will pick 3rd (they were bumped up during the NHL entry draft lottery this year) and 29th.

Apr 12, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Fans hold a Montreal Canadiens flag before the game one against New York Rangers of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

1st Overall, New Jersey Devils – Nolan Patrick, C

(Via YouTube.com)

The Devils need help on offense. That includes the center position. Travis Zajac will continue to hold down the fort for a while, but he needs someone to eventually take the reigns. Pavel Zacha had a rough first year as the second line center for the Devils. There's potential there, but the Devils are going to want to bring in somebody new. And that's where Nolan Patrick, the prize of the 2017 NHL entry draft, comes in.

Patrick put up 46 points in 33 games in the WHL this year. That includes 20 goals and 26 assists. He's the universal number one pick, and he's bigger than Nico Hischier. He's faster and he's a better puck handler. Nolan Patrick will become a top 6 center for the Devils for a while to come.

2nd Overall, Philadelphia Flyers – Nico Hischier, C

(Via YouTube.com)

Yes, the Philadelphia Flyers have Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier at center for the long term future. Yeah, they just brought in Valtteri Filppula. But they could always get younger on offense, and if Nico Hischier is able to realize his offensive potential, Couturier can become a lock down the third-line center. That's setting the Flyers up for the future. Also, they have too many defensive prospects already. They gotta start working them in.

3rd Overall, Dallas Stars – Miro Heiskanen, D

(Via YouTube.com)

The Stars choosing to draft a center would just be the rich getting richer. There's no call for any more offense in Dallas, and it's time for the Stars under new coach Ken Hitchcock to get going in other areas. Goaltenders are too risky to be drafted this high.

Which is why Dallas should choose the best defenseman in this year's draft class: Miro Heiskanen. Heiskanen is a sound two-way defenseman, one who could be paired with John Klingberg in the future. Heiskanen has the potential to be a PK Subban type player, which, judging by Subban's post-season, would help Dallas tremendously.

4th Overall, Colorado Avalanche – Gabriel Vilardi, C

(Via YouTube.com)

Carl Soderberg didn't cut it last year. After the Matt Duchene line, the Colorado Avalanche needed something else offensively, and it wasn't there for them. While the Avalanche also need a good defenseman to put along with Tyson Barrie, the offense has to be the primary concern. It's hard to win games if you can't score.

Enter Gabe Vilardi. In 49 games in the Ontario Hockey League this year, Vilardi posted 61 points, including 29 goals. He's capable offensively, which is what the Avalanche need. Plus, Duchene can help him grow. Gabriel Landeskog can teach him the physical parts of the game. And that gives both of them a reason to stay in Colorado. By the way, Vilardi is also capable defensively. He's a two-way solution to some of Colorado's problems.

5th Overall, Vancouver Canucks – Owen Tippett, RW

Left wing Sven Baertschi (47) celebrates his go-ahead goal with center Henrik Sedin (33) and left wing Daniel Sedin (22) (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

I want you to notice something about the above caption. Sven Baertschi and Daniel Sedin are both left wings. The Vancouver Canucks have a right wing problem. And there's a really good right wing in this draft. One who's young, physical, and capable of scoring. That's Owen Tippett. And that's who the Canucks should draft.

Tippett had 75 points and 44 goals in 60 games in the OHL this season. He's a dynamic goal scorer, one who can also muscle his way to the front of the net. Again, the Canucks are lacking that. Tippett gives them size and skill in one package, and it's something Vancouver can't turn down. Plus, they already have Bo Horvat at center and drafted a defenseman last year.

Apr 26, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; The Edmonton Oilers fans celebrate during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Edmonton won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

6th Overall, Vegas Golden Knights – Timothy Liljegren, D

(Via YouTube.com)

The Golden Knights are about to have an influx of nine top 4 defensemen. Yet, they won't have an influx of top-pairing defensemen. They'll have Vadim Shipachyov to play first line center. They'll have centers and wings able to play the rest of the positions on offense. But the Golden Knights have to plan for their future in this league.

And they do that through Timothy Liljegren. Despite a down season last year, Liljogren remains a dangerous defenseman. He's capable defensively, and that's something the Knights will need. He has yet to prove he can consistently score points, but if he can be a top 2 lockdown defenseman for Vegas at his peak, that's a great addition.

7th Overall, Arizona Coyotes – Cale Makar, D

Ottawa Senators center Zack Smith (15) carries the puck as Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) dives to defend (Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports)

Besides the above Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Alex Goligoski, the Coyotes defense is lacking. While they have NHL-ready prospects on offense, the Coyotes are lacking on defense. In general, the Coyotes are lacking on defense. And that's why they have to take a defenseman. After Heiskanen and Liljegren, Cale Makar is the best defenseman in this draft.

Especially offensively. In 54 games in the AJHL, Makar posted 75 points, including 51 assists. He has the ability to be a playmaker from the point, and that's something the Coyotes are going to need. Makar is small and light, which means he'll have to buff up and grow, but the Coyotes have some other short defensemen. Goligoski is only 5'11".

If anybody will be able to overlook size for ability, it's the Coyotes, who just plain out need that skill on the backend.

8th Overall, Buffalo Sabres – Juuso Välimäki, D

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) (Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports)

Rasmus Ristolainen is a great defenseman. He's a point-producing dynamo, he's great on the power play, and he can watch the blue line well. But he needs help, and right now, it's not there in Buffalo. Adding Juuso Välimäki makes it more likely for that defensive assistance to be there in the future.

Välimäki is also offensively capable. He scored 61 points in 60 games in the WHL, including 42 assists. He can be a second-unit power play guy for the Sabres eventually, and for right now can learn from watching Rasmus and the Sabres other defensemen until he's ready to join them.

9th Overall, Detroit Red Wings – Casey Mittelstadt, C/LW

(Via YouTube.com)

Henrik Zetterberg is aging. Pavel Datsyuk has left the team and isn't coming back. The Detroit Red Wings have one center of the future in Dylan Larkin. They should add a second, welcome back the golden age by bringing Larkin, the Datsyuk substitute, his future Zetterberg. Casey Mittelstadt is flexible, young, and big like Zetterberg used to be.

In 24 games in the USHL, Mittelstadt had 30 points, including 13 goals. Mittelstadt is hard working, smart, skilled and fast. And that perfectly compliments Dylan Larkin. Look out for the Detroit Red Wings power play in future years, cause who wants to deal with two versions of Larkin?

10th Overall, Florida Panthers – Elias Pettersson, C

(Via YouTube.com)

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having three scoring lines. And when Jonathan Marchessault, the leading goal scorer for the Florida Panthers last season, ended it on the third line, there's gotta be a center there for him. Imagine having Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau, a healthy Nick Bjugstad, and Reilly Smith, and then Marchessault and a good center.

That's where Elias Pettersson comes in. He's got the same ceiling as Teuvo Teravainen – he's a jack of all trades who's just too skinny right now. With workout god Jaromir Jagr around, Pettersson could become bigger soon. And then he's fast, large, smart, and athletic. And that's a scary combination.

Also, Florida has a goaltender in James Reimer going forward. They have Aaron Ekblad, Alex Petrovic, and Keith Yandle. They have young defensemen in the pipeline, and they can get younger in the middle six.

Apr 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A couple of Toronto Maple Leafs fans gather at Maple Leaf Square plaza before the start of their team's game against the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

11th Overall, LA Kings – Martin Necas, C

(Via YouTube.com)

After trading their 2016 NHL entry draft 1st round pick away, the Kings didn't make the same decision twice. They have their pick of some pretty good forwards and some pretty good defensemen. The Kings already have the latter though, in Derek Forbort, Kevin Gravel, and Paul LaDue. LA needs to get some fresh blood on offense.

The Kings have two first line centers in Jeff Carter and Anze Kopitar. But they need bottom six centers too, and there they need some help. The Kings could benefit from Martin Necas's two-way ability, and from the creative ability of the young center. Plus, if they find they truly need a wing, it's easier for a center to adjust than a wing to adjust to playing center.

12th Overall, Carolina Hurricanes – Cody Glass, C

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal (11) skates with the puck (Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports)

The Hurricanes are going to need their next Jordan Staal eventually. Cody Glass is a good center with a firm head on his shoulders. His speed and physicality need work, but he's able to make plays and produce points at a high level. He works hard, and that's something the Hurricanes should be able to work with.

Plus, the Hurricanes have a young defense and drafted another defenseman last year. They need a center for young winger Sebastian Aho, and Glass could be that guy.

13th Overall, Winnipeg Jets – Eeli Tolvanen, LW

(Via YouTube.com)

The Jets have prospects Nic Petan and Kyle Connor coming along at center. They have young defensemen waiting in the wings. But they need more on the wings. The Jets drafted Patrik Laine second overall last year, a move that worked out well. Taking another winger makes sense for the Jets here.

Eeli Tolvanen is the best left-wing available in this draft. He's also highly capable offensively and is able to control the puck, despite his 5'11" frame. But the NHL doesn't mind shorter forwards anymore. Which is why Tolvanen will go high in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

14th Overall, Tampa Bay Lightning – Callan Foote, D

(Via YouTube.com)

Besides Victor Hedman and Anton Stralman, there isn't much help defensively for the Tampa Bay Lightning. They are stacked offensively, but they will need some young blood on the blue line for the future. That's where Callan Foote comes in. Foote likely learned to play defense from watching his father, Colorado defenseman Adam Foote.

Callan, like his father, is big, at 6'3″ 208 pounds, and can be a physical force. But he's also smart enough not just to rely on physicality, but to make plays from the defensive zone. He can get the puck out of his own zone and into the opponents and can be a reliable playmaker. In 71 games in the WHL, Foote posted 57 points, including 51 assists. Blue line to blue line, Foote has strengths.

15th Overall, New York Islanders – Michael Rasmussen, C

New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) skates up ice with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

After losing Frans Nielsen, the Islanders never truly found a replacement. In last year's playoffs, they were limited to one scoring line. They still are. Bringing in Michael Rasmussen has the capability to change that for the Islanders. John Tavares has a lot of pressure currently facing him. Having somebody below him able to score as well alleviates some of that.

Rasmussen is a prominent goal scorer, and that means he could transition to the wing if need be. And if not, he's got potential at center.  Most of the prospects in this year's NHL entry draft are projects. But the Islanders can deal with that until Rasmussen's blossomed into a well-rounded forward.

Oct 30, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets fans react during the second period break against Buffalo Sabres at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

16th Overall, Calgary Flames – Klim Kostin, RW

Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) controls the puck (Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports)

What the Calgary Flames need out of this NHL entry draft is a right wing. A weird statement to be sure, when you consider some of the Flames' wings. Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Tkachuk, and Kris Versteeg are solid wingers. The thing is: they're all lefts. The Flames' best right (in this writer's opinion) is Michael Frolik.

Klim Kostin played, as a seventeen-year-old, in the KHL. The best league outside of the NHL system, and he was there super young. For reference, Artemi Panarin was the same age when he started playing there. And we all know how Panarin turned out.

So why did Kostin fall all the way to 16th? The dead middle of the first round of the 2017 NHL entry draft? Because he had zero points in his eight games in the KHL. A little bit less impressive to be sure, but Kostin couldn't stay healthy this year. Still, if he's capable of staying in the KHL scoreless while hurt… Imagine how good he could be while healthy.

17th Overall, Toronto Maple Leafs – Nicolas Hague, D

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly (44) skates around his goal (Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)

The Maple Leafs have an exciting prospect at every position offensively. Whether it's Mitch Marner at right wing, Auston Matthews at center, or William Nylander at left wing, they're covered. And that's just one group of prospects. They have more, like Zach Hyman and Connor Brown. So they don't need to draft forwards.

They do, however, need more defense. Morgan Rielly is a great #2 defenseman, but he can't be number one. Jake Gardiner has developed into a quality top-4 defenseman, not top-2. The Leafs need a #1 guy. Now, I don't know if Hague can be that for them. But I do know that the Leafs are going to take the risk. They desperately need defense and defensive production, and that's what Hague can provide.

18th Overall, Boston Bruins – Conor Timmins, D

Boston Bruins left wing David Pastrnak (88) and defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) react after being defeated by the Ottawa Senators (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)

Zdeno Chara is no longer the prominent threat that led the Boston Bruins to a Stanley Cup. The Bruins showed that they have a depleted defensive corps in the playoffs, as rookie Charlie McAvoy played his first games in black and yellow in the playoffs. And that's why the Bruins are destined to select defensively in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

With a lot of options already being taken, if every team drafts by need, then the Bruins are going to need to take the best available defenseman. And that's Conor Timmins. Timmins posted 61 points in 67 games in the OHL this season, and that includes 54 assists.

19th Overall, San Jose Sharks – Kristian Vesalainen RW/LW

San Jose Sharks center Patrick Marleau (12) shoots and scores a goal against the Edmonton Oilers (John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports)

The San Jose Sharks are a rapidly aging team, one without a lot of prospects on the wings. They're set down the middle if they re-sign an elderly Joe Thornton, but they need more in terms of forwards. And that's where Kristian Vesalainen comes in. Vesalainen is a flexible forward, able to play both his natural wing and his off wing. And that's something the Sharks could use.

Vesalainen is a bigger forward, standing at 6'3″. Compared to Joe Pavelski, and that's a good variety of sizes. Vesalainen can be physical and, with proper development, can become a humongous screen against opposing goaltenders on the man advantage. He also has abilities in terms of skilled scoring, and that variety can come in handy.

20th Overall, St. Louis Blues – Lias Andersson, C

St. Louis Blues center Paul Stastny (26) looks to pass the puck against the Nashville Predators (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)

Andersson plays in the top level of the Swedish Hockey League. If you think the NHL is low scoring, you should look at the SHL. The leading scorer had 54 points in the last season. That's about half of what Connor McDavid ended up with. Perhaps that's why Lias Andersson, just 18 years old, ended up with only 19.

But that's still a young player with a lot of ability that the St. Louis Blues can't pass up. Besides Paul Stastny and Patrik Berglund, there's not a whole ton at center in St. Louis. Especially if Jori Lehtera is taken in the NHL Expansion Draft. And that's why the Blues look to center at the NHL entry draft. They need more at the position, and Andersson can provide it.

Jan 23, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers fans react during the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports

21st Overall, New York Rangers – Henri Jokiharju, D

New York Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei (76) skates with the puck (Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports)

Another team that's depleted at defense looks to firm it up in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. The New York Rangers need something else at defense, clearly. Their offense is explosive, it's fast, and it's fun to watch. The Rangers defense on the other hand… it's not.

Henri Jokiharju is a playmaking defenseman who's played against the best in Canadian prospects. And the Rangers could use him. In 71 games, Jokiharju had 48 points. He's short, but so is Jared Spurgeon. That doesn't mean short d-men aren't effective.

22nd Overall, Edmonton Oilers – Ryan Poehling, C

Edmonton Oilers center David Desharnais (13) controls the puck (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

The Edmonton Oilers right now are set at center. They have four guys who proved themselves throughout the playoffs, and they look really good. Except here's the thing: Mark Letestu is 32. David Desharnais is 30. And there are no current great center prospects for the Edmonton Oilers. And that's why they choose center Ryan Poehling with their first pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

Poehling is a talented center that should go much higher than 22nd. But because so many teams need defense, he doesn't if everybody drafts by need. Poehling is 6'3″. If he fills out his frame, he can offer something the Edmonton Oilers don't already have in a prospect. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Connor McDavid are the same kind of center. And Poehling can be a better version of David Desharnais.

23rd Overall, Arizona Coyotes – Nick Suzuki, C

Arizona Coyotes left wing Christian Dvorak (18) scores on Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonathan Bernier (1) (Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports)

The Coyotes took a defenseman with the 7th pick in this NHL entry draft. That's why they're going to choose something different with their second pick. They've done this before when they took center Dylan Strome and then winger Nick Merkley a few years ago. Both of those guys are ready for the jump up, but they need to be joined by somebody else in a few years.

The Coyotes should be drafting multiple different positions every year. Nick Suzuki offers them something they didn't have this year – he scored 96 points in 65 games in the OHL. That's a level of scoring that the Coyotes just don't have – yet. Suzuki, if he continues down his path, could be a great, top of the line scorer for a team that needs that.

24th Overall, Columbus Blue Jackets – Isaac Ratcliffe, LW

The Columbus Blue Jackets need someone on the left. They currently have Boone Jenner and Nick Foligno, but below them is a problem. In the playoffs, Sam Gagner and Matt Calvert played below them. Gagner becomes a free agent this offseason, Calvert the next. That's a problem for the Blue Jackets that can be addressed.

Isaac Ratcliffe is a left wing who proved his ability to score this last season. In 67 OHL games, Ratcliffe scored 54 points, including 28 goals. He's a large forward, standing at 6'6″, and that means he can offer something the otherwise small stature Columbus Blue Jackets need. And if the Jackets want to use him that way, Ratcliffe could become a cheaper, younger, better Scott Hartnell replacement.

25th Overall, Montreal Canadiens – Kailer Yamamoto, C/LW

The Canadiens have a ton of need at center. Alex Galchenyuk, under the tutelage of Michel Therrien, did not develop into the number one center the Canadiens have hoped for. At least not yet. They might lose Tomas Plekanec to the NHL Expansion Draft. And Phillip Danault, the Canadiens best center (right now) produced just 2 assists in 6 playoff games.

Which is why Kailer Yamamoto makes sense as a choice for the Canadiens in the NHL entry draft. Yamamoto was a beyond productive center in the minors this season, posting 99 points in the WHL. He stands short in stature, at just 5'9″, but the Canadiens are used to that. Look at their roster – Brendan Gallagher and Andrew Shaw are both under 6'0″. Gallagher is actually the same height as Yamamoto. And yet Gallagher and Shaw are productive for the Canadiens. Plus, who doesn't want a little guy line?

Mar 19, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Hockey fans wave Ottawa Senators flags during the third period against Montreal Canadiens at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

26th Overall, Chicago Blackhawks – Erik Brännström, D

As the Chicago Blackhawks' defensive core ages (Duncan Keith is 33, Brent Seabrook 32, Niklas Hjalmarsson 29, and then they had three guys over 35 play games this season) it will be important to look to youth. Youth that, outside of Trevor Van Riemsdyk, prime Vegas Golden Knights selection material, is largely non-existent.

Which is why the Blackhawks are liable to select a defenseman, like Erik Brännström, in the NHL entry draft. Brännström posted 6 points in the Swedish Hockey League this season. Again, not a high scoring league, but still, he has capabilities.

Plus, Swedish defensemen are usually known for a different aspect: shutdown defense. Niklas Hjalmarsson, Anton Stralman and Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson. They're able to beat forwards at the blue line. And that's something the Blackhawks could continue to use.

27th Overall, St. Louis Blues – Urho Vaakanainen, D

The Blues selected a center at 20 in this hypothetical draft. They don't necessarily need to choose more than one center (in the first round) so the Blues should vary it up. They also have an aging defensive core. Jay Bouwmeester is 33. Carl Gunnarsson is 30. They could use somebody as the future of the franchise alongside Robert Bortuzzo and Colton Parayko.

Urho Vaakanainen, a Finn, is the best available in this theoretical. Vaakanainen is a highly touted defenseman, capable of defending the blue line and locking down forwards. He wasn't very offensive in his 41 games in Liiga (the top league in Finland), scoring just 6 points. Still, he's a defenseman and he's a teenager playing against adults.

28th Overall, Ottawa Senators – Shane Bowers, C

Just as the Blues and Blackhawks have aging defensive cores, the Senators centers are getting old. Jean-Gabriel Pageau is 24, but is a restricted free agent and must be paid. Zack Smith is 29. So is Derick Brassard. Kyle Turris is 27 but must be re-signed next year. There's a distinct call for offensive production in this Ottawa system.

Shane Bowers put up 51 points in 60 games in the USHL this season. Bowers is a good height for a center, 6'1″, and can put up good numbers, clearly. The Senators are going to need offense in the relatively near future, and while Bowers might be a project, he will be able to come in once Smith and others are done or close to it.

29th Overall, Dallas Stars – Jake Oettinger, G

The Stars' goaltender problems are well-known. They added Ben Bishop in a trade this offseason, but he's 30 years old. Kari Lehtonen is the most likely to stay as his backup, but he's not great. And the Stars don't have a highly touted goaltending prospect in the pipeline.

Jake Oettinger changes that. He's one of the highest ranked North American goaltending prospects. In the 35 games in the NCAA this season, Oettinger had a 2.11 GAA and a .927 SV%. He also had 2 shutouts. Oettinger is 6'4″ and fits the newer model of tall goaltenders. Drafting a goaltender with their second pick in the first round is risky for the Stars, but it might be a risk worth taking.

30th Overall, Nashville Predators – Robert Thomas, C

The Predators proved before the Stanley Cup Final that they already have perhaps the greatest defense in all of hockey. Plus, they drafted another defenseman in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. They need to get another center in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Especially considering the depletion of their centers in the playoffs.

And Robert Thomas fits that need. He's a better prospect than 30th overall, which makes him a steal down here. Thomas scored 66 points in 66 games in the OHL, including 50 assists. He's a full playmaker, one who could be paired with good young wings like Miika Salomaki and Austin Watson on the Predators roster. The Predators need an offense to match with their defense, and Thomas could be a good fit.

31st Overall, Pittsburgh Penguins – Pierre-Olivier Joseph, D

The Penguins have for two years now won in the playoffs despite of their defense. Eventually, that will have to change (right? I mean, there's nothing there!) One way to get that change in motion is by drafting defense throughout the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. That starts with round 1 and Pierre-Olivier Joseph.

Joseph had 33 assists and 6 goals in 62 QMJHL games this year. With the Penguins history of drafting French-Canadians and QMJHL prospects (Marc-Andre Fleury, Pascal Dupuis, Kris Letang), they should be tempted to go back. Joseph would give the Penguins another defensive prospect and probably a player in next seasons' playoffs.