It's very early and a lot changes during the course of the draft season, but as of now, the 2017 draft class is one of the weakest of the past few years. Bad drafts like 2012 can still produce many good NHL players, but in general, bad NHL teams aren't going to be rolling in future stars.

For example, Nolan Patrick -- the projected first overall pick -- probably would have been picked between third and fifth in the 2016 class. His production is comparable to Pierre-Luc Dubois, who was picked third overall by Columbus in 2016.

Aside from Patrick at No. 1, there isn't a perfect consensus as to who belongs in the top tier.