Seth Jones could make NHL history in June.

The Portland Winterhawks defenceman, the son of former NBA player Popeye Jones, was named the No. 1 skater among North American players eligible for the draft by NHL Central Scouting.

Born in Plano, Tex., Jones could become the first black player to go first overall.

"Seth is a big, rangy defenceman who has a nice command of his shifts," NHL Central Scouting's B.J. MacDonald told NHL.com. "He has the ability to be a game-changer because he has good instincts and awareness."

The race for No. 1 continues to be between Jones and Halifax Mooseheads forward Nathan MacKinnon, who is ranked second among all skaters.

Other players on the list include MacKinnon's teammate Jonathan Drouin, Ottawa 67s centre Sean Monahan and Hunter Shinkaruk of the Medicine Hat Tigers.

Central Scouting will release its final rankings in April.