The debate between Nolan Patrick and Nico Hischier as the Devils' No. 1 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft rages on, and there are plenty of arguments in Hischier's favor.

McKeen's Hockey still has Patrick ranked ahead of Hischier in the top two spots, but Ryan Wagman, McKeen's Director of Prospect Scouting, sees why the Devils could take Hischier No. 1 overall.

"From looking at what the Devils have right now, I think Nico Hischier would fit in a bit more smoothly than Nolan Patrick," Wagman told NJ Advance Media. "He would provide something the Devils don't have in a way that Patrick won't quite as much."

Patrick has been in the top spot for many mock drafts, including the latest from NJ.com, and he entered the 2016-17 season near the top of many Draft rankings.

But Patrick's injuries and Hischier's impressive campaign have made it a two-horse race, and Hischier is on top in plenty of other mocks.

Wagman called both players extremely close at the top of the rankings, but drafting in the top spot gives the Devils the chance to fill a short-term and long-term need.

"When you're drafting first or second, that's one of the few times when I would let my team's needs make the decision," Wagman said. "If I'm drafting 10th, I don't care what my team needs right now. I'm drafting the best player on the board. The guy taken 10th, he's probably not going to play in the NHL his first year. I'm pretty sure these guys are going to play in the NHL right now."

Given where the Devils stand and Shero's history with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Devils, Wagman sees Hischier as the move.

"That's my opinion based on how he's drafted in the past," he said. "He's just a more exciting player. I think they're both going to provide first-line value."

The debate will rage on until the Devils make their pick on Friday, June 23, and regardless of who the Devils take, Wagman said they will end up with a talented prospect.

He gave called their skating abilities and hockey IQs very similar, while giving Hischier a slight edge in shooting. Wagman said Hischier's puck handling is better, but Patrick is the more physical player.

Chris Ryan may be reached at cryan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRyan_NJ. Find NJ.com Devils on Facebook.