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McPhee understands how a No. 1 pick has the best potential to spur a franchise’s growth — particularly a newcomer such as Vegas.

“Ovechkin’s done that for Washington, and McDavid and Matthews and Eichel,” he said, in reference to Sabres forward Jack Eichel, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft. “And they can really turn a town that isn’t already a hockey town into a hockey town.”

NHL Central Scouting ranks Nolan Patrick of the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings as its top prospect. Swiss-born forward Nico Hischier is ranked second after earning Quebec Major Junior Hockey League rookie-of-the-year honours playing for Halifax.