NHL Rumors: Latest Trade Talk for 2017 Draft Picks and Prospects

A busy week around the National Hockey League, which has already featured the Vegas Golden Knights' expansion draft and the reveal of the new Adidas jerseys for all 31 teams, continues Friday night with the opening round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

Nolan Patrick and Nico Hischier headline a class of prospects that will likely be remembered more for its depth than the number of high-end franchise players. It could create a situation where multiple teams look to trade back in order to accumulate some extra selections.

Let's check out some of the latest buzz from around the league heading into the draft's first round Friday at the United Center in Chicago.

Philadelphia Flyers Listening on Second Pick

The Flyers were the draft lottery's biggest winners. They owned the third-worst odds after finishing just seven points outside the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Yet they still managed to land the second overall selection thanks to their luck with the pingpong balls.

Now the question is whether Philly, which could be interested in adding a more NHL-ready asset to make a playoff push next season, will hold on to the pick.

Pierre LeBrun of TSN reported leading up to the draft the Flyers front office was "listening" to offers, but noted keeping the choice was "more likely" than a deal.

It's a stance that makes sense given the presence of Patrick and Hischier. They are a step above every other prospect in the class, which makes it tougher to pass up whichever one doesn't get selected by the New Jersey Devils than if the Flyers held the third pick.

So, while Philadelphia may continue to listen until draft night, it would likely take a truly difference-making player for the team to give up the chance to take one of those coveted young centers.

Miro Heiskanen Emerging as Popular Target

Cale Makar has generated the most attention among this year's defensive prospects, but Heiskanen is making a late surge to potentially overtake him as the first blueliner off the board. Both could end up landing inside the top five.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported Heiskanen is a strong candidate to come off the board at No. 3, a spot currently held by the Dallas Stars. He noted the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning could seek a trade to move up and take the Finnish defender, though.

The 17-year-old rising star tallied 10 points in 37 games while playing against older competition for HIFK Helsinki in the Finnish Elite League this past season. His steady performance suggested he should make a smooth transition to the NHL quicker than his fellow defensemen.

Detroit owns the No. 9 pick, which makes the Wings a better bet to move up than the Lightning, who are set to draft 14th. If the Stars like one of the other prospects at the position, perhaps Juuso Valimaki or Timothy Liljegren, they could get one of them later in the top 10 and add some extra assets.

Possible Colorado Avalanche-New York Islanders Blockbuster?

Few players have been the focus of more trade speculation over the past year than Matt Duchene. The Avs center was discussed ad nauseam leading up to last season's trade deadline but ended up staying put as the team limped to the league's worst record by 21 points.

Now the rumors are starting to heat up again. Jimmy Murphy of Bruins Beat reported the Islanders are showing interest in acquiring the playmaking center. Ryan Strome and Calvin de Haan were mentioned among the assets possibly heading to Colorado in the deal.

Meanwhile, Mike Chambers of the Denver Post noted Avalanche director of amateur scouting Alan Hepple wouldn't rule out the team trading the fourth overall pick.

"There's always a chance of trading back," Hepple said. "We would have to see what we're given, what's presented to us, and we'll take it from there. We're ready for that scenario."

Between Duchene, who tallied 41 points in 77 games despite the Avs' struggles, and the No. 4 pick, Colorado has two massive assets available heading into the draft. Whether they would consider moving them both in one blockbuster is unclear, but it's worth watching Friday evening.