Minnetonka’s Vannelli Poised for Early Pick in NHL Draft

The Hockey Writers is picking Minnetonka’s Tommy Vannelli as a second or third round pick in the NHL draft—with potential for a first-round selection.

Vannelli, who was a finalist for Minnesota Mr. Hockey, scored 35 points in 27 games during his final season with the Skippers. He also won a silver medal at the World Under-18 Championships in Russia, where he scored two goals and one assist.

The Hockey Writers predict that he’ll be a “Number three or four defender, power-play specialist” and wrote:

“In terms of high school prospects, Vannelli isn’t a “home-run” pick but he’s also not an incredible gamble.”

Vannelli has committed to attend the University of Minnesota  

Click here to read The Hockey Writers’ full prospect report on Vannelli.