Devils in Detail
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ASU Hockey: Brinson Pasichnuk could be selected in the 2017 NHL Draft

By Ethan Schmidt

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the crowd during the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the crowd during the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Defenseman Brinson Pasichnuk could become the first ASU hockey player selected in the NHL draft this weekend with the first round beginning Friday.

The rising sophomore is a notable 2017 NHL Draft prospect, according to eliteprospects.com.

Even though Arizona State will have multiple NHL prospects on the roster this upcoming season, Pasichnuk would be the first-ever Sun Devil selected while already playing for ASU.

Arizona State is going into its third NCAA Division-I season, and just its second season with a full NCAA D-I schedule.

Brinson Pasichnuk is only 19 years-old. The Canadian-born player from Bonnyville, Alberta, had seven goals and seven assists as a freshman last season.

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Pasichnuk also had a team-leading 63 blocks in the 2016-17 season. This statistic won’t go unnoticed by NHL teams.

He is expected to stay at ASU for his sophomore and possibly his junior years before going on to play professional hockey, according to Jeff Metcalfe of azcentral sports.

Arizona State hockey has had three NHL draft picks on its roster before (none drafted while on the team):

  • Robbie Baillargeon (C) – 2012 Round 5 #136 Overall by the Ottawa Senators
  • Wade Murphy (RW) – 2013 Round 7 #185 Overall by the Nashville Predators
  • Joey Daccord (G) – 2015 Round 7 #199 Overall by the Ottawa Senators

Goaltender Jaxon Castor, an ASU commit for 2018-19, could also be drafted this year. Castor currently plays for the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL and is listed as a noticeable prospect on eliteprospects.com.

Next: ASU Athletics: Top Storylines for 2017

The 2017 NHL Draft will be held in Chicago at the United Center on June 23rd-24th. Friday is the first round (4 p.m. PST on NBCSN), and Saturday is rounds 2-7 (7 a.m. PST on NHL Network).