As NHL draft nears, Flyers' future about to improve

Nico Hischier (left) with his CHL Rookie of the Year award, and Nolan Patrick with his Top Draft Prospect award.CHICAGO — Scouts and predictors are divided on which player New Jersey will pick at No. 1 in the NHL draft Friday night.

Nolan Patrick, whose father (Stephen) and two uncles (James Patrick and Rich Chernomaz) played in the NHL, has the better pedigree but is coming off an injury-plagued junior season. The 6-foot-2, 199-pound center is a power player and a terrific scorer and passer who plays at his best in clutch situations.

Nico Hischier is a 6-1, 179-pound center whose only flaw is his work in the faceoff circle. He is more dynamic than Patrick, has great speed and remarkable…