Rising Sons: Family Relations at 2017 NHL Entry Draft

Nolan Patrick is one of the prized jewels of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

But as the captain of the Brandon Wheat Kings is welcomed into the National Hockey League family, he is already quite familiar with it.

His dad Steve played 250 NHL games with Buffalo, Quebec and the New York Rangers. And his uncle James was a standout defenseman who played 1280 NHL games with four teams.

Nolan was very close to his grandfather, Stephen, who was a 13 year veteran with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

"We were pretty close," said Patrick. "He was big for me. He was always on the educational side of things; pushing me to stay with my schoolwork. He took me to the driving range a lot when I was younger. That's kinda when I fell in love with golf.

"He was a lot different guy from my dad. My dad's a real upbeat non-stop talking guy. He was more laid-back, a lot of wisdom. Just hilarious. Always telling my dad to shut up."

Patrick isn't the only player in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft who is about to become a second-generation NHLer.

Callan Foote is following in the footsteps (pun intended) of former Colorado Avalanche stud defenseman Adam Foote. Callan is an offensive defender with the WHL's Kelowna Rockets who plays a similar style to his dad.

Adam Foote's Avalanche teammate Curtis Leschyshyn will also be watching for his son to being his NHL journey. Jake Leschyshyn is a center with the WHL's Regina Pats.

Cayden Primeau is a goalie prospect in this year's draft. He had the added benefit of having his  NHL father and uncle shooting on him since childhood. His father was Keith Primeau and his uncle was Wayne Primeau.

Swedish star Lias Andersson is the son of former NHLer Mikael Andersson. Niklas Andersson was his uncle.

The Strome family are back again, as they seem to be making the NHL Draft a recurring family event. Matthew Strome hopes to join brothers Ryan and Dylan in the NHL.