Will Poirier be drafted tonight?

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Will Jeremie Poirier hear his name called at tonight's virtual NHL Draft?

Many draft publications have Poirier being selected late in round one of this year's draft, which begins at 8 p.m. this evening on Sportsnet. Rounds two through seven take place tomorrow.

Poirier was ranked 18th amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Outlets and draft experts have him going anywhere from 20 to 50.

Corey Pronman of The Athletic has Poirier being selected 29th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights.

"I had Poirier going in the second round of my last mock, but he’s looked sharp to start the season and has earned positive reviews from scouts," Pronman wrote in his final mock draft, released last night. "He also fits a lot of what Vegas likes to target at the draft in terms of skill, and the Golden Knights have a need in the system for a defenseman who can create a lot of offense."

Pronman previously had Poirier going 41st overall to Carolina. He also had William Villeneuve going 83rd to Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, Scott Wheeler of The Athletic has Poirier ranked 23rd, Villeneuve 39th and Charlie DesRoches 100th.

In Sam Cosentino's final draft rankings, Poirier didn't crack the first round but was an honourable mention.

"As of right now there are concerns about his defending or a willingness to work on it," Cosentino wrote on Sportsnet.ca. "Then again, when you’re this gifted offensively, with great skating ability, who would want to defend?"

Other QMJHL players who will/could hear their name called tonight: Alexis Lafreniere (obviously), Dawson Mercer, Hendrix Lapierre, Mavrik Bourque and Justin Barron.