NHL draft tracker: Nicolas Petan, Portland Winterhawks

Centre Nicolas Petan is ready to make a name for himself in Portland.

After failing to register a point in the Winterhawks' playoff run last year, Petan has gotten off to a red-hot start in his second season of major junior puck. He has five goals and 15 points in just 11 games, ranking first on in his club in points.

"I think I'm a lot better this year because I'm getting more ice time and have a lot more confidence," says Petan, who's from Delta, B.C. "I'm trying to just keep it simple and stay in position at all times."

The 5-foot-9, 166-pounder wants to keep the ball rolling as the season continues. He already has a number in mind he would like to reach on his scorecard by season's end.

"I want to stay at a point-per-game pace," says Petan. "I think I can reach that and it would be a great year for me."

Petan, 17, has learned from the best in Portland. He has been lucky enough to skate alongside premier talents such as St. Louis Blues second-rounder Ty Rattie and Calgary Flames first-rounder Sven Bärtschi, who now plays for the Abbotsford Heat in the AHL.

"Rattie and Bärtschi have helped me a lot," says the Delta, B.C., native. "They showed me things they've learned and I've gotten to see what type of work ethic it takes to become that good of a player. It has been great to be surrounded by players that strong."

With Bärtschi off to the pros and 19-year-old Rattie in his last season in Portland, Petan is in line to be the new face of the Winterhawks' offence in the near future.

"I think he will break out this year," says GM-coach Mike Johnston says of Petan. "He has what it takes to become a very good player. With us losing some of our top guys and some of other players in their last seasons, we will need our younger guys like Petan to step up and become big-game players."

It is business as usual to see to 18-year-old Winterhawks selected with high NHL draft picks. Portland has produced five first-round picks and three seconds in the past three years. Blueliner Seth Jones will get the majority of the draft attention in Portland this year, but Petan is on the radar as one of the Dub's top goal scorers.

"Obviously, it is a dream to be drafted," says Petan. "I don't want to look too far ahead, though. I'm just going to continue to work hard and things should fall into place."

1. How would you describe yourself as a player?

"I'm a two-way forward that is skilled. I try to bang away some goals and setup my teammates for goals."

2. Do you try to model your game after a player in the NHL?

"My favourite player is [Pittsburgh Penguins star] Sidney Crosby. But I try to just model my game after speed and skill. I try to open things up and just create scoring chances.

3. What part of your game do you feel you need to improve on the most?

"I'd like to improve my strength. It's always nice to be stronger along the boards. But I think every part of my game will improve as the season goes on."

4. What is your favourite movie or television show?

"My favourite TV show is Friends. And I'd say my favourite movie is Wedding Crashers."

5. Has the CHLPA contacted you and do you think the CHL needs a players' union?

"No, they haven't contacted me. I don't know if we do. I'm trying to stay out of that."

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen