Swift Current Broncos forward Aleksi Heponiemi was the first from his major-junior team off the board at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft in Chicago when the Florida Panthers selected him at 40th overall.

Heponiemi spent time at centre and wing last season, and was named the Western Hockey League's rookie of the year after recording 28 goals and 86 points in 72 games. In 14 playoff games he had eight assists.

The native of Tampere, Finland is listed at 5-foot-10, 150 pounds.

Stay tuned as things unfold in the draft.