The 2021 NHL draft will be one of the most unpredictable drafts we have seen in years. This years draft class will contain many skilled defencemen get a chance to go first along with outstanding goalies and forwards. This year's draft will be seemingly different than other draft classes we have witnessed in previous years. In the 2021 draft class, there is no clear first overall pick. Scouts have placed players like Owen Power, Matt Beniers, and Luke Hughes at first, but there’s never been an exact first overall choice like Jack Hughes or Alexis Lafraniere.
In this article I will present to you my early mock draft and it’ll be a little different. Using the website “Tankathon.Com” I will simulate the draft order, and from there I will make the decision of what each team takes based off of what they are looking for. Without a second to waste, I present to you the 2021 NHL Mock draft!
(Both photos from Tankathon.Com)
Quick review
The machine simulates that the Buffalo Sabres get the anticipated first overall pick, the Columbus Blue Jackets move up 3 spots and move up to the second overall spot. The New Jersey Devils along with the Seattle Kraken and Anaheim Ducks move down one spot.
The Arizona Coyotes lose their draft pick due to their John Chayka situation, therefore instead of going from picks 10 to 12, the Canucks move up to pick 11 and the rest of the teams move up.
The machine simulates the Colorado Avalanche winning the Stanley cup over the Carolina Hurricanes.
1st Overall- Buffalo Sabres- Matthew Beniers (University of Michigan/ NCAA)
(Photo Credit: Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
With the first overall selections the Buffalo Sabres select from the University of Michigan, Matthew Beniers. Beniers is a lightweight centerman who has managed to go point per game (24 games played, 24 points) in one of the biggest and best hockey schools in the world. The Sabres would rather select him rather than the other possible players because of the fantastic playmaking ability and smooth skating. He’s also managed to prove himself as a great defensive forward as well. Beniers might end up being one of the better players in this draft, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Sabres took a chance with him to see how he could play with Jack Eichel and prospect Jack Quinn. Two playmakers with a sniper can end up being a lethal line in the NHL.
2nd Overall- Columbus Blue Jackets- William Eklund (Djurgårdens IF/ SHL)
(Photo credit: Adam Ihse/TT)
With this selection, the Blue Jackets of Columbus select a centerman in William Eklund. Eklund is a high-scoring, elite puck magician. Columbus has been needing a centerman and Eklund shows signs of being Elias Pettersson 2.0, except with bigger body mass. Eklund has had 23 points in 40 SHL games this season as an 18 year-old. He’s proved himself in the SHL as a leader who is ready to play hard and physical, while managing to stay clean. He shows this as he only has 2 penalty minutes. That’s only one penalty the entire season. Eklund is a sharp shooter who can get very fancy with the puck. Eklund has played a total of 60 games in the SHL averaging 0.42 PPG, but has managed to show himself as a fantastic player in which a team like the Blue Jackets can build around.
3rd Overall- New Jersey Devils- Owen Power (University of Michigan/ NCAA)
(Photo Credit: mgoblue)
Owen Power is one of the best draft prospects heading into the 2021 NHL draft. The 6’5, 214 pound 18 year-old has managed to record 16 points in 26 games in the NCAA in his rookie year. Owen Power seems like a perfect fit with the New Jersey Devils. The Devils look for a defenceman who can play on the first defence like with Ty Smith, and Owen Power seems like the perfect two-way defenceman who can get points and defend extreme rushes. Owen Power throws his body around and uses his massive body to hit opponents and play a physical game. Power is one of the strongest prospects the NHL has seen in years, scouts say he never leaves the training facility. Owen Power is the definition of a player a team wants; a hard hitting defensive/offensive power who can lead a team to victory and also help that team succeed with his fantastic skill.
4th Overall- Seattle Kraken- Luke Hughes (University of Michigan/ NCAA)
(Photo Credit: backsportspage)
Notice a pattern? 3 of the first 4 picks currently play for the University of Michigan. It shows you how fantastic of a school and development team it is.
Luke Hughes is an interesting defenceman. It’s definitely a player a team wants to build around, and the Seattle Kraken could use him greatly. The battle of the Hughes’ brothers. One is in Vancouver, and the other in Seattle. Almost makes sense! Luke Hughes is a defenceman who shows signs of Quinn and Jack Hughes in him. Quinn had said Luke plays exactly like him, but even better. So to get an offensive d-man that can put up high numbers and even play solid defence at fourth seems like a steal. It seems fantastic until you get to his injury prone past. In a lot of his seasons, especially most recently, Luke has battled injuries constantly. Hughes is 6’2 and 174 Lbs. To have a defenceman in the NHL, you would prefer that 6 foot 2 inch player to be a little more heavyweight than 174 pounds. Hughes is a fantastic player, but he can work on his size. A small player like that can get injured constantly and he’s even proved it with his previous injuries. Other than that small issue, Hughes seems to be one of the better players in this draft class.
5Th Overall- Anaheim Ducks- Kent Johnson (University of Michigan/ NCAA)
(Photo credit: tricitynews)
I promise you, I’m not purposely putting all the Michigan players at the top, that’s just how good that program is. It’s wild.
Kent Johnson is an underrated centerman that seems to have a bright future. Johnson had originally played in the BCHL for the Trail Smoke Eaters until he joined Michigan in the NCAA and since he joined the team, he’s managed to put up 27 points, and 9 goals in 26 games. He’s got arguably the best statistics out of the entire 2021 draft class, and that’s because he possibly does. Kent is a fantastic player, don’t get me wrong, but there are issues that come with him. Johnson may put up insane numbers, but the issue is that he isn’t an all around player. He’s not well built around all of his hockey skills. Johnson is a magician offensively, his passing skills and play reading are outstanding. He manages to find teammates that are wide open and get them goals. That explains his high number of assists. Although that seems like a Nicklas Backstrom type of player, Nick Backstrom has something Johnson doesn’t: defensive skill. Johnson seems to slow down every time in his own zone. It’s almost like he goes invisible in his own zone. He’s great offensively, but one of the reasons he gets so many points is because he plays with so many skilled players. Taking Johnson is a very hit or miss situation. Taking a high risk defensively for a chance at a high scoring player can be a good idea, but nowadays a team wants a player that can do it all. I’d Kent can fix these issues, he might as well become one of the best players of this draft class. Anaheim could use a centerman since Ryan Getzlaf might be playing his last season with the ducks, and maybe even the NHL.
6th Overall- Ottawa Senators- Simon Edvinsson (Frolunda HC/ SHL)
(Photo Credit: NHL)
The Ottawa Senators will look to add a defenceman in this years draft as they seem to have already stockpiled on their future forward core. Edvinsson has the same type of play style as Owen Power. Edvinsson is a 6’5, 207 pound defenceman who plays a shutdown role. Edvinsson doesn’t put up points; he never has. He’s always played that shutdown role for his team and he’s always been great at it. That’s what the Senators are missing. They have Chabot, a great two way d-man, who can sometimes struggle in the D zone. They drafted Jake Sanderson at pick 5 in the 2020 NHL draft, who seems to show no defensive skill and only offensive skill. The Senators will be in search for a defensive defenceman and that’s exactly what Edvinsson is. Edvinsson has fantastic hockey knowledge, and that is important for a stay-at-home defenceman. He can make quick, sharp decisions at the right times. You barely see him mess up. He’s got lots of strength and lots of speed. Edvinsson shows no remorse when playing the game, and that’s what the Sens can use. The only thing I would say Simon needs help with is his offensive aspect of the game of hockey. He needs to learn how to shoot the puck more and put the puck into scoring chances. 7th Overall- Detroit Red Wings- Fabian Lysell (Luleå HF/ SHL)
(Photo Credit: Kuriren)
Fabian Lysell looks like a young, right handed Marcus Naslund. This young Swedish born right winger has managed to land himself a spot as a bottom 6 forward player on his SHL team, Luleå HF. He’s put up only 3 points in 26 games, but he’s shown fantastic improvement from previous years. He’s grown every year, size wise and stats wise. Lysell can either be a massive bust or massive steal this year. I don’t see it being anywhere in between. This 5’10 player has a hard hitting edge to him. He’s an agitator who likes to get under the skin of opponents. He's one of the best players to do so in the SHL this year. Lysell has a very special offensive touch to him. He can pass the puck very quickly and sell opponents while doing it. He can fake the defender out, and send the puck to his teammate who finishes the scoring chance out. He’s also a sniper. He studies goalies in warmups and after knowing the weak spots, he knows where to shoot and get the puck going. His skating and agility are also some of his specialties. He’s a very fancy skater and can even break ankles using his speed and skating technique.
His playing style is something Steve Yzerman likes, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Stevie Y has already had his eye on him. Yzerman likes to take wild cards in the draft, and taking Lysell at 7 could definitely be something Yzerman does. As I mentioned earlier, Lysell has potential to be a massive steal in this draft, and I don’t see Yzerman and his AGMs missing out on an opportunity like that.
8th Overall- San Jose Sharks- Jesper Wallstedt (Luleå HF/ SHL)
(Photo Credit: Jesper Wallstedt)
Another SHL player? Really? Yea… not many CHL and KHL players to go off this year.
The San Jose Sharks need goaltending. Martin Jones simply won’t cut it. He’s been too inconsistent and even when he plays good, it’s not enough. The Sharks need someone who can take over and play a Vasilevsky type of game, and someone who can do that is Jesper Wallstedt.
Jesper currently plays split starter time with Luleå in the SHL and has a .908 SV% and a 2.23 GAA. Even if it may not sound impressive, it is. As an 18 year old putting up above .900 SV% on a horrible team in the SHL is significantly important and great. Wallstedt seems like a very solid future starter in the NHL and has even had early chances in the IIHF U21 tournament. Even though I like to say “don’t judge players for a stupid little 7 game tournament” he impressed me then. He looked NHL ready. He looked better than a lot of NHL goalies, and the Sharks could use him. He’s got fantastic mental skills. He’s very smart and very quick. He can make choices quick and knows what to do in high pressure situations. Good luck trying to crack him. His positioning is his best attribute. He can position himself to save shots that seem impossible to save, but easy to him because he knows his ways. His recovery and rebound control are awesome too, which is important in the NHL nowadays because a lot of players score off of goalies that can’t control rebounds and don’t recover quick enough to save those pucks.
San Jose could greatly use a new goalie, and in a rebuild why not take a goalie you can build your franchise around? Wallstedt seems like Lundqvist 2.0 with his play style. He’s a very clutch goalie who bails out his team all the time in the SHL. He could possibly do the same thing in southern Cali.
9th Overall- Calgary Flames- Dylan Guenther (Edmonton Oil Kings/ WHL)
(Photo credit: WHL/Andy Devlin-LA Media)
Dylan Guenther is a pure sniper. He shoots like Ovechkin, and I’m not over exaggerating. His one timers, just like Ovi. Those go in all the time and they have been this year too. The Edmonton native has 24 points in 12 games with the Oil Kings this year and 12 goals. He averaged a goal per game and has been arguably the best player in the WHL. If not, the second best right behind Connor Bedard. Guenther can work very well under pressure, and can score goals from almost anywhere. And even if he can’t score, he’ll make sure to get the assist.
His best skills are his shots and his sniping ability, but his underrated skills are his teamwork and passing. He’s a fantastic leader on and off the ice. He’s managed to gain respect in his community and continues to gain respect from many people. He seems like a future captain in the NHL. His passing is fantastic. He always has his head up looking for options. He uses his teammates a lot, he creates plays and generates shots on net using those skills. His play smarts and decisions look better, smarter, and smoother than some NHLers. Guenther seems like a player every team wants, and the Calgary Flames could use a winger like him, he’s like Johnny Hockey, but with passion and leadership. (And even better skill!)
10th Overall- Los Angeles Kings- Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts/ OHL)
(Photo Credit: Terry Wilson / OHL Images)
The LA Kings need more defensive prospects. They’re so stacked on the offensive with players such as Anderson-Dolan, Byfield, Kupari, Thomas, Dudas, Kaliyev, and so many other future stars. They barely have any defencemen, and that’s why they need Brandt Clarke.
Clarke can easily be one of the best defencemen in this draft. Clarke has started this season as a loan in the Slovak leagues having 15 points in 26 games. He’s managed to play a great two-way game scoring goals, getting points, and play a solid defensive game in his own zone. He’s always been a high point player, but one thing I’ve realized looking at his stats, is that he takes a while to settle into a new league. He always starts off slow, and gradually works his way up into being a high scoring player. He seems like a stud, don’t get me wrong, but NHL teams like the LA Kings look to be Stanley Cup contenders within a couple years and they would want Clarke to make the roster and be a huge help almost immediately. That could be an issue, unless Clarke breaks his streak and impresses everyone immediately, which we haven’t seen quite yet.
Just like most defencemen in this draft, Clarke’s best skills are his puck handling, game smarts and passing. Very basic stuff each good d-man needs to be perfect at. One thing he can work on is the amount of penalties he takes. We get it Brandt, you like to fight. That’s good, and when you win the fight it gives the team excitement and brings the team up. It’ll get them fired up. But Brandt takes some stupid penalties. He can get angry and take a stupid slash. He can give up on the play and blatantly trip a guy. Those types of penalties can really bring down a player’s value. If Brandt can stop taking those penalties and keep his emotions intact, he can be one of the best players in this draft. Until then, it’s a risk the Kings should be willing to take.
11th Overall- Vancouver Canucks- Carson Lambos (Winnipeg Ice/ WHL)
(Photo credit: Thescoutingnews)
The Canucks need defence. They struggle horrendously in D zone. Hughes is becoming better at defence, but goalies Thatcher Demko and Braden Holtby get remotely no help from the others. This is where the Canucks need to take the best defenceman available.
Luckily, Carson Lambos is a great player. The Winnipeg native has done everything to be noticed by NHL scouts. Lambos has only played two games with the Winnipeg Ice this year, but has also played 2 games in the major Finnish league, and has also played in the Finnish U20 league. In the U20 league he put up 11 points in 13 games and made quite a name for himself in Finland. This player definitely needs work. He is still a couple years away from the NHL. His offensive touch to the game needs major help. He doesn’t put the puck in the offensive zone enough. It’s always in the D zone when he’s on the ice. He struggles to break it out. Even though the Canucks have Hughes who can do that, Lambos still needs some work in that area. Lambos’ skills are his leadership, his puck handling and puck care in the D zone (he manages to play keep away with the other team’s players well), his strength and his speed. His skating technique needs help, but at least his speed can make it up for it. Lambos would need lots of time before he could make a name for himself in Vancouver, but with lots of trainings mf proper development he could be a full time player with Quinn by 2025.
Lambos is a big guy. He is 6’1 and 201 Lbs. His leadership is heavily used when it’s time for clutch. He gets his team pumped and can fight and stick up for his teammates. He is the all around perfect and fun teammate. Something the Canucks need more of.
12th Overall- Chicago Blackhawks- Aatu Räty (Kärpät/ Liiga)
(Photo Credit: KUVA © JARI MÄKI-KUUTTI)
Aatu Räty is an interesting character. At the start of the year and even at the beginning of last season he was projected to be first and it wasn’t even close. Although he looked like a future stud his draft stock fell and now I have him listed as 12th overall.
Aatu Räty is a skillful forward who likes to score but uses his specialty (passing and play making) more often. His skills are his puck handling and playmaking. He can also put the puck past the goalie when it’s time to score for him. Räty has played 35 games with Kärpät of the Liiga and has 6 points. Räty’s production has severely decreased, but that doesn’t mean he has potential to be a great NHL player one day. Räty’s biggest issue is his attitude. According to scouts the reason he failed to make the U21 team in the winter was due to the fact that he had multiple issues with teammates and coaches. Ever since that he hasn’t been invited to play at any tournament. That attitude issue is also the reason he rarely gets minutes on his Finnish team. Attitude will be very important when it comes to playing in the NHL, especially in a market like the Chicago Blackhawks have. Their organization likes straight up players, they don’t like to mess around. That includes the players and coaches too. The players want seriousness and friendship when it comes to high pace intense action. If Räty can focus on his toxic behaviour and focus on becoming a better player with lots of skill, he can become that player we thought would go first overall.
13th Overall- Philadelphia Flyers- Cole Sillinger (Sioux Falls Stampede/ USHL)
(Photo credit: Photo – Ryan McCracken)
This season the Philadelphia Flyers have taken a great fall in the standings and shocking everyone with their poor performance. They have managed to go from a cup favourite team to a just above .500 team.
Therefore the Flyers didn’t make any deadline moves except trading defenseman Erik Gustafsson to the Montreal Canadiens for a 7th round pick.
With the 13th pick I have the Flyers taking centerman Cole Sillinger from the USHL. Sillinger has been a popular name for a couple years, but has always stayed in between the 7th and the 15th pick range. Sillinger is a Saskatchewan kid who was born in Columbus, Ohio. Sillinger is currently in his first year with Sioux Falls of the USHL (46 points in 31 games), and the year before played in the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers and recorded 53 points in 48 games.
Sillinger is a fantastic player who can easily become a steal, but this does come at a risk. Sillinger is very inconsistent. He can have himself a straight week of a high PPG, and another week he can go pointless. Sillinger has been working on it and it’s been visible. He’s definitely improved but he’s got a long way to go. His specialties are his playmaking ability, his passing and his strength. Sillinger is an interesting player, he’s young, and he’s got potential to be a first liner in the future. The Flyers have a lot of centermen lined up for the future in Tyson Foerester, Morgan Frost and many others. There are obviously adjustments they can make because Sillinger is a special player who can be a great fit in Philly.
14th Overall- Nashville Predators- Chaz Lucious (University of Minnesota/ NCAA)
(Photo Credit: Photo by Rena Laverty)
Chaz Lucious, one of the best hockey names I’ve seen in a hot minute. Lucious is a stud, but he’s got a while before he’s a full time NHLer. The Nashville Predators have that time to wait. They’ve got a lot of mid prospects coming in, but they need someone who can come into the league and bring Nashville into their 2017 form. Chaz Lucious, the 6’0 kid from Minnesota is commuted to the University of Minnesota for the 2021-22 season. Lucious is a forward who can play almost any position on the forward end. Lucious played a split amount of time in the USHL and USDP this year. In the USHL he had 18 points in 12 games, and in the USDP he had another 18 points in 12 games. From these stats you get one instant feel of this guy: he’s consistent.
And that would be correct. Chaz is constantly good. He gets points every game and somehow every time he’s on the ice, the puck ends up in the opponents net. Lucious’ best skills are his passing ability and eyesight, his speed and his shot power. He’s got a ripper of a shot that can go bar down and embarrass the goaltender. The only reason I don’t have Chaz up higher, is because of his year commutes to Minnesota. Although it’s only a year, Chaz can easily make the NHL once that year is over. He can make a name for himself in the NHL, and the Predators would love this guy.
15th Overall- New York Rangers- Mason McTavish (EHC Olten/ SL)
(Photo Credit: Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
The Rangers have a reputation of messing up on their draft selections. They have failed to develop their forwards. Although that might’ve been the case before, their future looks undeniably bright. Alexis Lafraniere, K’andre Miller, Nils Lindqvist and other many young talents have shown signs of the Rangers being a cup contending team within a couple years. That being said, right now they’re not a clear stanley cup playoff team. That’s why they’re probably getting a late pick in the lottery section of the draft.
With their 15th pick, the Rangers could select Mason McTavish. McTavish is another Canadian player playing outside of the CHL this year because of COVID. This year McTavish went to Switzerland to play in the SL (Swiss League). In 13 games this year, he’s put up 11 points. He’s seemed to be a good sniper who can pass the puck and get the puck on net as well. McTavish previously played in the OHL with the Petes of Peterborough and netted 29 goals in 57 games there. He had a total of 42 points with the Petes in the 2019-20 season. One thing scouts have learned from watching Mason play is that he’s a fighter. He battles hard and he competes. He has hunger to get better and has an unsettling hunger to win games and be the best. He’s very emotional, and if someone remotely pisses him off he’s dropping the gloves and going with the player. Later that game he could probably score a hat trick on that team with a smirk. He’s the perfect definition of an “in your face” type of player, and that’s what the New York Rangers are missing. He can be a fantastic fit with the Rangers.
16TH Overall- St Louis Blues- Xavier Bourgault (Shawinigan Catarates/ QMJHL)
(Photo Credit: CHL)
Xavier Bourgault is arguably the most underrated draft prospect in the 2021 draft class. Over the last couple months he’s been ranked as a late first rounder to an early second rounder and if I didn’t know any better I would’ve put him as a top 10 pick in the draft.
Bourgault has 40 points in 29 QMJHL games this year scoring exactly 20 goals and 20 assists. Bourgault in the previous year in the QMJHL had 71 points in 63 games. He is a very good player. In his 3 year QMJHL career he has averaged 0.85 PPG. He’s been absolutely outstanding, and he’s gained no recognition. He’s got skills like some players ranked ahead of him don’t have, those things being his magnificent puck work. I don’t think anyone can compare with his takeaway and stick handling in this draft class. He knows exactly what to do with the puck every time he’s got it, and he’s got hustle and excitement every time he plays. He plays every game like it’s his last, and when he scores he celebrates like it’s his first. You can tell he loves the game, and the game loves him. Bourgault can become a top 5 player in this draft class, and he goes unnoticed every time he does anything good. Even though St. Louis has already stockpiled on their forward prospects and outstanding depth, this guy can become better than most of them. A possible future second liner? Better, I think. A future first liner.
End of Lottery teams, now entering the playoff teams
17th Overall- Dallas Stars- Corson Ceulemans (University of Wisconsin/ NCAA)
(Photo Credit: madison sports)
Corson Ceulemans is definitely a hit or miss prospect. This year he just finished his season with the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL and had 11 points in 8 games. Corson is a tough, big, defensive defenceman who has earned his spot as a top 20 pick very recently. He’s managed to gain recognition after proving to scouts he plays an 80s style of hockey while having the skills of a modern day NHLer. Corson’s skills include his physicality, his shooting and puck handling. He plays like a modern day Chris Chelios. Although it would be cool to see a modern day Chelios, it’ll be almost impossible to replicate a player like him. Out of this draft class, Corson Ceulemans comes the closest.
18th Overall- Montreal Canadiens- Zachary L'Heureux (Halifax Mooseheads/ QMJHL)
(Photo Credit: Halifax Mooseheads)
I see the Habs taking a hometown boy in L’Heureaux. The Montreal native is a heavy, small forward who plays a physical game and manages to score goals while doing it. Zachary has 39 points in 33 QMJHL games this year and has 47 penalty minutes. The year before that he had 70 PIMs. L’Heureux has leadership and knows how to pump up the team. He can get a fight going at the start of the game, then get his teammates pumped and later that game score a goal or two.
His skills include his incredible hand-eye coordination, his quick feet, and his powerful shot. It’s important to note his shot release is quick and hard, perfect for an NHL worthy player. He’s a very talented team, and I see him playing with his childhood team.
19th Overall- Winnipeg Jets- Stanislav Svozil (HC Kometa Brno/ Czech)
(Photo credit: https://hokej.cz/)
I would’ve put Russian forward Nikita Chibrikov here, but based on what the Jets need, a forward is the last thing they go with. I see Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Winnipeg Jets taking Czech defenseman Stanislav Svozil. Svozi has played most of his junior career in the junior leagues of the Czech Republic, but this year earned his call up to the major leagues.
He’s had only 3 points in 30 games, but that’s because he’s young and he’s one year off of no experience playing a very high level of hockey. Even if it may seem like he isn’t good, this is exactly what the Jets are looking for. They’re looking for a stay at home d-man and Svozil is a perfect definition of that. His best skills are his play reading, his back checking, his back skating, and his defensive play. He’s very weak offensively, but what makes him stand out is his defensive work. He can easily become one of the best defensive defenseman in the NHL one day. Those types of players rarely get any recognition.
Although Svozil seems like a stud, he will never make the NHL until he adds a little bit to his offensive game. The NHL and the coaches want to see more two way players, and when they see a one dimensional player it immediately catches their eye in a negative way. If Svozil can improve his offensive game, he’s golden.
20th Overall- Edmonton Oilers- Nikita Chibrikov (SKA 1946 St Petersburg/ MHL)
(Photo credit: Dylan Griffing/ Twitter)
As mentioned in the previous pick, Nikita Chibrikov should have gone earlier but didn’t because of priorities. This is where the Edmonton Oilers find their winger help that McDavid is looking for.
Chibrikov still has a contract signed in the KHL, but in good news he’s not quite ready for the NHL. He’s got a while until he’ll be ready but that’s why he’ll be in the KHL until then. It’ll help him develop his game more, and by the time he’s coming to North America, he’s NHL ready. Chibrikov has played in three different leagues this year. The KHL, MHL, and VHL. In the KHL he’s played 16 games and had 2 points, in the MHL he’s played 11 games and recorded 9 points, and finally in the VHL he recorded 8 points in 20 games. Chibrikov was rated a top 10 pick at the start of the season, but ever since his point production fell off his draft stock has taken a tumble too. I wouldn’t be surprised if he falls to round 2 in the draft this summer.
Chibrikov is a sniper/playmaker. Basically, he can change his play style depending on who he’s playing with. That means he can become a sniper if he ever gets a chance with McDavid. (If he gets drafted to Edmonton). This player is very hit or miss. It’s a risk I wouldn’t be willing to make if it’s a top 15 pick, but anything after that I’d say why not and give him a chance.
21st Overall- Boston Bruins- Sasha Pastujov (University of Notre Dame/ NCAA)
(Photo credit: Tim Cornett/CHL Images)
Don Sweeney loves his American and university prospects. This is a perfect opportunity for him to take one in the first round. Pastujov is a fantastic winger who plays a great two way game. Pastujov isn’t quite NHL ready, that’s why he’s committed to the University of Notre Dame for a year in 2021-22. After that year, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him in the NHL getting a chance.
The Bruins could use a forward, and Sasha Pastujov seems like he would be a solid fit in Boston. He can put the puck in the net while outplaying the other team using his sweet and crisp passing, and then be back in time to defend a rush. He’s the winger version of Patrice Bergeron, to put it in a way. Maybe a little less skillful, but the play style is there. Pastujov is a future second liner who’ll impress many and he’s ready to make a big step up in his hockey career.
Pastujov has played in two leagues this year: the USDP and the USHL. In the USDP he’s put up 52 points in 34 games, and in the USHL he netted 26 points in 18 games.
22nd Overall- New Jersey Devils- Oskar Olausson (HV71/ SHL)
(Photo Credit: Mathias Bergeld/Bildbyrån)
Oskar Olausson is a skillful, tall winger coming into the draft playing his first SHL season. This year he’s earned a spot on one of the best development teams in the SHL, HV71. He’s managed to put up 4 points in 16 games this season. Three of them goals.
The Devils had already selected Owen Power in this mock draft, and now they take a winger who can play both left side and right side. Olausson has been said to have fantastic and quick hands and that has made him very skillful with his deles. He’s managed to embarrass opponents when breaking their ankles with his hands.
Oskar Olausson is a fast player who uses his hands a lot when he plays, and he manages to score many goals when getting the opportunities. The only issue with Olausson is that he messes up in the middle of the ice too much. Whether it’s plain giveaways, or over handling the puck, he’s caused big giveaways and given the other team a scoring chance. If he can fix that before he gets a chance in the NHL, he can be a decent second liner with the Devils. If New Jersey does end up getting Oskar, they can seriously be cup contenders within a couple years.
23rd Overall- Minnesota Wild- Matthew Coronato (Harvard University/ NCAA)
(Photo Credit: Nuetralzone)
Another underrated forward in this draft is Matthew Coronato. He’s committed to Harvard University, so not only is he a smart guy but he’s fantastic at hockey. Whoever gets this 5’10, 183 puked left winger, will end up with a steal. Coronato is a pure sniper. He loves to score, and that’s because one of his best attributes is his goal scoring ability and his bullet of a shot.
When he shoots, it’s like a cannon firing. In the USHL this season Coronato has put up 83 points in only 50 games, and 46 of those points were goals. He was almost a goal per game average. (0.92, which is very very impressive). Matthew is a city boy, born and raised in New York City. I see him being drafted and spending his entire career in Minnesota. Coronato can easily become a first liner with the Wild, and have a long lasting career on a line with Kaprizov on the right side and Coronato on the left. A duo of Kaprizov-Coronato can become deadly in the NHL one day, and that’s why I think the Wild should select him. His leadership and teamwork may be an issue, as it’s rumoured that he has gotten into many altercations with teammates and coaches before. If he can get his attitude right, he can move up in the rankings. Until then, he’s a mid first round pick.
24th Overall- Florida Panthers- Daniil Chayka (Krasnaya Armiya Moskva/ MHL)
(Photo Credit: KHL)
The Panthers and their new GM Bill Zito will look to find some defence in this draft class because the Panthers need serious help in their own zone. There are too many breakdowns and too many mess ups in their own zone to win a cup, and that’s why I think they’ll take Daniil Chayka with the 24th pick.
Chayka has played around the world for many teams in many leagues. In the 2018-19 season Chayka left his home (Russia) to get a better opportunity and went to play in the OHL for the Guelph Storm. He had 14 points in 56 games that year, and the following year had 34 points in 56 games. This year Chayka came home and signed a contract with his favourite team growing up, CSKA Moscow. Chayka hasn’t landed a solid spot on that roster though.
He’s played in the KHL, MHL, and the VHL this year. Neither of the leagues he’s played in, he played in more than 11 games. 11 in the KHL, 10 in the VHL and only 5 years in the MHL. In the KHL he had 2 points. Although points aren’t his strong suit, he’s fantastic. He’s a great two way player. Even if it doesn’t show on the score sheet. Chayka generates offence and still plays great defence. He can be an NHLer in a couple years, but don’t expect him to play in the NHL soon. Chayka takes a while to grow and get better, based off of the previous seasons we have seen from him.
25th Overall- Minnesota Wild- Francesco Pinelli (Kitchener Rangers/ OHL)
(Photo Credit: Mark Pare/KitchenerToday)
The Minnesota have one big problem going into this year's season: finding a confident, contributing centerman. Luckily, they had gotten ultimately lucky in the 2020 NHL draft and found their future star. They drafted a player who had over 100 points in the OHL, Marco Rossi. He’ll be absolutely outstanding with Kaprizov one day.
Although it's guaranteed that they’re set for the future, it’s good to get an insurance player. So why not take Francesco Pinelli? Pinelli seems like a solid future third liner who can perform on the second liner. This year Pinelli hasn’t gotten to prove himself in the OHL, but he played in Slovakia as a loan player. He had 11 points in 13 games. Pinelli is a very average hockey player, think of Brock Nelson. He’s not crazy good, but he isn’t necessarily bad. He’s just a pretty good hockey player. That’s what Pinelli is. He’s one pretty good hockey player. His skating and his playmaking are his specialties. He’s a great player by all means, but he simply isn’t good enough to be a top 20 pick.
26th Overall- Columbus Blue Jackets- Sean Behrens (University of Denver/ NCAA)
(Photo credit: Rena Laverty)
In this mock draft the Jackets have already selected a forward, and one thing that they seriously need is defence. That’s why I have Columbus taking American defenceman Sean Behrens.
Behrens, like all the other American prospects, are committed to a university for the 2021-22 season. Behrens will be playing for the University of Denver next season. The 5’9 defenceman has played in the USHL and USDPT this year putting up a total of 49 points in 62 games.
Don’t let Behrens’ height fool you. Even if he is the smallest player in this draft class, he plays a 100 foot game. He’s physical, he’s hard hitting and he’s aggressive with and without the puck. He plays a shutdown role on the team but has mentioned in previous interviews he’d like to have more of an offensive role on the team. Hence why he went with the University of Denver. The 2003 born defenseman has been rapidly improving stats wise and it’s been noticeable. Every year he comes back looking better than the last and performs much better than his previous seasons. It’ll be a while before he ends up a lock on an NHL roster, but if he can keep up his consistent pace of improvement, he’ll be up in the big leagues very soon.
27th Overall- Vegas Golden Knights- Simon Robertsson (Skellfteå AIK/ SHL)
(Photo credit: Jorgen Bergkvist)
Robertsson is an interesting player. He’s very skillful but his game smarts aren’t there. He’s known to make bad plays and not think on his feet in the SHL. He’s been very inconsistent too. Although those are big issues, those are issues he’s committed to fix because he’s realized that with his current skills and attributes he won’t make the NHL, and that’s why he’s signed a contract with his SHL club until the 2023-24 season. That’s a very long time.
The Vegas Golden Knights would be willing to wait that long though. They’re a “win now” sort of team, and who knows where they’ll be at by 2024. Will they still be as dominant throughout the NHL, or will they be rebuilding? That’s why this contract that Robertsson has works for the Knights. In the years that Robertsson is signed, he can work on becoming a better player, and the Golden Knights will get to see how they do and by 2024 we’ll know what state they’re in.
Robertsson is a power forward who plays bottom line minutes. In the SHL this year he’s played 22 games and recorded only 2 points. Not good, not bad for an 18 year-old. In those 22 games he’s got no PIMs, but in the other leagues he’s played this year (J20 International and HockeyEttan) he’s combined for a total of 35 penalties in minutes over the course of 22 games. The Golden Knights can use a power forward, as the only physicality they have comes from Ryan Reaves. By 2024, I don’t see Reaves being on the Golden Knights. Simon Robertsson could be a great fit in Vegas with his strengths.
28th Overall- Columbus Blue Jackets- Zachary Bolduc (Rimouski Océanic/ QMJHL)
(Photo Credit: dobberprospects)
The fact that Jarmo Kekkalainen managed to acquire two first round picks for Columbus this year is outsa. Not to mention the high pick that they originally have. With their 28th selection in the mock draft, I have Columbus taking Zachary Bolduc of the QMJHL. This 6’1, 174 pound centerman is ranked a top 15 pick in many mock drafts, but I simply do not think he is there. He still has the chance to prove himself, but with his play style and points, he isn’t there.
Bolduc is very laid back and doesn’t take things competitively unless it’s the playoffs. When it’s clutch time, he’s there. But when it’s time to work to get there, he’ll net a goal and call it a game for himself. Bolduc’s teamwork and character needs work.
That being said, Bolduc has lots of talent. He’s a fantastic playmaker and goal scorer. He’s proved it this year having 29 points in 27 games this year with the Océanic. Although it was looking like he’d have a fantastic season, he got an injury cutting his season. This fantastic shooter and passer got unlucky, and due to his injury his draft stock fell. He does have a chance to regain it though when the combine comes by and the draft interviews happen. If Bolduc can get himself into a better situation and fix what he’s missing, he’s going to be an NHLer within three years.
29th Overall- Detroit Red Wings- Samu Tuomaala (Kärpät U20/ U20 SM-sarja)
(Photo Credit: the hockey writers)
The Red Wings have a bright future, and they can make their future even brighter if they get Samu Tuomaala. Tuomaala has 31 points in 30 games with the U20 Kärpät team he plays for. An underrated draft prospect, Tuomaala has been known to have a very offensive type playstyle. His best skills are his shooting, his speed and his hands. He’s a very flashy player, but that comes at a cost.
Tuomaala is very one dimensional. He plays remotely no defence. If the puck is in the D zone, he’ll get off the ice and wait until the puck is back into the O zone. And even if he’s on the ice when the puck is in his zone, he won’t contribute. Maybe a tap on the shin pads, but he won’t back check. When it comes to his defensive play and his offensive skill, you won’t be able to tell it’s the same player. He’s practically invisible when the puck is on the other side of the ice.
Although it may seem like there are only negative things to say about him, he’s got more positives than negatives. His leadership and his offensive skill is outstanding. He’s got energy in the locker room, and he explodes when he’s got the puck. He’s quick, and he’ll find a way to get that puck into the net. He’s heavily committed to winning, he doesn’t like to lose. He wants to win and he wants to be the best. With an attitude like that, and a GM like Yzerman, Tuomaala can fix his one dimensional type of play, and become elite very quickly.
30th Overall- Carolina Hurricanes- Sebastian Cossa (Edmonton Oil Kings/ WHL)
(Photo credit: Sebastian Cossa/Twitter)
Talk about a player that gets no recognition! Cossa has been an outstanding goalie in the WHL this year. He’s played 14 games, and over those 14 games he’s averaged a whopping .944 save percentage and a slight 1.49 GAA. He’s arguably the best goalie in the WHL this year, and he’s been outstanding. His rebound control and his glove hand seem to be his best skills, as that’s where most of his saves come from.
With both Mrazek and Remier’s contracts ending this year (both UFAS), the Canes could be looking for a goalie. Now Cossa is 100% not NHL ready, he won’t be for a couple years. But if Cossa can continue to work on his development, he’ll be in the NHL in only a couple years and he’ll make a name for himself. Cossa has also been blessed because of his height. NHL GMs love big goalies, and that’s exactly what Cossa is standing at 6’6 and weighing in at 212 LBs. Even though it may seem since he is so big he could be slow, he isn’t whatsoever. His reaction time and his leg power is insane. With one push of the leg he can get to where he wants to be and he’ll be there to make the save. Cossa is a fanatic draft prospect, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get drafted in round 1.
31st Overall- Colorado Avalanche- Zach Dean (Gatineau Olympiques/ GMJHL)
(Photo credit: DOMINIC CHARETTE / LHJMQ)
With the final pick in this first round mock draft, the Colorado Avalanche select forward Zach Dean. Dean is ranked a late first round pick and an early second round pick. And that’s rightfully so. I had trouble deciding on who goes last, Dean or Isak Rosen. I landed on Dean because I see Dean being a better fit on the Avalanche.
Sakic loves his centerman who can create plays and score goals while doing it. Dean has had a down year in the QMJHL this year having only 20 points in 23 games, but he’s usually a high scoring player. Dean has leadership, he’s a natural leader. He’s professional, and very supporting of his teammates. He helps his community and makes contributions to society. Not only is he a great person, he’s a great hockey player. His best skills are his puck handling, his playmaking and his speed. He’s got quick and nifty feet that help him get to different spots of the ice and help in any way he could. Dean has hustle, and he never gives up. He strives for the best, and that’s someone I see the Colorado Avalanche taking.
•••
That concludes my mock draft for the upcoming 2021 NHL entry draft. This draft will be one of the toughest years for GMs because of the limited amount of travelling the scouts can do, and the limited amount of games the players play. As mentioned earlier, there is no clear first overall pick, and whoever gets first overall will pick purely based on what they need, and not rankings.
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