With the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals, the NHL Draft Order is set and teams can finally finish their big boards. While this draft isn’t as top heavy as most years, there will be some great talent to be had at the end of the first round and well into the second. Lack of scouting of North American talent (outside of the NCAA and USHL) could see teams take safer collegiate and European players over OHL players with high potential who didn’t play much this season. When all is said and done we could see some of the better players outside of the top ten due to a lack of game film.
1. Buffalo Sabres
Owen Power, Defenseman, University of Michigan
After their 10th straight season of missing the postseason, the Buffalo Sabres have to go with the safest pick in the draft with 6’6” 214 lbs Owen Power. Power is great in his own end and has the potential to be a top pairing defenseman in the NHL. I would expect him to at a minimum be a NHL player when he is done developing. While not the best offensively, he can provide offense if need be. It’s likely that Power will return to Michigan for another season as he looks to follow up his 3 goals, 16 points campaign for the Wolverines.
2. Seattle Kraken
Matty Beniers, Center, University of Michigan
With the 2nd pick, the brand new Seattle Kraken will be looking to draft the future face of their franchise. Who better than two-way center Matty Beniers from U of M. The 6’1” 174 lbs forward should make an impact at the next level in both the offensive and defensive zones. He is smaller in frame though and he may need to put on a few pounds to aid him at the next level. In spite of his low body mass, Beniers skill shone last season as he scored 10 goals and 24 points in 24 games at the collegiate level. There is a good chance that Beniers also returns to Michigan for another year with teammate Owen Power.
3. Anaheim Ducks
Dylan Guenther, Right Wing, Edmonton Oil Kings
The Ducks at number three will be looking to add to a young core of Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale. Dylan Guenther will fit in great alongside Zegras for years to come. Guenther has the tools to be an elite goal scorer at the NHL level. His ability to slip past defenders and his elite shot make him one of the top players in this draft. He also has shown he can be a good playmaker and be reliable in his own zone if needed. Guenther may take a season or two of time in the AHL to get adjusted before making his debut at the next level.
4. New Jersey Devils
Luke Hughes, Defenseman, USNDT
The Devils have the chance to draft Jack Hughes’ brother and that should be the path they take. Luke Hughes is one of the best defensemen in the draft offensively as he put up 34 points in 38 games from the blue line for the US U18 Team last season. The 6’2” defenseman has great potential and could develop into a top pairing defenseman for the Devils. His defensive game leaves a lot to be desired and needs quite a bit of improvement. His injuries also have some experts questioning where he will land but don’t expect him to fall far. Hughes has committed to playing at the University of Michigan as he looks to follow in his brother Quinn’s footsteps.
5. Columbus Blue Jackets
Simon Edvinsson, Defenseman, Frölunda HC
The Blue Jackets are in the midst of a shake up as they mutually parted ways with head coach John Tortorella and defenseman Seth Jones has stated he will test the free agency market next offseason. The team will be looking to take the best skater available and his name is Simon Edvinsson. Edvinsson is a 6’5” Swedish defenseman with great skating ability and a high ceiling. His stride is long and helps him contribute offensively and recover defensively. However, he needs to improve his shot as well as his overall defensive play. Edvinsson is still raw as a prospect but he has all the tools to be a good two-way defender for a NHL club willing to take a risk high in the draft. Edvinsson will likely return to Sweden for next season before making a trip to North American ice.
6. Detroit Red Wings
Kent Johnson, Center, University of Michigan
There has been no shortage of rumors regarding the Red Wings pick this year after their top goalie prospect Keith Petruzzelli elected to try free agency. There have been a lot of predictions for Detroit to select goaltender Jesper Wallstedt at 6th Overall. While tempting, it’s more likely the Red Wings pursue a center or a left-shot defenseman as those are far bigger needs for the team. With that being said, Detroit takes Michigan center Kent Johnson here (that’s the 4th Michigan player or commit to go off the board in the top 6 spots in the draft). Johnson is a great skater and can handle the puck nicely in the offensive zone. This makes him a good playmaking center which is precisely what Detroit needs. Johnson also back checks well, giving him value as a possible two-way forward. Like many of the other top choices this year, Johnson isn’t ready for the NHL just yet and will likely return to U of M for his Sophomore season.
7. San Jose Sharks
Brandt Clarke, Defenseman, HC Nove Zamky/Barrie Colts
The Sharks will once again have a first round pick after not being able to use their 3rd overall selection last year as a part of the Erik Karlsson trade. San Jose's defensive core has not been stellar since that trade and while Burns and Karlsson contribute offensively, defensively they are not helping Martin Jones in net. To improve their defense, the Sharks should draft Brandt Clarke. Clarke is a 6’2” defenseman for the Barrie Colts but had to be loaned overseas to HC Nove Zamky due to Covid-19 shutting down the OHL. He is one of the best skaters in this draft and is a highly coveted right-shot defenseman. His skating ability helps him join rushes and contribute in the offensive zone when needed. He scored 15 points in 26 games with HC Nove Zamky in Slovakia. While he needs to grow a bit defensively, Clarke projects as a good top 4 two-way defenseman. Expect Clarke to return to North America and play in the AHL next season.
8. Los Angeles Kings
William Eklund, Left Wing, Djurgårdens IF
The L.A. Kings are building a good foundation and are looking to acquire yet another building block for the future. William Eklund is just the piece the Kings need. Eklund is an elusive player that can get off the edge and into the attacking zone with ease. His skating ability combined with his ability to beat defenders can make him a top-6 winger at the NHL level. He can find passing lanes and hit open teammates. Eklund is a bit undersized at 5’10” 176 lbs but his skill should make up for his frame especially with the NHL getting more skill based with each passing season. There were some setbacks for the young Swede last season when he missed the World Junior Tournament due to a false positive Covid-19 test. Then on his return to Sweden, Eklund suffered an appendix rupture which sidelined him for some time. This shouldn’t hinder him long term so there is no cause for concern.
9. Vancouver Canucks
Mason McTavish, Center, Olten/Peterborough Petes
With Vancouver being cap strapped, this could cause them to move on from the likes of J.T. Miller. If this does come to fruition, the Canucks would be looking for a replacement of the future. This could be Mason McTavish, a center who played for Olten last year instead of Peterborough due to Covid-19. Mason is a great puck-handler and can get into tough areas of the ice with ease. He also tends to take good routes to the puck which is valuable for remaining possession and getting into the attacking zone. McTavish possesses a good hockey IQ and the hands to be a goal scorer at the next level in spite of his less than stellar point totals. His U18 World Championship performance is proof of that as he scored 5 goals and 11 points with Canada en route to winning gold. McTavish is a fierce player that may take a bit of time to develop but if he reaches his potential he will be well worth the wait.
10. Ottawa Senators
Jesper Wallstedt, Goalie, Luleå HF
Trading for Matt Murray hasn’t worked out great so far for the Ottawa Senators and they are still in dire need of a goaltender of the future. That’s why Swedish netminder Jesper Wallstedt would be a perfect fit for the Senators. Wallstedt is one of the best goalie prospects the NHL has seen in a long time. He posted a .908 Save % and a 2.23 GAA in the SHL, a professional men’s league, as an 18 year old last year. In international play against his peers he looked a lot better as he posted a .923 Save % and a 2.40 GAA for team Sweden. Wallstedt has the potential to be a steal for a team like Ottawa. He’s got a bunch of potential and could be the last piece to Ottawa’s rebuild.
11. Arizona Coyotes (Forfeited)
The Arizona Coyotes have had their pick forfeited as punishment due to illegal pre-draft combine testing last season.
12. Chicago Blackhawks
Cole Sillinger, Center, Sioux Falls Stampede
Here the Blackhawks get Cole Silinger, a center from the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL. Cole possesses a great hockey IQ and shot. He can find open teammates and make plays as well as getting back into his own end. Sillinger looks like a 200ft player that can kill penalties and provide offense. He also isn’t afraid to use the body in his own zone and he has great puck handling skills. However, he does tend to over handle the puck at times which can cause turnovers. Sillinger has also been criticized for his strange skating stride much like Brandt Clarke. Although, he is one of the most NHL ready players in this draft which would be a bonus to whoever picks him in the 7-14 pick range.
13. Calgary Flames
Fabian Lysell, Right Wing, Luleå HF
Here I have the Calgary Flames taking Swedish winger Fabian Lysell. Lysell is a great skater with lightning quick speed. He can use his edgework and acceleration to beat defenders to the front of the net. Fabian tends to be a pass first player but he does have a great wrist shot. His projection is a top-6 playmaking winger with goal scoring potential. His defensive game is also reliable making his game in his own zone less of a concern. While he didn’t play much in the SHL this season, Lysell had a great World Juniors showing as he scored nine points in seven games. I wouldn’t be surprised if a team takes a risk and picks him in the top ten instead of letting him slide this far.
14. Philadelphia Flyers
Chaz Lucius, Center, USNDT
The Flyers regressed quite a bit this year and it’s clear that they need to hit on this pick to get them back on track. Here Philadelphia selects Chaz Lucius, a center committed to playing for the University of Minnesota next year. Chaz is an absolute goal scorer with a wide selection of shots that will earn him success in his career. Last season he scored 13 goals in 13 games for the US National U18 Team and the season prior he scored 31 goals in 46 games for the U17 Team. Lucius isn’t as great of a skater as some of the players going off the board before him but it isn’t a complete hindrance for his game either. The biggest hole in Chaz’s game is his defense. He often takes too long to get back into his own zone but this can be fixed with time.
15. Dallas Stars
Mathew Coronato, Right Wing, Chicago Steel
After losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup finals in 2020, Dallas failed to make the playoffs in 2021. Dallas will be looking for a game changer to pair with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. Mathew Coronato fits the bill following his absolutely dominant season in the USHL where he scored 48 goals, 85 points in 51 games. He possesses an accurate wrist shot and quick hands that could make him an offensive weapon in the league. His game isn’t super fancy but it gets the job done. He also has some defensive upside and isn’t afraid to backcheck to help his defenders get back in position. Coronato isn’t the best skater though which is some cause for concern. However at pick 15, he is well worth the risk.
16. New York Rangers
Carson Lambos, Defenseman, JYP/Winnipeg Ice
The Rangers have recently hired former Las Vegas coach Gerard Gallant and have a young team that is so close to being a contender. They will certainly be looking for some defensive help to get them over the edge and that starts with Carson lambos. Once a contender for the 1st Overall Pick, Carson has fallen down some draft boards over the last few months. This is in part due to his lack of offensive consistency and the fact he doesn’t use all of his skills on offense. He does have great speed though and if utilized right he could become a great two-way defenseman. On defense, Lambos is solid and could be a top-4 defenseman in the future. He has a lot of potential and just needs the right team to see it realized.
17. St. Louis Blues
Xavier Bourgault, Center, Shawinigan Cataractes
With Vladimir Tarasenko requesting a trade, the St. Louis Blues need to find a new way to produce goals. One young gun who has great goal scoring potential (that is still left on the board) is Xavier Bourgault who scored 20 goals in 29 games in the QMJHL this season. Xavier has a strong and accurate shot that gives him a lot of his success. Don’t let his goal scoring talent convince you that’s the only offensive skill he brings though. He is a very capable playmaker with the ability to create open space for himself or his teammates. Xavier has a great work ethnic that could earn him a job in the NHL. It’s rare to find players that work as hard as Bourgault does. I believe he could help relieve some of the pain with the departure of Tarasenko.
18. Winnipeg Jets
Corson Ceulemans, Defenseman, Brooks Bandits
The Jets desperately need to put a better defense in front of franchise goaltender Connor Hellebuyck if they want to succeed in the coming years. Corson has shown flashes of being a potential star on the blue line. Ceulemans is great in transition and can create rushes for his forwards by beating the opposing team to the puck in his own end. Defensively, he also looks great when he uses his natural abilities to put himself in a position of success. He is a solid, physical defenseman when he puts it all together. Corson has a lot of the tools and potential to be a blue-chip prospect. The big issue is that he isn’t very consistent in his play and he needs to show he can sustain those skills that have earned him so much praise.
19. Nashville Predators
Aatu Raty, Center, Kärpät
Nashville could use some help front and that’s the direction they should be expected to go. Aatu Raty was once the favorite to be picked first overall in this draft, but a poor showing this season has caused his draft stock to plummet. In fact, he even failed to be selected for team Finland for the World Juniors this year. Skating-wise, he’s pretty good but exceptional. His biggest strengths are stickhandling and play making. Raty looks like he could be a pretty solid 2nd line center if he can still produce like he did in 2020. That’s a big if as he severely regressed this season and only produced 6 points in 35 games for Kärpät. His upside is definitely worth the risk this late in the first round and I would expect his name to be called somewhere in the 17-28 range.
20. Edmonton Oilers
Nikita Chibrikov, Right Wing, SKA St. Petersburg
Ken Holland and the Edmonton Oilers are still seeking high level winger talent to pair with their two superstars in McDavid and Draisaitl. Russian winger Nikita Chibrikov is the best one left on the board for the Oilers. Nikitia can play either wing which makes him versatile for a team like the Oilers. Mainly, he is a playmaker but he can be counted on to generate offense in the form of goals if need be. While smaller in size at 5’10”, he isn’t afraid to throw the body around and contribute on defense. He has great defensive and general hockey IQ. Really the only knocks against him are that he struggles to maneuver around defenders at times and we haven't seen all of his skills at the KHL level yet.
21. Boston Bruins
Daniil Chayka, Defenseman, CSKA Moscow
With the departure of Zdeno Chara last season and the retirement of Kevin Miller this year, the Bruins defensive core of the future is worryingly light. They need to invest some assets into bolstering that core whether it is through the draft, trade, or free agency. Here the Bruins take Russian defender Daniil Chayka to satisfy that need for defensemen long term. Chayka is an excellent defender and keeps his opponents to the outside of the ice to minimise their netfront presence. His stick work takes away strong chances from the other team and he can get a breakout for his team. Offensively, Daniil has some work to be done with his passing but he has a pretty good one timer and slap shot that could be useful on a powerplay in the NHL. Although, it’s unlikely we will develop into a powerplay quarterback he could be a good number two blueliner while on an advantage.
22. Minnesota Wild
Sebastian Cossa, Goalie, Edmonton Oil Kings
Despite all the rumors regarding Kirill Kaprizov, the Minnesota Wild are in a good spot for the future. After buying out both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, the Wild are taking a new direction for the first time in a long time. Where better to start than selecting the goalie of the future in Sebastian Cossa. While Cam Talbot was solid last season, the Wild don’t have a long term solution in net which makes Cossa a great choice. Cossa is the second best goalie in the draft behind only Jesper Wallstedt. Last season, Cossa had an absolutely insane run where he posted a .941 save %, 1.57 GAA, and 17 win season for the Edmonton Oil Kings. There is the makings of an NHL caliber starter for any team without a future in net, and he looks like he could be the real deal for anyone brave enough to draft him in the later half of the first round. This is a big boom or bust pick as Cossa can become the next big star or fizzle out due to poor development by the organization that drafts him.
23. Detroit Red Wings (via Washington Capitals)
Oskar Olausson, Right Wing, HV71
Detroit acquired this pick when they traded Anthony Mantha to the Washington Capitals in a blockbuster of a trade at the trade deadline. Detroit still has a lot of holes to fill and I believe that a skilled forward or defenseman should be taken here (unless Cossa is still available). With this pick, Steve Yzerman takes Oskar Olausson from HV71 of the SHL. Oskar is highly skilled with a shot that would benefit a Detroit team that was horrible on the powerplay last season. The team in general doesn’t produce a lot offensively and Olausson could remedy some of that issue by providing his talents at both ends of the ice. His puck skills will prove valuable for the team that selects him and I’m sure he would be excited to join a Red wings team with an abundance of young Swedish talent.
24. Florida Panthers
Zachary L’Heureux, Left Wing/Center, Halifax Mooseheads
After a devastating loss in the playoffs their to in-state rivals the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Panther will have to see who falls to them late in the first round. While going the defenseman route is tempting after a poor showing by Keith Yandle, I think Florida has to take Zachary L’Heureux. Zach has a strong net front presence and he uses his body to keep possession of the puck. He generates goals and offense by holding onto the puck rather than trying risky maneuvers. This will limit his turnovers at the next level at the cost of some really good scoring chances. His skating will need work if he wants to grow into a more dynamic player. With the right coaching staff, L’Heureux could grow into a top-6 talent.
25. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Toronto Maple Leafs)
Isak Rosén, Right Wing, Leksands IF
Columbus received this pick when they sent former captain Nick Foligno to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Blue Jackets seem to be entering a managed rebuild and they will need more skilled forwards of the future. A good place to start might be investing some of their draft capital in Isak Rosén, yet another Swedish forward. Rosén is an astonishingly great skater with a fast acceleration that can help him penetrate the defense. He is a prototypical sniper that will bring goal scoring to a Blue Jacket’s team that could definitely use it. There is, however, a lack of strength in his game that can cause him to lose puck battles. This can be buffed out with a good training regime if Columbus is committed to the long term growth of their prospects. Isak is also capable in his own zone as he has a good sense of what the opposing offense might do. I would expect Rosén to take a few more years of development before he reaches the NHL.
26. Minnesota Wild (via Pittsburgh Penguins)
Sasha Pastujov, Left/Right Wing, USNDT
With their second 1st round pick, the Minnesota Wild will select Sasha Pastujov from the USNDT. Sasha is a winger with immense puck handling skills and the acceleration to beat defenders off the edge. His agility and passing range give him a good base tool set to get the job done. Pastujov has defensive responsibility that helps round out his game. He’s a complete player that could improve his strength with time to help him make it to the next level. Currently, Sasha committed to play for Notre Dame next season
27. Carolina Hurricanes
Zachary Bolduc, Center, Rimouski Océanic
Carolina has all the pieces to a successful future and will just be looking for a few prices to get them over the top. Zachary Bolduc could provide some depth scoring for Carolina later down the road. His exceptional shot has him in conversation for one of the better goal scorers in this draft. He’s a solid skater with room to grow but it doesn’t hold him back. While he has a great shot, his stick handling and defense are both projects. He needs to grow a lot to get to the NHL but the raw tools are there to make a potential elite goal scorer. If anybody can develop Zach, I think it will be Rod Brind'amour.
28. Colorado Avalanche
Brennan Othmann, Left Wing, Olten
After yet another 2nd round exit, there’s a chance that Avalanche Captain Gabriel Landeskog walks in free agency. With that possibility on the table, I believe Colorado prepares for the worst and takes a winger here. Brennan Othmann may not be Gabe Landeskog but he is a great shooter with some playmaking upside. Biggest weaknesses are his stick handling and skating which both need improvement to help him find success with the Avalanche. He has a stride that tends to slow him down and will cause him to “look lazy” as fans call it. But it’s actually a product of his skating mechanics. Whoever drafts Brennan will have to be patient with his development as he is a big of a project in his current state.
29. New Jersey Devils (via New York Islanders)
Fyodor Svechkov, Center, Lada Togliatti
The Devils have an opportunity to add to their young forward group with Fyodor Svechkov falling into their laps at pick 29. Fyodor is exceptional at defense and is one of the best, if not the best, defensive forwards in the draft class. His game is incredibly mature for his age and he moves the puck effectively against the rush. He can create offense in the transition game and he can get his team set up in the opposing zone. Svechkov can protect the puck well and generate chances for his team to score but he does tend to be a little too impatient for his own good. In addition, his skating could use a little work as it’s inconsistent. Fyodor could find himself in the majors sooner then most of his peers due to his defensive skills. I think he’s a very safe pick in the second half of the first round.
30. Vegas Golden Knights
Francesco Pinelli, Center, HDD Jesenice/Kitchener Rangers
Vegas had their season ended by the Cinderella Story Montreal Canadiens in the conference finals. I would expect the Golden Knights to take a forward with the upside of being a center here to help keep their pipeline ready for the near future. Vegas is built to win now and need a player like Francesco Pinelli who should be ready faster then some of his draft mates. Pinelli has a good shot, above-average skating, and is reliable defensively. He’s a well rounded player with potential to be a middle-6 contributor in the near future. He’s an unselfish player that creates offense for both himself and teammates which could give him versatility on a team’s second powerplay unit. He should fit in well with the Golden Knights as they try to win the franchise’s first Stanley Cup.
31. Montreal Canadiens
Simon Robertsson, Right Wing, Skellefteå AIK
Montreal did what no one thought they could and made the Stanley Cup Finals. While they lost, it just may be what the Montreal front office needed to see to convince them that their team has potential. Here Montreal takes the best shooter left in the class in Simon Robertsson. Robertsson maintains control of the puck and uses his skills to make it to the open ice. Overall, he doesn’t make a lot of costly mistakes and looks like he could be a good depth contributor. However, his playmaking skills are somewhat lackluster and he could improve his passing technique.
32. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Tampa Bay Lightning)
Mackie Samoskevich, Right Wing, Chicago Steel
With yet another first round pick, the Blue Jackets are going to double down on drafting a highly skilled forward. Mackie Samoskevich is a patient and skilled forward that fills a need for Columbus. He has a great wrist shot and creates shots for his team. His hockey IQ will certainly earn him some fans in the Turnpike State. Defensively, he’s sound but could use a bit of work. There is a bit of concern that his production is inflated by playing with several top stars which could be a turnoff for some teams. I don’t think this statement is entirely true, it is a valid concern for a team that’s looking ahead. He might not be a super flashing player but he should make a nice addition to a squad trying to find a new identity.
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