Recruit Scouting’s 2021 NHL Mock Draft

First Round Write-Ups

#1- Buffalo Sabres – Owen Power (D)

The Buffalo Sabres select left-handed defenseman Owen Power with the 1st overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft. This is certainly a difficult pick to make as there is no clear cut top player in this year’s crop. With their rumoured interest in William Eklund, it makes this selection even harder. In Power, the Sabres make a safer pick, and that is definitely something they’ll look for after their former high upside picks didn’t end up working out for them. With that being said, Power does not lack upside as the 6’5 blue liner is impressively mobile while possessing a great two-way play. He still has some rounding out to do, but he can definitely end up becoming a top-pairing guy. – Alex

#2- Seattle Kraken – Matthew Beniers (C)

Matthew Beniers has arguably the safest floor in the entire 2021 NHL Draft. He already plays like a solid NHL-forward thanks to a very mature, very active style that keeps him impactful in all three zones. As Seattle looks towards the future, they’ll want to use their first ever draft pick on as sure of a thing as possible. Matty Beniers is as close as they’ll get in this draft. He’s a smart, dynamic forward who will make an NHL team very happy one day. – Gabe Foley

#3- Anaheim Ducks – William Eklund (C/LW)

With both Beniers and Powers off the board, the Ducks will head to the podium and select  William Eklund with their third overall pick. Eklund is one of the best two-way players in this year’s draft and won this year’s SHL Rookie of the Year. Posting 23 points in 40 games while playing on a line with Alexander Holtz this year with Djurgårdens’ men’s team, Eklund showed his capabilities at both ends of the ice, even out performing Holtz on occasions. His play in the defensive zone is superb and as the season progressed, he looked even more poised and mature playing against men in the SHL. With much of their young offensive core stalling this year the Ducks are in need of a player who can help with production offensively while also being responsible defensively and I feel that Eklund is that kind of player. He will not put-up staggering numbers, but I believe he will be consistent at both ends of the ice. – Alfonso Avevedo

#4- New Jersey Devils – Brandt Clarke (D)

It’s a very obvious scenario for the draft. At pick number four there are two names that come to discussion and that are still available. Of course, there is Luke Hughes who already has a brother in NJ and it’s possible the Devils select him with this pick but we make things different here in Recruit Scouting and that’s pretty much why I picked Brandt Clarke. The second reason is that Devils have Ty Smith in their system and if their decision isn’t clear by the draft, the fact Clarke is right-handed could play a role. – Jakub Hromada

#5- Columbus Blue Jackets – Luke Hughes (D)

With the upcoming Seth Jones departure, the Jackets will look to strengthen their future defensive core. With Clarke gone, Luke Hughes is quite an easy selection. He has an elite puck-moving ability and flair for chance creation while remaining solid on the back-end. He is one of the best skaters of the draft and uses it effectively on the transition. Being from such an athletic family, I wouldn’t be surprised if the third Hughes brother joins his brothers to stardom. – Louis Troxler

#6- Detroit Red Wings – Fabian Lysell (LW/RW)

There is no doubt that Detroit loves their Swedish players, and I wouldn’t doubt it if Lysell is extremely high on their board. They do a terrific job at having their own rankings that aren’t part of the consensus, and the hockey community can all agree how well of a job they do. I think they can take Lysell at number 6, and walk away with one of the highest ceiling players in this draft. Lysell was within my top 5 almost all year, as he reminds me of Lucas Raymond, who was Detroit’s 2020 selection. Lysell’s skating is one of his main attractions, as he is speedy, agile, and skates with a purpose. His passing is another area of his game that I enjoy, as he’s so quick to make a pass in the offensive end that lead to dangerous chances. Lysell is certainly a player that will look like a good selection for the Wings within the next few years. – Gavin Chiasson

#7- San Jose Sharks – Jesper Wallstedt (G)

The Sharks are going to address a need by taking a goalie with their first round pick. Wallstedt could end up as the best prospect taken in the entire draft, but most NHL teams are still hesitant to take a goalie early. The 6’3 Swedish goaltender already possesses impressive technical skills and has found success at the SHL level. The 18-year-old posted a .908 save percentage, and a 2.23 goals against average in 22 SHL games. He’s on the fast-track to the NHL. – Blake Hitch

#8- Los Angeles Kings – Dylan Guenther (LW)

You can easily make the argument that the Los Angeles Kings have the deepest prospect pool of all the NHL teams, and having another top 10 pick is only going to eliminate the ability to debate it. I seriously considered taking a goaltender with this pick but with Dylan Guenther dropping to 8 it’s an easy pick up. Dylan Guenther is hands down the best wingers in this draft class. His ability to create plays out of nothing is elite. He has all the offensive tools to drive a top line in the NHL one day. Guenther can score from anywhere with a great quick release and can easily find open lanes to feed his teammates. – Tyler Thode

#9- Vancouver Canucks – Mason McTavish (C)

Natural scorer with underrated playmaking attributes. Mason uses his big frame In conjunction with his skating and instincts to not only play a physical brand of hockey, but to get to spots on the ice where he can manipulate a defender to get his shot off. Loves getting into the lanes and greasy areas. Brilliant passer who displays great touch and weight, he can pass people open. Work well defensively and is continuing to strengthen some acumen that over time will bode well for his chances as playing centre at the next level. – Ash Glover

#10- Ottawa Senators – Kent Johnson (C/W)

My plan for Ottawa coming in was straightforward; take whichever of my top 10 players was there. In my eyes, Kent Johnson represents a best case scenario for the Senators come draft night. He’s an incredibly dynamic forward that possesses the high ceiling Ottawa needs in their system right now. In a perfect world, he develops as a center in a similar mold to what we’re seeing from Trevor Zegras develop into. – Brad Krakowitz

#11- Chicago Blackhawks – Chaz Lucius (RW)

Hear me out. Yes Chicago needs to add defenseman. Yes I know Edvinsson is available. But for me, you need to go for the high upside players. You have this goal-scoring center available. Chaz Lucius has probably one of the best shots in the draft, his playmaking ability is also quite underrated as he can see the ice very well and has a great set of hands. He could very well turn out as a top-line goal-scorer, if not, should be able to slot in a Top-6 role and be a force on the power-play. Chicago is currently rumored to make a trade for a defenseman, using what should be assets from the current offensive core. Lucius would then be able to slot in quite nicely in the lineup two or three years down the line. – Louis Troxler

#12- Calgary Flames – Simon Edvinsson (D)

The Calgary Flames find themselves reaping the rewards of Edvinsson dropping all the way down to 12th. If this happened I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brad Treliving run to the virtual podium to make the pick. Simon Edvinsson has had really good showings while playing in the swedish leagues (Including the top league SHL) But when it came to the World Juniors some people seemed to grow sour on him. None of that changes the fact that the 6’5 defenseman is an exceptional skater who can move the puck very well. Defensively he is no slouch either as he uses his long reach to control the gap with ease and will be a solid NHL player for a long time. – Tyler Thode

#13- Philadelphia Flyers – Fyodor Svechkov (C)

With the 13^th overall pick the Philadelphia Flyers select Russian prospect Fyodor Svechkov. The  Flyers have an aging core of veteran forwards in need of an injection of youth. Unfortunately, with their pick being mid-first round, this year’s draft offers no home run prospects with a better chance at paying off than failing. With that in mind Philadelphia eschews risk and opts for Svechkov who provides them with a player that most scouts feel is a sure bet NHL forward, albeit with a limited ceiling. Without a doubt Svechkov’s strongest asset is his top-notch hockey brain. Regardless of the zone his reads are elite. Offensively he is a deceptive playmaker and generally plays with a pass- first mentality. He does possess a good shot but needs to use it more to his advantage. Skating has never been his strong point, but it is not such a deficiency that it would impede his NHL success. Where he really shines is in his 200 ft game, rarely do Draft eligible players have both the willingness to play such a structured defensive game as well as a demonstrable understanding of those defensive concepts. Mature beyond his years, Svechkov will play in the NHL… the only Question is how far up the line-up  that can be. – Nathan Street

#14- Dallas Stars – Cole Sillinger (C/W)

The Dallas Stars are a team starved for more scoring up front and with Chaz Lucius off the board this leaves Cole Sillinger to the Dallas Stars. With uncertainty regarding the WHL season at the beginning of the year, Sillinger decided to make the move from Medicine Hat to the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede for his draft year. In 48 games with the Stampede, Sillinger potted 53 points and was named USHL Rookie of the Year. Sillinger possesses one of the best shots in the draft while also having an excellent passing ability which he uses to find his teammates in open spaces. One cause for concern with Sillinger is his skating ability, however if he works on it, he should be fine. With most of Dallas’ scoring threats getting older and with very little in the system behind Calder finalist Jason Robertson, Ty Dellandrea and Mavrik Bourque; adding a potential future 30 goal scorer will go a long way for the Stars future. – Alfonso Acevedo

#15- New York Rangers – Zachary L’Heureux (RW)

The New York Rangers have tons of young talent, mixed in with some slowly aging players who are still terrific. While I’m not high on L’Heureux myself, this feels like a pick that would make so much sense for the Rangers. L’Heureux is a decently physical player, and certainly a pest on the ice. He has size to him, he has a great shot, if the Rangers are looking for a bit of grit and some passenger offence, I think L’Heureux would be the route to go. – Gavin Chiasson

#16- St. Louis Blues – Logan Stankoven (RW)

Blues often pick smaller players who are fast and explosive skaters. Stankoven had a fantastic U18 tournament and also a very successful shortened season in Kamloops. Stankoven is a gifted skater, he’s an extremely hardworking guy. He’s one of the most dangerous players from this class off the puck. I was deciding between Stankoven and Pinelli for this pick. – Jakub Hromada

#17- Winnipeg Jets – Zachary Bolduc (C)

With their first round pick, the Jets select an intriguing center in Zachary Bolduc. Bolduc has the size and skating ability that is needed to be an effective center at the NHL level. He packages that with strong puckhandling skills and good offensive instincts which he used to put up 29 points in 27 games this year in the QMJHL. There are some questions about his decision making and defensive game. Bolduc has a high ceiling but carries some risk. – Blake Hitch

#18- Nashville Predators – Corson Ceulemans (D)

One of the more intriguing and debated prospects in the class. Undoubtedly one of the more talented offensive defenders in the draft, Celeumans thrives in transition and is very creative when in space. Can make a good variety of passes and has a strong playmaking gene. Used his big frame well to not only push into holes, but to clear the defensive crease as well. Above average shot for a player his size, but often doesn’t matter as his skating and offensive vision carry him into good scoring areas. Huge upside player, patience will be key. – Ash Glover

#19- Edmonton Oilers – Sebastian Cossa (G)

The Edmonton Oilers could go many routes with this pick. However, with very little in terms of high potential goaltending in the system, I believe the Oilers would be wise to take local product Sebastian Cossa 19^th overall. At 6’6”, Cossa covers a lot of net and uses it when coming out to challenge shooters one on one. In his second year as the Oil Kings starter, Cossa posted a league leading .941 save percentage and 1.57 goals against average in 19 games. Cossa follows the play well and possesses good cross crease movement. One aspect of his game that I’ve found fairly noticeable, is his puck playing ability. He does a very good job at playing the puck and when he does, he does so with a snap to his passes that you don’t usually see in young goalies. Although the Oilers already have four promising goalies in the system, drafting Cossa will give them a goalie with much higher potential who can hopefully become their future number one. With the last ten Stanley Cup winners having been led by a drafted and developed goalie, drafting Cossa could pay dividends for the Oilers in the near future. – Alfonso Acevedo

#20- Boston Bruins – Carson Lambos (D)

I’m still a believer in Lambos even after a tough season this year. I hate to use the old hockey cliches, but he really does “play the game the right way”. Takes care of his own end, knows when to play the body, solid skater and has some offense to his game. He’s in the mid-teens on my personal list and is one of the safest bets to be at least a top four defenseman in my eyes. – Brad Krakowitz

#21- Minnesota Wild – Nikita Chibrikov (RW)

Nikita Chibrikov is hands down one of my favourite players for this upcoming draft. As a player who is a risky pick, I think Chibrikov has undoubted skill that could make him worthy of a top 12 or so pick. If Chibrikov does slip down to spot 21 in the draft, Minnesota should race to grab him. Minnesota has two picks at this range, so why not take a swing on Chibrikov. He’s an exceptional skater, his playmaking abilities are nothing short of impressive, and he does a fine job at looking for space in the offensive zone. – Gavin Chiasson

#22- Detroit Red Wings – Stanislav Svozil (D)

I think if Svozil is available at 22, Detroit should seriously consider taking him. With a riskier pick in the top 10, I believe a safer d-man might be the way to go with their second first rounder. Svozil shows signs of being a good shut down defender, with his ability to already do so in the top Czech men’s league. Svozil is one of the best defenders in his own end of the ice in this draft, and I think that can’t be ignored for Detroit. – Gavin Chiasson

#23- Columbus Blue Jackets – Francesco Pinelli (C)

Couldn’t let him fall further. Columbus this time adds a center, which you can’t get enough of. Pinelli is a creative playmaker with a high-hockey sense and a very solid two-way ability. He’s got a good motor and makes the most of his ice-time being quite aggressive while chasing for pucks. He has the upside to be a 2nd line center in the NHL. – Louis Troxler

#24- Minnesota Wild – Sasha Pastujov (LW)

With their second first round pick, I highly recommend Sasha Pastujov, especially in this range of the draft. Another bit of a risky player, but I would say he’s an NHL player no matter what. Pastujov reminds me of a player who can translate to the NHL pretty easily and can quietly put up plenty of points each season. Pastujov has a deadly shot, and can release from anywhere in the offensive zone to put up a dangerous shot. – Gavin Chiasson

#25- Florida Panthers – Aatu Raty (C)

With the 25th pick Florida Selects Aatu Raty. Returning to Finland, a place where Florida has  had some success in the past, the Panthers are banking on the idea that Raty is the player that everyone  took notice of in 2019-20. To accomplish that, Raty will need to erase the memory of a lackluster 2020  season that saw him struggle in playing against men. Long gone are the Halcion days of 2019-20 when Aatu Raty was leading the pack of 2021 draft  eligible prospects, and while reality has brought him back to the pack, he is undoubtedly still a solid NHL  prospect. The skills that first brought Raty into the public consciousness are still there. He is an NHL  calibre puck handler and can be elusive on offence, unfortunately he tends to default to the perimeter  on offence which will provide a challenge for him at the next level. He is not shy to put the puck on the  net but pushing to the middle rather than settling for outside shots will be crucial to his development.  Defensively he shows responsibility and understands where to be to disrupt the opposition however he  could stand to be a bit more physical instead of relying on his stick. At the high-end Florida could get a  200 ft player who regains his elite level status, but the danger is there that Raty may become no more  than a responsible checker with the ability to occasionally play up the line-up. – Nathan Street

#26- Carolina Hurricanes – Jack Peart (D)

Hurricanes owner, Thomas Dundan, stated back in 2018, “we won’t be drafting defense in the first round as long as I’m here”. The reasoning is that he wants more a more offensive team, and higher scoring games. But the Canes’ are picking at the tail-end of the first round, and a defenseman like Jack Peart is the kind of player that will help the team generate offense. Peart is a very intelligent defenseman, excelling in transitional play. He can make smart, clean passes anywhere on the ice. He has the confidence to hold onto the puck and use his skating to allow a successful transition out of the defensive zone. Peart has very few flaws in his game. – Blake Hitch

#27- Colorado Avalanche – Simon Robertsson (RW)

Well versed 200-foot winger with speed and good size at 190 pounds. Prolific transition skater who who does a great job reading skating channels and has good puck skills and puck protection to boot. Robertsson also has a great shot. A quick whippy release that produces great accuracy be it off the rush or from a flat stance, his eye for scoring matches his scoring talent. – Ash Glover

#28- Vegas Golden Knights – Mackie Samoskevich (C/RW)

With the 28th pick Las Vegas Selects Mackie Samoskevich. The Chicago Steel dominated play  this season in the USHL and accordingly they have provided this year’s draft class with a handful of early  round prospects. Las Vegas opts for Samoskevich ahead of several teammates with more impressive  statistics as his ceiling seems to exceed that of his more fully baked comrades. Every player, when asked by NHL teams what they need to improve at the next level, invariably  answer “get stronger”. In the case of Makie Samoskevich, it is not just a scripted answer that clubs want  to hear so much as the truth. Luckily for Samoskevich there is no need for Vegas to rush him through  their system so he will have lots of time to work with NHL strength coaches. The big weakness out of  the way, Samoskevich has a lot of positives to his game. He can stickhandle in a phone booth, and his  breakaway speed is impressive. Better than his flat-out speed however is his elusiveness, that combined  with his elite vision and fine touch passing, make for a possible impact on the top six NHL forwards.  Samoskevich is far from a complete prospect. He will need time to develop, but the potential end  product is tantalizing. – Nathan Street

#29- New Jersey Devils – Xavier Bourgault (C)

This wasn’t one of the picks that are prepared way ahead of the draft. I was expecting to pick Prokhor Poltapov but when Bourgault was slipping down and this pick was closer and closer, I had to choose him. In my eyes, he was by far the best player available and New Jersey would be pleased to have him in their organization. -Jakub Hromada

#30- Montreal Canadians – Oskar Olausson (LW)

With the 30th overall pick, the Montreal Canadiens select Swedish left winger Oskar Olausson. With Tomas Tatar likely walking during free agency and the uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Drouin, there aren’t many quality LW options for the Habs. In Olausson, Montreal gets a potential steal who can drive play in the big league. A complete winger with size, Olausson possesses an impressive toolbox with good speed, a lethal shot, decent passing, and magic hands. He makes some mistakes such as over-deking and losing possession, but it’s certainly encouraging to see the confidence he exhibits on the ice every night. Once he fills out his 6’2 frame, puts his body to use, and simplify his game, in my opinion, Olausson has all the makings of a future Top-6 LW who can be impactful on special teams too. – Alex

#31- Columbus Blue Jackets – Matthew Coronato (LW)

Closing off the first round, Columbus select for third time already. Coronato was one of the most productive players of this draft class. He is a good versatile and deceptive winger with high offensive capabilities. He isn’t the biggest guy out there and he isn’t the quickest either but he is able to use his good instincts, skills and his shot quantity/quality to his advantage while on the attack. – Louis Troxler