2021 NHL Draft: Final Mock Draft (Two-round)

Chris offers up his final list for the 2021 NHL Draft first and second rounds

Jul 23, 2021

Owen Power (Photo: Michigan Photography)

Draft Day has finally arrived and that means it’s time take a just one more stab at how the first round will play out. I had a few conversations with scouts on Thursday and I had plenty of questions. Mostly, “what do you think will happen?” The answer was consistent: WHO KNOWS?

The questions about what will happen begin at pick No. 2 with no consensus about who will go to the Seattle Kraken. There’s even less certainty about what the Anaheim Ducks will do at No. 3.

I don’t think there’s a single team that feels confident about their own scenarios that they’ve been running all week. It’s all about who will go ahead of where they select and scouts I’ve spoken to just don’t have a great feel for how that’s going to play out. Many teams are zeroing in on four to five players for their first-round pick or picks they’d like to make. They hope one of those players is available to them when it’s their turn.

So I go into this mock draft knowing full well that there is a lot of dart throwing going on because even informed speculation can be undone right away. So I included multiple options for some teams based on what I think could be available in that range to give you an idea.

1. Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power, D, University of Michigan

While no one knows for sure what the Sabres are thinking, it’s harder to imagine them passing on Power at No. 1 overall. He has pulled away from the pack and reached consensus No. 1 status, only strengthening that at the Men’s World Championship. The Sabres get a high-character player on top of the most well-rounded, talented player in the draft. Also, don’t rule out some draft-day trades that could net them more picks.

2. Seattle Kraken: Matty Beniers, C, University of Michigan

The Kraken went heavy on defense during the expansion draft and they’re pretty thin at center. Beniers is the closest thing you’ll find to a No. 1 center in this draft. No worse than a No. 2 at the next level, the Kraken would get the most well-rounded forward who can impact the game in a variety of ways and may wear a letter for them in the near future.

3. Anaheim Ducks: Mason McTavish, C, Olten

There are a ton of different directions the Ducks could go with this pick, but I think having a rugged two-way center in the system behind the elite skill of Trevor Zegras may end up being the play. McTavish doesn’t quite have the skating of some of the other players, but he’s as physical and aggressive as they come in this class and has offensive tools to justify this lofty slot. If it’s not a center, I could see either Dylan Guenther or William Eklund as likely picks here, but there is also speculation that the Ducks are very high on defenseman Brandt Clarke.

4. New Jersey Devils: William Eklund, LW, Djugardens

I think the temptation to pick Luke Hughes remains there. He’s got some incredible upside, but the dynamic elements Eklund can bring to the table may be too much for the Devils to pass on. Eklund’s speed and vision are among the best in the class and the Devils are pretty well set down the middle. Getting more dynamic is always a good call. That can be accomplished with either Eklund or Hughes.

5. Columbus Blue Jackets: Simon Edvinsson, D, Frölunda

It seems that the trend is that Edvinsson is going to go pretty high. There’s a good chance the Blue Jackets go forward here and nab someone like Guenther. I’ve heard rumors they’d prefer Mason McTavish in this slot, but assuming he won’t get there, they can bet on upside with Edvinsson. With Seth Jones on the way out, maybe Edvinsson can be the long-term replacement if he hits his ceiling. I’ve also heard rumblings of Kent Johnson being among the coveted prospects for Columbus.

6. Detroit Red Wings: Brandt Clarke, D, Nove Zamky

Does the trade and signing of Alex Nedeljkovic rule out Detroit picking a goalie here? Not necessarily, but it looks quite unlikely at this point. The Red Wings need to keep compiling talent and even though their top prospect Moritz Seider is a right-shot defenseman, they can land a high-end offensive defenseman with Clarke. I think the Red Wings would do somersaults if Mason McTavish is there as they could really use more centers in the system, but a top-four defenseman is not a bad consolation. If Dylan Guenther is still available, I would not rule him out either.

7. San Jose Sharks: Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton Oil Kings

The Sharks have plenty of needs in their system, but I think the value on Guenther in this range would be too good for them to pass up. One of the more dynamic forwards in this class, he’s a finisher. Guenther has the ability to score, with some playmaking and distribution skills that are particularly high end as well. The question is if he can be a driver or if he’s more of a complimentary player, but the Sharks can get more skilled instantly by picking Guenther.

8. Los Angeles Kings: Luke Hughes, D, Los Angeles Kings

The Kings can use some more offense from the back end and Hughes fits right in with the kind of team they’re building. Hughes is a high-end offensive producer who moves pucks well and is an elite skater. The Kings have a lot of higher-end forwards and getting a fantastic distributor like Hughes to help get pucks to them will be a nice pickup in this range. Brandt Clarke, if available, makes sense for the same reasons. Meanwhile, LA is another team that very much could be considering Jesper Wallstedt as their potential goalie of the future.

9. UPDATE: Vancouver Canucks trade pick 9 to Arizona Coyotes

Was: Vancouver Canucks: Kent Johnson, C/W, University of Michigan
Now: Arizona Coyotes: Kent Johnson, C/W, University of Michigan

The Coyotes have so many options available to them now, but if Johnson is there, Arizona can nab the draft’s most skilled player. No one has hands like Johnson and he could be a real game-changer for a franchise that is starving for a young talent that can grow into a game-breaking talent. It seems like Johnson could be a special player down the road as he gets stronger and rounds out his game at Michigan. I think he can become the kind of player that entertains on top of having a high level of success in the scoring department.

10. Ottawa Senators: Chaz Lucius, C, U.S. National Under-18 Team

Losing one of the goalies in their prospect system to the expansion draft (Joey Daccord) might push the Sens in the direction of a goaltender, but I’m starting to think they could keep building an even more dynamic element up front. Lucius is a goal-scoring center who has quick hands in tight and is really creative. While I think either goalie would tempt the Sens here, they get more mileage out of the forward while still having some netminders in the system they believe can be solid for them down the line. That said, I would not rule out either Jesper Wallstedt or Sebastian Cossa here if available.

11. Arizona Coyotes: VOID

12. Chicago Blackhawks: Jesper Wallstedt, G, Luleå

I think this simply comes down to best player available and while that still may mean a forward for Chicago, the chance to pick up one of the top two goalies may win the day. Though the Blackhawks have the promising Drew Commesso in their system, Wallstedt has a more favorable projection at this point. I could also see Chicago going for a Matt Coronato or Cole Sillinger here if they’re both still on the board, too.

13. Calgary Flames: Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls Stampede

I think Calgary could be tempted by a goalie here even though they have Dustin Wolf in their system. Ultimately, though, the forward value in this range should entice the Flames, too. They’ve got some talent up front in the pipeline with Connor Zary and Jacob Pelletier among the highlights, but adding a proven goal scorer like Sillinger could really take their system up a notch. He has one of the best releases in the draft.

14.

Was:

The Flyers could get a hard-driving goal scorer with Coronato who makes up for average size with big-time work ethic. He’s not a dynamic skill player, but he’s effective with a good shot and an ability to get to the net. His overall game seems right in line with what the Flyers have been building in their system, especially when it comes to U.S.-based, college-bound prospects. Any team selecting Coronato knows it might two to three years before they see him on their roster as he is committed to Harvard, but his goal scoring this year was off the charts in the USHL.

15. Dallas Stars: Brennan Othmann, LW, Olten

A complimentary player with scoring ability, Othmann has been a late riser in the draft. His shot is probably his best tool as it’s heavy and accurate. The Stars have had a lot of success pulling players from the OHL and even though Othmann didn’t play in the league this year, he’ll be headed back to the Flint Firebirds next season. Othmann has shown repeatedly in his career that he can play with top players and generate offense with them.

16. New York Rangers: Fyodor Svechkov, C, Lada Togliatti

A true two-way center with vision and playmaking ability, Svechkov checks a lot of boxes for the Rangers. He’s a center on a team whose most recent top draftees have been wings and defensemen, plus he has high defensive value. The Rangers have never been shy about drafting or acquiring Russians and while Svechkov will have a few more years under KHL contract, he’s got the upside to be a strong middle-six center for a long time.

17. St. Louis Blues: Carson Lambos, D, Winnipeg ICE

It’s been some time since the Blues picked a defenseman in the first round. They have a few intriguing options in their system for the future, namely Scott Perunovich, but Lambos would help add another element to the blue line. He missed a lot of time with health concerns this year, but it sounds like most teams are satisfied with how that all looks. Lambos has a robust skillset that works at both ends of the ice and when he’s on his game, he can be a game changer.

18. Winnipeg Jets: Fabian Lysell, LW, Luleå

The Jets have had some great success with speedy transitional wingers and Lysell would be another good one. The young Swede is one of the quickest players in the draft and brings a ton of skill to the table. I’m sure the Jets would be tempted by a defenseman in this range, but they might leave too much on the table if they don’t take Lysell here.

19. Nashville Predators: Isak Rosén, LW Leksands

Another speedy Swedish winger who has a strong scoring ability. Rosén can burn a bit. After losing Calle Jarnkrok and Viktor Arvidsson, the Preds can bring in a player that is built in a similar vein. He’s the up-tempo kind of player they like.

20. Edmonton Oilers: Sebastian Cossa, G, Edmonton Oil Kings

I think this would be a dream scenario for the Oilers, but one that I’m not sure is totally realistic. I’ve heard Cossa can go anywhere from 10 to 20, but there are a lot of teams I think that would have a hard time drafting a goalie based on what they have and what’s available. If he makes it this far down the board, the Oilers get a long-awaited goalie of the future who played right in their own back yard and has established an impressive upward trajectory with one of the highest ceilings of any prospect in the draft. I don’t think it’s terribly likely Cossa is here in the real draft, but it’s just how this one went.

21. Boston Bruins: Corson Ceulemans, D, Brooks Bandits

The Bruins like their U.S. college-bound players and could get one with a lot upside in Ceulemans. On a recent Boston podcast interview I did, I was also reminder the Bruins already have Karson Kuhlman, so good luck to Jack Edwards keeping that all straight. Ceulemans is a high-upside defenseman with great skating ability and two-way skills with a penchant for getting up in plays.

22. Minnesota Wild: Nikita Chibrikov, LW, SKA St. Petersburg

The Wild continue to build a team that is getting more and more skilled by the year. They can add another dynamic skill player in Chibrikov who I think gives them way more value in this slot than any of the centers, which may be their preferred position. With multiple picks in the latter third of the first round, the Wild can make a bet on high-end skill with Chibrikov.

23. Detroit Red Wings: Zachary Bolduc, C, Rimouski Oceanic

There’s a good chance the Red Wings would look defenseman here, but center is another position they could afford to get deeper in. Bolduc is one of those players who looks better as you look at the full body of work. Two seasons of strong production in the QMJHL and a higher-end offensive skill set should get him a long looks here.

24. Florida Panthers: Daniil Chayka, D, Spartak Moscow

The Panthers have a lot of D prospects, but not a lot of higher-end ones. Chayka has a bit of a longer NHL timeline, but he’s got enough upside to rise to the top of the Panthers’ prospect pool on the blue line. He didn’t have a great season in Russia this last year, but has a good body of work over two previous OHL seasons and has continued to show promise. He’s a bit of a project, but a fun one for teams to work with to help develop.

25. Columbus Blue Jackets: Logan Stankoven, C/W, Kamloops Blazers

The Blue Jackets have plenty of needs, but you can never have enough scoring. Stankoven, despite being on the smaller side, has never lacked goal-scoring bite. He is an excellent shooter and a higher-end offensive performer with the puck on his stick. Having a dynamic element, no matter the size of the player, is always good for a team.

26. Minnesota Wild: Francesco Pinelli, C, Jenesice

The Wild can always use more centers in their system. Pinelli would be an interesting one as a solid two-way player with good offensive instincts. Pinelli went to Slovenia in search of a place to play this year and was a top performer for Canada at the World U18 Championship. There’s work to be done in his game, particularly when it comes to skating, but he has a higher-end offensive mind.

27. Carolina Hurricanes: Samu Tuomaala, RW, Kärpät

One of the better goal-scorers in this draft, Tuomaala has hovered around the late-first, early-second round range all season. I think his U18 World Championship performance may have put him over the top to get into the first round. The Hurricanes sure love their Finns and they’d get a really exciting one here.

28. Colorado Avalanche: Zachary L’Heureux, C/W, Halifax Mooseheads

A real firebrand, L’Heureux has both skill and tenacity. He plays on the edge and often oversteps the line, but he also has higher-end skills for this range in the draft. His skating could use a little more work, but you won’t ever have to worry about lighting a fire under him.

29. New Jersey Devils: Aatu Räty, C/W, Kärpät

The Devils have good center depth in their system and Räty may be destined for the wing anyway. He’s had a rough season, but there are still elements of his game that suggest he’s worthy of a first-round pick. With multiple first-round choices, the Devils have to at least consider looking at this one-time top prospect.

30. Vegas Golden Knights: Oskar Olausson, RW, HV71

The Golden Knights have drafted reasonably well in their short years of existence. They can add a speedy winger with some scoring pop in Olausson. He also might have one of the shorter NHL timelines due to his physical stature and already having a season of pro hockey in Sweden under his belt.

31. Montreal Canadiens: Zach Dean, C, Gatineau Olympiques

One of the smarter players, Dean is just a solid all-around player. He’s not the most exciting pick, but it’s hard to find as well-rounded a player at this stage of the draft. His production was moderate this season, but he had a very strong rookie year in the Q. The Habs don’t often play it safe, but Dean seems like a safer pick in the late first.

32. Columbus Blue Jackets: Sasha Pastujov, RW, U.S. National Under-18 Team

Pastujov’s stock has fluctuated this year because you have to weigh his incredible numbers and clear skill with his sub-par skating ability. Pastujov is another one of those polarizing wild card players who teams believe they can work with or those who think the skating will never get to a level adequate enough. With three first-round picks, the Jackets could do a lot worse than an excellent shot-pass threat who has produced at every level in this slot.

Second Round

Mackie Samoskevich (Photo: Dan Hickling)

This is an even bigger guess at this stage because the boards really get out of whack even towards the end of the first round. I just thought it might be fun to see what could be possible for teams, especially those like the Arizona Coyotes with a bunch of second-round picks. There’s still value to be mined from this round and I think a lot of good players from this draft will come from the second round.

33. Buffalo Sabres: Mackie Samoskevich, C/W, Chicago Steel

34. Anaheim Ducks: Wyatt Johnston, C, Windsor Spitfires

35. Seattle Kraken: Simon Robertsson, RW, Skellefteå

36. Vegas Golden Knights: Tyler Boucher, RW, U.S. National Under-18 Team

37. Arizona Coyotes: Olen Zellwegger, D, Everett

38. Detroit Red Wings: Samu Salminen, C, Jokerit U20

39. Ottawa Senators: William Stromgren, LW, MODO

40. Nashville Predators: Samuel Helenius, C, JYP

41. Vancouver Canucks: Shai Buium, D, Sioux City Musketeers

42. Ottawa Senators: Benjamin Gaudreau, G, Sarnia Sting

43. Arizona Coyotes: Sean Behrens, D, U.S. National Under-18 Team

44. Chicago Blackhawks: Prokhor Poltapov, RW, Krasnaya Armia Moskva

45. Calgary Flames: Chase Stillman, RW, Esbjerg

46. Philadelphia Flyers: Evan Nause, D, Quebec Remparts

47. Dallas Stars: Tristan Broz, C, Fargo Force

48. Detroit Red Wings: Alexander Kisakov, LW, MHK Dynamo Moskva

49. Los Angeles Kings: Scott Morrow, D, Shattuck-St. Mary’s

50. Winnipeg Jets: Jack Peart, D, Fargo Force

51. Nashville Predators: Ayrton Martino, LW, Omaha Lancers

52. New York Islanders: Anton Olsson, D, Malmo

53. Buffalo Sabres: Brett Harrison, C, KOOVEE

54. Minnesota Wild: Oliver Kapanen, C, KalPa

55. Washington Capitals: Stanislav Svozil, D, Kometa Brno

56. Florida Panthers: Aleksi Heimosalmi, D, Assat

57. Toronto Maple Leafs: Matthew Knies, LW, Tri-City Storm

58. Pittsburgh Penguins: Artyom Grushnikov, D, Hamilton Bulldogs

59. Carolina Hurricanes: Ville Koivunen, LW, Kärpät U20

60. Arizona Coyotes: Colton Dach, C/W, Saskatoon Blades

61. Colorado Avalanche: Conner Roulette, LW, Seattle Thunderbirds

62. Chicago Blackhawks: Vincent Iorio, D, Brandon Wheat Kings

63. Montreal Canadiens: Nolan Allan, D, Prince Albert Raiders

64. Montreal Canadiens: Kirill Kirsanov, D, SKA St. Petersburg

Hockey Sense with Chris Peters

Discussion about this post