2021 NHL Entry Draft Rankings
The 2021 NHL Entry Draft was held on July 23-24, 2021, at the Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. It was a highly anticipated draft, with several top prospects vying for the coveted first overall pick. Here is a look at the top 10 prospects ranked by various scouting services prior to the draft:
Top 10 Prospects
**1. ** Owen Power (D) - Michigan
- Power was widely considered the consensus top pick, known for his impressive skating, puck-moving ability, and strong defensive game.
- He was selected first overall by the Buffalo Sabres.
**2. ** Matthew Beniers (C) - Michigan
- Beniers was a dynamic offensive force with exceptional playmaking skills and a knack for finding the back of the net.
- He was selected second overall by the Seattle Kraken.
**3. ** Luke Hughes (D) - USNTDP
- Hughes, the younger brother of Quinn Hughes, was a highly skilled offensive defenseman with exceptional skating and puck-handling abilities.
- He was selected fourth overall by the New Jersey Devils.
**4. ** Simon Edvinsson (D) - Frölunda HC (SHL)
- Edvinsson was a towering, mobile defenseman with strong puck-moving skills and a knack for making smart plays.
- He was selected sixth overall by the Detroit Red Wings.
**5. ** William Eklund (LW) - Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
- Eklund was a skilled, playmaking winger with exceptional vision and puck-handling ability.
- He was selected seventh overall by the San Jose Sharks.
**6. ** Dylan Guenther (RW) - Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
- Guenther was a prolific goal-scorer with a powerful shot and a knack for finding open ice.
- He was selected ninth overall by the Arizona Coyotes.
**7. ** Kent Johnson (C) - Michigan
- Johnson was a creative playmaker with exceptional puck-handling skills and an ability to create scoring chances.
- He was selected fifth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
**8. ** Brandt Clarke (D) - Barrie Colts (OHL)
- Clarke was a smooth-skating defenseman with impressive puck-moving skills and a strong offensive game.
- He was selected eighth overall by the Los Angeles Kings.
**9. ** Jesper Wallstedt (G) - Luleå HF (SHL)
- Wallstedt was a dominant goaltender with excellent athleticism and a knack for making big saves.
- He was selected 29th overall by the Minnesota Wild.
**10. ** Chaz Lucius (C) - USNTDP
- Lucius was a high-scoring center with exceptional puck skills and a knack for finding the net.
- He was selected 18th overall by the Winnipeg Jets.
Other Notable Picks
The 2021 NHL Entry Draft was full of exciting prospects, and several other players made significant jumps up draft boards during the season. Some notable picks include:
- Carson Lambos (D) - Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
- Sasha Pastujov (LW) - Sarnia Sting (OHL)
- Zachary Bolduc (C) - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
- Cole Sillinger (C) - Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
The 2021 NHL Entry Draft was a memorable event, with several talented prospects entering the league with the potential to become future stars. It will be exciting to watch these players develop and contribute to their respective NHL teams in the years to come.