A few of our scouts from this season have been asked to give us what they think are some ‘hot takes’ on the 2021 NHL draft as we are mere hours away from the first round. That is views or opinions that might be a bit of a shock to the public consensus but that they believe could or will happen. Educated thoughts from our evaluators after two years watching these prospects develop and seeing the NHL talent hounds following their every move. This 2021 season has been a little more difficult than previous to pick up on
First up is Dan Stewart, DraftPro Editor and Director of Scouting.
“Wolverine defenseman Owen Power, the projected top selection in the draft, is surprisingly not selected by Buffalo in the top spot as they instead grab Michigan teammate Matthew Beniers at No. 1 overall. – DS
“New Jersey flips the script as many expect the Devils to select either Luke Hughes or Brandt Clarke at No.4 overall, instead they reveal they have had Djurgardens IF winger William Eklund tops on their list and are ecstatic to add a game changing talent.” – DS
“One of these later round wingers Dodge County Wildcats Brody Lamb or Des Moines Buccaneers Paul Davey will end up scoring more NHL goals in their career than any first rounder this season. Both have a real upside to their scoring ability and raw shot tools to build upon.” – DS
Here is DraftPro’s Head Scout Jared Brown and his hot takes.
“Simon Edvinsson may go top five but will end up a bust due to his aggressive and dangerous decision making with the puck. He will be the most disappointing top end first round pick and will struggle in a teams’ structure due to his play style.” – JB
“US NTDP’s Justin Janicke goes on to have one of the longer NHL careers in his draft class due to his versatility. He’s the type of player whose play leads by example and elevates other players to perform at a higher level and play with more intensity. I can definitely see him wearing a letter on his jersey in the NHL one day.” – JB
Here are DraftPro’s regional scout Murray Caldwell’s hot takes.
“NHL Scouts will be left scratching their heads how they missed Brandon Wheat Kings winger Brett Hyland. Exceptional arm strength, scores from distance and acute angles. Brings to the game right character, extremely hard worker, that is noticeably improving with every game in the WHL. A creative playmaker with vision away from the puck. I can see this speedy winger on a third or fourth line in the NHL creating energy.” – MC
“Many players will be picked ahead of Kelowna Rockets Trevor Wong. But Trevor will become one of the most dynamic centers in the NHL playing on any line, in any situation, due to his elite IQ, anticipation, relentless checking, transitioning with speed in a 200-foot-game.” – MC
Here are DraftPro’s regional scout Matt Morrison hot takes.
“With no clear-cut franchise player, I think Seattle could take the player I think is most likely to become a star in goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. Assuming Power is gone #1, the franchise is likely not selecting a player that will play right away out of this class and I do think Eklund could step into a line up but would benefit from another year of development. Grabbing a franchise goalie with your first ever pick ensures you won’t have to worry about that position going forward. I also think Jesper is only a year or two out from being a NHL starting goalie.” – MM
Last, we have regional scout Willem Dezwaan’s take.
“I feel that if Buffalo takes anyone other than Owen Power the fans of this organization will be in an uproar, this is because the team needs defenseman contrary to perception as they only really have one top four defender on the roster on Dahlin. You need a solid top four, even top six in my opinion to have a team that can compete for a cup, and if they were to draft a forward it would have to be after they move Eichel or Reinhart. They seem to have good pieces up front as long as they pull their weight.” – WD
We would love to hear your hot takes so send them to us at twitter @DraftProHockey.
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For all your 2021 draft information be sure to pick up a copy of our Guide and Yearbook.