By Kai Farenholtz, Alex Taxman, and Willem Dezwaan.
A few of our scouts from this season were asked to give us what they think are some good ‘comparables’ in the 2021 NHL draft. That is comparing current NHL players to some of the prospects available in this draft class in terms of playing style. These are not to say we are comparing the trajectory of careers just similarities in playing styles.
Matthew Beniers – Ryan Kesler
Versatile two-way forward with tremendous vision across the whole playing surface. Can pick apart defense with top-end speed and strong puck control all while maintaining a strong net front presence too.
Olen Zellweger – Samuel Girard
A new age defenseman with a game circulated around edgework and puck distribution. It can seem as if the puck is glued to his stick at times with an otherworldly level of puck control.
Fabian Lysell – Brayden Point
Dangerous right-hand shot with an even more lethal set of wheels combined with a beyond average offensive IQ. Will completely obliterate you in transition if you offer the slightest bit of empty space.
Mason McTavish – Bo Horvat
Strong body, strong willed center with the ability to polish off pucks and checks. A real leader in all situations and can be relied upon anywhere on the ice from being the extra man to the lone centre on the 5-on-3 kill.
Sean Tschigerl – Ondrej Palat
Stickhandling maestro with a pin-point accurate wrister that can stay strong on their feet while being festered along the boards. 110% every shift and has a knack to connect off of odd-man rushes.
Brennan Othmann – Max Pacioretty
A goalie’s worst nightmare… pure goal scorer with the ability to shoot from anywhere and leave a damaging shot. Full of strength and is an absolute hound on the forecheck, all while keeping some creativity in his arsenal.
Logan Stankoven – Cam Atkinson
Small statured with an immeasurable work ethic, along with a shot that will make you throw any size argument out the window. Admirable acceleration and solid top-end speed with a great two-way understanding and aggressive forecheck.
Dylan Duke – Zach Hyman
Nose to the net scorer, digs around the boards for loose pucks like a dog looking for it’s bone, and can be a beast in any given situation. Can be the grimy finisher on the powerplay, or the relentless penalty killer out there on a double-shift. Hard-skating as the cherry on top.
William Eklund – Jake Guentzel
Able to play anywhere up and down the lineup. Sees the ice extremely well, with high awareness and execution in all situations. With the versatility to play center and wing, and a very high skill level, Eklunds got a high floor, and a high ceiling as well.
Oskar Olausson – Denis Gurianov
He’s got a sick wrist shot, a heavy and accurate one timer, and is able to beat defensemen and goaltenders one on one. His skating is strong and he has breakaway speed. A bit of a one dimensional player, but that one dimension is scoring, and he’s damn good at it.
Xavier Bourgault – Claude Giroux
One of the best playmakers in the draft, with a strong and accurate shot as well. The one thing he lacks is high end speed, but he’s not slow. He’ll likely be a big point producer at the next level.
Manix Landry – Phillip Danault
He’s a centerman who does absolutely everything, and gives full effort on every shift. When watching him, you’ll notice that he’s a huge pest on the forecheck. He’s super reliable defensively, and he’s somebody that a coach can send over the boards for a must-win faceoff, or a big defensive zone matchup. He projects as an effective shutdown center at the next level, who can contribute offensively as well.
Aatu Raty – Mika Zibanejad
He’s a strong, fast skater who can handle the puck at top speed, and he uses his size to his advantage in holding defenders off with his body. Raty’s also an elite shooter, with a quick, whip-like release. He feasts around the front of the net and slot area, but he can score from long range as well. He’s got all the tools to be a productive NHL forward, but the only question right now is consistency.
Brandt Clarke – Drew Doughty
Clarke will be an offensive defenseman, could reach 60 plus points in a season but more realistically is a 35-50 point guy in my opinion. Both look to move the puck up ice and sustain the offensive attack.
Thanks for reading.
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