2021 NHL Entry Draft

[Junkyard Dog]

Just now, garthsbutcher said:

Snooze for Hughes

When things look dark, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel named Clarke. 

[HighOnHockey]

1 hour ago, Junkyard Dog said:

When things look dark, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel named Clarke. 

Tears for Beniers.

[Junkyard Dog]

1 hour ago, HighOnHockey said:

Tears for Beniers.

Fall for Wall(stedt)
 

Cower for Power

No fun for Eklund. 

 

Edited March 19, 2021 by Junkyard Dog

[hammertime]

Prospect watch Jack Bar potential late 2nd/3rd

 

RHD former Penticton Vee  now playing with Chicago Steel Committed to Harvard 2022. 

 

 Efficient puck mover from the back end who uses powerful strides to jump into the rush. Still a work in progress, his combination of size and skill give him potential as a two-way, puck moving defenceman at the NHL level. Bar has an intriguing combination of size, skating ability, and offensive skill. He has good mobility for his size, able to elude forecheckers before firing a clean breakout pass or skating the puck out on his own and he likes to join the rush to create odd-man situations for his team. One of Bar’s greatest attributes is his proficiency on puck retrievals in the defensive zone. He protects the puck well, shielding off forecheckers with his big frame while controlling the puck in his feet and more often than not, he is able to escape pressure by spinning off his check or dishing the puck to a teammate and getting open for a return pass. He can try to do too much at times, however, and will skate himself into trouble on occasion. He has good defensive instincts and defends the rush well but he can struggle with his change of direction when puck carriers attack with speed. Still a raw prospect, Bar has potential as a second pairing puck mover but his floor as a solid number five or six defensemen at the NHL level feels pretty safe. Nick Richard

 

https://bchl.ca/stats/player/6617

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/503032/jack-bar

 

 

"Hockey is essentially part of my identity," said the 18-year-old.

And it could also be Bar's professional future. The 1.87-metre, 88-kilogram Newmarket, Ont. native is ranked as one of the top 32 players in the 2021 National Hockey League Draft.

This was supposed to be his year to shine, an opportunity he's worked for since his dad laced up his skates as a two-year-old.

"It's a season I've been waiting for pretty much my whole life," Bar said  "It's every kid's dream to get drafted into the NHL and hopefully play there one day.

"It would be a dream come true." 

 

 

It's possible with all of the uncertainty he has slipped under the radar If JB can acquire an additional pick he may be worth taking a chance on late in the 2nd or if he falls to our 3rd.

Edited March 21, 2021 by hammertime

[Guest]

On 3/17/2021 at 2:04 PM, NaveJoseph said:

Yeah I'm not saying it would be a bad pick, but Benning is fighting for his job. We have more immediate concerns than at goalie. 

Benning hasn’t mortgaged the future too much outside of giving up Madden and a 2nd.  He has also chosen to save money long term and lost some of our players as a result.  So I really think that Benning will have no problems taking Wall if he thinks he’s worth it.  
 

I wonder what’s the highest pick that Benning has ever used on a goalie? Demko? 

[Nave]

55 minutes ago, VancouverHabitant said:

Benning hasn’t mortgaged the future too much outside of giving up Madden and a 2nd.  He has also chosen to save money long term and lost some of our players as a result.  So I really think that Benning will have no problems taking Wall if he thinks he’s worth it.  
 

I wonder what’s the highest pick that Benning has ever used on a goalie? Demko? 

He has most notably drafted Thatcher Demko with the 6th pick of the 2nd round (as Canucks GM), and Ryan Miller with the 12th pick of the 5th round (as Sabres head scout). Makes me think he believes he can get goalies beyond the 1st round. However, I have complete faith in his drafting, and if he wants to take Wall, I have no problem with that. Just don't predict that he will. 

[Off_The_Schneid!]

BELL’S 10 TAKES: COSSA, DEAN, MORROW & MORE

Bell’s 10 Takes is a monthly column from FCHockey’s crossover scout Josh Bell. This column will highlight Bell’s analysis of 2021 NHL Draft-eligible prospects and reaction news in the prospect world.

We have a confirmed date and the 2021 NHL Draft is now quickly approaching.

At FCHockey, we’re rolling with the scouting reports, getting views on top prospects down to the fringe seventh-rounders.

As the views continue, the individual boards of scouts start to get more clear and the players that you’re willing to speak up for become more and more prominent. I’m very close to having a first-round rank set, with just a few more views before I’m willing to share it publicly.

Until then, here are my 10 Takes for March, giving a bit of a glimpse at some of the players in the rankings and thoughts on some of the news and achievements over the past month.

2021 NHL DRAFT NOT MOVING

The biggest draft news of the past month, the 2021 NHL Draft isn’t moving. The dates are set and now confirmed for July 23-24, 2021. While there was a lot of talk about pushing the draft, and some big names in hockey were behind that push. But with a number of issues with the options floated around, the NHL decided to stand pat and hold the draft in July to maintain some normalcy and hopefully start to return to a normal hockey calendar. Mark your calendars, readers.

NHL CONFIRMS DRAFT LOTTERY CHANGES

More news from the NHL, they’ve made some changes to the NHL Draft Lottery. The three main changes are:

• Teams will be limited to no more than two lottery wins in a five-year period
• Teams will only be allowed to jump 10 spots with a lottery win
• The number of picks decided by the lottery will be lowered from three to two

The first two items will come into play in the 2022 NHL Draft, with the third starting in 2021.

IS MORROW THE MOST POLARIZING PROSPECT OF THE DRAFT?

Scott Morrow is a very intriguing player in the 2021 NHL Draft. On one hand, his offensive skill and transition game are practically off the charts. He handles the puck so well, his footwork is incredible, and his vision is elite. On the other hand, his play in his own end is a serious liability for his team. His decision-making is lacking and his defending is less than ideal. His pros should still see him selected in the top-two rounds, but the cons may just keep him out of the first. From my report on Morrow:

“Morrow’s footwork is exceptional. He might be one of the best skaters in the class, at least amongst defensemen. It all stems from his posture, strong ankle flex, good knee bend, lets his shoulders roll, but keeps his chest and head up. He can explode in all four directions. He also utilizes crossovers very often, constantly changing direction up the ice as he leads breakouts and entries…

“There’s a lack of both urgency and awareness in his own end, resulting in missed assignments, missed pucks, and numerous turnovers. Much of this can be associated to a lack of scanning the zone. He tends to get too focused on the puck or what is in front of him and loses where the opponents are.”

GUENTHER PLAYING INTO FIRST-OVERALL CONVERSATION?

The WHL is finally rolling and the player of the league so far looks to be Dylan Guenther. The Edmonton Oil King’s alternate captain is second in the league with 15 points in just six games and is leading the league in points and points-per-game with 2.50. The left winger has looked to take a high step forward this year, and while he was a bit of a dark horse for first overall, it looks like he’s knocking the door down now. He’s very much in the conversation and if he continues this run through the season, he could emerge as the clear-cut number one.

COSSA SHOWING HE DESERVES FIRST-ROUND DISCUSSION

Another WHL player, another Oil King, another prospect who has been absolutely stellar to start his 2020-21 season. Goaltender Sebastian Cossa has been dominant. He’s undefeated at 6-0, with one shutout. Along with this, he has a .956 save percentage and a 1.17 goals against average. There’s been discussionabout whether he or Benjamin Gaudreauis the second-best netminder in this class, but with Gaudreau waiting for an OHL season and Cossa on fire, it looks like the decision of which to pick first is being made for teams.

SPEAKING OF FIRST-ROUND DISCUSSION, DON’T FORGET ABOUT DEAN

On the other side of Canada, Zach Deanmissed a large portion of the season due to injury and the QMJHL’s COVID delays, but he’s rolling now and looking extremely strong. The Gatineau Olympiques’ alternate captain has 20 points in 21 games and is looking very strong in his play. From my recent report on Dean:

“Dean looks absolutely dominant on the ice, like a man among boys. He’s absolutely fearless in his play. He’ll head into traffic/battles with or without the puck and more often than not, he comes out with it. His playmaking may be among the best in class, from his quick, short passes to maneuver traffic, to long stretch passes to open up ice…

“…Overall, I get Tim Stutzle vibes from Dean. Maybe not quite at the same level, but that style of play. Expect a big finish in his season as it seems like he’s really found his game.”

AND ONE MORE – PASTUJOV

One more player that deserves more first-round conversation than he’s been getting, Sasha Pastujov is an extremely poised player that has the ability to completely slow the game down and play at the pace he wants to. In his 42 games this season (between the USHL and USDP), he has 27 goals, 43 assists, and 70 points. Yeah, he’s good. From my recent scouting report:

“He might be the calmest, most poised player in this class. He makes the game look so simple as he maneuvers traffic and makes plays. He plays an effortless-looking game. Through this, he really excels in his deception on the ice, using his head, eyes, feet, change of direction, and change of pace to throw defenders off his path…

“The way he plays the game so smoothly, so simply, makes me think that he’s ready to explode at the next level. He’s very much a player that we could be looking back at the draft in three or four years and thinking ‘how did he go so low?’

POWER HAS STRONG SHOWING IN B1G ANNUAL AWARDS

One of the leading contenders for first overall, Owen Power earned some big recognition from the NCAA’s Big Ten conference annual awards. Power was named to the second All-Big Ten and the All-Freshman teams, plus was a finalist for Freshman of the Year. He collected three goals and 13 assists for 16 points through 26 games, leading all rookie defenders in the league.

His total is also good for third among all Big Ten defenders, an impressive feat for the rearguard. In a few short months, he could be adding first-overall pick in the NHL Draft to his already impressive resume.

KISAKOV FINISHES BIG 2020-21 SEASON SECOND IN LEAGUE IN POINTS

He might not be a first-round pick, but Alexander Kiskakov has turned heads this year. The Russian forward exploded this season for 36 goals, 37 assists, and 73 points in 61 games. That total finished second in the league in points, leading all draft eligibles. He’s kept it rolling in the playoffs, with five points in three games. He’s one to watch come draft day.

[Off_The_Schneid!]

Looking ahead at the numbers I’m predicting that we draft 10th this year

 

anyone think Luke Hughes would still be available then? 

 

Still early and the teams below us will shuffle around a bit. 

 

Depending where NJ picks they could reunite the brothers. Rangers San Jose LA could potentially pick him but there is still a very good chance they could pass us in the standings 

[73 Percent]

21 minutes ago, Off_The_Schneid! said:

Looking ahead at the numbers I’m predicting that we draft 10th this year

 

anyone think Luke Hughes would still be available then? 

 

Still early and the teams below us will shuffle around a bit. 

 

Depending where NJ picks they could reunite the brothers. Rangers San Jose LA could potentially pick him but there is still a very good chance they could pass us in the standings 

Do we really need another one dimeniosnal left handed Dman?

[Wolfgang Durst]

45 minutes ago, Off_The_Schneid! said:

Looking ahead at the numbers I’m predicting that we draft 10th this year

 

anyone think Luke Hughes would still be available then? 

 

Still early and the teams below us will shuffle around a bit. 

 

Depending where NJ picks they could reunite the brothers. Rangers San Jose LA could potentially pick him but there is still a very good chance they could pass us in the standings 

I think it's too early for some speculation, because there are some variables we do not know, yet, for example the final rankings and especially the results of the draft lottery.

 

[aGENT]

Hoping RHD Vincent Iorio makes it to our 2nd rounder.

 

Good size, skating, poise/patience/IQ, solid in his own end. Not 'dynamic' but just makes solid, safe plays and moves the puck forward.

 

'Hometown' kid was well.

Edited March 25, 2021 by aGENT

[komodo0921]

There is one kid that really intrigues me in this draft.

Prokhor Poltapov. C/RW

He has the three, on ice, attributes that make for a great player. Compete, skill, and speed.

At 5'10, his stature is not very imposing but, common opinion is that he is the most aggressive player in this draft. He is fearless.

Most scouts have him going in the second round but some have him in the late first round. This is mostly due to the fact that, although he's aggressive, it's not consistent. He sometimes choses a more conservative, defensive approach when he should be taking a more aggressive stance, attacking the puck. This being said, however, he is the leading scorer on his team. It may take some time (3-4 years) but, with proper, gradual, patient development, Poltapov could be a steal.

I really feel this is a kid to keep an eye on. 

[flickyoursedin]

On 3/25/2021 at 9:43 AM, Off_The_Schneid! said:

Looking ahead at the numbers I’m predicting that we draft 10th this year

 

anyone think Luke Hughes would still be available then? 

 

Still early and the teams below us will shuffle around a bit. 

 

Depending where NJ picks they could reunite the brothers. Rangers San Jose LA could potentially pick him but there is still a very good chance they could pass us in the standings 

I think it’s very unlikely Hughes makes it to 10! I was hoping that a mini sale of vets and teams behind us creep up and we find ourselves picking 6-7 and thought there’d be a minimal chance at that spot for Hughes. Aside from how awesome it would be to have another brother duo in Vancouver there’s a lot of other great prospects in the top 10.

[Isam]

19 hours ago, flickyoursedin said:

I think it’s very unlikely Hughes makes it to 10! I was hoping that a mini sale of vets and teams behind us creep up and we find ourselves picking 6-7 and thought there’d be a minimal chance at that spot for Hughes. Aside from how awesome it would be to have another brother duo in Vancouver there’s a lot of other great prospects in the top 10.

I thimk it is a realistic possibility that he is there since hughes is out for the year.

[flickyoursedin]

3 hours ago, Isam said:

I thimk it is a realistic possibility that he is there since hughes is out for the year.

I saw one article that said several torn ligaments in his foot. However it’s not like he didn’t play this year. He’s only missing the last handful of games so teams should have enough tape to scout him with his peers. I think he’s done enough to still be taken before 10th overall.

[HighOnHockey]

2 hours ago, flickyoursedin said:

I saw one article that said several torn ligaments in his foot. However it’s not like he didn’t play this year. He’s only missing the last handful of games so teams should have enough tape to scout him with his peers. I think he’s done enough to still be taken before 10th overall.

Of course. Teams aren't drafting for next season, they are looking to draft a player for the next ten plus years. Strange (probably impulse) reaction from the previous poster.

[HighOnHockey]

On 3/27/2021 at 11:05 AM, komodo0921 said:

There is one kid that really intrigues me in this draft.

Prokhor Poltapov. C/RW

He has the three, on ice, attributes that make for a great player. Compete, skill, and speed.

At 5'10, his stature is not very imposing but, common opinion is that he is the most aggressive player in this draft. He is fearless.

Most scouts have him going in the second round but some have him in the late first round. This is mostly due to the fact that, although he's aggressive, it's not consistent. He sometimes choses a more conservative, defensive approach when he should be taking a more aggressive stance, attacking the puck. This being said, however, he is the leading scorer on his team. It may take some time (3-4 years) but, with proper, gradual, patient development, Poltapov could be a steal.

I really feel this is a kid to keep an eye on. 

Personally, I'm not a big fan. Skill level is clearly very high, but I don't see him as very NHL-translatable. Looks to me like he's better suited to the wider ice. He's great on the perimeter, but doesn't seem to know how to handle himself in limited space-time situations down low, where offense is made or broken in the NHL. The upside is big, so maybe he figures it out and some team get a major steal, but I wouldn't take the risk until mid second round at the earliest. Also, it sounds a little off when you say he's the (not even just one of the) most aggressive players in the class, but he's not consistently aggressive. Anyway, just for fun, here's my top 10 Russian forwards for this draft:

 

1. Fyodor Svechkov

2. Nikita Chibrikov

3. Matvei Petrov

4. Dmitry Katelevsky

5. Alexander Kisakov

6. Prokhor Poltapov

7. Vsevolod Gaidamak

8. Daniil Lazutin

9. Danil Aimurzin

10. Ilya Ivantsov

[Isam]

2 hours ago, flickyoursedin said:

I saw one article that said several torn ligaments in his foot. However it’s not like he didn’t play this year. He’s only missing the last handful of games so teams should have enough tape to scout him with his peers. I think he’s done enough to still be taken before 10th overall.

Scouts rely heavily on recency bias. And the further the chl season goes, i can definitely see hughes falling a bit.  Take for instance guenthers and sillingers torrid scoring pace in both the dub and ushl. I can definitely see both of them rising quite a few spots and knocking down a few people in the top ten

[Isam]

42 minutes ago, HighOnHockey said:

Of course. Teams aren't drafting for next season, they are looking to draft a player for the next ten plus years. Strange (probably impulse) reaction from the previous poster.

Of course, but again recency bias does play a factor in scouting

[HighOnHockey]

2 minutes ago, Isam said:

Of course, but again recency bias does play a factor in scouting

Fair enough, but we should give NHL scouts credit, I don't think they're changing their opinions with the weather. But on the other hand, I suppose maybe if area scouts have been seeing one thing for a long time, and only later do chief scouts get around to seeing the players, that could effect team's lists according to what seems like recency bias to us fans.

 

But personally, Hughes is fairly entrenched in my top 3, so I would be very surprised if he falls anywhere close to ten, and I've have had Sillinger in my top six or seven for over a year, so nothing he's doing now is changing anything - I ranked him 4th in my initial 2021 ranking, after the 2019 U17s. Guenther, on the other hand is definitely moving up my list, but NHL scouts already had him 3rd pre-season, according to Bob McKenzie's poll.