Prospect Info: STI 2021 Preliminary Draft Rankings (4/21)

[StevenToddIves]

2021 NHL Draft — Preliminary Rankings 4/21

The 2021 NHL Draft is the weirdest I can recall. There is no clear-cut demarcation between the top 7 prospects in my rankings — right now Dylan Guenther is #7 but he’s not far behind my #1, Matthew Beniers. It’s difficult to explain how unusual this is. The inability to see many prospects due to the pandemic has given additional complication to a usually impossible task of ranking a large number of extremely talented NHL hopefuls.

Also, it’s important to note that I include goaltenders in a separate ranking, so if you’re wondering where Jesper Wallstedt is, he’s my 1G.

1. C Matthew Beniers, University of Michigan NCAA the best compete level in the draft, and also the best two-way center. Might lack the traditional 100+ point upside of a first overall pick, but think of a Toews/Bergeron-type with more speed and tenacity, and that’s why he sits atop my rankings.
2. RD Brandt Clarke, HC Nove Zamky SLOVAKIA in a draft top-heavy with talented D, no one is as downright magical with the puck as Clarke. He turns opponents inside-out with regularity, showcasing his elite hands and creativity. His closest comparable is a young Erik Karlsson, but I’d go so far to say that Clarke is a more complete player at the same age.
3. LD Owen Power, University of Michigan NCAA there is a lot of uncertainty at the top of the draft, but you can bet Power will go in a lottery pick — 6’6 defensemen with great skating and high-end ability in all three zones are just rare, and Power combines a ridiculously high floor with a stratospheric ceiling.
4. LW/C Kent Johnson, University of Michigan NCAA the most dynamic offensive forward in the class, Johnson has otherworldly hands and vision and can also launch a puck top corner. He's like a magnet for your eyeballs when he possesses the puck in space, he's simply electrifying.
5. LD Luke Hughes, US-NTDP the best skater in the entire draft class, Hughes will be the third Hughes brother to go in the top 10 of the NHL draft, and has a legitimate chance to be the second Hughes selected with the first overall pick. His upside is likely higher than any other D in the class, but he has more to work on than Power or Clarke — though this might just be because he is one of the youngest draft-eligibles for 2021.
6. LW/C William Eklund, Djurgardens SHL the highest hockey IQ in the 2021 class, Eklund thinks the game at ridiculously high speeds like a supercomputer. Though he might lack the electrifying offensive upside of a Johnson, his anticipation and awareness are unmatched in the draft.
7. RW/LW Dylan Guenther, Edmonton WHL somewhere in between Johnson and Eklund lies Guenther — a dynamic offensive talent with high-end intelligence and a complete 200-foot game. This kid is as can’t miss as it gets, and often compared to a right-shooting Kyle Connor.
8. C Chaz Lucius, US-NTDP in my mind, the best pure goal-scorer in the draft — Lucius can absolutely wire the puck. His one criticism has been his solid but unspectacular skating, but he also plays an intelligent and complete game — if this reminds you a bit of Mark Scheifele, it’s also why Chaz Lucius is a great pick in the top 10 overall.
9. LD Stanislav Svozil, HC Kometa CZECH the best defensive defender in the draft is also probably the best breakout passer. He’s as smart as it gets — despite playing in a tough men’s league, this kid is almost supernaturally smooth and savvy with the puck. His offensive ceiling has been questioned, despite his high-end passing and puck-carrying and a good shot. An absolute standout at the WJC, despite being one of the younger players in the tournament. This is simply an outstanding defender who has been sorely underrated.
10. RW/LW Fabian Lysell, Luleå SHL if Johnson and Guenther are the most dynamic offensive talents in the 2021 draft, Lysell is just behind them in that regard and he might be the best skater among all forwards in the class. The upside here is just huge, so I’m proud to have Lysell round out my top 10.
11. C Francesco Pinelli, HDD Jesenice AlpsHL the lack of an OHL season has hurt Pinelli more than anyone — this kid was set to absolutely explode for Kitchener. It might be a risk to rank him so high, but this is an elite skater with elite playmaking ability and creativity with the puck. His compete level and intelligence are both superlative, and it is my firm conviction that he has high-end potential as an NHL 1C.
12. LW/C Cole Sillinger, Medicine Hat WHL everything about this kid’s game is brilliant, except for average skating ability — the singular knock which keeps him out of the top 10. What’s important to remember is Sillinger is a dual-threat offensive monster who plays every shift with intelligence, physicality and ferocity. The skating will not prevent him from being an impact player at the NHL level.
13. LW/C Zachary L’Heureux, Halifax QMJHL the most physical forward in the top half of my preliminary 2021 rankings, L’Heureux adds borderline elite scoring ability to his nasty streak. Despite not being huge at 5’11-195, L’Heureux plays like a honey badger on skates and can bury the puck from anywhere in the offensive zone.
14. LD Simon Edvinsson, Frolunda SHL a 6’4 defenseman with elite skating ability is rare, but so is Edvinsson — who is also a wonderful puck-handler with solid passing ability and a commendable defensive game. Might lack the shot and high-end vision to be elite offensively, but Edvinsson excels in transition and has big-time upside as a defensive stud, as well.
15. LD Carson Lambos, Winnipeg WHL as talented as any D in the draft, Lambos combines formidable skating, strength and athleticism. Has a few nagging questions which drop him out of the top 10, but they are many of the same questions which dogged Alex Pietrangelo in his draft-eligible season, and Lambos shares several of a young Pietrangelo’s strengths.
16. C Aatu Raty, Karpat FIN has taken some unfair criticism since his once-meteoric development arc has leveled off a bit. But it’s crucial to keep in mind Raty is a big, fast two-way center with a deadly shot. He’s a good passer and a true dual threat. Raty is pretty much the perfect projection as a top-notch NHL 2C with no discernible weakness in his game.
17. LW Isak Rosen, Leksands SHL Rosen is the only 2021 forward who can challenge Lysell as the fastest skater, and he’s also a tremendous playmaker with elite IQ and compete level. His consensus ranking has been unfairly dropped by the fact that he’s a smallish kid (5’10-160) playing out of level in the Swedish men’s league due to the pandemic. I had to have Rosen in my top 20 — this kid is a scintillating offensive talent with huge upside.
18. C Mackie Samoskevich, Chicago USHL another sorely underrated talent, Samoskevich may not be the biggest or the fastest, but this kid is an absolute sorcerer with the puck on his stick. Outside of Kent Johnson, there is no one in the draft class with more flash and dash than this kid — his hands and ability to create offense out of seemingly nothing are simply dazzling. He’s going to score and score big wherever he plays.
19. C Fyodor Svechkov, Lada Togliatti MHL most people realize Svechkov is the best two-way center in the draft after only Beniers — but many have been sleeping on his high-end offensive talent. His passing is absolutely breathtaking and his on-ice awareness is elite.
20. LW Brennan Othmann, EHC Olten SWISS another kid who’s ability to move up the rankings boards has been hurt by the lack of an OHL season, Othmann should be piling up goals for the Flint Firebirds. He’s a super-smart and super-feisty competitor despite being slightly undersized at 5’11-165. But the real reason you’re drafting him is because he’s one of the best pure goal-scorers in the 2021 draft class. This kid can shoot a slab of bacon through a lion pride.
21. LW/C Mason McTavish, EHC Olten SWISS like Othmann, this Peterborough Pete has also been loaned to Olten of the Swiss league. Though also a pure goal-scorer, McTavish is a completely different player. A big, old school power forward who loves to crunch bodies and create havoc in the crease. Though his lack of foot-speed keeps him (just) out of the top 20, McTavish is a player very much coveted by NHL front offices — a big, tough, sharp-shooter who can blast a puck top cheddar then pound an opposing defender into next week.
22. RW/LW Matthew Coronato, Chicago USHL a talent who beats the opposition in every imaginable way —Coronato is simply terrific when it comes to shooting, passing and puck handling, he’s a staple on the PP and PK and he can play either wing. He’s been compared to Jake Guentzel, and he’s the more polished player at the same age.
23. LW/RW Simon Robertsson, Skelleftea SHL my favorite 2021 draft quote comes from one of Robertsson’s coaches: “he shoots as hard as a horse kicks”. This is a pure goal-scorer who adds excellent skating and two-way effort. Destined to be a weapon in the circles for an NHL PP.
24. LW Sasha Pastujov, US-NTDP one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2021 draft, Pastujov has been scrutinized for his average skating and occasional lack of detail to 200-foot play. However, the argument could be made that he is the best passer in the entire draft. His offensive upside is stratospheric if he puts it all together. A real wild card who could go just outside of the top 10, or fall out of the first round entirely.
25. C Zachary Bolduc, Rimouski QMJHL a rangy, two-way center with very good offensive potential, projects to a prototypical NHL 2C. His entire game is silky smooth and in some ways reminiscent of a young Patrice Bergeron.
26. LW Oskar Olausson, HV71 SHL often miscategorized as a two-way type forward, Olausson is actually ranked so highly by me because of his offensive potential despite some problems in his 200-foot game. Olausson is a big kid who can fly and rocket the puck.
27. LW/RW Nikita Chibrikov, SKA-1946 MHL a highly skilled and versatile wing who always seems to be driving to the net despite not being the biggest kid at 5’10-160. Chibrikov is an outstanding two-way player who is one of the fiercest forecheckers in the entire class. He can beat you with razzle-dazzle and he can beat you with lunch-pail grit.
28. LD Vladislav Lukashevich, Yaroslavl MHL a silky smooth defender with a cerebral approach and electrifying skates, Lukashevich has been painfully overlooked by many draft analysts who have him ranked in the 3rd or 4th rounds. A surgical passer with elite decision-making, Lukashevich has the potential to be one of the better mid-pairing, two-way D in the league.
29. RW Logan Stankoven, Kamloops WHL every year there’s a kid like this — an absolute beast in every facet of the game who, if he were not physically small of stature (5’8-165), he’d be in every first round ranking on the planet. This kid is smart, fierce and can create offense out of thin air while playing a complete and aware game. I don’t care how big he is — he’s just a huge hockey talent.
30. C Xavier Bourgault, Shawinigan QMJHL Bourgault shares the high-end offensive talent of fellow QMJHL-er Bolduc, but lacks the complete game which sees Bolduc in the top 25. But make no mistake, this is a top-level playmaker with big scoring potential.
31. RD Scott Morrow, Shattuck St. Mary’s USHS okay, so there are a lot of quirks to iron out of his complete game, and he’s very raw having not yet played to his level of competition. But Morrow’s potential is ridiculous — he’s a big kid with unbelievable skating and puck skills. He’s a player who is scary to draft due to the uncertainty, but he might be scarier to pass up on due to simply enormous potential.
32. RD Jack Bar, Chicago USHL the opposite of Morrow is Jack Bar, a rock-solid defender with sneaky offensive ability which is difficult to gauge because of his team-first style of play. Bar is the best shut-down defenseman in the entire USHL. Bar is big and mobile and a terrifically efficient passer, there’s really nothing not to like here.

Click to read more...

 

[LeedsMonster]

Nice list, and an enjoyable read. Thank you for the quality content.
One question, no Ceulemans? I personally have him as the 2and best RD this year, and around 20th overall. Is there something in his game you dont like?

 

[StevenToddIves]

Nice list, and an enjoyable read. Thank you for the quality content.
One question, no Ceulemans? I personally have him as the 2and best RD this year, and around 20th overall. Is there something in his game you dont like?

Ceulemans was in the running for my #31 & #32 -- I have four RD ranked very closely at the end of the first round and the start of the second round in Morrow/Bar/Ceulemans/Iorio. Iorio and Bar are surer bets with higher floors, while Morrow and Ceulemans are both riskier, but offer higher ceilings. Right now I have Morrow a hair above Ceulemans and Bar a hair above Iorio, but I stress that's it's quite close between these four.

I'm going to be talking about all four of these young RDs, as any one of them would be a solid pick for the Devils, who are in great organizational need at the RD position. Ceulemans and Morrow generally have a higher consensus ranking, but it's important to keep in mind that while draft writers tend to favor offensive defensemen, NHL front offices tend to place a higher value on defensive defensemen. What I'm saying is that, even though Ceulemans and Morrow are often ranked in the #20-#30 range and Iorio and Bar are generally considered to be 2nd/3rd round "tweeners", their likely draft position is quite possibly all pretty close together in the second round.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Nice list, and an enjoyable read. Thank you for the quality content.
One question, no Ceulemans? I personally have him as the 2and best RD this year, and around 20th overall. Is there something in his game you dont like?

Here's a video of what Vincent Iorio is capable of when he's not thinking defense-first, which he usually defers to:



Jack Bar is even more subtle in his offensive prowess, but he's a very good passer and puck handler.

 

[glenwo2]

2021 NHL Draft — Preliminary Rankings 4/21

The 2021 NHL Draft is the weirdest I can recall. There is no clear-cut demarcation between the top 7 prospects in my rankings — right now Dylan Guenther is #7 but he’s not far behind my #1, Matthew Beniers. It’s difficult to explain how unusual this is. The inability to see many prospects due to the pandemic has given additional complication to a usually impossible task of ranking a large number of extremely talented NHL hopefuls.

Also, it’s important to note that I include goaltenders in a separate ranking, so if you’re wondering where Jesper Wallstedt is, he’s my 1G.

1. C Matthew Beniers, University of Michigan NCAA the best compete level in the draft, and also the best two-way center. Might lack the traditional 100+ point upside of a first overall pick, but think of a Toews/Bergeron-type with more speed and tenacity, and that’s why he sits atop my rankings.
2. RD Brandt Clarke, HC Nove Zamky SLOVAKIA in a draft top-heavy with talented D, no one is as downright magical with the puck as Clarke. He turns opponents inside-out with regularity, showcasing his elite hands and creativity. His closest comparable is a young Erik Karlsson, but I’d go so far to say that Clarke is a more complete player at the same age.
3. LD Owen Power, University of Michigan NCAA there is a lot of uncertainty at the top of the draft, but you can bet Power will go in a lottery pick — 6’6 defensemen with great skating and high-end ability in all three zones are just rare, and Power combines a ridiculously high floor with a stratospheric ceiling.
4. LW/C Kent Johnson, University of Michigan NCAA the most dynamic offensive forward in the class, Johnson has otherworldly hands and vision and can also launch a puck top corner. He's like a magnet for your eyeballs when he possesses the puck in space, he's simply electrifying.
5. LD Luke Hughes, US-NTDP the best skater in the entire draft class, Hughes will be the third Hughes brother to go in the top 10 of the NHL draft, and has a legitimate chance to be the second Hughes selected with the first overall pick. His upside is likely higher than any other D in the class, but he has more to work on than Power or Clarke — though this might just be because he is one of the youngest draft-eligibles for 2021.
6. LW/C William Eklund, Djurgardens SHL the highest hockey IQ in the 2021 class, Eklund thinks the game at ridiculously high speeds like a supercomputer. Though he might lack the electrifying offensive upside of a Johnson, his anticipation and awareness are unmatched in the draft.
7. RW/LW Dylan Guenther, Edmonton WHL somewhere in between Johnson and Eklund lies Guenther — a dynamic offensive talent with high-end intelligence and a complete 200-foot game. This kid is as can’t miss as it gets, and often compared to a right-shooting Kyle Connor.
8. C Chaz Lucius, US-NTDP in my mind, the best pure goal-scorer in the draft — Lucius can absolutely wire the puck. His one criticism has been his solid but unspectacular skating, but he also plays an intelligent and complete game — if this reminds you a bit of Mark Scheifele, it’s also why Chaz Lucius is a great pick in the top 10 overall.
9. LD Stanislav Svozil, HC Kometa CZECH the best defensive defender in the draft is also probably the best breakout passer. He’s as smart as it gets — despite playing in a tough men’s league, this kid is almost supernaturally smooth and savvy with the puck. His offensive ceiling has been questioned, despite his high-end passing and puck-carrying and a good shot. An absolute standout at the WJC, despite being one of the younger players in the tournament. This is simply an outstanding defender who has been sorely underrated.
10. RW/LW Fabian Lysell, Luleå SHL if Johnson and Guenther are the most dynamic offensive talents in the 2021 draft, Lysell is just behind them in that regard and he might be the best skater among all forwards in the class. The upside here is just huge, so I’m proud to have Lysell round out my top 10.
11. C Francesco Pinelli, HDD Jesenice AlpsHL the lack of an OHL season has hurt Pinelli more than anyone — this kid was set to absolutely explode for Kitchener. It might be a risk to rank him so high, but this is an elite skater with elite playmaking ability and creativity with the puck. His compete level and intelligence are both superlative, and it is my firm conviction that he has high-end potential as an NHL 1C.
12. LW/C Cole Sillinger, Medicine Hat WHL everything about this kid’s game is brilliant, except for average skating ability — the singular knock which keeps him out of the top 10. What’s important to remember is Sillinger is a dual-threat offensive monster who plays every shift with intelligence, physicality and ferocity. The skating will not prevent him from being an impact player at the NHL level.
13. LW/C Zachary L’Heureux, Halifax QMJHL the most physical forward in the top half of my preliminary 2021 rankings, L’Heureux adds borderline elite scoring ability to his nasty streak. Despite not being huge at 5’11-195, L’Heureux plays like a honey badger on skates and can bury the puck from anywhere in the offensive zone.
14. LD Simon Edvinsson, Frolunda SHL a 6’4 defenseman with elite skating ability is rare, but so is Edvinsson — who is also a wonderful puck-handler with solid passing ability and a commendable defensive game. Might lack the shot and high-end vision to be elite offensively, but Edvinsson excels in transition and has big-time upside as a defensive stud, as well.
15. LD Carson Lambos, Winnipeg WHL as talented as any D in the draft, Lambos combines formidable skating, strength and athleticism. Has a few nagging questions which drop him out of the top 10, but they are many of the same questions which dogged Alex Pietrangelo in his draft-eligible season, and Lambos shares several of a young Pietrangelo’s strengths.
16. C Aatu Raty, Karpat FIN has taken some unfair criticism since his once-meteoric development arc has leveled off a bit. But it’s crucial to keep in mind Raty is a big, fast two-way center with a deadly shot. He’s a good passer and a true dual threat. Raty is pretty much the perfect projection as a top-notch NHL 2C with no discernible weakness in his game.
17. LW Isak Rosen, Leksands SHL Rosen is the only 2021 forward who can challenge Lysell as the fastest skater, and he’s also a tremendous playmaker with elite IQ and compete level. His consensus ranking has been unfairly dropped by the fact that he’s a smallish kid (5’10-160) playing out of level in the Swedish men’s league due to the pandemic. I had to have Rosen in my top 20 — this kid is a scintillating offensive talent with huge upside.
18. C Mackie Samoskevich, Chicago USHL another sorely underrated talent, Samoskevich may not be the biggest or the fastest, but this kid is an absolute sorcerer with the puck on his stick. Outside of Kent Johnson, there is no one in the draft class with more flash and dash than this kid — his hands and ability to create offense out of seemingly nothing are simply dazzling. He’s going to score and score big wherever he plays.
19. C Fyodor Svechkov, Lada Togliatti MHL most people realize Svechkov is the best two-way center in the draft after only Beniers — but many have been sleeping on his high-end offensive talent. His passing is absolutely breathtaking and his on-ice awareness is elite.
20. LW Brennan Othmann, EHC Olten SWISS another kid who’s ability to move up the rankings boards has been hurt by the lack of an OHL season, Othmann should be piling up goals for the Flint Firebirds. He’s a super-smart and super-feisty competitor despite being slightly undersized at 5’11-165. But the real reason you’re drafting him is because he’s one of the best pure goal-scorers in the 2021 draft class. This kid can shoot a slab of bacon through a lion pride.
21. LW/C Mason McTavish, EHC Olten SWISS like Othmann, this Peterborough Pete has also been loaned to Olten of the Swiss league. Though also a pure goal-scorer, McTavish is a completely different player. A big, old school power forward who loves to crunch bodies and create havoc in the crease. Though his lack of foot-speed keeps him (just) out of the top 20, McTavish is a player very much coveted by NHL front offices — a big, tough, sharp-shooter who can blast a puck top cheddar then pound an opposing defender into next week.
22. RW/LW Matthew Coronato, Chicago USHL a talent who beats the opposition in every imaginable way —Coronato is simply terrific when it comes to shooting, passing and puck handling, he’s a staple on the PP and PK and he can play either wing. He’s been compared to Jake Guentzel, and he’s the more polished player at the same age.
23. LW/RW Simon Robertsson, Skelleftea SHL my favorite 2021 draft quote comes from one of Robertsson’s coaches: “he shoots as hard as a horse kicks”. This is a pure goal-scorer who adds excellent skating and two-way effort. Destined to be a weapon in the circles for an NHL PP.
24. LW Sasha Pastujov, US-NTDP one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2021 draft, Pastujov has been scrutinized for his average skating and occasional lack of detail to 200-foot play. However, the argument could be made that he is the best passer in the entire draft. His offensive upside is stratospheric if he puts it all together. A real wild card who could go just outside of the top 10, or fall out of the first round entirely.
25. C Zachary Bolduc, Rimouski QMJHL a rangy, two-way center with very good offensive potential, projects to a prototypical NHL 2C. His entire game is silky smooth and in some ways reminiscent of a young Patrice Bergeron.
26. LW Oskar Olausson, HV71 SHL often miscategorized as a two-way type forward, Olausson is actually ranked so highly by me because of his offensive potential despite some problems in his 200-foot game. Olausson is a big kid who can fly and rocket the puck.
27. LW/RW Nikita Chibrikov, SKA-1946 MHL a highly skilled and versatile wing who always seems to be driving to the net despite not being the biggest kid at 5’10-160. Chibrikov is an outstanding two-way player who is one of the fiercest forecheckers in the entire class. He can beat you with razzle-dazzle and he can beat you with lunch-pail grit.
28. LD Vladislav Lukashevich, Yaroslavl MHL a silky smooth defender with a cerebral approach and electrifying skates, Lukashevich has been painfully overlooked by many draft analysts who have him ranked in the 3rd or 4th rounds. A surgical passer with elite decision-making, Lukashevich has the potential to be one of the better mid-pairing, two-way D in the league.
29. RW Logan Stankoven, Kamloops WHL every year there’s a kid like this — an absolute beast in every facet of the game who, if he were not physically small of stature (5’8-165), he’d be in every first round ranking on the planet. This kid is smart, fierce and can create offense out of thin air while playing a complete and aware game. I don’t care how big he is — he’s just a huge hockey talent.
30. C Xavier Bourgault, Shawinigan QMJHL Bourgault shares the high-end offensive talent of fellow QMJHL-er Bolduc, but lacks the complete game which sees Bolduc in the top 25. But make no mistake, this is a top-level playmaker with big scoring potential.
31. RD Scott Morrow, Shattuck St. Mary’s USHS okay, so there are a lot of quirks to iron out of his complete game, and he’s very raw having not yet played to his level of competition. But Morrow’s potential is ridiculous — he’s a big kid with unbelievable skating and puck skills. He’s a player who is scary to draft due to the uncertainty, but he might be scarier to pass up on due to simply enormous potential.
32. RD Jack Bar, Chicago USHL the opposite of Morrow is Jack Bar, a rock-solid defender with sneaky offensive ability which is difficult to gauge because of his team-first style of play. Bar is the best shut-down defenseman in the entire USHL. Bar is big and mobile and a terrifically efficient passer, there’s really nothing not to like here.

From that list, I fully expect the Devils to get the BDA (Best Defenseman Available) in the draft, even though this draft is more a crapshoot than other drafts due to the situation going on.

 

[Shakir ONeal]

The Guenther-Connors comparison is so accurate

 

[My3Sons]

Would Bar be a realistic choice at the NYI pick? He sounds like a good bet for a middle pair defender which would be a good result with a later first round pick.

 

[Blackjack]

If the Penguins can draft Jordan Staal when they already had Crosby and Malkin, I'd have no problem taking Beniers if he's still on the board when the Devils pick.

 

[HBK27]

The Devils currently have the 5th worst record in the league, so they're currently slotted in the 6th position with the addition of Seattle. The draft lottery also means they could fall back another two spots and obviously things will change between now and the end of the season on the final standings (though it appears it will be a little bit tougher for the Devils to "catch" the teams below them in the standings versus falling behind).

So, my best guess for today assuming NJ does not win the draft lottery would be picking 6th-8th. Is there much of a difference between these spots or any slot we want to be at to ensure we get a certain tier player?

Just looking at the list and the little I know about the top names in the draft being tossed around it would seem that we would at least want to get that #7 spot and should be happy with any of those top 7 you had listed. Lucius at #8 is the top goal scorer of the draft, which we just got last year in Holtz, and it seems like there's a decent drop between Guenther and Svozil - is that accurate?

 

[HBK27]

If the Penguins can draft Jordan Staal when they already had Crosby and Malkin, I'd have no problem taking Beniers if he's still on the board when the Devils pick.

Eh, if he's clearly the BPA I guess...but it seems like the top few picks are all over the board and the Devils clearly have a greater need for D.

Plus, it would almost be worth it alone to see the Vancouver board meltdown if the Devils draft Hughes.

 

[Nico Hischier]

Top 3 Priority for me

1: Hughes - I don’t care that he is not a RD get Jack’s brother I’m sure he is going to be great like the other 2 Hughes before him

2. Clarke - best rd and fills biggest need

3. Johnson - potential first line LW

Unfortunately, I think the chances of us falling outside the top 7 after the regular season and draft lottery are greater then getting one of those 3 players

 

[Nocashstyle]

My wish list is basically anyone listed in that top 7 up there....or Edvinsson, I like what I’ve read about him.

STI, you seem to be a little more lukewarm on Guenther than others. Off the top of my head, I think Pronman and Button recently had him top 2. Pronman might have even had him at #1. What cons are you seeing to bring him down a little further?

 

[TheDuke93]

Great list although I am shocked you haven't linked Clarke too Josi at all STI.

 

[HischierSeDgewOrk]

So let's all hope for a top 7 pick!!!!

 

[StevenToddIves]

Would Bar be a realistic choice at the NYI pick? He sounds like a good bet for a middle pair defender which would be a good result with a later first round pick.

Personally, Bar is a guy who I hope falls to the Islanders pick in the second round. Same with Vincent Iorio. One of those two should still be around in the #54-#64 range where that Islanders pick will wind up.

 

[StevenToddIves]

If the Penguins can draft Jordan Staal when they already had Crosby and Malkin, I'd have no problem taking Beniers if he's still on the board when the Devils pick.

Beniers is clearly my favorite player in the draft. That being said, if I'm the Devils I don't know if I could draft him ahead of the "Big 3 D" of Clarke/Hughes/Power. These kids are close enough together in talent that positional need -- normally not a major determinant -- is likely to have some weight.

It is difficult to explain how much I love to watch Matthew Beniers play. He makes all of the stuff I do here worth it -- he's simultaneously fun and super-fast while somehow being technically perfect. Matt Beniers is like the Neal Peart drum solo of hockey players. (Anyone who does not get that reference, at least you have your youth.)

 

[LeedsMonster]

Beniers is clearly my favorite player in the draft. That being said, if I'm the Devils I don't know if I could draft him ahead of the "Big 3 D" of Clarke/Hughes/Power. These kids are close enough together in talent that positional need -- normally not a major determinant -- is likely to have some weight.

It is difficult to explain how much I love to watch Matthew Beniers play. He makes all of the stuff I do here worth it -- he's simultaneously fun and super-fast while somehow being technically perfect. Matt Beniers is like the Neal Peart drum solo of hockey players. (Anyone who does not get that reference, at least you have your youth.)

Lol! Awesome comparison! Hes my favorite player in this draft too. However, if were pick 7th, I dont think we are getting any of the players we really want and should look into packaging that pick for someone like Brock Boeser, and grab one of the RDs with the Islanders pick.

 

[StevenToddIves]

The Devils currently have the 5th worst record in the league, so they're currently slotted in the 6th position with the addition of Seattle. The draft lottery also means they could fall back another two spots and obviously things will change between now and the end of the season on the final standings (though it appears it will be a little bit tougher for the Devils to "catch" the teams below them in the standings versus falling behind).

So, my best guess for today assuming NJ does not win the draft lottery would be picking 6th-8th. Is there much of a difference between these spots or any slot we want to be at to ensure we get a certain tier player?

Just looking at the list and the little I know about the top names in the draft being tossed around it would seem that we would at least want to get that #7 spot and should be happy with any of those top 7 you had listed. Lucius at #8 is the top goal scorer of the draft, which we just got last year in Holtz, and it seems like there's a decent drop between Guenther and Svozil - is that accurate?

If I was forced to tier my draft rankings -- and I hate doing this -- my top tier would be #1 through #7. To give reference, my top tier last year was #1-#3 -- Lafreniere, Byfield and Stutzle. My top tier in 2019 was just #1 -- Jack Hughes. 2018 was #1-#1A -- Dahlin and Svechnikov. So you get the picture -- #1 through #7 is a huge range.

It is important to realize that some draft analysts do not share my view of the top tier. I've seen William Eklund ranked as low as #10 and Dylan Guenther ranked as low as #12. I've seen Carson Lambos, Fabin Lysell and Simon Edvinsson all ranked as high as #3. So there is certainly some range.

If I were to do a mock draft now, for instance, Anaheim would be drafting #4. Anaheim traditionally loves size, they really love size + skating, and their biggest need is at LD. So, Simon Edvinsson would be my likely Anaheim pick at #4, especially since I expect Power and Hughes to go in the top 3. Obviously, this would push one of my top 7 players down a notch for the rest of the teams. Lambos is another player I could see sneaking into the top 5 for a team which particularly likes him.

 

[My3Sons]

Beniers is clearly my favorite player in the draft. That being said, if I'm the Devils I don't know if I could draft him ahead of the "Big 3 D" of Clarke/Hughes/Power. These kids are close enough together in talent that positional need -- normally not a major determinant -- is likely to have some weight.

It is difficult to explain how much I love to watch Matthew Beniers play. He makes all of the stuff I do here worth it -- he's simultaneously fun and super-fast while somehow being technically perfect. Matt Beniers is like the Neal Peart drum solo of hockey players. (Anyone who does not get that reference, at least you have your youth.)

That’s as good as it gets. Is he really that good? Maybe he’s more like a Ginger Baker drum solo?

Edit: I’m not being silly. Peart is really really high praise.

 

[StevenToddIves]

The Devils currently have the 5th worst record in the league, so they're currently slotted in the 6th position with the addition of Seattle. The draft lottery also means they could fall back another two spots and obviously things will change between now and the end of the season on the final standings (though it appears it will be a little bit tougher for the Devils to "catch" the teams below them in the standings versus falling behind).

So, my best guess for today assuming NJ does not win the draft lottery would be picking 6th-8th. Is there much of a difference between these spots or any slot we want to be at to ensure we get a certain tier player?

Just looking at the list and the little I know about the top names in the draft being tossed around it would seem that we would at least want to get that #7 spot and should be happy with any of those top 7 you had listed. Lucius at #8 is the top goal scorer of the draft, which we just got last year in Holtz, and it seems like there's a decent drop between Guenther and Svozil - is that accurate?

Adding to what I said before -- I encourage everyone to read a litany of draft writers. I am quite confident in ranking Svozil ahead of Edvinsson and Lambos because I am confident that Svozil is an absolutely brilliant defense prospect. For me, it's not a knock on Edvinsson or Lambos, both of whom I really like. But all my readers should be aware that the consensus ranking for Edvinsson and Lambos is in the top #7-#10 range, while the consensus for Svozil is in the mid-20s.

My reasoning for this is I feel Svozil is similar to Jake Sanderson last year in that he's lights-out defensively, almost supernatural in his smarts and on-ice awareness and the only reason he does not put up big numbers or offensive highlight videos is because he is very careful in his general decision making. The biggest knock I've heard against him is "I'm not sure how much offensive upside Svozil has". My answer is always: "then, shouldn't you be ranking Svozil higher?"

My point is, that while Svozil has not displayed consistent offense, he hasn't showed any incapability in this respect. He might be the most efficient passer of any D in this draft aside from Clarke. His shot is very good. He skates very well, handles the puck very well and sees the ice with unbelievable acuity. I feel that an NHL organization which coached him to "let his hat down a bit" and take charge of the offensive reins would find this kid can drive the play everywhere on the ice.

I realize this wasn't your question, I just saw "drop-off" and "Svozil" in the same sentence and, quite frankly, I just enjoy talking about Svozil.

 

[StevenToddIves]

My wish list is basically anyone listed in that top 7 up there....or Edvinsson, I like what I’ve read about him.

STI, you seem to be a little more lukewarm on Guenther than others. Off the top of my head, I think Pronman and Button recently had him top 2. Pronman might have even had him at #1. What cons are you seeing to bring him down a little further?

Read my introduction again -- I am far from lukewarm on Guenther. The kid is outstanding. Were the Devils to draft him, he would immediately become their #1 prospect. He blends incredible intelligence and compete with a tool box filled with near-elite abilities. Dylan Guenther is as can't miss for your first line as anyone in this draft -- while Johnson has more pure upside, he comes with more risk, and while Eklund comes with more intangibles, he lacks the pure scoring skills of Guenther. We're talking a dual-threat offensive force who is a regular on your 1PP and 1PK and can excel at either wing in virtually any situation.

I'm not kidding when I say it's razor thin between my top 7. If a team winning the lottery took Guenther #1 overall, I'd be on these boards lauding it as an outstanding pick.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Great list although I am shocked you haven't linked Clarke too Josi at all STI.

Clarke reminds me of Erik Karlsson more than anyone. I think Karlsson was a faster and more fluid skater, while Clarke is more creative and confident with the puck. Clarke is also more complete at the same age, in my humble opinion.

The important aspect to consider with Josi is he was more in the vein of Svozil at the same age -- he did not take undue chances from the blueline to create offense as a youngster, and it dropped him down draft boards. He only started taking more chances to create offense when his confidence grew later on, in his early 20s. This is why he was a 2nd round pick -- no one dreamed he was capable of 65-point seasons at the NHL level.

 

[TheDuke93]

Read my introduction again -- I am far from lukewarm on Guenther. The kid is outstanding. Were the Devils to draft him, he would immediately become their #1 prospect. He blends incredible intelligence and compete with a tool box filled with near-elite abilities. Dylan Guenther is as can't miss for your first line as anyone in this draft -- while Johnson has more pure upside, he comes with more risk, and while Eklund comes with more intangibles, he lacks the pure scoring skills of Guenther. We're talking a dual-threat offensive force who is a regular on your 1PP and 1PK and can excel at either wing in virtually any situation.

I'm not kidding when I say it's razor thin between my top 7. If a team winning the lottery took Guenther #1 overall, I'd be on these boards lauding it as an outstanding pick.

This kid is ALWAYS in the right spot, and I am not sure you can say that about many prospects over the past decade.

 

[StevenToddIves]

So let's all hope for a top 7 pick!!!!

We need to keep in mind that my top 7 is not everyone's top 7. First off, we need to keep in mind that goalies are not listed in my rankings and Jesper Wallstedt could easily be drafted in the top 7. It's also very possible that Lambos, Edvinsson and Lysell can all sneak in, and the team drafting #10 or #11 can luck into a Guenther or Eklund.

My rankings are always a bit off the consensus. Last year, I raised a few eyebrows at the top of my draft by ranking Seth Jarvis as the top RW at #8 overall, ahead of Holtz or Quinn. This year my preliminary rankings of Lucius at #8, Svozil at #9 and Pinelli at #11 are probably about as high as you'll find.

 

[TheDuke93]

Clarke reminds me of Erik Karlsson more than anyone. I think Karlsson was a faster and more fluid skater, while Clarke is more creative and confident with the puck. Clarke is also more complete at the same age, in my humble opinion.

The important aspect to consider with Josi is he was more in the vein of Svozil at the same age -- he did not take undue chances from the blueline to create offense as a youngster, and it dropped him down draft boards. He only started taking more chances to create offense when his confidence grew later on, in his early 20s. This is why he was a 2nd round pick -- no one dreamed he was capable of 65-point seasons at the NHL level.

I was speaking more so now, I am not capable of comparing prospects because frankly my brains not big enough. But when I watch Josi from 2013 on, he POPPED at the 2013 IIHF World Championship while taking silver and winning MVP of the tourney, he just does so many things in transition and in the offensive zone that I see Clarke do as well. Confidence IMO most of the time is what keeps 2nd round picks from being 1st round picks when they are prospects and make the proverbial year 2 jump.