There isn’t one single way that teams are approaching the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Though the 2019-20 season was mostly complete when it was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic, the year since then has seen juniors leagues with varying levels of success in putting up some sort of 2021 season — all of which is to say that while last year’s draft was affected, there was still a significant amount of the season to learn from that isn’t necessarily true coming into the 2021 draft.
Travel restrictions have also made scouting more difficult, but on the flip side, video access has become more widely available.
Consensus is hard to reach, given all of the limitations of the last year. To give you an idea of the myriad ways the board could fall before reaching the San Jose Sharks at seventh-overall, here’s a few first-round predictions from the experts.
Dobber Prospects
DP Scouting Team’s 2021 NHL Draft Rankings (March 2021)
7 | Simon Edvinsson | LD | Frölunda (J20 Nationell) | 44352 | 203lbs
Alexa Potack: Edvinsson is extremely mobile across all zones of the ice. He is always involved in the play and appears equally confident on both ends. He does not shy away from physicality and uses his large frame with control. In addition to his physical strengths, his vision and spatial awareness are refined. He is constantly checking his surroundings and shifts into different positions when needed. Edvinsson possesses one of the strongest two-way defensive games in this draft class and his variety of skills presents him as a player that is incredibly mature for his age and experience.
Sportsnet
Sportsnet’s 2021 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings: May Edition
7. William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (SWE): Of all the top Swedish prospects, it was Eklund who maintained a regular shift in the SHL with consistent production from start to finish (23 points in 40 games).
TSN, Bob McKenzie
Power the unanimous No. 1 in TSN’s mid-season draft rankings
7. William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (SWE)
TSN, Craig Button
Craig’s List: Defencemen dominate top of draft rankings
7. Dylan Guenther, C/W, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
McKeen’s Hockey
April Ranking on Elite Prospects
7. Dylan Guenther, C/W, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Elite Prospects
7. Fabian Lysell, RW, Lulea HF (SHL)
Sports Illustrated
2021 NHL Draft Rankings: The Final 120
7. Brandt Clarke, D, Barrie (OHL): Got games in by going over to Slovakia where the big ice helped his skating ability. Clarke is a super-smart defenseman who really showed well at the world under-18s for Canada. His vision and shot on the power play are calling cards.
NHL.com
Mock 2021 NHL Draft: Power to Sabres at No. 1; Kraken take Beniers
7. San Jose Sharks
Kimelman — William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (SWE): He showed top-end offensive skill combined with the ability to win battles along the boards and held up well against physical play in the SHL. The Sharks need to get younger and more dynamic as they look to contend for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and Eklund has top-six potential.
Morreale — Kent Johnson, C, Michigan (NCAA): An offensive sniper who plays with pace, skill and creativity, Johnson (6-1, 167) thrived at left wing this season, scoring 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists) in 26 games. He led first-time NHL Draft-eligible NCAA players in assists, points, and points per game (1.04).
The Hockey Writers
2021 NHL Draft Rankings: Forbes’ Top 128 for May
7. Simon Edvinsson, LHD, Frölunda HC (SHL)
2021 NHL Draft Rankings: Baracchini’s Final 160 Rankings
7. Mason McTavish, C, EHC Olten (Swiss)
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