2021 is arguably the most difficult year to create an NHL mock draft in recent history.

The draft will take place on Friday, July 23, and be held virtually. Rounds 2-7 will take place the following day. This is a confusing draft because most of the eligible prospects have not been able to play many games this year due to COVID-19. General managers seem unsure how to grade these players with such little sample sizes. It does not help that this year is a very even draft class with multiple players making a strong case to be the first overall pick.

Unfortunately, the New York Islanders do not hold a selection in the first round. They traded away their pick in the deal that acquired Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac from the New Jersey Devils. However, the draft pick went to a good cause as the Islanders had yet another deep playoff run.

On June 2, the Sabres won the draft lottery and will pick first overall, followed by the new Seattle Kraken and the Anaheim Ducks.

1. Buffalo Sabres – C Matthew Beniers, University of Michigan

Beniers is viewed as one of the best prospects in this draft, but many mock drafts don’t have him quite at number one. With speculation of trading superstar center Jack Eichel, Beniers has a chance to fill that role if developed properly. Beniers is a mature 200-foot player and a phenomenal playmaker. He scored 24 points in 24 games at the University of Michigan at just 18 years old. Also, the Sabres drafted Rasmus Dahlin first overall in 2018, and many of their best forwards are wingers, so they may want to go with a center. Regardless, the Sabres have a handful of good choices, and multiple players can work out well and improve things in Buffalo.

2. Seattle Kraken – D Owen Power, University of Michigan

A number of mock drafts have Power at first overall, but many players are challenging him for the crown. Power is 6’5″, but is mobile for his size, and is effective both offensively and defensively. Beniers’ teammate, Power is definitely a safe pick for the new franchise, with low-bust probability. A plethora of good defensemen look to be available during the expansion draft, so Seattle may prefer to draft a forward, but Power is likely the most NHL-ready prospect and can be a big help in Seattle’s inaugural season.

3. Anaheim Ducks – LW William Eklund, Djurgardens IF

Although few mock drafts say so, I believe Eklund makes a case for first overall. Eklund’s 23 points in 40 games were very impressive playing in Sweden’s top league. Eklund outscored his teammate Alexander Holtz who was drafted seventh overall last year. William Eklund has the playmaking abilities and offensive instincts that could lead to an unstoppable duo with Trevor Zegras if he falls to third and goes to Anaheim.

4. New Jersey Devils – D Luke Hughes, USA Developmental Program

The Devils have had defensive issues for quite some time now, so it seems the youngest of the three Hughes brothers makes the most sense.

“If he’s there, I’d want us to take him,” Luke’s older brother Jack said, who was drafted first overall by the Devils in 2019. Luke’s style of play is very similar to his oldest brother Quinn, who was a Calder Trophy candidate in 2020. Unfortunately, Luke’s season was cut short due to a foot injury. However, his 18 points in 15 USHL games were impressive for a defenseman.

5. Columbus Blue Jackets – LW Dylan Guenther, Edmonton Oil Kings

Dylan Guenther is another name that could go top three, or fall to around eighth. In his first full WHL season, Guenther scored 59 points in 58 games. Guenther returned to play just 12 games this year but put up 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points in 2021. Guenther can skate, move the puck, and most notably has an incredibly accurate shot. Approaching what appears to be a rebuild for the Blue Jackets, Guenther could be a good fit, especially if Patrik Laine doesn’t stay in Columbus long-term

6. Detroit Red Wings – C Kent Johnson, University of Michigan

Kent Johnson is the puck-on-a-string playmaker that can electrify the Red Wings’ offense. Although his ceiling isn’t quite that high, Kent Johnson looks a lot like Connor McDavid in terms of speed and play style. The Red Wings can use more centers outside of Dylan Larkin, and are likely looking to add as many talented young pieces as possible. Johnson has few holes in his game so expect him to be an effective first or second-line center.

7. San Jose Sharks – G Jesper Wallstedt, Lulea HF

Drafting goaltenders early in the first round is a debatable topic. Sometimes you get Carey Prices. Other times you get Brett Krahns. But the Sharks are desperate for goaltending, and Wallstedt makes a great case to be drafted so high. At just 18-years-old, he had an impressive start to his career in Sweden’s top league.  He moves across the net very quickly and has fast reactions. Wallstedt looks like he can definitely be a starting goalie, possibly an elite one.

8. Los Angeles Kings – D Brandt Clarke, Nove Zamky Mikron HC

Brandt Clarke is a solid puck-moving defenseman who can help the Kings’ blueline. He has a right-hand shot, can rack up points from the defensive position, and be a power-play quarterback. The Ontario native played for the Barrie Colts of the OHL but played in Slovakia this year since the OHL did not have a season. Other than his shot, Clarke has few weaknesses and can help the Kings in all zones of the ice.

9. Vancouver Canucks – D Simon Edvinsson, Frolunda HC

The Canucks struggled defensively this year and are looking for improvements. Edvinsson is a mature defender who is physical and has a heavy shot. he could go much earlier than ninth, but could also fall out of the top ten. Edvinsson isn’t the flashiest of defensemen but plays a mature, team game, and has been compared to fellow Swede Victor Hedman.

10. Ottawa Senators – LW Fabian Lysell, Lulea HF

Despite his depth role in Sweden, Lysell is a talented player with lots of potential. He has good puck control, is a smooth skater, and has an accurate shot. He can compliment Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk on the second line. More time developing his game at a professional level can go a long way for Lysell.

11. Arizona Coyotes – N/A

Due to violations of the NHL’s combine testing policy, the Coyotes’ eleventh overall draft pick will be forfeited.

12. Chicago Blackhawks – C Mason McTavish, Olten EHC

Mason McTavish is one of the larger centers going in the first round, and he uses his size to his advantage. McTavish weighs north of 200 pounds, so he tends to play a physical game, but is also a great playmaker. He is another OHL prospect who relocated to Europe and shows his ability often score with or without using his teammates. It is very possible McTavish goes much earlier than 12th overall, so if he is available by now, it’d be a great selection.

13. Calgary Flames – C Chaz Lucius, USA Developmental Program

Chaz Lucius began the season injured, but had an impressive 18 points in his 12 games for Team USA. Lucius is good in the face-off circle, has a hard shot, and isn’t afraid of battles in front of the net. His abilities can fit the Flames’ system well and may be able to fill Sean Monahan’s shoes if traded.

14. Philadelphia Flyers – D Carson Lambos, Winnipeg Ice

We didn’t see much of Carson Lambos this year but had a really good previous year in the WHL. He went to play U20 hockey in Finland after scoring 32 points in 57 games with the Winnipeg Ice. Lambos is a mature defenseman and a good skater with solid puck movement and physicality.

15. Dallas Stars – C Aatu Raty, Karpat

If this name is more recognizable than others in the middle of the round, it’s probably because Raty was a potential top-three pick last summer. Unfortunately, Raty showed little progress in his second Liiga season and did not make Finland’s team in the 2021 World Juniors. Still, Raty has a lot of offensive tools and can be very effective at the NHL level.

16. New York Rangers – LW Matt Coronato, Chicago Steel

Long Island native Matt Coronato had an impressive 85 points through 51 USHL games this season. Coronato is a player who can always generate space, and can shoot or pass, but could use work defensively. Coronato is a solid pick in the middle of the first round, but the Rangers may avoid wingers after the Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere picks.

17. St. Louis Blues – C Cole Sillinger, Sioux Falls Stampede

Sillinger switched from the WHL to the USHL this year and continued to impress. His combination of a physical presence but also smooth hands give lots of NHL hope. There’s a good chance Sillinger is taken between 10-15 instead.

18. Winnipeg Jets – C/LW Xavier Bourgault, Shawinigan Cataracts

Xavier Bourgault has continued to improve his game in his third QMJHL season. He is one of the flashiest and fastest players in this draft class. His ability to play both center and wing likely appeals to the Jets.

19. Nashville Predators – C/RW Logan Stankoven, Kamloops Blazers

After a good WHL season in 2019-2020, Stankoven only suited up for six WHL games this season, where he scored 10 points. He also scored eight points in seven games for Canada’s U18 squad. Stankoven is known for his quick release and accurate shot. Like Bourgault, Stankoven can play both center and wing. The only major concern with Stankoven seems to be his lack of size.

20. Edmonton Oilers – D Daniil Chayka, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva

Daniil Chayka is more of a defensive defenseman. He is very effective in his own end and can steal the puck from almost anybody. Chayka also has a good shot and can score an occasional goal from a long distance. Daniil Chayka can help provide the defensive structure the Oilers need even after the Duncan Keith trade.

21. Boston Bruins – LW Oskar Olausson, HV71

Oskar Olausson’s speed and stick handling help him put up lots of points. He was very impressive this season in Sweden’s U20 league and even showed promise in the country’s top professional league. Olausson’s fun style makes me view him as one of the most underrated prospects in the class.

22. Minnesota Wild – C/LW Zachary L’Heureux, Halifax Mooseheads

Zachary L’Heureux looks to be just about what a Wild player should be; a fast player with good puck control and lots of physicality. L’Heureux loves to fight and play dirty, sometimes leading to suspensions. If his temper does not worry the Wild, they would love to have a player like L’Hereux.

23. Detroit Red Wings (via Capitals) – G Sebastian Cossa, Edmonton Oil Kings

If the Red Wings don’t select Jesper Wallstedt sixth overall, they should snag the only other top goalie here. The Red Wings need help in goal, with Thomas Greiss, 35, having one year left on his contract, and Johnathan Bernier, 32, hitting the open market this summer. The Red Wings have the cap space to get goaltending help this summer, but a guy like Cossa can really help down the road. Cossa has a really good team in front of him, sure, but his 0.941 save percentage and 1.57 goals-against average stand out.

24. Florida Panthers – RW Nikita Chibrikov, SKA St. Petersburg

Chibrikov is a mature player who carries the puck well and sets up plays. After time in the VHL and MHL, Chibrikov rose all the way to Russia’s top league, the KHL. Chibrikov put up eight points in 20 VHL games this season.

25. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Maple Leafs) – RW Simon Robertsson, Skelleftea AIK

Simon Robertsson has one of the most accurate shots in this draft. He posted nine goals through 15 games in Sweden’s U20 league and got his first taste of professional hockey with two points in 22 SHL games. He’s a solid pick for the end of the draft, but they may avoid Robertsson if they see him as too similar to Dylan Guenther, who they select fifth in this mock draft.

26. Minnesota Wild (via Penguins) – D Sean Behrens, USA Developmental Program

If the Wild want to pick a defenseman with their second first-round pick, they could look at a guy like Sean Behrens. The offensive defenseman had 35 points in 46 USDP games, and 18 points in 23 USHL games. He also has good defensive positioning that makes him difficult to score against. Behrens will attend the University of Denver next season.

27. Carolina Hurricanes – LW Sasha Pastujov, USA Developmental Program

Sasha Pastujov is a talented playmaker who likes to carry the puck into the zone. He is both accurate in the shooting and passing departments. Pastujov had 30 goals and 65 points in 41 USDP games, and 26 points in 18 USHL games.

28. Colorado Avalanche – LW Brennan Othmann, Olten EHC

Othmann made the move to Switzerland this year, becoming teammates with fellow OHLer Mason McTavish. Othmann has great puck control and plays with intensity each and every shift. He is also defensively sound and can carry the puck for effective breakouts

29. New Jersey Devils (via Islanders) – C Francesco Pinelli, HDD Jesenice

Pinelli is known for his passing and his ability to fir the puck through tight holes. Pinelli had 41 points in 59 games last year in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers. This year, Pinelli only saw the ice for 13 Alps Hockey League games. He’s a good player but can improve defensively.

30. Vegas Golden Knights – C Zachary Bolduc, Rimouski Oceanic

Zachary Bolduc has a combination of speed, stick-handling, and a cannon of a shot, making him an offensive powerhouse. Once Bolduc gets the puck, he accelerates, creating an offensive zone chance multiple times a shift. Bolduc can fit the Golden Knights’ strategic and energetic style of play.

31. Montreal Canadieans – LW Samu Tuomaala, Karpat

Tuomaala isn’t projected by many as a first-rounder, but he may sneak his way in. He is a shifty skater and can make plays. He had an impressive 31 points in 30 games in Finland’s U20 league. Unfortunately, he played just five games and got no points in the top league.

32. Columbus Blue Jackets – C Matthew “Mackie” Samoskevich, Chicago Steel

Samoskevich has the dangles, and never shies away from taking on defenders one-on-one. He’s improved steadily in the USHL, posting 37 points in 36 games this year. The Blue Jackets are the only team with three first-round picks, so drafting one winger, one forward, and one defenseman can really boost their prospect pool.

Just missed the cut: Zach Dean, Corson Ceulemans, Isak Rosen, Fedor Svechkov