As the eve approaches on many junior and men’s league worldwide, the cream of the 2021 NHL draft class is soon to begin rising to the top. Not since 2012 has there been such a lack on conseusnsus in early rankings, with several prospects keen to put their up in lights and solidify their own status as ‘The Guy’ this season. So I figured no better time than now to share my own early rankings and give an in-depth insight into who may just have the inside lane to pick #1, pick #2 etc etc.
This 2021 class is one very much the opposite of 2020. The premier prospects are destined to be defenseman and trailing that are the group goal scoring wingers with a dependable offensive centre thrown in the mix. No doubt there will be many surprises and questions as the season goes on, for example who will be the Seth Jarvis of the group? Does Wallstedt push himself into an Askarov type situation? Whatever happens, this is going to be one interesting pool of prospects to follow.
Well, nothing left to do but dive right in but first, please note; my thoughts and rankings are separate to that of my colleagues and in no way are a consensus or official to Recruit Scouting. These are PERSONAL rankings and evaluations.
The early rankings and evaluations
#1 – Brandt Clarke
Defenseman, Barrie Colts
Due to his insane on-ice IQ and high-end skills, Brandt Clarke earns my #1 ranked spot as the most dynamic defenseman in the 2021 class. His skill set is of an absolute premium, earning him the well-deserved position atop of the tree.
Clarke shows incredible poise on the puck and displays confidence way beyond his years. A true game manager, Clarke is steadily making a name for himself as a general who can drive offense out of his own end and across the ice.
He is a fearless passer in all three zones and can pass people open from areas which he really shouldn’t be able to.
His mobility enables him to get where he needs to be swiftly and Clarke gains the offensive zone at will and often displays slick stickhandling to work his way into prime scoring areas. Clarke can manipulate defensers with ease and has soft finishing touches around the net. Clarke’s ability to create space for himself and think on the fly is hands down his best trait. The hands, vision and pro-ready skating ability make him incredibly dangerous when ever he has even just an inch of space in front of him.
He holds himself well physically in his own end and isn’t afraid to close a gap to make a big play. He also uses his stick really well in accompany with his ability to use his angles to cut cut down a forward’s path.
In my mind, Clarke has the potential to be the best defensive prospect we have seen from the OHL in 20 seasons. If he can continue the near point-per-game pace he kept up over the last 22 games of 2019–20, we could be in for a huge upcoming season.
#2 – Carson Lambos
Defenseman, Winnipeg Ice
Lambos sits at present as my #2 ranked skater for 2021. Yes, you are reading this correctly: back-to-back defenders at the top of my board. Lambos is similar in many ways to Clarke, but cut from a different cloth. Both are highly damaging offensively; they simply have different ways of being so.
Lambos is more adept at controlling play in an offensive cycle and is fantastic when roaming the blue line. He always looks to create space, constantly churning his skates and looking to find shooting or passing lanes when setting up play. The way he is able to slip past defenders and walk into prime scoring areas by getting the defense to bite off of a shot or pass fake reminds me of fellow defenseman Bowen Byram’s style of play. That subtle little shoulder dip or hesitation move is all he needs to freeze his direct opponent and find enough room to let his shot fly.
Lambos is a strong skater with good speed and balance and has demonstrated time and again the ability to skate end-to-end. He has deceptive two-step speed and his clean long stride allows him to maintain that speed.
Here is a clip showcasing that speed, some defensive smarts and spacial awareness at both ends in one clip
But he is more often the guy who will pass out of his own end first. Lambos excels in making quick decisions out of his own end and usually transitions the puck by way that is most beneficial for his team. He’s a capable skater coming out of his own (as you’ve seen) and he can make crisp two line passes stretching a defense too.
Lambos applies both his size and skating well in the defensive aspects of his game and is hard to beat both along the boards and at the blue line. He can absolutely lay the hammer when the opportunity arises.
Lambos and Clarke aren’t all that far apart. Both excel in many facets of the game and are dominant players night in and night out. Lambos just lacks that that little bit of high-end puck magic and open ice elusiveness that Clarke has but that is far from a knock on Lambos as he’s elite in his own right; Clarke is just THAT good. Lambos munched the minutes last season and ate up the responsibility bestowed upon him, he’ll be in for a big year.
#3 – Cole Sillinger
Forward, Medicine Hat Tigers
Cole Sillinger perhaps has the highest ceiling of any forward in the 2021 class. He boasts a pro-ready shot and his ability to either shoot off the rush or from a solid stance reminds me a lot of Auston Matthews’ scoring ability at the same age. The confidence I have observed with regards to his shooting is superb and his shot is fantastic to boot. Sillinger regularly dekes or toe drags his way into cleaner shooting areas and often uses his strong upper body to battle through contact in order to get his shot off. Sillinger is a player that plays to his strengths and is very confident in doing so. He knows his shot is good enough to beat most goaltenders on a nightly basis and even a small window is a green light to shoot whether from a tight angle or from distance.
Sillinger hasn’t fully matured in terms of skating as yet, but while skating is not his strong suit, neither is it his weakness. He does have some speed (in bursts), proves to be balanced on his skates and has shown that he can maneuver in a phone booth when needed. Despite not being a transition wizard or straight line burner shift to shift, Sillinger proves you don’t have to skate fast to play fast. He makes crisp passes in a blink of eye and has a great read on where the space—and, ultimately his teammate–will be.
The shot is well documented, but the ability to process the game and create in very little space and in very little time is that of someone with incredible hockey senses and skill.
Sillinger also uses both body and stick well in puck battles and shows great drive to forecheck and create puck separation.
He will have more polish over 200 feet this season as I undoubtedly feel that he will be a better and stronger skater come the 2020–21 season. I also expect to see defensive positioning improvements in his game. Add that to his already dangerous offensive arsenal, and Sillinger could just be the cherry adorning the forward cake. Sillinger was hampered by injury last season, given the time off he’s had to heal and improve on his game I don’t think 40 tucks is out of the question this WHL season.
#4 – Luke Hughes
Defenseman, USNTDP
The youngest Hughes, #4 ranked Luke, shares similar characteristics with eldest brother, Quinn. Hughes is a fantastic skater who can turn, stop and accelerate on a dime. His playmaking and IQ are through the roof, making him a fantastic play driver out of his own end. Whether it be slashing through the neutral zone with the puck or slowing the game pace down and creating tape-to-tape outlets, Hughes is incredibly clean with his decisions and execution.
Hughes was last measured nudging 6’1″ and looks to have added to his frame. He is great in one-on-one situations and uses both his size and stick well to separate the puck from attackers.
Hughes beams with confidence in the passing game and isn’t scared to be risky in order to create. Sometimes he can be too over confident and he may just need to pull it back at times, but when he produces results like the clip below; keep on doing you Luke.
Hughes shot is also very impressive. He has an accurate wrister, and his slapshot in addition is starting to develop. I love the fact that he never hesitates to drive to the greasy areas in order to get a shot on net. Hughes also plays well down low in the cycle and can both set-up play and get scoring shots from that spot.
I think Luke is better in terms of shot variety and in finding a wider assortment of on-ice positions from which to shoot than Quinn was at the same age. Luke is only going to get stronger, and that will result only in more power in his shot and explosiveness in his skating. Scary thought.
#5 – Aatu Räty
Centre, Kärpät
At #5, Aatu Räty is a fantastic play-driving centre with a great offensive IQ. He is a total menace both in transition and when in the offensive zone. Räty boasts a hard, accurate and heavy shot that he can unload in various ways. Whether it’s shooting off the rush or winding up a big slapper from distance, Räty’s ability to get pucks through on net is undeniably an attractive trait.
Räty is a balanced skater who uses his curls and turns well in order to shake defenders and when operating in the cycle, uses deceptive movements and high-end puck skills to free himself when the space around him closes. Räty is fantastically composed and extends offensive zone time with poise and creativity.
Although not tremendously quick, Räty is well developed physically and is strong both in his legs and core, enabling him to power across the ice and brush off checks easier than most of his peers. He is a force down low and drives hard in and around the net, always searching to make the best advantageous play possible. Here is Räty taking the puck behind the cage and flinging it into a highly dangerous area for a great result.
There are a few mechanical aspects to his skating that he needs work on, but he is already producing and these limitations in no way inhibit his game style, meaning the grass will only be much greener with his improvement.
Räty is strong but he doesn’t play with a bruising style. He is much more comfortable using his stick and elusiveness when engaged. When not in possession of the puck, Räty is frequently a read and react player. In all zones, he sits outside of the scrum in the softer spots and attempts to act as his team’s outlet to again create offense. At this point in time he has more dynamism to come, as well as some defensive improvements. Somewhat the #1 guy for most, I feel Räty may be surpassed by Sillinger and possibly others as they mature in both age and playing ability as I feel he may not have the upside as others.
#6 – Chaz Lucius
Forward, USNTDP
At #6, Chaz Lucius falls under a similar umbrella to my third ranked player Sillinger: a high-end offensive talent who should have significant skating improvements that see his stock bolster.
Lucius is a pure goal scorer who blends magical hands with a stellar shot. He can beat you more ways than most other players and can get his shot off with very little–if any–space. He powers his way into space well (whether in possession or not) and drives hard and violently to the net, yet his finishes are that of the finest silk.
Lucius is incredibly skillful on the puck and teases defenders with his ability to have the puck on a string–he creates space out of nothing and, more often than not, uses that space to brilliant effect. The way in which he dictates play on the ice is second to none, as demonstrated by his elite hockey mind. No other forward can process the game and display elite senses like Lucius can. He just gets it between the ears.
Also like Sillinger, Lucius doesn’t have to skate fast to play fast. Lucius is a quick decision maker and possesses the ability to fire quick passes to teammates by drawing defenders who are wary of his shooting prowess, making his shooting ability and scoring threat all the more dangerous.
One part of his game that has really grown and should be a critical element to his success this season will be the ability to forecheck and create not only for himself but others. He’s already got the stick skill and nous, adding that extra skating element will see him be even more active and successful.
Overall, Lucius is one of (if not) the best blend of skill and power among the 2021 forward class. Expect big things.
#7 – Kent Johnson
Centre, University of Michigan
Kent Johnson, the darling of the BCHL, takes his place at #7. Johnson is the most creative and eye-catching player in the 2021 class. He has a massive variety of playmaking tools that should be very translatable at the NHL level.
Johnson launches his offense with his ability to push the pace of play, his fluid movements and his excellent vision. No player in this class is able to rush the pace of play and make good decisions as quickly as Johnson. When in the offensive zone, Johnson is able to survey everything around him and either find the space or dangle his way into created space with ease. Johnson has the best set of hands in the class and his shot variety is also the best. He can finish from range, angles and even from behind the net. He’s just ridiculous.
He is an effortless skater with great north/south speed and can shift directions at the flick of switch. His shot is also very deceptive and he generates a great amount of power due to his fantastic hand extension. Johnson requires little space to find an avenue to the goal. His puck skills and overall hand-eye coordination are of elite caliber.
Within that space, he is just as lethal setting up play and surveying what’s around him. Johnson constantly keeps defenders guessing as to what he is going to do, he executes his entries with varying angles, and he often changes his entry speed in order to create, meaning he never runs himself into issues.
Johnson is a fantastic passer and has many tricks in his bag. Besides creating somewhat regular plays (brilliance is his regular), he delivers passes with perfect weight and placement and sometimes he makes we wonder if he’s superman, we all only have one set of eyes right?
Besides his slight frame, I see no issues at all in regads to his play translating to NCAA level. Much like Alex Newhook this previous season, the speed and elusiveness was very much a success factor for him. Even though Newhook is a bit stronger and bigger, it’s hard to wrangle what you can’t catch. Expect similar results for Johnson.
#8 – Samu Tuomaala
Winger, Kärpät U20
Ranked #8, Tuomaala is a skilled offensive winger who arguably has the best overall shot of any player outside North America. Tuomaala excels in the transition game and builds his offense off of this aspect of his game. Whether he is the primary puck mover or skating in support, he is efficient at finding open ice wherever he can and producing a clean shooting lane.
Tuomaala can toe drag defenders out of their skates and get a shot off, drive to the net front or simply set up for a one-timer, and this scoring variation is his greatest asset. Tuomaala boasts a shoot-first mentality, but he does provide adequate playmaking for a skater with a sniper’s toolkit.
When he enters the zone and can’t find a shooting chance, Tuomaala is smart enough to not waste his entries and displays solid puck protection. He can drive the puck deep and setup play from lower in a cycle, as well as find adequate space through which to pass into a dangerous area.
His work along the walls is also often overlooked, as he uses both his body and stick well to win his battles.
Tuomaala has some defensive aspects to work on, as he’s not really as present physically or mentally as compared when he’s on the puck. He is a sniper and an offensive mided player, I don’t expect him to garner Selke quality defense anytime soon. It’s more so the willingenss to learn some more awareness, he’s a skilled and smart player though, and I’m sure he’ll figure it out soon enough.
#9 – Fabian Lysell
Winger, Frölunda J20
Dynamic Swede Fabian Lysell currently owns my #9 spot with room to move (up). Lysell is a fast, no-fear attacker who possesses game-breaking highlight reel talent. He skates with vigor in transition and often flashes remarkable puck skills in order to shake defenders and create good scoring chances. Despite his smaller stature, he demonstrates good strength and uses what little bulk he has to shield defenders away from the puck.
Since he can propel himself rather quickly from A to B, Lysell doesn’t need much time in order to shoot, and his fast yet deft puck touches allow him to open up angles and avoid net front traffic.
Lysell is effective in the cycle and constantly searches for space in order to create. He is also a terrific passer and shows no fear when trying to force pucks into small windows. He does however display that he can make questionable decisions at times. He wants to go go go, all the time and that runs him into trouble. A shift in speed, angle upon entry or even an early pass would simply see him deviate from poorer puck possessions. I think having a full season (or as close as you can to it) against regular SuperElit competition will only bring good things for him as he learns the quality of his peers and how to dominate them.
Lysell—the true definition of a high-octane player.
#10 – Dylan Guenther
Forward, Edmonton Oil Kings
In a somewhat lower position than the early consensus showed, Guenther finds himself at the #10 spot. I really dig his ability to finish in the offensive zone, and his skating is superlative. Gunether is prolific in transitioning the puck up ice and often burns through holes and past defenders in order to get a look on net. He displays good strength down low and is not afraid to engage a defender around the net front in order to gain puck control. He has a great shot and his finishing in close is arguably atop the class. Guenther is confident in his shot and has great extension on his wrist shot and nifty in-tight moves around the goal crease.
That being said, much of Guenther’s on-ice success is heavily reliant on his skating and shot volumes. He does get a lot of pucks into dangerous areas, mostly through pure shot volume, but for the most part his play style leaves me wanting more from his entries. He lacks that little bit of creativity on the puck, and if forced inside and away from the walls, he is frequently prone to running himself into trouble as he has trouble against good stick defenders.
There seems to be a missing link between his brain and feet in regards to his playmaking. His skating and finishing ability is nonetheless translatable and of a high caliber, but I would need to see more accountable play when a shooting chance hasn’t arisen, as well as more skill on the puck, before I rank him any higher.
#11 – Matt Beniers
Centre, University of Michigan
At #11 is Matt Beniers, the USNTDP’s workhorse. Beniers brings a solid 200-foot game with well-rounded acumen at both ends. Beniers doesn’t necessarily force offense as such—he’s more often a player who relies on his instincts to guide him. The Wolverine commit is a total puck hound and uses his sound hockey mind to lead him to the right areas. When in space, Beniers isn’t afraid to flash his high end senses and is a fantastically poised distributor and uses those quick reacts to get fast and accurate shots off.
Additionally, he is an explosive skater who utilizes his speed and size to a great advantage. He powers across the ice and uses brute force blended with skill to get good shooting looks and passing opportunities.
It also allows him to efficiently control an offensive cycle, catch up to the play defensively and disrupt opposing attacks. One thing he does do extremely well is chase the play down and use his stick to strip pucks and body attackers off of the puck. He is also active in engaging in the corners and along the wall in hopes of creating turnovers and ultimately facilitating offense.
Beniers is a special teams’ specialist as such and is great in the faceoff circle.
He may not have the strength (yet) needed to have a high-caliber shot, seeing as he is still quite rangy, but it excites me to see what his on-ice product will look like when that strength is added and his frame fills out.
#12 – Sean Behrens
Defenseman, USNTDP
Up next at #12, explosive offensive defenseman Sean Behrens. The USNTDP product is not as dynamic on the puck as names such as Clarke or Lambos, Behrens is more inclined to trail the play and provide options when jumping into the offensive zone. Behrens has a good feel for when to launch into the offensive zone and often finds himself in efficient scoring areas. He has a quick release and, even though he is of diminutive stature, is very sound mechanically in all aspects of his shot, thus generating unsuspecting power.
Behrens can also help lead an attack on counters with thanks to his speed. As soon as the puck is turned over, if the space and opportunity allow he can burst into open ice and proceed to become a play facilitator driving forward. Behrens has explosive quickness and his clean stride enables him to keep that pace up.
Behrens has a fantastic read on the puck in his own zone and does not hesitate to jump a gap, steal the puck and turn it up ice. He has stellar gap control and defensive positioning, which help alleviate his strength and overcome deficiencies.
As you can see in the clip above, Behrens has a stellar presence and sound skills in all three zones.
#13 – Owen Power
Defenseman, University of Michigan
Towering offensive defenseman Owen Power may also seem a bit low at #13, but I have my reasons. I do, however, absolutely love his overall skills and of the way he makes use of his size. For a guy standing at 6’5″, he glides around the ice effortlessly. He is quick to pounce on pucks in his own end and has both the vision and skill necessary to generate positive offensive movements. He uses his stick and size well in defense and uses his quick acceleration to cut down forwarde’s angles, forcing them wide and stifling offense.
Power’s shot has definitely grown alongside his confidence in using it. It is now one of the heaviest shots around, and he is controlled in the sense that he doesn’t waste shooting opportunities.
He runs the cycle well and uses his skating and movements to find good shooting lanes.
Owen Power is a freight train in transition and when powering through the neutral zone can either deke around or simply overpower bodies in order to gain the offensive zone.
But this is where some of my reservations lie.
Power is no doubt a physical specimen with a boatload of talent, but I see a fair bit of ‘Broberg Syndrome’ in his game. The issue of being mobile and flashy in transition but with a lower success rate of offense off of it.
Power excels when in the cycle—it’s those zone entries mentioned above where I have some concern. He tends to run himself out of runway at times and lacks that bit of creativity necessary to problem solve. He relies on his size too often to bail him out of tough situations. That isn’t conducive at the next level.
If he starts to find that little bit of elusiveness in his game and demonstrate that he can problem solve on the fly, I believe he’ll be rewarded with a higher personal mid-term ranking.
#14 – Logan Stankoven
Forward, Kamloops Blazers
At #14 is Kamloops forward Logan Stankoven, perhaps the most intriguing but exciting forward in the 2021 class. No forward other than Stankoven has the ability to create offense out of practically nothing. The pressure he applies on the forecheck is exquisite. Whether he’s rushing the puck carrier or going hard to the boards, Stankoven steals the space from under your feet and is skilled enough to just plain old strip ya’ and create a scoring chance. I don’t think labelling him as an elite forechecker is a stretch at all.
Stankoven also has a filthy release and uses clever deception to create space. He will sell a pass or deke before quickly extending his hands through the puck for a shot. He also gets many defenders to bite with subtle deception through his hip and head movements.
Stankoven is a good passer and, like his shot, his passes carry deception. He can sell his shot as well as anyone and deliver a solid pass tape-to-tape. Although he isn’t a primary play driver, he does have adequate passing skills when required.
Arguably Stankoven’s most likeable trait is his skating.
Stankoven is one of the more balanced and strong skaters in the class and has both high end acceleration and speed over longer bursts to go with it. His curls are clean and tight, and his lateral mobility is second to none. He may look a tad awkward at times as he does have a narrow and shuffled stride, but it in no way derails him from being an A-grade skater.
#15 – Zachary Dean
Centre, Gatineau Olympiques
At #15, Gatineau centre Zachary Dean had a great rookie season in the Q and looks primed to put up video game numbers this season. Dean’s game drips with flair and offensive creativity; he is a human highlight reel. Dean is one of the most lethal puckhandlers in the class, and his soft hands in around net make him a constant scoring threat. When in the cycle offensively, Dean will not hesitate to deke his way into the slot to get a shot off. You can’t give him a single inch of room.
Dean also excels in transition. He’s a well-balanced skater with terrific acceleration who creates fantastic angles upon entry. Even though he hasn’t great upper body strength as yet, he shields the puck well with his stick and constantly keeps moving his feet in order to see separation.
Dean has potential to be a top 10 player if there is a bump in his defensive acumen and in the weight room.
#16 – Anton Olsson
Defenseman, Malmö Redhawks J20
Finally, rounding out my early top 16 is Malmö defender Anton Olsson. Olsson may not have the offensive upside when compared to the defenders ranked above him, but I believe when the 2020–21 season is all said and done, Olsson will be the best two-way defender available. Rarely out of position in any zone, Olsson is always around the puck and never far from the action. He draws tough competition nightly and almost always succeeds.
Olsson is a fantastic skater and has incredible hand-eye coordination. He is able to cut down the angles on oncoming attackers and uses his stick and solid frame to separate the puck.
Olsson is a danger when transitioning the puck out of his own zone and uses his speed and puck skills to force his way through the neutral zone to attack. He has a hard, accurate shot and can finish in and around the net front and from range.
He has great size and displays great IQ in all three zones. There isn’t much to dislike in Olsson’s game.
Here are two clips that best display Olsson’s game. Clip #1 you can see him take the puck from his own end and get a solid scoring chance, and make a nice hit on the back-end of the play. Clip #2 is a nice transition play into the offensive zone.
Hope you all enjoyed my early top 16 for the 2021 draft!
Honourable mentions go to Simon Edvinsson, Jesper Wallstedt, Nikita Chibrikov, Joshua Roy, Mason McTavish, Sasha Pastujov and Isaac Belliveau; these guys were very close to making the list and are well and truly knocking on the door.