2021 NHL Draft

[Sandman]

In my mind, I'm more excited about the big 3 forwards than anything, but it would be hard not to love it if we landed Power or Clarke. I like both defencemen equally, but I may tend to lean slightly toward Clarke-he seems like the more dynamic of the two, maybe more in the vein of a Heiskanen-type. On the other hand, Power could be a poor-mans Pietrangelo....

[dammage79]

Edvinsson is right there at the tippy top too. Do not discount that player in this draft either. 6'4 and the best skater in the draft. And Luke Hughes. These D men are all gems. Top 7 in the draft is like a feast for high end d men.

Clark, Hughes, Edvinsson, Power. That's 4 killer d men. And it wouldn't shock me to see them go 1-6 and thats it.

Still though, Eklund and Johnson and Lucius are dreams for the Flames.

[Sandman]

Well, I taped today's U-18 game between Canada and Latvia-after destroying Sweden 12-1 yesterday, they had their hands full against plucky Latvia, winning 4-2. Mason MacTavish led the way with 2 goals, and an assist, while Guenther, Stankoven, and Bedard had 2 pts each. Few observations:

MacTavish:I don't usually like players who pile up goals in junior, with hardly any assists, because that type of player never makes it. I really like this kid though-he's listed at 6'2",207lbs, and is a real leader (team Canada Captain). His goal-scoring is what's talked about, but he also passes very well (great pass on Guenther's goal), is pretty owly, and uses his size well. His skating bothers me a bit though-not a bad top speed, but very cumbersome. Kinda got a Kerby Rychel flashback, but this kid might improve as he gets stronger and more NHL fit.

Logan Stankoven:Probably the best player for Canada today. He's tiny (5'8"), but he never takes a shift off, and battles everywhere on the ice. Very wide track skating, but extremely fast.

Olen Zellweger:I'm very impressed. He was the best D man today. He's listed at 5'10", but he's very good at both ends of the ice. Great passer, great skater, high IQ. Doesn't shy away from contact. Looks like Ryan Ellis, if he could skate.

Brandt Clarke: Love this kid. Smooth, calm, good everywhere.

Chase Stillman:Won't rack up a ton of points in this tourney, due to playing down the lineup, but lots to like here. He's listed at 6'1", skates very well, and has his father's (Cory) shot. Another player who likes to muck it up, and is pretty mean. The story with Chase is that he plays for the Sudbury Wolves, while his father is the coach. Coach Cory doesn't let the young guys play any special teams, but sonny Chase still managed to put up 34 pts in 58 games, to go with 63 PIMs last year in 19-20. Very impressive for his Draft minus 1 year.

Brennan Othmann:He's a 6 foot, LW who also jumped out at me. Goes to the dirty areas, and plays a power-forward style. His skating is a bit of a negative, according to some, but it looked just fine today. Has 64PIMs in 34 games in the Swiss league, so he's plenty nasty.

Francesco Pinelli:6'1"C who skates very well, seems to play a good 2 way game, and looks to be a great playmaker (other than an egregious giveaway in the second). Other than the top 3 of Guenther, Stankoven, and MacTavish, he impressed me most.

Guenther:Just as advertised. Fast, with size, and many offensive weapons.

The team was without Shane Wright, and Corson Cuelemans today for precautionary reasons unrelated to COVID. In summary, if the team is picking between 10-15, I would be happy with any of MacTavish, Othmann, Pinelli, or Stillman if we drafted a forward, although picking any of them at that spot would be controversial.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Mass_nerder

I know nothing about Owen Power outside of seeing his name tossed around as a potential high pick; however, I'm always leery of guys who are already NHL sized, and dominating teenagers. That advantage evaporates pretty quickly against NHL opponents.
I see that he's playing in the NCAA this season, so maybe he's proving himself against physically stronger competition.

This is a great point, as physically developed players can dominate juniors simply due to their size.

Cam Barker comes to mind.


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[Nelson]

The Flames really need to lose a number of games in a row here. I know the coaches and players won’t play to lose. But the Flames aren’t making the playoffs. They tried their best. Let’s get the best draft pick possible.

For this reason and for the development of the players, I’d like to see the GM sit any players that are playing hurt and call up and play the AHLers.

[FCAV]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Brennan Othmann:He's a 6 foot, LW who also jumped out at me. Goes to the dirty areas, and plays a power-forward style. His skating is a bit of a negative, according to some, but it looked just fine today. Has 64PIMs in 34 games in the Swiss league, so he's plenty nasty.

Here's some more on Othmann. Warning, it's a deep dive so it'll take you a good chunk of time to get through.

https://nhlentrydraft.com/news/2021-...ennan-othmann/

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by FCAV

Here's some more on Othmann. Warning, it's a deep dive so it'll take you a good chunk of time to get through.

https://nhlentrydraft.com/news/2021-...ennan-othmann/

Great write-up, thanks for posting it!

[Sandman]

A few more notes from the U-18s:

The tourney is being led by 2 Russians, Matvei Michkov, and Nikita Chibrikov. Michkov, as some of us already know, is a 16-year-old, eligible for the 2023 draft. He currently has 6 goals, and 1 assist for 7 points in 3 games.

Chibrikov is eligible for this years draft, and has 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points in 3 games, along with 12 PIMs (which came as a result of an illegal check to head in the USA game,which came with a 10 min misconduct). He scored the OT winner against USA as well. Michkov and Chibrikov play on differnt lines, so they aren't propping each other up.

Russia is, of course, a high scoring team-the 3rd spot in the scoring race is a 3 way tie between Mason MacTavish and 2 Russians-Fedor Svechkov (2021 draft), and Danila Yurov (2022 draft), with 5 points apiece. Svechkov is said to have very good defensive positioning, so his offense makes him even more attractive.

In short, both Chibrikov and Svechkov have upped their draft stock a bit, and could be risers on draft day. And watch out for Michkov in 2023!

[Sandman]

My boy, Sasha Pastujov scored the game tying goal in the third tonight, to tie the game 1-1 against the Czechs. The game was won by USA in the shootout.

3gp/3g/2a/5pts,-3 (yikes)

[dammage79]

Really starting to look like we should be looking at the 11 to 15 ranked guys. At that point I'm looking at McTavish, Lucius and maybe even Pastujov. I'd be very happy with any of those fws. Not to brushed up on Lysell.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Really starting to look like we should be looking at the 11 to 15 ranked guys. At that point I'm looking at McTavish, Lucius and maybe even Pastujov. I'd be very happy with any of those fws. Not to brushed up on Lysell.

Lysell currently has 1g, 2a, 3pts in 3 games. Seems a bit "meh" to be picked in the first half of the first round.

[1qqaaz]

Just purely based on stats and size, Chaz Lucius and Sasha Pastujov are pretty comparable.
It looks like Lucius is more of a sniper whereas Pastujov has mixed production.

It's a bit odd how how Lucius is ranked so much higher. Maybe it helps that he's a right-handed center (whereas left-handed left winger).
A bunch of the reports say that Lucius is good defensively as well. His skating could be better, and he suffered a major injury this year.

Pastujov has a high hockey IQ and is an excellent skater. Apparently he's pretty all-around. It also looks like he has gained some weight this season. His size, production, point totals and style are similar to Kyle Connor during his draft season.
Personally, I don't think he should be outside the top 18.

I would be curious to see what you guys think about these players.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Just purely based on stats and size, Chaz Lucius and Sasha Pastujov are pretty comparable.
It looks like Lucius is more of a sniper whereas Pastujov has mixed production.

It's a bit odd how how Lucius is ranked so much higher. Maybe it helps that he's a right-handed center (whereas left-handed left winger).
A bunch of the reports say that Lucius is good defensively as well. His skating could be better, and he suffered a major injury this year.

Pastujov has a high hockey IQ and is an excellent skater. Apparently he's pretty all-around. It also looks like he has gained some weight this season. His size, production, point totals and style are similar to Kyle Connor during his draft season.
Personally, I don't think he should be outside the top 18.

I would be curious to see what you guys think about these players.

IMO, I would be ok with taking either of these guys-when all is said and done, I'd be willing to bet Pastujov goes much higher than he's currently projected. I think he goes around the same place that Lucius does. However, if both of these players are still on the board, and Sillinger is as well-go with Sillinger 100%.

All 3 have a minor hitch in their skating that will somewhat fix itself as they get stronger, and more NHL fit. Lucius scares me a bit, because as I've said-players who rack up a ton of goals in junior with a low amount of assists have trouble making it IMO. He's slightly bigger than he's listed on some sites (he's 6'1"), and the fact that he's listed as a C makes him more enticing (though I think he might be a winger in the NHL anyway). His shot is said to be amongst the best in the draft though. Both Pasta and Lucius are said to be good 2-way players at this level.

All 3 are very competitive, and not afraid to go to the dirty areas, but Sillinger throws his weight around the most. Sillinger has the greatest amount of skill and hockey IQ of the three, along with an NHL shot of his own. Lucius is mostly goal-scorer, Pasta is mostly play-maker, Sillinger is equal parts both.

I would personally go Sillinger, Pasta,Lucius. My opinion, of course.

[Nelson]

Originally Posted by Sandman

IMO, I would be ok with taking either of these guys-when all is said and done, I'd be willing to bet Pastujov goes much higher than he's currently projected. I think he goes around the same place that Lucius does. However, if both of these players are still on the board, and Sillinger is as well-go with Sillinger 100%.

All 3 have a minor hitch in their skating that will somewhat fix itself as they get stronger, and more NHL fit. Lucius scares me a bit, because as I've said-players who rack up a ton of goals in junior with a low amount of assists have trouble making it IMO. He's slightly bigger than he's listed on some sites (he's 6'1"), and the fact that he's listed as a C makes him more enticing (though I think he might be a winger in the NHL anyway). His shot is said to be amongst the best in the draft though. Both Pasta and Lucius are said to be good 2-way players at this level.

All 3 are very competitive, and not afraid to go to the dirty areas, but Sillinger throws his weight around the most. Sillinger has the greatest amount of skill and hockey IQ of the three, along with an NHL shot of his own. Lucius is mostly goal-scorer, Pasta is mostly play-maker, Sillinger is equal parts both.

I would personally go Sillinger, Pasta,Lucius. My opinion, of course.

Scott Wheeler has Sillinger (10), Lucius (13), Pasta (15). That's interesting because Pronman was very down on Sillinger due to Sillinger's skating. It could be that the Flames could get Sillinger if other teams are similarly down on him because of his skating.

Looking at Bob McKenzie's most recent rankings, he has Pasta at 29, Lucius at 9 and Sillinger at 13. So, it might be that the Flames could trade down to get Pasta if he is their target or just stay put and take Sillinger. Lucius might be taken before them.

[Sandman]

IMO, it will play out more like Wheeler’s scenario. I’m almost 100% sure that Sillinger goes first out of the 3, but you never know. I’m also pretty sure they all go before pick 15. All 3 have room to improve their skating, so I don’t think it will be more of a detriment to picking Sillinger over the other two. Again, my opinion only.

[Ashes]

Originally Posted by Sandman

IMO, it will play out more like Wheeler’s scenario. I’m almost 100% sure that Sillinger goes first out of the 3, but you never know. I’m also pretty sure they all go before pick 15. All 3 have room to improve their skating, so I don’t think it will be more of a detriment to picking Sillinger over the other two. Again, my opinion only.

I always get nervous when it's said that skating is the last piece a player needs to become a true impact player, we've seen it time and time again here in Calgary where skating is something you usually either have as an asset or you don't. I think the cases of players improving it over time are very rare IMO.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Ashes

I always get nervous when it's said that skating is the last piece a player needs to become a true impact player, we've seen it time and time again here in Calgary where skating is something you usually either have as an asset or you don't. I think the cases of players improving it over time are very rare IMO.

You’re absolutely right, and I agree. I usually say the exact thing, but I don’t think that these guy’s skating is that big a detriment.Each one seems to have a single aspect of their skating that needs to be cleaned up, and a lot of skating issues get cleared up with getting stronger and more fit. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a concern for me too.

[Sandman]

More observations from today's U-18 tourney/Canada vs Switzerland, for those interested:

MacTavish: Far less noticeable today (0 points), but continues to show that for a guy that's known for his goal-scoring prowess, he sure can pull off some incredible passes. When he throws a hit, he doesn't repel-the other guy goes down hard. Lumbering skater, but not bad top speed.

Zellweger:4 assists today for 5pts in 3 games. Continues to impress-fast, feisty, doesn't shy away from contact, traffic, or puck battles. Great PP QB, fantastic IQ.

Stillman:Listed at 6'1", most physical player on either team, both nights. Only 1 point so far in the tourney, but he's one of my favorites. Fast, good in battles on the boards, great on the cycle, goes to the net, great shot that he needs to use more. Was on the first PP in the first and didn't look out of place-showed great passing there, and willingness to set up the screen. Commentators mentioned him alot. I pray he's available at our second-round pick, but he probably won't be.

Roulette:I've been a bit disappointed with him. The coach, Dave Barr, tore a strip off him for something he did in the O-zone. Speed is OK, a little heavy, battles hard along the boards. 2 pts in the tourney.

Cuelemans: I never know what to make of kids playing Junior A in the draft, but this kid was amazing tonight. Maybe the best player on the ice. 1g, 2a tonight for 4 pts in 2 games. Confident and fast carrying the puck, he went end to end a few times to set up in the offensive zone. Great passer, very high IQ, good skater and stickhandler. Great shot on his goal from just outside the face-off circle.

Guenther: Dangerous all night, ended up with a goal for 5 points in the tourney. Sniped a goal top shelf, far corner, from the face-off dot. Got everything.

Clarke: 1 assist tonight for 5 pts in 3 games. Love him-great vision, composure, speed. Makes the most amazing passes through traffic.

Othmann: Far less noticeable today, but got a goal for 2pts in 3 games. Physical, fights hard in the trenches, goes to the net-plays a power forward style. Needs a bit of work on his skating.

Stankoven: 1 assist tonight for 5pts in 3 games. Small, but fearless-goes into traffic, fights for the puck along the boards, goes to the net. Great skater.

Pinelli: Love him. We've talked alot about Sillinger, Lucius,and Pastujov, and where they'll go in the draft, but this guy should be right with those guys. Pinelli can skate though. This kid was player of the game with 3g/1a for 7 pts in 3 games, which ties him for the tournament scoring lead. Fast, very high IQ, good shot, goes to the tough areas, plays a 3-zone game. 6'1" Center, should be a riser.

Winterton: Seems like he will make a good defensive player in the bigs. 6'2" right-shot center with speed and smarts.

Wyatt Johnston: 6'0"C/W who some have said skates like Barzal. I can confirm that he's a very good skater, and impressive passer, but I didn't notice him as much as some other guys. He has 2pts in the tourney.

Brett Harrison:1 pt in the tourney. Pegged to go in the latter half of the first round. Listed as 6'2", he's another guy who plays well in all 3 zones, can play physical, and is very noticeable for his skating.

[Sandman]

May 1st U-18 update:

USA beats Finland in OT. Who scored the OT winner? Pastujov! (1g,1a for 7pts in 4 games). Samu Tuomaala had a goal, and an assist for Finland. He's impressed, with 9 pts in 4 games, tied for third in tournament scoring, and he's pegged to go late first round/first half of the second round in this years draft.

Russia beats the Czechs 11-1. Svechkov gets 2 goals for 7pts in 4 games. Michkov gets 3 goals, 1 assist for the tournament lead with 11 pts, Chibrikov gets 3 assists for 10 pts. Michkov, who's eligible for the draft in 2023, has a contract with SKA St.Petersburg that runs until 2026.

Canada clinches Group A beating Belarus 5-2. Cuelemans gets 2 assists for 6 pts in 3 games, McTavish gets 2 goals for 7 pts, Zellweger gets a goal and assist for 6 pts in 4 games, Pinelli with an assist for 8 pts, Johnston with an assist for 3 pts, Wright gets back in the lineup with 2 goals for 5 pts in 2 games. Cuelemans and Zellweger, both of whom have been excellent, are tied for the lead in D scoring with Brandt Clarke not far behind with 5 pts.

[the_only_turek_fan]

It appears we will be out of the top 10 and will be looking at one of McTavish, Sillinger, or Lysell.

I hope we go with Lysell.

Best case we move up and take Johnson.