2021 NHL Draft

[jg13]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

2023, safe to say Bedard is going first overall. But if the Flames got 2nd would you gamble on Michkov? Wouldn't see him for a couple years but he's trending to be an Ovechkin-level talent

If hes trending to become a similar talent to the greatest goal scorer of all time, yes. I would take that gamble.

[albertGQ]

Taking Michkov is a gamble?

Isn't he the consensus #2 with a chance at going first overall?

I don't see that as a gamble at all

[Tbull8]

Sorry, I meant gamble as in when/if he comes over from Russia. Not a gamble talent-wise

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

This is not at all a legitimate concern.

In the last 15-20 years every single US-borne player drafted in the first round out of US hockey by a Canadian team has signed his ELC and played for the team that drafted him.

I don’t know what the round has to do with it. But it is indeed the late bloomer/dark horse picks that seem to pull it (even Gaudreau was a question mark).

I also don’t know that the more distant past is as relevant as the trend the last few years.

In any event unless the guys says or does something now I think you still have to draft him if he’s the best choice.

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I don’t know what the round has to do with it. But it is indeed the late bloomer/dark horse picks that seem to pull it (even Gaudreau was a question mark).

I also don’t know that the more distant past is as relevant as the trend the last few years.

In any event unless the guys says or does something now I think you still have to draft him if he’s the best choice.

I think it has to do with how NHL ready the player is. 1st rounders are likely to be ready to play in the NHL in their draft +1 or +2 year, whereas those later round picks may need longer to develop. Once they're closer to graduating some see it worth it just to play one more year and go to UFA

[AustinL_NHL]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

2023, safe to say Bedard is going first overall. But if the Flames got 2nd would you gamble on Michkov? Wouldn't see him for a couple years but he's trending to be an Ovechkin-level talent

You run up to the podium before Bettman even says you're on the clock to take Michkov.

Bedard-Michkov are trending to be an even better 1-2 than McDavid/Eichel.

Between Wright, Bedard and Michkov, that's 3 potential generational talents along the lines of McDavid/Crosby/Ovechkin in a span of 2 years. Not to mention potential superstars in Lambert and Savoie.

Just absolutely insane. No better 2-year window to rebuild in recent memory (McDavid, Eichel, Matthews comes closest).

Originally Posted by Monahammer

No doubt you take Michkov. IMO he has a legit shot to challenge Bedard over the next year. It will be a close race between the two. Of course, if they come out near equal teams will certainly take Bedard for the NA factor.

Edit: should also say Michkov needs to grow a few more inches to have a shot at 1. He's only 5'9 right now. But his numbers are better than Ovechkins at the same age, which is pretty stunning.

For what it's worth, Bedard is also listed at 5'9" by the Regina Pats (listed 5'10% on EP).

Also, I'm assuming you're saying Michkov needs to grow a few more inches to have a shot at 1 against Bedard, because any other year, he'd be looked at as a slam dunk 1st pick.

I can't even remember the last time someone as good as Michkov (pending nothing crazy happens to derail his career so quickly) went number 2. Probably have to go all the way back to Malkin at least.

[1qqaaz]

It seems like a lot of draft source have William Eklund, Kent Johnson, and Dylan Guenther around the 6, 7, and 8 range (which is where the Flames would be if they lost the lottery). I think they're currently the three that we should be keeping an eye on.

William Eklund
5'10"/172 lbs
C/LW
SHL: 23 points in 40 games

Kent Johnson
6' 1"/165 lbs
C
NCAA: 27 points in 26 games

Dylan Guenther
6' 1"/170 lbs
RW
WHL: 24 points in 12 games

Raty and Lysell are in the picture, but they don't have great numbers this year.

Powers, Bernier, and Hughes are probably better, but Eklund, Johnson, and Guenther still seem pretty good. Clarke, Wallstedt and Edvinsson are in there somewhere too.

[Poe969]

I know everyone says to draft the best player available but the team needs to start looking at finding some good centers. You can always get decent wingers in July and a good center will make their wingers better. Guenther looks amazing but of those 3 I would take Johnson.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

I think it has to do with how NHL ready the player is. 1st rounders are likely to be ready to play in the NHL in their draft +1 or +2 year, whereas those later round picks may need longer to develop. Once they're closer to graduating some see it worth it just to play one more year and go to UFA

Well, the other thing is there's been hardly any US college top 10 picks (maybe 1 a year over the last 20 years) and only a small amount got picked by Canadian teams. Trouba by the Jets (and while he signed, he wanted out quick) and Komisarek by the Habs way back in 2001. Every other guy picked went to a pretty decent destination - Keller - AZ, JVR - Philly, Erik Johnson - St. Louis, Skille Chicago, Wilson and Suter - Nashville, Whitney Pittsburgh.

Jack Johnson got picked by Carolina but got traded to LA before he played. And interestingly enough, Ryan McDonagh was a Habs pick but got traded before he played a game (maybe a Fox situation?)

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Well, the other thing is there's been hardly any US college top 10 picks (maybe 1 a year over the last 20 years) and only a small amount got picked by Canadian teams. Trouba by the Jets (and while he signed, he wanted out quick) and Komisarek by the Habs way back in 2001. Every other guy picked went to a pretty decent destination - Keller - AZ, JVR - Philly, Erik Johnson - St. Louis, Skille Chicago, Wilson and Suter - Nashville, Whitney Pittsburgh.

Jack Johnson got picked by Carolina but got traded to LA before he played. And interestingly enough, Ryan McDonagh was a Habs pick but got traded before he played a game (maybe a Fox situation?)

I just don't see there being any increased risk. It is one thing to forego a contract for a year in an effort to maximise value by becoming a UFA. But it seems unrealistic to imagine that a player would sacrifice three years for this. Say the Flames draft Johnson in 2021, and then offer him a contract in 2022. By foregoing this in order to play out his RFA status, he would set his own career earnings back: instead of becoming a RFA at 22, he would wait until 25; instead of hitting UFA at 25 he would wait until 27. That is potentially millions of dollars lost in career earnings.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I just don't see there being any increased risk. It is one thing to forego a contract for a year in an effort to maximise value by becoming a UFA. But it seems unrealistic to imagine that a player would sacrifice three years for this. Say the Flames draft Johnson in 2021, and then offer him a contract in 2022. By foregoing this in order to play out his RFA status, he would set his own career earnings back: instead of becoming a RFA at 22, he would wait until 25; instead of hitting UFA at 25 he would wait until 27. That is potentially millions of dollars lost in career earnings.

I think there is some risk, since it has happened with lower draft picks, and it might depend on whether the guy thinks he can force a trade, and then still get playing asap.

I don't think it's a huge risk, especially if the proper due diligence is done, which it should be with a first rounder. Later round players don't have all the interviews.

[Royle9]

For what its worth Both Wright and Lambert turn out to be studs in EA21.
Lambert just put up a 140pt season in his 4th year!

[dammage79]

I'm all in on Aatu Raty or Chaz Lucius. Barring a shot at Eklund. I also like Clarke and Edvinsson from the D class.

But man I really like what Lucius brings to the table and I think Raty turns into a top line playmaker. He just needs a bit more beef and the instinct to drive the middle 9f the ice honed. His pkaymaking is very Tanguay esque.

Where Lucius is a RHS C who has pure elite finishing skills. Like I said before, people have Elias Lindholm as his comparable. That's good enough for me.

In Edvinsson his skating (read comps to Quinn Hughes) is a MASSIVE selling point for a 6'4 d man. All he needs is beef for top pairing NHL duties.

[Flamesfan05]

Give me some Chaz

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by AustinL_NHL

You run up to the podium before Bettman even says you're on the clock to take Michkov.

Bedard-Michkov are trending to be an even better 1-2 than McDavid/Eichel.

Between Wright, Bedard and Michkov, that's 3 potential generational talents along the lines of McDavid/Crosby/Ovechkin in a span of 2 years. Not to mention potential superstars in Lambert and Savoie.

Just absolutely insane. No better 2-year window to rebuild in recent memory (McDavid, Eichel, Matthews comes closest).



For what it's worth, Bedard is also listed at 5'9" by the Regina Pats (listed 5'10% on EP).

Also, I'm assuming you're saying Michkov needs to grow a few more inches to have a shot at 1 against Bedard, because any other year, he'd be looked at as a slam dunk 1st pick.

I can't even remember the last time someone as good as Michkov (pending nothing crazy happens to derail his career so quickly) went number 2. Probably have to go all the way back to Malkin at least.

Yes, I would say Wright-Bedard-Michkov is the best 2 year trio to be draftable since Ovechkin-Malkin-Crosby.

And yes, your assumption is right. I just think that all things equal people will pick the Canadian, but if michkov gets to 6ft and is a bit bigger than Bedard I think he will be selected 1st. His goal scoring rate is truly incredible.

[FCAV]

If you can find a stream (not sure it'll be on TSN or Sportsnet), the All-American Prospects Game is taking place tonight. Over a hundred scouts in attendance to watch some top names like Lucius, Sillinger, Coronato, among others. No Luke Hughes unfortunately, though.

ROSTERS:https://nhlentrydraft.com/news/roste...american-game/
FIVE TO WATCH: https://nhlentrydraft.com/news/2021-...rospects-game/

[Tkachukwagon]

Originally Posted by FCAV

FIVE TO WATCH: https://nhlentrydraft.com/news/2021-...rospects-game/

Chaz Lucius has to be the best name I’ve seen in the draft so far (ranked at 15).

[Rick M.]

When is this year’s draft lottery?

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

When is this year’s draft lottery?

July 23-24 is the date I found.

[8sPOT]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

July 23-24 is the date I found.

The actual draft is slated for July 23, 24. The lottery will be just before playoffs usually. So the first week of May would be my guess.