Covid-19 will make this draft the strangest draft in league history. Team scouts simply didn’t see players as many times as they would have in normal times. Some players didn’t play at all. Some only played a handful of games. Some players have only been seen on video.
Some GMs have said it wouldn’t surprise them if every team has a vastly different idea of how the first round will look like.
Here’s how we think the first 10 picks will play out:
1. Buffalo Sabres: Defenseman Owen Power, Michigan (Big Ten): He’s 6-foot-5 and been compared to Victor Hedman because of his size and skating. His offensive game doesn’t compare yet to Hedman’s game. 2. Seattle Kraken: Matty Beniers, Michigan (Big Ten): Beniers is a versatile, hard-working, responsible two-way center. He plays the game the way Seattle general manager Ron Francis played in the NHL. He played 24 points in 24 games for the Wolverines.
3. Anaheim Ducks: Left wing/Center William Eklund (Sweden) A polished player for such a young age. Didn’t look out of place in the Swedish Elite League this past season.
4. New Jersey Devils: Defenseman Luke Hughes, USNTDP (USHL) Brother of Jack and Quinn Hughes, Michigan-bound Luke posted 15 points in 18 games before he was injured. Considering is New Jersey’s franchise player, the Devils have to take Luke.
5. Columbus Blue Jackets: Center Mason McTavish, Peterborough (OHL) He’s 6-2 and has a commanding presence. Battles hard for every puck. He has been compared to a young Ryan Getzlaf.
6. Detroit Red Wings: Center Kent Johnson, Michigan (Big Ten) Dazzling performer who could end up having a greater impact than the other two Michigan players
7. San Jose Sharks: Right wing Dylan Guenther, Edmonton (WHL) The former WHL Rookie of the year posted 12 goals and 12 assists in 12 games in his abbreviated WHL season.
8. Los Angeles Kings: Defenseman Brandt Clarke, Nove Zamky (Slovakia) With the OHL not playing, Clarke went to Slovakia to play. He posted six goals and 13 points in 26 games.
9. Vancouver Canucks: Defenseman Simon Edvinsson, Frolunda (Sweden) He’s 6-foot-4 and oozing with raw talent. He’s more of a project than some of the other potential draftees. That’s why he could slip here.
10. Ottawa Senators: Center Cole Sillinger, Sioux Falls (USHL) Son of former NHL player Mike Sillinger goes hard to the net and owns a strong shot.
11. Arizona Coyotes Forfeit pick
12. Chicago Blackhawks: Goalie Jesper Wallstedt, Lulea (Sweden): Scouts compare him to Florida’s Spencer Knight and Nashville prospect Jaroslav Askarov