2021 NHL Entry Draft - Round 1: July 23 (8 p.m. ET; ESPN2, SN, SN NOW, TVA Sports)

[Steve Zissou]

Doesn't seem like much of a project.

There's no way you can watch that and not see that he's a project. With the fantastic rushes comes with it some really odd low-IQ passing attempts in his own zone which very clearly leads to grade-A opportunities for the other team. It's not a few times, it's a very valid concern. Every prospect has warts and all, but we also said this with Jack Johnson and we both know JMFJ's ship set sail long ago.

And Grans played 43 games in the SHL last year at 19.

So? Yes, he was a youngin' on that Malmö team but was a -21 to finish the season (while only playing in 43 games, not the full 52 games). He literally lead the league in -21. Let me repeat that again, led the league with a -21.

The closest teammate to his +/- was -12 and he was a winger. The team started off really bad but ended up slightly below middle of the pack, so that probably didn't help his cause. He also gained some PP time which is good. Again, he's still young so there is time to figure this stuff out.

He was also left off Team Sweden. Yes, he was the final spot cut, but that certainly sucks. He needs that experience at that level of play to progress to the next level.

His offense will never be in question, it's his defending. His reads are poor and needs to learn to take the proper skating paths as a defender. This can be taught if he's willing to learn.

 

[King'sPawn]

There's no way you can watch that and not see that he's a project. With the fantastic rushes comes with it some really odd low-IQ passing attempts in his own zone which very clearly leads to grade-A opportunities for the other team. It's not a few times, it's a very valid concern. Every prospect has warts and all, but we also said this with Jack Johnson and we both know JMFJ's ship set sail long ago.



So? Yes, he was a youngin' on that Malmö team but was a -21 to finish the season (while only playing in 43 games, not the full 52 games). He literally lead the league in -21. Let me repeat that again, led the league with a -21.

The closest teammate to his +/- was -12 and he was a winger. The team started off really bad but ended up slightly below middle of the pack, so that probably didn't help his cause. He also gained some PP time which is good. Again, he's still young so there is time to figure this stuff out.

He was also left off Team Sweden. Yes, he was the final spot cut, but that certainly sucks. He needs that experience at that level of play to progress to the next level.

His offense will never be in question, it's his defending. His reads are poor and needs to learn to take the proper skating paths as a defender. This can be taught if he's willing to learn.

Re: Grans - he definitely has some holes. For context, he was a forward converted to D, much like Brent Burns (*cough* or Brian Boyle)

Re: Edvinsson, he seems to have a low panic threshold, but he doesn't have particular game-breaking mechanics or talents, which is why I'm lower on him. All the players I'm opting for have some downsides, but are elite in at least some categories like skating (Lysell, Hughes), shooting (Lucius), vision (Johnson), tenacity/grit (Beniers), etc

 

[ru4reals]

Kent Johnson as a future Byfield winger has me intrigued. Very fast, high IQ, goes to dirty areas.


The BCHL MVP in 2019-20, he is dynamic playmaking centre with agility, and elusiveness. Possesses superior hockey IQ, creativity and decision-making quickness. His strong powerful stride separates him from opponents and he can quickly read an opening averts the puck there. His passing is high end, and he isn’t afraid of venturing into the battle zones and dirty areas. Strong scorer who needs little room to hit pay dirt. Another of the 2021 draftees who is attending the University of Michigan. At this time, it looks as though he will the third of Wolverine rookies selected, but there is high end elusiveness in his game and even though he will be a bit longer path trajectory to the NHL, his ability to quickly read react and shoot shows a bit of Paddy Kane to his game, and will probably project to a left or right wing in the pro game.
--Bill Placzek--

I agree I know a lot of people are not big on Johnson but he might be a really good pick for whomever picks him. At this point I'll be happy with whatever the Kings do with their pick. Trade, BPA....It's a weak draft so just get a solid player.

 

[Docgonzo]

I’ve accepted that sadly the Dmen will all be off the board by the time the Kings pick, unless we get a few off the board picks. I’m just hoping Eklund or Guenther drop right to the Kings. Could use some high end wingers, if they can’t get defense.

 

[Docgonzo]

Just saw an interesting dobberprospect mock draft. Anaheim goes #1, Devils #2.

1. Ana- Beniers
2. NJD- Eklund
3. Buff- Powers
4. Sea- Hughes
5. Clbs- Johnson
6. Drw- Wallstedt
7. SJ- Raty (odd)
8. LA- Clarke

12. Guenther
13. Edmisson talk about drops

 

[Mats26]

Fabian Lysell has top 5 potential, he might slip a bit because of the D men and his size.

 

[KopitarFAN]

I’ve accepted that sadly the Dmen will all be off the board by the time the Kings pick, unless we get a few off the board picks. I’m just hoping Eklund or Guenther drop right to the Kings. Could use some high end wingers, if they can’t get defense.

Either one of those things is very possible, their is no consensus for most of the Top 10. Owen Power the "consensus #1" is #9 at Dobber Prospects. Clarke is #2 by some, #6 by TSN/McKenzie. I could go on....

 

[Schrute farms]

I really hope it stays this way until the actual draft. While it'll drive us fans crazy having no clue who the Kings will select (& who's available), it will make for an amazingly entertaining draft night watch.

 

[apadilla]

Mason McTavish, no relation to Craig, is an interesting prospect. His write up on the Draft Analyst (ranked 9th overall) is as follows:

"Violence and aggression are just two of several commonplaces in your typical McTavish shift, but he’s also a highly-skilled playmaker and shooter who causes all sorts of matchup problems for defenses. He too had to play in Europe after his solid 2019-20 campaign with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes; much to the chagrin of the Swiss League opposition who had to deal with his nightly assortment of hits and snipes."

I don't expect Ogie Ogilthorpe type violence, but Mason does bring a physical element the Kings sorely need. The question is, can he skate?

 

[Lt Dan]

Mason McTavish, no relation to Craig, is an interesting prospect. His write up on the Draft Analyst (ranked 9th overall) is as follows:

"Violence and aggression are just two of several commonplaces in your typical McTavish shift, but he’s also a highly-skilled playmaker and shooter who causes all sorts of matchup problems for defenses. He too had to play in Europe after his solid 2019-20 campaign with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes; much to the chagrin of the Swiss League opposition who had to deal with his nightly assortment of hits and snipes."

I don't expect Ogie Ogilthorpe type violence, but Mason does bring a physical element the Kings sorely need. The question is, can he skate?

So Lucic?

 

[apadilla]

So Lucic?

I sure hope that is spot on. At least the 1st half of Milan's career. Maybe not quite the heavyweight Milan is.

 

[King'sPawn]

Mason McTavish, no relation to Craig, is an interesting prospect. His write up on the Draft Analyst (ranked 9th overall) is as follows:

"Violence and aggression are just two of several commonplaces in your typical McTavish shift, but he’s also a highly-skilled playmaker and shooter who causes all sorts of matchup problems for defenses. He too had to play in Europe after his solid 2019-20 campaign with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes; much to the chagrin of the Swiss League opposition who had to deal with his nightly assortment of hits and snipes."

I don't expect Ogie Ogilthorpe type violence, but Mason does bring a physical element the Kings sorely need. The question is, can he skate?

I've just watched one game of his. He threw his weight around a bit like mid-career Dustin Brown (Brown would lay monster hits early in his career and would eventually pick his spots/be less violent later on).

Then again, it was just one game. Trying to get a better feel for a wider group until I know where the Kings are picking.

 

[raswilliam]

2021 Draft Rankings: Final Top-32 (May) - The Draft Analyst

 

[apadilla]

I've just watched one game of his. He threw his weight around a bit like mid-career Dustin Brown (Brown would lay monster hits early in his career and would eventually pick his spots/be less violent later on).

Then again, it was just one game. Trying to get a better feel for a wider group until I know where the Kings are picking.

Agreed. Can't wait until the lottery. I expect the list to be fluid until draft day.

 

[Fat Elvis]

I can see BLuc showing an interest in Sillinger, being a son of ex-NHLer and looking like a LW with a scoring touch. (That's IF the d-men are gone).

 

[Mats26]

I can see BLuc showing an interest in Sillinger, being a son of ex-NHLer and looking like a LW with a scoring touch. (That's IF the d-men are gone).

To many people are writing off Lambos. He would be my D-man pick at 8 if Power, Hughes are gone.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Drew is sick of losing so we win and get a Power/Doughty top pairing next season. Make it happen hockey gods!

 

[AnThGrt]

To many people are writing off Lambos. He would be my D-man pick at 8 if Power, Hughes are gone.

Lambos is polarizing. There are multiple who have him decently lower in the 1st and for valid reasons. I like him and pushed him when we were in the blackhole. There are better pieces available at 8/9 where we likely pick. Also Clarke > Lambos easily

 

[Reaper45]

Outside of winning the lottery I like a few kids. Lambos, Clarke, MacTavish, Sillinger, Johnson in no particular order.

 

[SaltyElkHunter]

I would be interested in trading with Columbus for their two late 1st plus something else for our first and give our scouts the spotlight.

If we are throwing darts I want a lot of darts to throw. Maybe the extra could be the right to swap 1st round picks in either 22 or 23.

 

[tbrown33]

I would be interested in trading with Columbus for their two late 1st plus something else for our first and give our scouts the spotlight.

If we are throwing darts I want a lot of darts to throw. Maybe the extra could be the right to swap 1st round picks in either 22 or 23.

I don't see the Kings trading quality for quantity. We need the opposite now.

 

[Rorschach]

This is definitely the one draft I wish I could know what Blake/Yannetti are thinking. And not just for round 1 either, at least for the top two rounds. We might get first round talent all the way in the third round.

 

[KopitarFAN]

This is definitely the one draft I wish I could know what Blake/Yannetti are thinking. And not just for round 1 either, at least for the top two rounds. We might get first round talent all the way in the third round.

And for that reason, you could justify moving back, if they don't like what's on the board when they are picking, but they have decent size cluster of guys they like in the 20s and think they can grab 2, then you look at moving down with someone who has 2 late firsts (CBJ, MIN) or a late first and a high second (DET). Opinions are going to vary so widely from team to team, should be interesting.

 

[SaltyElkHunter]

Weak draft no superstars if we don’t lotto up. More chances at seating roster players seems like a win. You can’t draft a superstar that isn’t there. I don’t think a team trades a current superstar to not draft a can’t miss either. We need Matt Greene’s and bob skuderis and there could be a late gem we uncover in a year the accounting reports look like a blank coloring book.

 

[Fishhead]

I would be interested in trading with Columbus for their two late 1st plus something else for our first and give our scouts the spotlight.

If we are throwing darts I want a lot of darts to throw. Maybe the extra could be the right to swap 1st round picks in either 22 or 23.

I doubt Columbus does that, they sorely lack depth. If any team needs as many picks as possible, it's them.

I'd take a flyer on Carlsson if they were willing to give him up for later rounder, but not a lot of interesting players on their roster. The few interesting players would command so much in return it would be hard to get good value.