Michigan defenseman Owen Power is the consensus pick among analysts to be selected first overall by the Buffalo Sabres in this year’s NHL draft. Even if he drops, it is safe to assume he won’t be around for the Detroit Red Wings at No. 6.
But unlike last year, when virtually all projections had the same top-three picks (Alexis Lafreniere, Quinton Byfield and Tim Stutzle), this year’s draft could go a number of ways after the first selection.
“I’ve seen most of the kids that we think are in the top 10 and you’re going to get a pretty good prospect,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said Wednesday after the draft lottery. “It’s just unusual with some players not playing, some playing in a men’s league, some in different leagues. Everybody’s lists will be so different. There will be maybe a lot of surprises in everybody’s eyes when the draft takes place.”
The draft takes place July 23 (first round) and July 24 (Rounds 2 through 7). This is the fourth year in a row the Red Wings will have a top-six selection. They have 12 selections, including Washington’s first-round pick (either 23rd or 24th).
“(Director of amateur scouting Kris Draper) and the guys will continue to finalize their list over the next month and be ready to go,” Yzerman said. “Our intention will be to take the best prospect we think is available.”
Here is a look at some players who might be available for the Red Wings at No. 6:
Matthew Beniers, center, 6-1, 175, Michigan: He averaged a point a game this season (24 points in 24 games) and was the second-line center on Team USA’s World Junior Championship team (three points in seven games).
Red Line Report wrote: “His game is all about speed. He’s likely the fastest pure skater in the ’21 draft class, and he’s got the skills to make him constantly dangerous.”
Brandt Clarke, defenseman, 6-2, 185, Barrie (OHL): A terrific puck-mover and playmaker with great vision, Brandt likes to join the rush. He had six goals and 13 points in 24 games for Nove Zamsky in the Slovak Extraliga, the top professional league in Slovakia, while on loan due to the OHL’s season cancellation.
TSN’s Craig Button said, “Clarke brings a skill-set that includes creativity, boldness and confidence. His game combines elements of Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns.”
Simon Edvinsson, defenseman, 6-5, 207, Frolunda (Sweden): A left-shooter with tremendous size, good mobility, and a strong shot, he played in three different levels this season. He appeared in 10 games for Frolunda in Sweden’s top men’s league (one assist). He had four points in seven games in the World Juniors.
Red Line Report wrote, “Edvinsson is an unbelievably smooth mover. He’s got great wheels and lateral agility, and his instincts at the offensive end are impeccable.”
William Eklund, left wing, 5-10, 176, Djurgarden (Sweden): He is ranked as the top international skater in this year’s draft by NHL Central Scouting. Eklund possesses speed and hockey sense and collected 23 points in 40 games in Sweden’s top men’s league.
Dobber Prospects called Eklund “a highly skilled offensive player who has shown the ability to produce at a high-level in the SHL … as talented as they come.”
Dylan Guenther, right wing, 6-1, 175, Edmonton (WHL): His season was limited to 12 games, but this skilled right-shooter led the WHL in points per game (2.00). He has a tremendous shot and works well around the net.
Red Line Report wrote, “Guenther has a long, lean frame and all the tools necessary to develop into a complete, two-way player. He excels at what we refer to as the four S’s: size, skating, skill, and shot.”
Luke Hughes, defenseman, 6-2, 184, U.S. National Team Development Program: A tremendous skater with good size, he averaged nearly a point a game (six goals, 28 assists) in 38 games. Committed to play at Michigan next season, he will follow brothers Quinn (seventh overall to Vancouver in 2018) and Jack (first overall to New Jersey in 2019) into the NHL.
Button said, “Luke Hughes is the all-around competitively solid defenseman who contributes in all areas.”
Kent Johnson, center, 6-1, 167, Michigan: A center who played mostly left wing this season, he picked up 27 points, including nine goals, in 26 games.
Button said Johnson is reminiscent of Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson: “He has creativity, imagination and deception along with very good skills that give him the ability to be productive in many different ways.”
Jesper Wallstedt, goaltender, 6-3, 214, Lulea (Sweden): Would Yzerman made a bold move by selecting a goaltender this high? Goalies rarely are drafted in the top 10, but the Red Wings need an elite prospect at this position. Wallstedt is considered one of the best goalie prospects of the past several years, playing a hybrid standup/butterfly style. He posted a 2.23 goals-against average and .908 save percentage in Sweden’s top men’s league.
Red Line Report wrote, “He’s incredibly advanced technically for such a young age, and plays a calm, controlled game.”
More: Why Yzerman is confident of getting good prospect at No. 6
The Link LonkJune 03, 2021 at 11:37PM
https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2021/06/red-wings-could-go-a-number-of-ways-with-sixth-pick-in-draft.html
Red Wings could go a number of ways with sixth pick in draft - MLive.com
https://news.google.com/search?q=Red&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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