NHL Draft prospect rankings Luke Hughes Jesper Wal

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The hockey season is still young, but that hasn't stopped eyes drifting to the offseason and the 2021 NHL Draft.While the draft dates of July 23-24 are seeming le s and le s likely by the day, NHL teams and scouts are diligently working in preparation and this year, teams have their work cut out for them more than usual.Some playershave yet to play a single game. Those that are suiting up have seen regular stoppages to their season. And in manycases, scouts arent even allowed in the rinks. That's one obstacle.Another is simply making sense of this draft cla s. Unlike past years, there is no consensus No. 1 overall pick. There isnt even a consensus top-10. Add it all up and it'll lead up to a very intriguing draft day, whereas many as ten prospects could be the one to hear their name called first., scoutspouredover tapes to build out how they would rank thetop prospects in the 2021 NHL Draft. NHL Draft 2021: Big board, player rankings1. , D, US-NTDP (USHL)The third Hughes brother could very well be the second of the trio to hear his name called first overall. The left-handed defenseman is extremely mobilewith strong puck skills. One of the draft's youngest, Jack Justin Turner Jersey and Quinn's brother is just six days shy of being eligible for 2022.2. , G, Lulea (SHL)While this cla s has been referred to as the "draft of the defender," dont sleep on this years goaltenders. Wallstedt, leading that charge, has taken on a starting role in the SHL and is putting up some of the best numbers in the league. His textbook skill matched with his poise put him in a cla s with Panthers prospect Spencer Knight and Predators future netminderYaroslav Askarov.3. , D, University of Michigan (NCAA Kenta Maeda Jersey )When you combine Powers 6-5, 214-pound size with his surprisingly powerful skating, you get a player that will be hard to pa s up. A Hobey Baker nominee, he has had a strong freshman campaign for the Wolverines.4. , D, Frolunda (SHL)Like Power, Edvin son is a tower on the back end, standing at 6-4, 185-pounds. Hes also a fluid skater that is agile on his feet. His vision of the ice and movement of the puck should see him as a strong, puck-moving defender at the next level.5. , C, Djurgardens (SHL)Not only has Eklund carved out a top-six role with Djurgardens, but hes been a consistent producer on the team. His team play,offensive instincts andvision have thrust him into the conversation as a top-3 player in this cla s.6. , D, Barrie Colts (OHL) on loan with HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)With the uncertainty surrounding the OHL season, Clarke has taken his talents overseas to Slovakia where hes been settling in nicely against profe sional competition. Yet another smooth-skating defenseman with an ability to move the puck up the ice in a hurry, Clarkes right-hand shot should be highly coveted come draft day. 7. , C, University of Michigan (NCAA)Beniers has been one of the hottest names when it comes to the 2021 draft. Hes exploded out of the gates in his NCAA careerand helped Team USA to a gold Cody Bellinger Jersey medal at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. His elite competitivene s and two-way play have shot him to the top of this cla s.WJC 2021: 8. , LW, University of Michigan (NCAA)The most creative player in this cla s, Johnson is yet another Michigan Wolverine that has been capturing scouts' attention. His ability to move through traffic and create space for himself is second to none in this group and should go a long way to ensure his top-10 selection.9. , LW, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) on loan with Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL)While some OHL and WHL players have found other countries to play in, Guenther stayed homein Canada and has played just four gamesthis season in the AJHL. Still, his strength, skating, and overall play make him one of the safest bets in the draft.10. , LW, Leksands (SHL)If theres someone in this cla s to challenge Johnson when it comes to creativity, its Lysell. He never gives up on a play and is constantly pushing the pace. Lysell isable to create space for himself and his teammates and, on top of that his two-way game, is sneakily underrated.11. , C, Karpat (Liiga)While Raty hasnt held on to the No. 1 consideration that he had entering the season, the center is still one of the best forwards in this cla s. His playmaking and puckhandling are high-end, and hes also had some looks at the Liiga level. Seeing how his development hasnt progre sed as expected has caused some pause, but there are still a fewintriguing tools in his box.12. , C, Peterborough Petes (OHL) Chris Taylor Jersey on loan with EHC Olten (Swi s League)McTavish has only just hit the ice overseas after waiting for the OHL season to begin, but the young prospect showed enough last season to showcase real potential. He never takes his foot off the gas, has quick edges and impre sive puck skills. Once he gets settled into his new surroundings, McTavishshould start to show his talent.13. , C, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)Bolducs patience on the ice could be a big reason why he gets drafted higher than expected once draft day rolls around. He exudes confidence, with good speed and a two-way ability to match. The centermancan find his way through defenses and stop offenses, making him a strong candidate for the top prospects out of the QMJHL.14. , C, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)LHeureux is a power forward through and through, who can utilize his strength to win battles and protect the puck. He has surprisingly soft hands for his style of play and a finishing ability that will catch attention. Hes got a bit of a mean streak that has led to two Andre Ethier Jersey suspensions this season, but he could prove to be a serviceable forward at the next level.15. , C, US-NTDP (USHL)While the COVID-19pandemic has been the main reason for most players to not skate thus far, Lucius has been dealing with a lower-body injury that has kept him out of the lineup. Similar to McTavish, his previous seasons largely weigh in on his ranking. Highlighted by arguably the best shot in this cla s, Lucius is an intelligent player who knows how to get to the net and get the puck over the goal line.16. , D, Winnipeg Ice (WHL) on loan with JYP U20 (U20 SM-sarja)Another prospect that has gone overseas for ice time, Lambos hasnt had the easiest of adjustments to European play but hes been getting increased opportunities including playing in the Liiga. Hes a well-rounded rearguard that is very strong on his feet.17. , D, Brooks Bandits (AJHL)Making the AJHL must-watch hockey for NHL scouts, Ceulemans hasnt hit the ice a whole lot due to the league not being able to get going. Hes played just two games this season, but between those and last year, theres no questioning that hes a man amongst boys. His physical presence and offensive prowe s put him head and shoulders above the competition.18. , LW, Flint Firebirds (OHL) on loan with EHC Olten (Swi s League)Playing with McTavish in Swit