THE HIGHEST CEILINGS IN THE 2021 NHL DRAFT
Hello, and welcome back to another Dr. Tee Scouting article, and today I will be listing the top 10 players in the draft with the highest ceilings.
When you think of a high ceiling you might think of USHL stars: Ayrton Martino, Mackie Samoskevich, and Swedish wildcard Simon Edvinsson. But in this series of the 2021 NHL draft I will explain why someone such as Sasha Pastujov, or Corson Ceulemens may have a high chance of being one of the best players to come out of this draft class.
So without further ado, let’s get right into this!
And just FYI, I will not be including goalies in this, just because I’m really not anywhere near an expert at that, so I don’t want to take my chances on trying to describe watching someone like Jesper Wallstedt, or Sebastian Cossa play.
No. 10
Corson Ceulemans, Brooks Bandits, AJH
Corson Ceulemans has been one of the biggest risers in the draft, and when you watch him it’s not hard to see why. The 6’2” 200 pound Wisconsin commit, has tallied an impressive 4 goals, 7 assists, for 11 points in 8 games exceeding the expectations many people had for him going into this year. He’s an efficient puck mover, and although he doesn’t come close to the toolset a player like Cale Makar would have, he’s very reliable in all situations, and that is why I like him. In terms of a real comparison, Seth Jones of the Columbus Blue Jackets comes to mind. They are two very smart players when the puck is both on, and not on their stick, and aren’t afraid to get physical in their own zone either. An underrated part of Ceulemans' game that also really stands out to me is his play in the offensive zone. He’s great at walking the blue line, and finding open spaces in the opposing defense. He’s almost like a quarterback, directing plays, and anticipating the, before they happen. I’d be happy to pick him up anywhere between the no. 15, and the no. 32 picks in the draft.
He’s a very unique player, and a defensemen that you don’t come upon all the time. Think of how people viewed Miro Heiskenan coming into the 2017 draft just the overall perception around him a little bit lower, and you have what is a great two way, smart defensemen that is a jack of all trades.
No. 9
Chaz Lucius, USNTDP U18
Chaz Lucius is an offensive threat wherever, and whenever he's on the ice. He plays with extreme finesse, and is a smooth puck handler. Kinda similar to how you watch Nikita Gusev of the Florida Panthers work the puck in the offensive zone, Lucius is creative, and quick with the puck. Although he lacks in a lot of major categories such as his speed, and acceleration, he makes up for it with his above average vision, and laser shot. Before we get into his amazing shot though, I want to highlight his what I see as underrated vision, and playmaking, because let me tell you, he’s really improved even if only 5 of his 18 points this year have been assists. This is a big part in why he’s shot up my draft board this year, from around the 16th spot, to around the 9-11 range. His overall tools, and how he thinks the game when he’s able to really set himself up I think is a very good trait that he has as well. He’s consistently able to get open, and find open spaces in the defense to create scoring chances where he can then unleash probably the best shot in the draft, and I can’t stress it enough. He’s exciting when his head is screwed on right, and has 40 goal upside, along with 70 point potential. He’ll be a valuable piece to any team that gets him especially when it comes to putting points on the board.
I would compare him to someone like Cam Atkinson without the speed, and a little taller. They are both very sneaky with their skill, and can easily make plays with the puck on their stick. Despite this, they aren’t a force defensively, but on a good night will put in the effort.
No. 8
Dylan Guenther, Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL
Okay, okay I’ll say it: Dylan Guenther is one of my least favorite players in the draft, that being said, I will admit he is one of the most purely talented players in the draft, and if he is put in the right system there’s almost no telling how good he could become. Similar to Chaz Lucius he has an extremely good shot, with pretty good vision as well, although I would give the edge to Lucius. Despite this, his skating is definitely above average, and he can maneuver, and weave around the ice at an extremely high pace while controlling the puck. Guenther is a master at finding open shooting lanes, and creating them. His quick release, and hard one timer are deadly anytime, and especially on the power play. The Edmonton, Alberta native notched an impressive 12 goals, 12 assists, 24 points in 12 games, leading the WHL in points per game average with a solid 2 a game. Although he underperformed in the Alberta Junior Hockey League this year before the WHL resumed its season, and can be very inconsistent/streaky I think he’s definitely worth the pick anywhere between 9-13.
With a game that is similar to our no. 9 player Chaz Lucius, and arguably more upside the skies the limit. He’ll need some time at the AHL level before making the leap to the pros which is one other thing worth noting, but like I said he’s really a big blob of talent, and if he can figure out how to use it consistently, and correctly all the time, we could be looking at the next great NHL sharpshooter.
No. 7
Isak Rosen, Leksands, SHL
Isak Rosen is one of the quickest, and most elusive players eligible in 2021, and I can’t begin to say how much that’s helped his game, and overall projection. Sure, he does have a very accurate shot, and a very quick one as well, but I really think that the reason why he has so much upside, and the reason why he’s being considered so high on so many boards is because of his quickness, acceleration, and agility. Those three things have really allowed Rosen to thrive in the Swedish U20 level where he notched 7 goals, 12 points, in 12 games, and then managed to record an assist at the SHL level. His offensive prowess has also played to his advantage, allowing him to make quick turns, and moves to open up the ice so he can find either an open teammate or create a scoring opportunity for himself. Rosen is super fun to watch when he has the puck, and when he gets going good luck. He has elite speed as well, and there’s really nothing he can’t do when he’s playing outside of his own blueline. He isn’t extremely good defensively so that’s why I say his own blue line, but like many gifted players at his age, he’ll just have to mature physically, and better his overall two way game. I’d like to think of his game as a Boston Creme donut. An odd comparison nonetheless, but just hear me out. When you first watch him play nothing stands out, that would be the first layer of donut. But once you start getting to the core you get all the juice, and taste, that being the skill, and potential that is Isak Rosen.
I’d like to say he plays a similar game to Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, who are two dynamic scoring wingers that can become, and are among the best players at their position, Ehlers being in the NHL, and Rosen being in the draft.
No. 6
Logan Stankoven , Kamloops Blazers, WHL
Stankoven is a human highlight reel to put it simply, and has skill that challenges the likes of Kent Johnson, and William Eklund. The 5’8” winger has been dominant in the Western Hockey League with the Kamloops Blazers this season, and capped it off with 10 points in just 6 games. Stankoven has high end offensive instincts, and is one of the most annoying players to try, and beat one on one with the non stop puck pressure he applies. Similar to someone like Nicholas Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he has an everlasting motor, despite not being very complete in his own zone. He’s strong for his size, nearly weighing in at around 180 pounds, he doesn’t shy away from contact either, and will win board battles when you need him too. What really sticks out however is his offensive dual threat matrix to his game. He has a quick shot that almost always finds its way to the back of the net, and he even tallied 31 total shots on net giving him an astonishing 45% shooting percentage. He’s conservative, and like Marco Rossi from last year's draft, he has so many tools in his tool box you just don’t know which move he’ll use next. He creates space, and I think you get the point by now.
I project Stankoven as a potential 30 goal scorer, with 60 point upside if all goes well. He can be a real hit in the draft, and I would definitely have to compare him to Calgary Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau.
No. 5
Matthew Coronato, Chicago Steel, USHL
Coronato has led the United States Hockey League in points this year from draft eligible players by a wide margin, and It's not hard to see why once you're able to watch him play. The University of Harvard commit plays on the same team as some other extremely talented players such as Habs prospect Sean Farrell, as well as overagers Erik Middendorf, and Josh Doan who is the son of NHL legend Shane Doan. Coronato has racked up an eye opening 46 goals, 37 assists, for 83 total points in just 50 games this season. “The Bison,” as people like to call him around Chicago, has doubled his point total from last year, and has shown tremendous progression in his game. When he has the puck you know you're in trouble, and there’s just that chest feeling in the air that you feel when you know you have found just the right player in a video game when he has the puck. To explain that a little more, he’s an extremely gifted puck handler, with elite speed, goal scoring ability, and overall offensive instincts, and awareness. He thinks the game at an extremely high pace, and can find open holes in a defense, as well as create them. He has that extra kick in his game that allows him to always be a step ahead in anticipating the play, he doesn’t use it all the time, but when he does he’s unstoppable to put it simply. Despite this, he has been labeled as a major risk in the draft, as it's clear he has the skill to be a first line star in the NHL one day, but kind of has that Jordan Shroeder vibe to him. Where he plays on arguably one of the most dominant hockey organizations a player can play at the time, so it’s unclear if he’s a factor of his surroundings, or if a lot of it is him.
Overall, I really like Coronato, and would be happy taking him anywhere from picks 22+. I would compare him to a player like Jake Guentzel, and when I say Jake Guentzel I mean that they play almost an identical style of play. I mean the upside is there, it all depends on whether or not he’s given the right environment to succeed in, and if he is, if he can succeed in that one.
No. 4
Luke Hughes, U.S. National U18 Team
Hughes is the youngest of the 3 Hughes brothers, but may turn out to be the best. The 6’2” 180 pound blueliner starred for the United States U18 National Team like his two older brothers Jack, who is currently playing for the New Jersey Devils, and Quinn who is a superstar in the making for the Vancouver Canucks. Hughes has been out for about a month with a ruptured tendon, but still managed to put up impressive numbers before he needed his season early. With 6 goals, 28 assists, and 34 points in just 38 games, the University of Michigan commit possesses a lot more offensive upside then a lot of people give him credit for. Sure, he probably won’t be the same caliber defensmen as Quinn Hughes, or just for an example maybe even a defensemen such as Jamie Drysdale might become from the 2020 draft. But, he’s still extremely well rounded, and has one of the best transition games in the draft, and maybe one of the best we’ve seen from a draft eligible player since his brother Jack who was drafted with the 1st pick in 2019. Hughes is a fluent skater as well, and his smooth technique allows him to slow down the game, and play it at his own pace. He’s extremely poised when making decisions from the blue line, and won’t often crumble, or panic under pressure in his own end. Instead, he’ll often use his skating, and escape ability to make something happen with the play. Although he may still be a bit of a work in progress in his own zone, specifically with his physical maturity, if he’s given the right amount of time to develop that at the University of Michigan, where I see him playing about 2 years at Ann Arbor, then he should be just fine.
In terms of a comparison for Hughes’ projection, and possibly even potentail I’m sticking with his oldest brother Quinn. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. There’s a good chance he isn’t the player that Quinn is, but this is a player that’s in a, “highest ceilings in the 2021 draft article,” come on? At the worst your getting possibly one of the best 2nd pairing defensmen in the NHL, similar to the role that Mikhail Sergachev is playing with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
No. 3
Mackie Samoskevich, Chicago Steel, USHL
Mackie Samoskevich is the second Chicago Steel player on this list along with Matthew Coronato, but is yet probably one of the best players in the USHL right. He’s played at an exceptionally high level for the most part ever since he’s gotten back from injury, and has posted 13 goals, 24 assists, for 37 points in 36 games for just over a point per game. Say what you want about his point totals, but when you watch him you can tell that if his season wasn’t screwed up by Injury, and the Coronavirus he could’ve been the one posting record breaking numbers instead of Matthew Coronato. Although Samoskevich may not be the one setting records here, he still is arguably one of the best. He plays with extreme pace, and skill that rivals that of William Eklund, and Scott Morrow. Samoskevich possesses high end skating ability as well, and is one of the best in the draft. He has a smooth stride, and pure edge work. He’s strong on his skates, standing at around 5’11” but weighing in at around 190 pounds. The Newton, Connecticut native is very talented, and is a great playmaker. He uses his hands to make opposing defenders look silly, and possesss a quick, and accurate shot to go with that, that he used to pit his goals this seasons. He’s great at working in transition as well, and that’s where he scored a lot of points, and set up a lot of teammates as well. The somewhat undersized forward has a bit of nasty to his game, and is not afraid to get chippy, as well as get engaged in physical play. Plus, the scrappy play he gets into is not something you’d see someone like Brad Marchand get into, it’s something you’d see someone like Alex Ovechkin get into. Where instead of just being a bit foolish, he’s doing it for his team, and putting himself on the line to win, and that’s another thing that admire about his game. Although he isn’t very well rounded in his own zone, and definitely needs to even out, when he’s playing hard, and playing well usually that carries over into his own end.
Overall I would definitely like to see what Samoskevich looks like 2-3 years from now. The University of Michigan commit is heading to Ann Arbor next season to play for the Huskies, and will definitely benefit from learning from players such as Matthew Beniers, and potentailly John Beecher. Samoskevich possesses possibly the high ceiling, and I think that that conversation is very debatle. Samoskevich’s high octane type of game reminds me of Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and I’m not saying it will happen, especially given that it most definitely won’t, but there’s a chance we have the next Mitch Marner on our hands here.
No. 2
Kent Johnson, Michigan University
Kent Johnson is probably one of the biggest hit or miss prospects in the draft. Johnson had arguably the best year of any Canadian Junior hockey player, when he scored 101 points in 52 games for the Trail Smoke Eaters in the BCHL, and even started to draw comparisons to Colorado Avalanche prospect Alex Newhook who played in the BCHL during the 2018-19 season, taking home league MVP. The only exception to that comparison at the time was that Johnson was only 17 to Newhook being 18 when he took home MVP. Johnson has continued to impress, taking his talents to Michigan University, where he teamed up with fellow draftees Matthew Beniers, and Owen Power, making one of the deadliest trios in all of college hockey. The shifty Freshman scored at a point per game for the Wolverines, tallying 27 points in 26 games, with 18 of those points being assists. The only downfall to Johnson’s game however is his skating. Despite being quick, and very smart when anticipating play, his top speed is nowhere near NHL ready. Think of Cole Perfetti, and that’s Kent Johnson, however, Kent Johnson doesn’t have the streakiness of someone like Peefetti. No. Johnson just can’t skate. With that being said however, he made this list at number 2 for a reason, and that was due to his unbelievable offensive prowess, and great stickhandling. He has great vision to go with this, and can spot teammates while in full stride, making quick, and creative plays to either get the puck to a teammate, or take the puck to the net himself.
Overall, if Johnson can get his feet to move as fast as his hands, and as quick as he can think the game then he’ll be a possible 100 point guy, no doubt about it. He has all the tools, similar to someone like Brayden Point was in his draft year, of course aside from the skating aspect of both of their games. Without a doubt he’s got the skill, the biggest question is if he can put everything together.
No. 1
William Eklund, Djurgardens IF, SHL
William Eklund is definitely one of the best Swedish prospects we’ve ever seen, potentially even better than Elias Pettersson, and I don’t care what the competition in your draft class is, if you're scoring at the pace he is against men, man you're good! Eklund is one of the shifty, and dynamic players in the draft as well. He has a skill set that is really on its own level compared to other players’ in this draft, he has quick hands, and can make quick work of opposing defenders in the offensive zone, and is especially good when he’s put into small areas of the ice. He can beat defensemen wide, but can work in close, and in the dirty areas of the ice as well. He brings a lot of energy to the game as well, and is someone that you need on your team if you want it to be successful. Even though a lot of his points came from the other Swedish star on his men’s team in Alexander Holtz, he has more than proved that he is capable of scoring, and producing points without him, as well as the fact that he still had a great season in general. William Eklund is as great of a prospect as they come, and is definitely a unique player in his own right. Even though we see players such as Lucas Raymond, and Nils Hoglander come along with similar skill sets, there’s still no player I really think has matched, or will match the level of pace he executes his skill, and the level of competition he’s able to do it at. Eklund is a certain 20 goal scorer, and 60 point player in my mind at least, say what you want, but that’s what he spells out in his game when I watch him.
Honorable Mentions
Owen Power, D, Michigan University
Sean Tschigerl, LW, Calgary Hitmen
Simon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda
Scott Morrow, D, Fargo Force
Ayrton Martino, LW, Omaha Lancers