“In truth, he is a unique player, combining amazing size, strong skating, a big shot, great vision, the ability (if not necessarily the proclivity) to play a dominating physical game.”Ryan Wagman, McKeen’s Hockey
2. Seattle Kraken — Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan (NCAA)
It’s probably not fair to compare Beniers to Ron Francis, the Kraken GM who drafted him. That will be tough to avoid, though, because Beniers brings the sort of two-way game that’s expected to translate smoothly to the NHL.
Want more on Beniers, and the Kraken making their first-ever draft pick at No. 2? Click here.
“The Ducks desperately need offensive players, and in McTavish they get high-end skill blended with size and strength through the middle. And McTavish was an impact player during his time in the Swiss League, playing with and against older, more physically developed competition.”— NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman.
4. New Jersey Devils — Luke Hughes, D, USA U-18 (USNTDP)
Doesn’t get much better than keeping brothers together, does it? Jack Hughes certainly looked elated that the Devils drafted Luke Hughes fourth overall, that’s for sure.
— Michigan Athletics 〽️ (@UMichAthletics) July 24, 2021
6. Detroit Red Wings — Simon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda (SHL)
Edvinsson ranks as one of the 2021 NHL Draft’s most interesting prospects, as he was projected to fall in many spots. No doubt, size is a big selling point for the big Swedish defenseman.
” (Edvinsson) … combines incredible skating and puck skills in a supersized frame, a talent the likes of which this team has nothing like. He is raw, and likely needs at least two more years of development, but the upside is a star,” Ryan Wagman, McKeen’s Hockey
7. San Jose Sharks — William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (SHL)
People started to clamor for Eklund pretty quickly.
We’ve reached the point of the draft where every pick from this point forward that is not William Eklund will be met with a large scoff from me.
Well, the fall didn’t last too long? Depends upon who you ask, perhaps. (Ryan Wagman mock-drafted Eklund at seven.)
8. Los Angeles Kings – Brandt Clarke, D, Barrie (OHL)
” … In a sentence, Clarke projects as a second or third defenseman who can be on a top NHL power-play unit but may not be able to face top opponents defensively.” – Corey Pronman, The Athletic (sub required).
” … He becomes a massive component of Arizona’s next rebuild. I see a lot about his game that translates to the pros and you can see him finishing plays from Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton and Victor Soderstrom for many years, and driving a line with his great two-way play. He was my No. 2 ranked prospect,” – Corey Pronman, The Athletic (sub required).
10. Ottawa Senators — Tyler Boucher, RW, USA U-18 (USNTDP)
“In a sentence, Boucher projects as a bottom-six NHL winger who will be one of the most physical players in a game.” Corey Pronman, The Athletic (sub required).
“Sillinger stands out for his high-end hockey IQ, excellent vision, playmaking ability, an NHL-ready shot and the ability to control the game with the puck on his stick.” –NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman.
13. Calgary Flames — Matthew Coronato, RW, Chicago (USHL)
“Coronato is a dominant offensive force who blends top-end goal scoring, strong skating and a physical approach, similar to United States Hockey Hall of Fame forward John LeClair. He was nicknamed “Bison” because of the way he goes hard to the net in the offensive zone.”–NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman.
“Isak Rosen has a full toolshed of high-end offensive elements. Being forced to play in the SHL after the Swedish junior leagues were cancelled didn’t help his stat page, but was a great learning experience, which his seven goals in seven games at the U18s illustrated.” – Ryan Wagman, McKeen’s Hockey
15. Detroit Red Wings (from DAL) — Sebastian Cossa, G, Edmonton (WHL)
Heading into the 2021 NHL Draft, people wondered if as many as two goalies could go in the top 10. There was also debate between Cossa or Jesper Wallstedt as the first goalie to go in the 2021 NHL Draft. Ultimately, the Red Wings traded up to land a big goalie. They’ve been aggressive attempting to improve at net, as Cossa is the prospect to pair with prime-age goalieAlex Nedeljkovic.
16. NY Rangers — Brennan Othmann, LW, Flint (OHL) 17. St. Louis Blues — Zachary Bolduc, C, Rimouski (QMJHL) 18. Winnipeg Jets – Chaz Lucius, C, USA U-18 (USNTDP) 19. Nashville Predators — Fedor Svechkov, C, Togliatti (VHL) 20. Minnesota Wild (from EDM) – Jesper Wallstedt, G, Lulea (SHL)
Jesper Wallstedt was a league-average goalie who played 22 games in the SHL, one of the best leagues in the world. As a draft-eligible player.
That’s unprecedented this century for a 17-year-old.
Getting him for the cost of a 3rd in a weak draft is nice work by Judd Brackett
— Tony of the USS 10KRinks.com (@OhHiTony) July 24, 2021
21. Boston Bruins — Fabian Lysell, RW, Lulea (SHL)
The Bruins inject some much-needed skill in their prospect pool with a guy like Fabian Lysell. His highlight reel is … fun to watch: pic.twitter.com/ySovl7mxbu
22. Edmonton Oilers (from MIN) — Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL) 23. Dallas Stars (Detroit; WSH) — Wyatt Johnston, C, Windsor (OHL) 24. Florida Panthers — Mackie Samoskevich, RW, Chicago (USHL) 25. Columbus Blue Jackets (from TOR) — Corson Ceulemans, D, Brooks (AJHL) 26. Minnesota Wild (from PIT) — Carson Lambos, D, Winnipeg (WHL) 27. Nashville Predators (from CAR) — Zachary L’Heureux, LW, Halifax (QMJHL) 28. Colorado Avalanche — Oskar Olausson, RW, HV71 (SHL) 29. New Jersey Devils (from NYI) — Chase Stillman, RW, Sudbury (OHL) 30. Vegas Golden Knights — Zach Dean, C, Gatineau (QMJHL) 31. Montreal Canadiens — Logan Mailloux, D, London (OHL) 32. Chicago Blackhawks (from TBL via CBJ) — Nolan Allan, D, Prince Albert (WHL)
Pick 11 – The NHL directed the forfeiture of this pick in sanctions against the Arizona Coyotes announced Aug. 26, 2020.
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Also, here’s the complete 2021 NHL Draft order for rounds 2-7:
Round 2
33. Buffalo Sabres: Prokhor Poltapov, LW, CSKA-2 (MHL) 34. Anaheim Ducks: Olen Zellweger, D, Everett (WHL) 35. Seattle Kraken: Ryker Evans, D, Regina (WHL) 36. Detroit Red Wings: Shai Buium, D, Sioux City (USHL) 37. Arizona Coyotes: Josh Doan, RW, Chicago (USHL) 38. Vegas Golden Knights: Daniil Chayka, D, CSKA (Russia) 39. Ottawa Senators: Zack Ostapchuk, C, Vancouver (WHL) 40. Carolina Hurricanes: Scott Morrow, D, Shattuck St. Mary’s (High MN) 41. Vancouver Canucks: Danila Klimovich, RW, Minsk Zubry (Belarus 2) 42. Los Angeles Kings: Francesco Pinelli, C, Kitchener (OHL) 43. Arizona Coyotes: Ilya Fedotov, LW, Nizhny Novgorod 2 (Russia Jr.) 44. Columbus (from CHI) 45. Calgary 46. Philadelphia 47. Dallas 48. Detroit (from NYR) 49. Los Angeles (from STL via BUF and VGK) 50. Winnipeg 51. Nashville 52. NY Islanders (from DET via EDM) 53. Buffalo (from BOS) 54. Minnesota 55. Washington 56. Florida 57. Toronto 58. Pittsburgh 59. Carolina 60. Arizona (from NYI via COL) 61. Colorado (from NJD via NYI) 62. Chicago (from VGK) 63. Montreal 64. Montreal (from TBL)
Round 3
65. NY Rangers (from BUF) 66. Anaheim 67. Seattle 68. New Jersey 69. Columbus 70. Detroit 71. San Jose 72. Los Angeles 73. Dallas (from VAN) 74. Ottawa 75. Washington (from ARI via NJD) 76. Montreal (from CHI) 77. Calgary 78. Philadelphia 79. Dallas 80. NY Rangers 81. St. Louis 82. Winnipeg 83. Nashville 84. Calgary (from EDM) 85. Boston 86. Minnesota 87. Montreal (from WSH via SJS) 88. Buffalo (from FLA) 89. Los Angeles (from TOR) 90. Minnesota (from PIT via SJS) 91. Carolina 92. Colorado 93. NY Islanders 94. Carolina (from DET via VGK) 95. Buffalo (from MTL) 96. Tampa Bay
Round 4
97. Buffalo 98. Anaheim 99. Seattle 100. New Jersey 101. Columbus 102. Detroit 103. San Jose 104. NY Rangers (from LAK) 105. Chicago (from VAN) 106. NY Rangers (from OTT) 107. Arizona 108. Chicago 109. Los Angeles (from CGY) 110. Philadelphia 111. Dallas 112. NY Rangers 113. Montreal (from STL) 114. Vegas (from WPG) 115. Nashville 116. Edmonton 117. Boston 118. Minnesota 119. Washington 120. Florida 121. San Jose (from TOR) 122. Arizona (from PIT) 123. Carolina 124. Nashville (from COL via OTT) 125. NY Islanders 126. Montreal (from VGK) 127. Montreal 128. Detroit (from TBL)
Round 5
129. New Jersey (from BUF) 130. Anaheim 131. Seattle 132. Columbus (from NJD) 133. Columbus 134. Detroit 135. San Jose 136. Los Angeles 137. Vancouver 138. Detroit (from OTT via MTL) 139. Arizona 140. Vancouver (from CHI) 141. Calgary 142. Montreal (from PHI) 143. Dallas 144. NY Rangers 145. St. Louis 146. Winnipeg 147. Nashville 148. Anaheim (from EDM via OTT) 149. Boston 150. Minnesota 151. Washington 152. Florida 153. Toronto 154. Pittsburgh 155. Vegas (from CAR) 156. San Jose (from COL) 157. NY Islanders 158. Philadelphia (from VGK via WSH) 159. Buffalo (from MTL) 160. Tampa Bay
Round 6
161. Buffalo 162. Anaheim 163. Seattle 164. New Jersey 165. Columbus 166. Detroit 167. San Jose 168. Los Angeles 169. Vancouver 170. Ottawa 171. Arizona 172. Chicago 173. Calgary 174. Philadelphia 175. Dallas 176. NY Rangers 177. St. Louis 178. Vancouver (from WPG) 179. Nashville 180. Edmonton 181. Boston 182. Minnesota 183. Washington 184. Florida 185. Toronto 186. Edmonton (from PIT) 187. Carolina 188. Buffalo (from COL) 189. NY Islanders 190. Vegas 191. Montreal 192. Tampa Bay
Round 7
193. Buffalo 194. Pittsburgh (from ANA) 195. Seattle 196. Tampa Bay (from NJD) 197. Columbus 198. St. Louis (from DET) 199. San Jose 200. Carolina (from LAK) 201. Vancouver 202. Ottawa 203. New Jersey (from ARI) 204. Chicago 205. Calgary 206. Philadelphia 207. Dallas 208. NY Rangers 209. Carolina (from STL) 210. Florida (from WPG) 211. Tampa Bay (from NSH) 212. Edmonton 213. Boston 214. Minnesota 215. Pittsburgh (from WSH) 216. Chicago (from FLA) 217. Boston (from TOR) 218. Pittsburgh 219. Carolina 220. Colorado 221. NY Islanders 222. Vegas 223. Montreal 224. Tampa Bay
Vancouver Canucks winger Dakota Joshua is set to make his season debut Thursday after missing time for cancer treatment.
Head coach Rick Tocchet says Joshua will slot into the lineup Thursday when Vancouver (8-3-3) hosts the New York Islanders.
The 28-year-old from Dearborn, Mich., was diagnosed with testicular cancer this summer and underwent surgery in early September.
He spoke earlier this month about his recovery, saying it had been “very hard to go through” and that he was thankful for support from his friends, family, teammates and fans.
“That was a scary time but I am very thankful and just happy to be in this position still and be able to go out there and play,,” Joshua said following Thursday’s morning skate.
The cancer diagnosis followed a career season where Joshua contributed 18 goals and 14 assists across 63 regular-season games, then added four goals and four assists in the playoffs.
Now, he’s ready to focus on contributing again.
“I expect to be good, I don’t expect a grace period. I’ve been putting the work in so I expect to come out there and make an impact as soon as possible,” he said.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be perfect right from the get-go, but it’s about putting your best foot forward and working your way to a point of perfection.”
The six-foot-three, 206-pound Joshua signed a four-year, US$13-million contract extension at the end of June.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 14, 2024.
TORONTO – Reigning PWHL MVP and scoring champ Natalie Spooner will miss the start of the regular season for the Toronto Sceptres, general manager Gina Kingsbury announced Tuesday on the first day of training camp.
The 33-year-old Spooner had knee surgery on her left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after she was checked into the boards by Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle in Game 3 of their best-of-five semifinal series on May 13.
She had a goal and an assist in three playoff games but did not finish the series. Toronto was up 2-1 in the semifinal at that time and eventually fell 3-2 in the series.
Spooner led the PWHL with 27 points in 24 games. Her 20 goals, including five game-winners, were nine more than the closest skater.
Kingsbury said there is no timeline, as the team wants the Toronto native at 100 per cent, but added that “she is doing really well” in her recovery.
The Sceptres open the PWHL season on Nov. 30 when they host the Boston Fleet.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2024.
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board declined Friday to confirm media reports that India has decided against playing any games in host Pakistan during next year’s Champions Trophy.
“My view is if there’s any problems, they (India) should tell us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. “I’ll share that with the media as well as with the government as soon as I get such a letter.”
Indian media reported Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its concerns to all the Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB, over the Feb. 19-March 9 tournament and would not play in arch-rival Pakistan.
The Times of India said that “Dubai is a strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue” for the 50-over tournament.
Such a solution would see Pakistan having to travel to a neutral venue to play India in a group match, with another potential meeting later in the tournament if both teams advanced from their group. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan with the specific venue not yet decided.
“Our stance is clear,” Naqvi said. “They need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”
Political tensions have stopped bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2008 and they have competed in only multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups.
“Cricket should be free of politics,” Naqvi said. “Any sport should not be entangled with politics. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will continue unabated, and this will be a successful event.”
The PCB has already spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi which are due to host 15 Champions Trophy games. Naqvi hoped all the three stadiums will be ready over the next two months.
“Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here (in Pakistan),” Naqvi said. “I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter, and I don’t expect they will. I expect the tournament will be held at the home of the official hosts.”
Eight countries – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – are due to compete in the tournament, the schedule of which is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.
“Normally the ICC announces the schedule of any major tournament 100 days before the event, and I hope they will announce it very soon,” Naqvi said.
