Comprehensive guide to the 2021 NHL Draft
When
- Friday, July 23 at 8 p.m. ET (Round 1)
- Saturday, July 24 at 11 a.m. ET (Rounds 2-7)
Where
- Draft will be conducted virtually
How to watch
U.S.
| Date | Channel | Round |
|---|---|---|
| July 23 | ESPN 2 | 1 |
| July 24 | NHL Network | 2-7 |
Canada
| Date | Channel | Round |
|---|---|---|
| July 23 | Sportsnet/TVASports | 1 |
| July 24 | Sportsnet | 2-7 |
Draft order (Round 1)
| Pick | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sabres |
| 2 | Kraken |
| 3 | Ducks |
| 4 | Devils |
| 5 | Blue Jackets |
| 6 | Red Wings |
| 7 | Sharks |
| 8 | Kings |
| 9 | Coyotes (from VAN) |
| 10 | Senators |
| 11 | Forfeited pick* |
| 12 | Blackhawks |
| 13 | Flames |
| 14 | Sabres (from PHI) |
| 15 | Stars |
| 16 | Rangers |
| 17 | Blues |
| 18 | Jets |
| 19 | Predators |
| 20 | Oilers |
| 21 | Bruins |
| 22 | Wild |
| 23 | Red Wings (from WSH) |
| 24 | Panthers |
| 25 | Blue Jackets (from TOR) |
| 26 | Wild (from PIT) |
| 27 | Hurricanes |
| 28 | Avalanche |
| 29 | Devils (from NYI) |
| 30 | Golden Knights |
| 31 | Canadiens |
| 32 | Blue Jackets (from TB) |
* - Arizona Coyotes forfeit No. 11 pick due to sanctions for combine testing violations.
Player profiles
Power company: The Michigan trio set to headline the NHL draft
'Alive within us': Roy Pejcinovski and the draft prospects who carry his memory
Mock draft
Top prospects
Owen Power - Defense, Michigan (NCAA)
Most experts and insiders expected Power to be the No. 1 pick, though he wasn't as much of a slam dunk as Alexis Lafreniere last year. Nevertheless, the towering blue-liner oozes potential.
NHL Central Scouting named Power the No. 1 North American skater on its final rankings. He impressed during his freshman season with the Wolverines after playing two campaigns for the USHL's Chicago Steel. That league named him defenseman of the year in 2019-20 after he led all players at the position with 40 points over 45 games.
The Ontario-born rearguard also contributed internationally, helping Canada claim gold at the World Championship in Latvia back in May while producing three assists over 10 games.
Matthew Beniers - Center, Michigan (NCAA)
Beniers had an incredible freshman season with Michigan, ranking third among rookies in points in the NCAA. His season was ultimately cut short due to COVID-19 cancellations, but he's indicated that he may return to college for at least one more campaign.
Despite being the youngest player on Team USA's roster at the 2021 world juniors, Beniers played a vital role in helping lead his team to a gold medal. Centering the second line, he recorded one goal and two assists.
William Eklund - Left wing, Djurgarden (SHL)
Eklund was arguably the top prospect from outside North America in this draft, as NHL Central Scouting slotted him No. 1 among European skaters in its final rankings.
That distinction was warranted, given how well Eklund played in one of the world's best professional leagues at just 18 years old. The promising winger did so despite testing positive for COVID-19 - which forced him to miss the world juniors - and undergoing an appendectomy.
Dylan Guenther - Right wing, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Guenther averaged two points per game for the Oil Kings during the WHL's abbreviated 2020-21 season and is one of the most dynamic offensive talents in this class.
Guenther also proved himself on the international stage this season, notching four goals and three assists in seven contests at the Under-18 World Championship to help Canada win gold.
Mason McTavish - Center, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
McTavish played in Switzerland's second-tier league during the COVID-19 pandemic, posting 11 points in 13 games. He was also one of Canada's top players at the Under-18 worlds, captaining the team to a gold medal. McTavish is a bona fide power forward who's proved he can score goals in bunches.
A big center with a high hockey IQ, McTavish knows where to be on the ice at all times to help make the right play. He may not possess the elite all-around talent of some other top prospects, but his rare blend of size, speed, and skill can make him a legitimate threat in the NHL.
Luke Hughes - Defense, USNTDP (USHL)
Luke is the younger brother of Vancouver Canucks blue-liner Quinn Hughes and New Jersey Devils pivot Jack Hughes. As a defenseman, Luke will draw more comparisons to Quinn, but he shares traits with both of his NHL siblings.
Like his brothers, Luke is a world-class skater. He has great straight-line speed, but his edge work and agility are arguably even better. He's also four inches taller than Quinn and three inches taller than Jack, giving him substantial upside.