NHL 2021 Mock Draft Part 3
Posted 11:30 PM ET | Comments 0
16. St. Louis Blues - Fyodor Svechkov C (Togliatti, VHL) The Blues are a physical grind it out team who are not getting any younger. They pick Svechkov a two-way center out of the VHL who is extremely reliable defensively and has room to grow offensively. He may not have the highest ceiling, but the floor is a shutdown defensive center.
17. Winnipeg Jets – Matt Coronato RW (Chicago, USHL)
The last time the Jets were in this spot was 2015. There was another USHL star available at that pick and it turned out to be Kyle Connor. This time around it is Matt Coronato of the Chicago Steel. Coronato and Connor had very similar draft year numbers, but Coronato had five more points in five less games.
18. Nashville Predators – Corson Ceulemans RHD (Brooks, AJHL) Nashville has a knack for drafting and developing elite defenseman that is why they dip into the AJHL for Ceulemans. Ceulemans is a big right shot defenseman who throws the body and is very good offensively. There are concerns about his defensive play but a few years at Wisconsin will help round out his game.
19. Edmonton Oilers – Sebastian Cossa G (Edmonton, WHL) This pick almost seems too easy. A big goaltender who plays in the same building as the Oilers and dominated the WHL in the shortened season Cossa seems like the logical choice. There are some talented offensive players on the board, but I do not think Ken Holland can pass up the potential Oilers starter of the future.
20. Boston Bruins – Zachary L’Heureux C/W (Halifax, QMJHL) The Bruins draft the same type of player in the draft year after year, this trend continues with L’Heureux. A physical player who has skill to match L’Heureux could turn into a top six forward down the line. He put up 39 points in 33 games last season.
21. Minnesota Wild – Oskar Olausson LW/RW (HV71, SHL) The Wild have been building one of the best prospect pools in the league and look to add to it. Olausson scored 20 goals this season while switching between three leagues, he can fill the net. He also brings a decent two-way game. He should be a good complimentary piece moving forward.
22. Detroit Red Wings – Francesco Pinelli C (Jesenice, AlpsHL) Stevie Y takes a chance on the highly skilled center. 11 points in the AlpsHL may not raise eyebrows but he has produced everywhere he has played, including the OHL. May not be the most dynamic but is a good skater who slows down play.
23. Florida Panthers – Aatu Raty C (Karpat, SM-Liiga) If I told you Raty would be picked here a year ago you would call me crazy. Formerly projected to go first overall Raty had difficulties playing against men and in some part due to switching between leagues too often and never getting comfortable. If Raty falls to the Panthers they will have three great Finnish centers in Selke winner Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell and Raty.
17. Winnipeg Jets – Matt Coronato RW (Chicago, USHL)
The last time the Jets were in this spot was 2015. There was another USHL star available at that pick and it turned out to be Kyle Connor. This time around it is Matt Coronato of the Chicago Steel. Coronato and Connor had very similar draft year numbers, but Coronato had five more points in five less games.
18. Nashville Predators – Corson Ceulemans RHD (Brooks, AJHL) Nashville has a knack for drafting and developing elite defenseman that is why they dip into the AJHL for Ceulemans. Ceulemans is a big right shot defenseman who throws the body and is very good offensively. There are concerns about his defensive play but a few years at Wisconsin will help round out his game.
19. Edmonton Oilers – Sebastian Cossa G (Edmonton, WHL) This pick almost seems too easy. A big goaltender who plays in the same building as the Oilers and dominated the WHL in the shortened season Cossa seems like the logical choice. There are some talented offensive players on the board, but I do not think Ken Holland can pass up the potential Oilers starter of the future.
20. Boston Bruins – Zachary L’Heureux C/W (Halifax, QMJHL) The Bruins draft the same type of player in the draft year after year, this trend continues with L’Heureux. A physical player who has skill to match L’Heureux could turn into a top six forward down the line. He put up 39 points in 33 games last season.
21. Minnesota Wild – Oskar Olausson LW/RW (HV71, SHL) The Wild have been building one of the best prospect pools in the league and look to add to it. Olausson scored 20 goals this season while switching between three leagues, he can fill the net. He also brings a decent two-way game. He should be a good complimentary piece moving forward.
22. Detroit Red Wings – Francesco Pinelli C (Jesenice, AlpsHL) Stevie Y takes a chance on the highly skilled center. 11 points in the AlpsHL may not raise eyebrows but he has produced everywhere he has played, including the OHL. May not be the most dynamic but is a good skater who slows down play.
23. Florida Panthers – Aatu Raty C (Karpat, SM-Liiga) If I told you Raty would be picked here a year ago you would call me crazy. Formerly projected to go first overall Raty had difficulties playing against men and in some part due to switching between leagues too often and never getting comfortable. If Raty falls to the Panthers they will have three great Finnish centers in Selke winner Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell and Raty.