2021 NHL Draft first-round results, analysis

The first round of the 2021 NHL Draft is in the books. Thirty-one players were selected on July 23.

NHL.com staff writer Adam Kimelman provides analysis of each pick:
RELATED: [2021 Draft Tracker | NHL Trade Tracker]

1. Buffalo Sabres -- Owen Power, D, Michigan (NCAA)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 1 (North American skaters)
Power (6-foot-6, 213 pounds), the first player from the University of Michigan selected No. 1 in the NHL Draft, is a big presence with good vision, strength and the look of a top-pair NHL defenseman. The 18-year-old scored 16 points (three goals, 13 assists), was plus-18, led Michigan with 40 blocked shots in 26 games and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team this season. Power helped Canada win the 2021 IIHF World Championship with three assists and 17 shots on goal, averaging 20:07 of ice time. He played 24:17, including a Canada-high 10:31 in the third period, during a 3-2 win against Finland in the championship game. Power could return to Michigan next season. The last player chosen No. 1 to not play in the NHL the following season was Erik Johnson, selected by the St. Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL Draft. The defenseman stayed at the University of Minnesota and made his NHL debut during the 2007-08 season.
NHL.com analysis: The Sabres take the best player available, a defenseman with size and skill who looked comfortable and poised playing with and against NHL players with Canada at the World Championship. Power could play in the NHL next season or spend one more season at Michigan working on his game. Either way the Sabres will be getting a top-four defenseman capable of impacting the game in all areas.

2. Seattle Kraken -- Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan (NCAA)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 6 (North American skaters)
Beniers scored 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 24 games this season, his first in college. He led first-time draft-eligible NCAA players in goals, goals per game (0.42) and shots on goal per game (2.38). Michigan received an at-large bid into the NCAA men's ice hockey tournament but had to withdraw due to COVID-19 protocols. The 18-year-old (6-1, 175) helped the United States win the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship as the youngest player on the roster, scoring three points (one goal, two assists) and averaging 17:05 of ice time in seven games as a second-line center. He also scored one goal in four games as the only draft-eligible player for the U.S. at the 2021 IIHF World Championship.
NHL.com analysis: Beniers plays a skilled, two-way game similar to Kraken general manager Ron Francis. Successful teams are built through the middle, and Beniers was the best center prospect available in the draft. He has top-end offensive skill, and his smarts and determination will allow him to contribute on the penalty kill as soon as he gets to the NHL.

3. Anaheim Ducks -- Mason McTavish, C, Peterborough (OHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 2 (North American skaters)
The 18-year-old (6-1, 207), a powerful skater with balance and solid puck-protection skills, scored 11 points (nine goals, two assists) in 13 games this season on loan with EHC Olten in the Swiss League, the second-highest professional league in Switzerland. He also filled in as captain for Canada at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship when Shane Wright (2022 draft eligible) missed two games with an injury. He scored 11 points (five goals, six assists) in seven games to help his country win the tournament.
NHL.com analysis: 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.

4. New Jersey Devils -- Luke Hughes, D, USA U-18 (NTDP)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 4 (North American skaters)
Hughes (6-2, 184) is a great skater capable of playing a smart defensive game with good poise and reads. He scored 34 points (six goals, 28 assists), had 68 shots on goal and was plus-11 in 38 games for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team this season. The 17-year-old has resumed skating after a lacerated tendon in his foot sustained from a skate cut March 7. The youngest brother of Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes and New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes is committed to play at the University of Michigan next season. The Hughes family is the first from the United States to have three brothers chosen in the first round of the NHL Draft (Quinn, No. 7, 2018 NHL Draft; Jack, No. 1, 2019).
NHL.com analysis: Hughes brings the same top-end skating ability as his older brothers, but in a bigger package. He's got a strong offensive game and high hockey IQ. His defensive play is solid and will continue to get better with at least one season at the Michigan.

5. Columbus Blue Jackets -- Kent Johnson, C, Michigan (NCAA)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 3 (North American skaters)
A sniper who plays with pace, skill and creativity, Johnson thrived at left wing this season, scoring 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists), including a University of Michigan-best three power-play goals, in 26 games. The 18-year-old (6-1, 167) led first-time draft-eligible NCAA players in assists, points, and points per game (1.04). He led the British Columbia Hockey League with 101 points (41 goals, 60 assists) in 52 games for Trail in 2019-20.
NHL.com analysis: Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has said center is an area of need, and Johnson is a dynamic playmaker with elite vision and passing skills, and a lot of flash to his game. He also showed his versatility this season, excelling on the wing and at center in his first college season. As he gets stronger he'll likely become even more effective.

6. Detroit Red Wings -- Simon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda Jr. (SWE-JR)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 2 (International skaters)
Edvinsson (6-4, 198) is a physical, left-shot defenseman with good tools that include mobility, skating and a strong shot. The 18-year-old had one assist and averaged 5:48 of ice time in 10 games for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League this season and scored six points (one goal, five assists) in Sweden's junior league. Edvinsson scored four points (one goal, three assists) in seven games to help Sweden finish third at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
NHL.com analysis: The Red Wings add a big, strong, right-shot defenseman to their prospect pipeline with Edvinsson, whose skills and smarts are reminiscent of Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones. With Edvinsson and Moritz Seider, the No. 6 pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, Detroit's defenseman corps looks to be in outstanding shape.

7. San Jose Sharks -- William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (SWE)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 1 (International skaters)
Eklund has good speed, puck skills and vision. He scored 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) this season, including two power-play goals and three game-winning goals, had 63 shots on goal while averaging 15:29 of ice time in 40 games, and was named Swedish Hockey League rookie of the year. The 18-year-old (5-foot-10, 176 pounds) played most of the season on a line with good friend and New Jersey Devils forward prospect Alexander Holtz in the SHL, Sweden's top professional league. He overcame adversity this season, including an emergency appendectomy and a positive COVID-19 test, and received the 2021 E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence, presented annually to the top draft prospect who best exemplifies commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness, and athleticism.
NHL.com analysis: The Sharks need to get younger and more dynamic, and Eklund displayed high-end offensive skill in the SHL this season. He also has some bite to his game, showing a willingness to battle for his space along the boards or in front of the net.

8. Los Angeles Kings -- Brandt Clarke, D, Barrie (OHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 7 (North American skaters)
Clarke (6-2, 185), the younger brother of New Jersey Devils forward prospect Graeme Clarke, is a mobile, puck-moving right-handed shot who is an excellent passer and a playmaker with great vision. The 18-year-old scored 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) and was plus-6 in 26 games on loan with Nove Zamsky this season in the Slovak Extraliga, the top professional league in Slovakia. He scored seven points (two goals, five assists) and was plus-12 in seven games for first-place Canada at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
NHL.com analysis:The Kings have done well stockpiling young forward prospects, topped by Quinton Byfield, the No. 2 pick of the 2020 NHL Draft. Clarke is a strong skater with top-end offensive instincts who can make a smart pass to start transition or lead the rush. Clarke also has a developing defensive game and got some professional experience playing in Slovakia.

9. Arizona Coyotes (from Vancouver Canucks) -- Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton (WHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 5 (North American skaters)
An elite goal-scorer with quickness, Guenther (6-1, 175) scored 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists), including six power-play points (two goals, four assists), in 12 Western Hockey League games this season. The 18-year-old also scored seven points (four goals, three assists) in seven games at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. Guenther led first-place Canada with 34 shots on goal, played a key role on the penalty kill, scored two power-play goals and tied for the team lead with two game-winning goals.
NHL.com analysis:Guenther might have been the best pure goal-scorer in the draft, and the Coyotes certainly could use an offensive upgrade. Since 2010 they've drafted two players who scored 20 goals in a season for them, and they traded one of them, Conor Garland, to the Canucks to acquire this pick.

10. Ottawa Senators -- Tyler Boucher, RW, USA U-18 (USHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 25 (North American skaters)
The son of Brian Boucher, a goalie for 13 NHL seasons, Tyler has established himself as a power forward. The 18-year-old had a knee scope April 2 but has since returned to the ice. Boucher (6-1, 205) competes hard with an excellent work ethic and hockey sense. He scored 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 12 games (0.92 points per game) this season after scoring 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) in 43 games for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-17 team in 2019-20. He'll attend Boston University next season.
NHL.com analysis:The Senators add a power forward-type player in Boucher, who combined skill and grit in a strong season with the NTDP. Ottawa's prospect depth will allow Boucher to take all the time he needs in college to develop his game, and the ceiling for Boucher is high.

11. Arizona Coyotes -- forfeited pick for violating NHL Combine Testing Policy during 2019-20 season

12. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Chicago Blackhawks) -- Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls (USHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 10 (North American skaters)
Sillinger (6-0, 197) began this season with Sioux Falls because of the uncertainty surrounding the start of the Western Hockey League season due to the coronavirus. When the WHL began play Feb. 26, the 18-year-old opted to remain in the United States Hockey League rather than return to Medicine Hat. Sillinger led Sioux Falls in goals (24), points (46), points per game (1.48) and shots on goal (113) in 31 games and was named USHL rookie of the year. He also scored five power-play goals, two game-winning goals and one shorthanded goal. Sillinger will return to Medicine Hat next season. His father is former NHL forward Mike Sillinger.
NHL.com analysis: Center quickly is turning into a strength for the Blue Jackets with the selection of Sillinger after Kent Johnson at No. 5. Sillinger stands out for his high hockey IQ, excellent vision, playmaking ability, an NHL-ready shot and the ability to control the game with the puck.

13. Calgary Flames -- Matthew Coronato, RW, Chicago (USHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 9 (North American skaters)
Coronato finished first in the United States Hockey League this season with 48 goals, 19 power-play goals and eight game-winning goals, was tied for first with four shorthanded goals, and second with 85 points and a 1.67 points-per game average in 51 regular-season games. The 18-year-old (5-10, 183) led all scorers with nine goals, 13 points and a 1.63 points-per game average in six USHL playoff games and is committed to play at Harvard University next season.
NHL.com analysis: 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.

14. Buffalo Sabres (from Philadelphia Flyers) -- Isak Rosen, RW, Leksand (SWE)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 8 (International skaters)
The 18-year-old (5-11, 156) has good acceleration, a good skating stride and the ability to change speeds, and his competitiveness makes him difficult to play against. He had one assist and averaged 5:45 of ice time in 22 Swedish Hockey League games this season and scored 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in 12 games for Leksand's team in Sweden's junior league. Rosen scored nine points (seven goals, two assists) and had 32 shots on goal for Sweden at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
NHL.com analysis:After getting a franchise defenseman with the selection of Owen Power at No. 1, the Sabres opt for a high-skill forward in Rosen with a pick acquired in the trade of defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen to the Philadelphia Flyers. Rosen's scoring touch impressed NHL scouts at the U-18 Worlds, and despite his size he never backed down from physical play against older, more experienced players in the SHL, showing he was willing and able to get to the front of the net in the offensive zone to produce. Rosen will need time to get stronger but has a high ceiling.

15. Detroit Red Wings (from Dallas Stars) -- Sebastian Cossa, G, Edmonton (WHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 1 (North American goalies)
Cossa (6-6, 210) was 17-1-1 for Edmonton, led Western Hockey League goalies this season in goals-against average (1.57) and save percentage (.941), and was tied for the lead in shutouts (four). The 18-year-old is 38-7-4 with a 1.98 GAA, .928 save percentage and eight shutouts in 52 games in two WHL seasons.
NHL.com analysis: The Red Wings move up in a trade with the Stars and select the first goalie in the draft. Cossa has the size and athleticism NHL teams look for in a goalie, and scouts also like his calm and controlled movements in the net, his competitiveness and his ability to read plays. Detroit had a need to add a franchise-type goalie to its rebuilding effort, and Cossa has the chance to fill that role.

16. New York Rangers -- Brennan Othmann, LW, Flint (OHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 8 (North American skaters)
With the Ontario Hockey League not playing this season due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, Othmann (6-0, 175) played on loan with Olten in the Swiss League, the second-highest professional league in Switzerland. The 18-year-old scored 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 34 games playing with and against experienced professionals, showing a willingness to block shots and make the game tough on opponents. He scored six points (three goals, three assists) in seven games to help Canada win the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. Othmann scored one goal and had seven shots on goal in a 5-3 win against Russia in the championship game.
NHL.com analysis: Othmann's skill and skating impressed during his play in Switzerland, and he carried that into strong play at the U-18 Worlds. The Rangers have a number of talented young forwards, topped by Alexis Lafreniere, the No. 1 pick of the 2020 NHL Draft, and Othmann's hard-nosed play and strong forechecking would give them more open ice to work with.

17. St. Louis Blues -- Zachary Bolduc, C, Rimouski (QMJHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 17 (North American skaters)
Bolduc (6-1, 175), winner of the Michael Bossy Trophy as the top prospect in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, is an excellent skater with good hockey IQ and an ability to finish plays. The 18-year-old scored 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) and three power-play goals this season, ranking second on Rimouski with 1.07 points per game in 27 games before a lower-body injury ended his season. He has maintained a point-per game average over two QMJHL seasons.
NHL.com analysis:The Blues opt for a high-end offensive talent that showed he can produce from anywhere. Bolduc is a strong skater with a complete game who has the size and strength to hold on to the puck to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

18. Winnipeg Jets -- Chaz Lucius, C, USA U-18 (USHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 12 (North American skaters)
The right-handed shot scored 20 points (13 goals, seven assists) in 13 games for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team this season. Lucius (6-1, 185) made his season debut Feb. 19 after being out the first four months of the season recovering from a bone lesion on his knee. The 18-year-old, who can shoot the puck as well as any player available in the draft, is committed to the University of Minnesota for next season.
NHL.com analysis: The Jets can add to their forward depth with one of the most talented goal-scorers available. Lucius has a top-end shot and can get it off from anywhere in the offensive zone. And following surgery to remove the bone lesion, Lucius has said his
skating is better than it has been in years
.

19. Nashville Predators -- Fedor Svechkov, C, Togliatti Jr. (RUS-2)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 6 (International skaters)
The 18-year-old scored 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 38 games in Russia's second division and 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 15 games in Russia's junior league this season. He's a reliable, hard-working, two-way competitor with a good shot as well as a smart passer, improved skater and effective penalty-killer. Svechkov (6-0, 187) scored 10 points (four goals, six assists) in seven games for second-place Russia at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
NHL.com analysis:The Predators add a top-end two-way center with their top pick. Svechkov centered Russia's top line at the U-18 Worlds, but showed the versatility to play all three forward positions in Russia's second division. He needs to get stronger, and that could happen next season in the Kontinental Hockey League, or with Saint John of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, who selected him in the 2020 Canadian Hockey League import draft.

20. Minnesota Wild (from Edmonton Oilers) -- Jesper Wallstedt, G, Lulea (SWE)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 1 (International goalies)
Wallstedt is the first Sweden-born goalie selected to be in the first round of the NHL Draft. The 18-year-old (6-3, 214), whose strongest assets are his calmness and technical command of the position, was 11-8 with three ties, a 2.23 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and two shutouts in 22 games in the Swedish Hockey League. He also had a .923 save percentage in two games for Sweden at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.
NHL.com analysis: The Wild made a trade with the Edmonton Oilers to move up two spots and select Wallstedt, who impressed scouts with his ability to read the play, quickness and hybrid butterfly/athletic style. With Kaapo Kahkonen a full-time NHL player, the Wild needed a top-end goalie prospect, and Wallstedt has the look of a future franchise player.

21. Boston Bruins -- Fabian Lysell, RW, Lulea (SWE)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 9 (International skaters)
Lysell (5-10, 172) is a mobile skater with good speed and creativity. The 18-year-old doesn't have great size but is strong and capable of winning 1-on-1 battles. He scored three points (two goals, one assist) and averaged 7:22 of ice time in 26 Swedish Hockey League games this season, and scored nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games for third-place Sweden at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
NHL.com analysis: Lysell needs to get stronger, and another season of development in the SHL, including a boost in ice time, will help him further develop his game. As Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand each moves into the latter stages of his NHL career, the Bruins make a smart move to add a potential big-time contributor as a top-six forward.

22. Edmonton Oilers (from Minnesota Wild) -- Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 13 (North American skaters
Bourgault can play wing or center and is a dynamic offensive player who is relentless in his puck pursuit. The 18-year-old (6-0, 172) was third on Shawinigan with 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) and second with seven power-play goals in 29 regular-season games in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season. He also had four assists and 25 shots on goal in five QMJHL playoff games. Bourgault was a finalist for the 2021 Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the league's most sportsmanlike player.
NHL.com analysis:The Oilers moved back two spots in a trade with the Wild and were able to add a highly talented offensive player who could develop into a nice complementary piece to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He can play center or wing, and his top-end skating ability and strength make him hard to handle on the forecheck.

23. Dallas Stars (from Detroit Red Wings via Washington Capitals) -- Wyatt Johnston, C, Windsor (OHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 16 (North American skaters)
The right-handed shot (6-1, 178) is very skilled and has good hockey IQ. He scored four points (two goals, two assists) in seven games for first-place Canada at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, and 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists) in 53 games as a rookie for Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League in 2019-20. The 18-year-old has a very good shot and release and a solid work ethic, according to Joey Tenute of NHL Central Scouting.
NHL.com analysis: Johnston's only hockey this season was at the U-18 Worlds, but he impressed in a checking role as well as chipping in a bit of offense. The Stars have done well selecting younger forwards the past several seasons, including Mavrik Bourque at No. 30 in the 2020 NHL Draft and Jason Robertson, who finished second in voting for the Calder Trophy for NHL rookie of the year this season. Now they were able to move back to No. 23 in a trade with the Red Wings, select the player they wanted and pick up two additional selections for Saturday.

24. Florida Panthers -- Mackie Samoskevich, RW, Chicago (USHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 26 (North American skaters)
The 18-year-old (5-11, 191) scored 37 points (13 goals, 24 assists) in 36 games and was an alternate captain for Chicago this season. Samoskevich, who has been consistent in his details away from the puck to become an even more dynamic player, is committed to play at the University of Michigan next season.
NHL.com analysis: Samoskevich has high-end offensive gifts and can make plays at top speed. His hockey IQ and great vision allow him to find open spots in the offensive zone. Scouts like his shot and how he is skilled enough to change the angle on it and add deception. Samoskevich eventually skating on a line with center Anton Lundell, the No. 12 pick of the 2020 NHL Draft, should have Panthers fans excited.

25. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Toronto Maple Leafs) -- Corson Ceulemans, D, Brooks (AJHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 14 (North American skaters)
The 18-year-old right-handed shot (6-2, 198) has the potential to become a top-four NHL defenseman able to play big minutes in all situations. Ceulemans scored 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in eight games in the Alberta Junior Hockey League this season and played games for Canada at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, when he scored eight points (one goal, seven assists) and was plus-11 in six games. He's committed to the University of Wisconsin for the 2022-23 season.
NHL.com analysis: The Blue Jackets opt for a defenseman with their third pick of the first round. Ceulemans is an outstanding skater who can lead the rush and is able to use his speed to create chances in transition and in the offensive zone. He also knows how to use his mobility and long reach to keep opposing forwards to the outside. He'll continue to develop his game at Wisconsin but has the look of a future minutes-eating, top-four defenseman.

26. Minnesota Wild (from Pittsburgh Penguins) -- Carson Lambos, D, Winnipeg (WHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 11 (North American skaters)
Lambos (6-1, 197) is a two-way defenseman with patience in the defensive zone and in transition. He played two games in the Western Hockey League in 2020-21 before leaving Winnipeg to have a season-ending medical procedure. The 18-year-old scored 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 13 games on loan with JYP in Finland's junior league. He led WHL rookie defensemen with 32 points (eight goals, 24 assists) in 57 games in 2019-20.
NHL.com analysis:The Wild have a need for defensemen, and Lambos has the look of a future top-pair player. He impressed in Finland, including two games with JYP in Liiga, the country's top professional league. He's an outstanding skater with a high hockey IQ, and his patience with the puck makes him dangerous. Lambos also is expected to be fully healed from the medical procedure.

27. Nashville Predators (from Carolina Hurricanes) -- Zachary L'Heureux, LW, Halifax (QMJHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 30 (North American skaters)
L'Heureux (5-11, 196) may have the best hands of any draft-eligible prospect in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, according to J-F Damphousse of NHL Central Scouting. The 18-year-old was second on Halifax with 39 points (19 goals, 20 assists) and 130 shots on goal in 33 games this season. He's at his best when playing physical and driving to the net.
NHL.com analysis: The Predators move up in a trade with the Hurricanes to add skill with snarl. L'Heureux has the ability to physically outmatch defenders down low and along the boards. With maturity -- he was suspended four times this season -- he has the talent to blossom into a big-time contributor.

28. Colorado Avalanche -- Oscar Olausson, RW HV 71 (SWE)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 13 (International skaters)
Olausson (6-1, 180) made his Swedish Hockey League debut this season, scoring four points (three goals, one assist) in 16 games, and also scored 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) in 16 game with HV 71's team in Sweden's junior league. He displayed strong puck skills with very good skating.
NHL.com analysis: The Avalanche, who have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, opt for an offensive player with a high ceiling. Olausson will be given all the time he needs to develop his game.

29. New Jersey Devils (from New York Islanders) -- Chase Stillman, RW, Sudbury (OHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 35 (North American skaters)
With the Ontario Hockey League season canceled due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, Stillman (6-1, 180) scored 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in eight games with Esbjerg in Denmark's junior league. He also helped Canada win the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship with four points (two goals, two assists) in seven games. His father, Cory Stillman was selected by the Calgary Flames with the No. 6 pick of the 1992 NHL Draft, played 1,025 NHL games and won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004 and the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006.
NHL.com analysis: The Devils need to add some offensive punch. Stillman has the size to get to the nasty areas of the ice and the hands and agility to produce when he gets there.

30. Vegas Golden Knights -- Zach Dean, C Gatineau (QMJHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 21 (North American skaters)
Dean (6-0, 176) missed the first month of this season with a wrist injury but scored 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists), led Gatineau with five power-play goals in 23 regular-season games and scored two points (one goal, one assist) in four playoff games. The 18-year-old is a high-end skater with a great two-way game.
NHL.com analysis: Dean is a great skater, and his speed and elusiveness allow him to beat defensemen wide on the rush. Vegas needs to add inexpensive young talent, and adding Dean to 2020 first-round pick Brendan Brisson and 2019 first-round pick Peyton Krebs gives the Golden Knights a strong foundation.

31. Montreal Canadiens -- Logan Mailloux, D, London (GOJHL)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 23 (North American skaters)
Mailloux (6-3, 212) scored 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 19 games with SK Lejon in Sweden's third division this season. He played four games with London in the Ontario Hockey League in 2019-20 and was second among Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League defensemen with 68 points (18 goals, 50 assists) in 48 games. Mailloux had asked to be removed from draft consideration following a criminal charge while playing in Sweden.
NHL.com analysis: Mailloux is a big, mobile defenseman, but off-ice concerns make this a questionable selection by the Canadiens.

32. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning via Columbus Blue Jackets) -- Nolan Allan, D, Prince Albert (WHL)

NHL Central Scouting (No. 40 North American skaters)
Allan (6-2, 195) scored two points (one goal, one assists) in 16 Western Hockey League games this season. He also was part of Canada's championship team at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, scoring two points (one goal, one assist) and finishing at plus-7 in seven games.
NHL.com analysis: With the pick the Blackhawks acquired in the trade for defenseman Seth Jones from the Blue Jackets, Chicago opts for a defensive-minded player who is smart, sound positionally and a strong skater.
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