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Who is leading the race for No. 1 in the 2021 NHL draft?
That would be Owen Power out of the University of Michigan. The 6-foot-5, 214-pounder is a highly mobile defenseman with terrific hockey sense. He was the No. 1 prospect on my first draft ranking for the class, largely due to the body of work he had coming into this season.
Power was the USHL's Defenseman of the Year at age 17. He had 40 points in 45 games for the Chicago Steel, which was on pace for a record-shattering campaign. His team was stacked with first-rounder Brendan Brisson, second-rounder Sam Colangelo and a host of other draft picks dotting the lineup, but it was clear that Power was a driver on that team, dictating so much of the game from the back end.
In 10 games so far this season for the Wolverines, Power has four points. It's the potential that is really driving the hype around him, as he is having more of an up-and-down start at Michigan. You want to see No. 1 guys dominate and take over games, and Power hasn't quite gotten there yet. But that doesn't mean he won't as he adjusts to the college game.
The raw tools are really intriguing. He has the size and the range. Power can get physical and defends really well, with a long reach and high-end footwork. Offensively, he's so smooth and confident with the puck. Power makes good decisions and finds ways to create.
Who could challenge him for the top spot?
Depending on who you ask, you might get five or six different answers. Power is the clear front-runner at the moment, but there are certainly others who could have a say before it's all over. Here are some of the most common, in alphabetical order:
Who is leading the race for No. 1 in the 2021 NHL draft?
That would be Owen Power out of the University of Michigan. The 6-foot-5, 214-pounder is a highly mobile defenseman with terrific hockey sense. He was the No. 1 prospect on my first draft ranking for the class, largely due to the body of work he had coming into this season.
Power was the USHL's Defenseman of the Year at age 17. He had 40 points in 45 games for the Chicago Steel, which was on pace for a record-shattering campaign. His team was stacked with first-rounder Brendan Brisson, second-rounder Sam Colangelo and a host of other draft picks dotting the lineup, but it was clear that Power was a driver on that team, dictating so much of the game from the back end.
In 10 games so far this season for the Wolverines, Power has four points. It's the potential that is really driving the hype around him, as he is having more of an up-and-down start at Michigan. You want to see No. 1 guys dominate and take over games, and Power hasn't quite gotten there yet. But that doesn't mean he won't as he adjusts to the college game.
The raw tools are really intriguing. He has the size and the range. Power can get physical and defends really well, with a long reach and high-end footwork. Offensively, he's so smooth and confident with the puck. Power makes good decisions and finds ways to create.
Who could challenge him for the top spot?
Depending on who you ask, you might get five or six different answers. Power is the clear front-runner at the moment, but there are certainly others who could have a say before it's all over. Here are some of the most common, in alphabetical order:
- Matthew Beniers, C, University of Michigan: If you've been watching the World Junior Championship, you're already familiar with Beniers. A speedy, gritty center with skill, he is making a stronger case to challenge his Michigan teammate. Beniers would not be your traditional No. 1, but he does so many things well that in this crowded draft year, it's hard to rule him out. He might be one of the few instant-impact players available in this class.
- Luke Hughes, D, U.S. National Under-18 Team: The last of the spectacular Hughes brothers is on the way. COVID-19 has really disrupted the National Team Development Program's schedule, but Hughes is producing at a high rate from the blue line and has shown the ability to at least challenge for the top spot. He's probably one of the longer shots, but it's hard to deny the similarities in his skating ability to older brother Quinn, although Luke checks in at 6-foot-2, taller than both of his brothers. As mobile defensemen take over the NHL, Luke looks to be cut from the same cloth.
