Welcome Back to The Journey. 

I mentioned in my last piece how exciting the next few weeks were with regards to hockey events. You can officially cross "Draft Lottery" off that list. Not only because it has now passed us by, but because it was everything but exciting. The buildup lasted weeks, only for it to be over in just a few swift moments and with nothing but a single swap occurring. That swap being Seattle (was third) and Anaheim (was second). Very anticlimactic. 

Regardless, the draft order is set, and we can now focus on the draft itself. As I am sure you have heard from various avenues, this year’s draft will likely be full of twists and turns. With no true consensus, for any spot really, you will see a vast variety of top-10's, 20's, and further. Basically, just close your eyes and shoot. 

Even with that said, I do believe that there are players which are best suited for specific clubs. Personally, I have always been very high on drafting for organizational needs, rather than the best available. Therefore, as I did last year, I have formulated a top-10 list based on the players who I feel would complement the organization’s specific needs first, and the best player available second. 

Before you dive ahead, just remember, there will likely be a player or placement with which you disagree, question, or perhaps even agree with my point of view. I would love to hear your thoughts, comments and feedback. 

Find me on Twitter @hall1289 and let's chat 2021 Draft. Enjoy. 

Pick #1: Buffalo Sabres

Draft Pick: Owen Power, LHD

Rumors continue to spike concerning the shipment of Jack Eichel, which, if true, I believe that the Sabres go in a completely different direction with this pick. However, with their captain, and number one center still very much in the picture, I am taking their roster at face value.

For most, it's widely considered that Owen Power is the No.1 ranked name in this draft. While I do not necessarily agree with the "consensus" of this claim, I generally side that the club will, in fact, call out the towering defender's names at this year’s podium. 

To define towering, I am alluding to his 6-foot-5, 214-pound frame. To make him even more of an appeal, he somehow manages to navigate himself around the ice quite swiftly, especially once he gets his feet moving. To quote a comparable from DobberProspects former Managing Editor and well-known prospect guru, Cam Robinson, think Bowser in Mario Kart.

As you could imagine with a specimen of such stature, his stick is an added benefit to his defensive game. Given his reach, he can be a nuisance to maneuver around, at least with the puck still in your control. His game is derived from his work in the defensive zone. Offensively, he will certainly hold his own, and he can deliver strong outlet passes to kickstart the rush. However, I feel that you will reap more of the benefits in front of your own net and in your zone. 

The reason that I promote Power in this case, over say, Graeme Clarke, who is a right-handed, perhaps more well-rounded defender, is for the simple fact that he can complement the game of Rasmus Dahlin. There is no denying that Rasmus will be their go-to option on the (left-side) backend, mainly for his stellar offensive capabilities. This allows Power to quietly, and comfortably develop in the shadows, rather than hold the spotlight and pressure of being a number one, or even two defensemen. He can quietly go about his business, and eventually translate into a thriving top-four defender and even out the defensive deficiencies that we may see in Dahlin from time to time. Here is your future one-two punch on the left side.

Here are some highlights courtesy of Wolf Hockey:

Pick #2: Seattle Kraken

Draft Pick: Matthew Beniers, C/LW

Predicting the direction that Kraken may go is nearly impossible at the moment, mainly due to them not having a single player on payroll. Except for Luke Henman, he is signed and ready to play if and when called upon. With that, I believe that their selection is rather simple. Why not build your future around an extremely well-rounded soon-to-be second-line center?

Regardless of the type of player that you’re aiming towards, Matty Berniers will deliver. Do you want an offensively creative player? Good, he's that. Are you wanting a forward with some bite to his game? Great, he’s got it. Do you need penalty-killing capabilities, fluid skating, and the ability to take face-offs? Well, guess what? He checks those off as well. 

The 18-year-old out of the University of Michigan brings a little pinch of everything and delivers it in a very exciting and creative package. Not only does he bring skill to the game, but does so with pace and elegance. He is extremely dynamic.

Given this year’s draft class, there is no better player to kickstart a franchise than with a player such as Beniers. Take him and run. 

Here are some highlights courtesy of Wolf Hockey:

Pick #3: Anaheim Ducks

Draft pick: Simon Edvinsson, LHD

With a plethora of young, and talented forwards such as Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry, Isac Lundestrom, and Maxime Comtois – to name a few – already in their system, it's time to add the finishing touches to your backend masterpiece. Simon Edvinsson fits the bill as the perfect candidate.

Standing 6-foot-5, the Swedish rearguard carries a large frame, which he is not afraid to use when needed. What’s more, his size does not come at the cost of his additional intangibles. His skating, hands, and ability to think beyond the play are strong, and allow him to be a constant issue for opposing players. 

On the blueline, he is very active and enjoys putting himself into the play. You will rarely catch him with his head down, and is a smooth criminal when on the lookout for the best possible play. There is not much panic in his game. His versatile, two-way game has even seen comparisons to Swedish star Victor Hedman. Take this with a grain of salt, but also, sign me up. 

With that said, the 18-year-old's talents are still quite raw, meaning he will likely need some additional seasoning before making the jump to the North America pro game. However, with Cam Fowler and Hampus Lindholm continuing to manage their left side, they have the time to invest in the long haul. A future with Edvinsson on the left and Jamie Drysdale patrolling the right is one to get you up in the morning. 

Here are some highlights courtesy of Wolf Hockey:

Pick #4: New Jersey Devils

Draft Pick: Brandt Clarke, RHD

I see a lot – and I mean a lot – of draft projections and mock drafts that have the Devils taking Luke Hughes with this pick. That is all fine and dandy, but I just do not buy the argument that him playing with his older brother is enough to warrant him going at no. 4. While I do ultimately agree that a defender is the best option here, the positives from Brandt Clarke's game are far too great to pass over. 

In addition to being a right-handed threat, Clarke holds many characteristics which could have him contending to be the top-rated defender in this class. He is a dynamic, two-way defender, with naturally strong instincts. He reads off the play well and understands when and when not to make the risky play. He keeps things fresh on the ice, skates well, and even has previous experience playing among men. 

Much like the Ducks, complimenting a young player such as Ty Smith with a right-hand man is the perfect yin-and-yang for the club's future backend.

Here are some highlights courtesy of Wolf Hockey:

Pick #5: Columbus Blue Jackets

Draft pick: William Eklund, C/LW

Times are somewhat grim in Columbus right now. With the loss of a few highly touted names, which now likely includes Seth Jones, it's been nothing but negative vibes from the area. That all changes with this pick as the club may have, what I consider, the first "steal" of the draft. 

I use the term "steal" somewhat loosely, but I do consider Eklund to be a potential target for anyone in the top five and would not be shocked (in the slightest) if a club took him in the top three. 

The Blue Jackets are screaming for an entertaining, offensive gunner and the 5-foot-10 forward fits that bill to a tee. He is a highly offensive talent and is a treat to watch weave in-and-out of coverage. He is a dual-threat with regards to his offensive capabilities, and his soft hands are the mechanism that kickstarts the entire process. He always has his feet on the go. 

While he is an exciting player to tantalize over in the O-zone, he is no slouch with his defensive responsibilities, either. He has a terrific motor and enjoys hounding the puck carrier when on the chase. Overall, he brings the sort of “je ne sais quoi” that the city of Columbus has failed to see in some time. If he is available, this is a no-brainer. 

Here are some highlights courtesy of Wolf Hockey:

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week as I tackle picks 6-11.