2021 NHL Draft – Round 1 

* The Sabres are slated to pick first overall for the second time in four years, after selecting Rasmus Dahlin with the No. 1 pick in 2018. 


 

* In 2020-21, Power had 3-13—16 in 26 games with the University of Michigan during his freshman season. He was named to the Big 10 All-Rookie Team and Big 10 Second All-Star Team. 

* Member of Team Canada’s gold medal-winning entry at the 2021 World Championship (0-3—3 in 10 GP) where he averaged 20:07 of ice time on a team stocked with NHL players. 

* Led all USHL defensemen in 2019-20 with 12-28—40 in 45 GP for the Chicago Steel, earning USHL Defenseman of the Year and USHL First All-Star Team honors. 

* Power is just the third NCAA player taken No. 1 overall in the NHL Draft, joining Boston University’s Rick DiPietro (2000; NYI) and Michigan State University’s Joe Murphy (1986; DET).  

* In the history of the NHL Draft (since 1963), there have been 16 defensemen selected with the No. 1 overall pick (16 of 59; 27.1%). Power is one of four blueliners that have been selected first overall in the last 24 years, following Rasmus Dahlin (2018; BUF), Aaron Ekblad (2014; FLA) and Erik Johnson (2006; STL).  

* This marks the second consecutive year a Canadian-born player was selected with the first overall pick (also Alexis Lafrenière in 2020), marking the first time players from the same country have been selected No. 1 overall in consecutive drafts since a three-year run of Canadian-born players from 2013 to 2015 (Nathan MacKinnon in 2013; Aaron Ekblad in 2014; Connor McDavid in 2015).  

* The Sabres selected first overall for the fourth time in franchise history and chose a defenseman in that slot for a second time. Buffalo’s other first overall selections are forward Gilbert Perreault (No. 1 in 1970), the club’s first-ever draft pick and owner of franchise records for games played, goals, assists and points; Pierre Turgeon (No. 1 in 1987), a forward who ranks seventh in career points by any No. 1 pick (515-812—1,327); and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (No. 1 in 2018), who has led Buffalo blueliners in points in each of his first three NHL seasons. 


 

* Averaged a point per game in his freshman season at the University of Michigan with 10-14—24 in 24 GP, where he was named to the Big 10 All-Rookie Team. 

* Helped Team USA win gold at the 2021 World Junior Championship where he registered 1-2—3 in 7 GP and a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championship (1-1—2 in 6 GP) 

 
* This marks the first time in the modern NHL Draft that the first two picks in the same year both came from the same team. There have been two previous occurrences in NHL Draft history, both more than 50 years ago. In 1963, the first draft in NHL history saw teammates Garry Monahan (No. 1 by MTL) and Peter Mahovlich (No. 2 by DET) selected from the St. Michael’s Juveniles. Six years later, in 1969, the top two picks were the Montreal Junior Canadiens duo of Rejean Houle (No. 1 by MTL) and Marc Tardif (No. 2 by MTL). 

* For the second time in NHL Draft history, NCAA players have been selected with both the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the same draft. The other instance came in 2000 when Boston University’s Rick DiPietro (No. 1 by NYI) and the University of Wisconsin’s Dany Heatley (No. 2 by ATL) were the first two names called.


 

* A Canadian national who was born in Zurich, Switzerland, McTavish played the 2020-21 season on loan with Olten of the Swiss second division where he averaged nearly a point per game (9-2—11 in 13 GP).

* Helped Team Canada earn a gold medal at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship with 5-6—11 in 7 GP. It was Canada’s first gold at the tournament since 2013.

* Named to OHL Second All-Rookie Team in 2019-20 after finishing the season tied for second in rookie scoring with 29-13—42 in 57 GP.

* His father, Dale McTavish, played 16 seasons of professional hockey including nine games with the Flames in 1996-97 (1-2—3 in 9 GP) and 10 seasons in Switzerland.

* Hughes joins brothers Quinn (No. 7 in 2018) and Jack (No. 1 in 2019) as an early first-round selection in the NHL Draft. They are the first American family with three siblings all selected in the first round of the NHL Draft. 

* Only two other families have had three or more siblings all taken in the first round of an NHL Draft: The Sutter Family, who had four brothers qualify, including Ron (No. 4 in 1982), Rich (No. 10 in 1982), Brent (No. 17 in 1980) and Duane (No. 17 in 1979) as well as the Staal Family’s trio of Jordan (No. 2 in 2006), Marc (No. 12 in 2005) and Eric (No. 2 in 2003). 

 
* Recorded 6-28—34 in 38 GP with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program’s Under-18 team, where his 0.89 points per game topped all defensemen on the team 

* His mother, Ellen Hughes, played soccer, lacrosse and ice hockey at the University of New Hampshire and is a former member of the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team. His father, Jim Hughes, was a member of the U.S. Selects team that won the 1988 Spengler Cup and has held a number of coaching and player development positions in the NCAA, IHL, AHL and NHL.


 

* This is the first time a U.S. college has had three players selected in the first round of the same NHL Draft, though there have been three years in which two NCAA teammates were picked in the same opening round. 
 
* This marks the first time in NHL Draft history that three teammates have been selected among the top five picks in the same year.  
 
* Three NCAA players from any team have been selected among the top-10 in the same NHL Draft just one other time at the 2015 NHL Draft: Jack Eichel (No. 2 from Boston University), Noah Hanifin (No. 5 from Boston College) and Zach Werenski (No. 8 from University of Michigan). 
 
* Ranked second among all freshmen with 9-18—27 in 26 GP in 2020-21, behind only teammate and Sharks prospect Thomas Bordeleau (8-22—30 in 24 GP). 

* Named to Big 10 All-Rookie Team in 2020-21. 

* BCHL Most Valuable Player in 2019-20 after leading the League in goals (41), assists (60) and points (101) as a member of the Trail Smoke Eaters. 



* A big, strong defenseman who spent time during the 2020-21 season with Frolunda’s junior team (1-5—6 in 14 GP), Vasteras in Sweden’s second division (0-5—5 in 14 GP) and Frolunda’s men’s team in the Swedish Hockey League (10 GP). 

* Helped Sweden earn a bronze medal at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship where he tied for the team lead in points by defensemen with 1-3—4 in 7 GP, including a goal in the bronze medal game. 

* Edvinsson is the 11th Swedish-born defenseman selected among the top 10 in an NHL Draft and fourth in the last four years after Rasmus Dahlin (No. 1 in 2018; BUF), Adam Boqvist (No. 8 in 2018; CHI) and Philip Broberg (No. 8 in 2019; EDM). 
 
* Detroit has selected a Swedish-born player in the NHL Draft 69 times (all rounds), 30 more than the next closest franchise. 

* Spent the entire 2020-21 season in the Swedish Hockey League where he tied for second on his team in goals as an 18-year-old (11-12—23 in 40 GP). 

* Named SHL Rookie of the Year and Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year in 2020-21. 

* His father, Christian Eklund, was a longtime pro player in Sweden where he spent the majority of his career with the same Djurgarden club William currently plays for. 

* Awarded the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence in 2020-21, presented annually “to the NHL Draft prospect who best exemplifies commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism.” 


 

* Skated to a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship where he averaged a point per game (2-5—7 in 7 GP) and was named to the tournament all-star team.

* Played 26 games on loan with Nove Zamky in Slovakia’s top professional league in 2020-21 where he recorded 15 points (5-10—15).

* Named to OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2019-20 after leading all first-year defensemen in points with 6-32—38 in 57 games – his 32 assists were the most among all OHL rookies that season.

* His brother, Graeme, is a forward who was a third-round pick by the Devils in the 2019 NHL Draft (80th overall) and spent the majority of the 2020-21 season with the AHL’s Binghamton Devils (8-10—18 in 31 GP).



* Averaged 2.00 points per game for Edmonton of the Western Hockey League in 2020-21 with 12-12—24 in 12 GP.

* Member of Team Canada’s gold medal-winning entry at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship (4-3—7 in 7 GP).

* Played four games on loan to the AJHL’s Sherwood Park Crusaders in 2020-21, where he notched 3-2—5 in 4 GP.

* Named WHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 after recording 26-33—59 in 58 GP and a plus-26 rating.


 

* Averaged nearly a point per game in 2020-21 in limited time with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program’s Under-18 team with 6-5—11 in 12 GP.

* Helped Team USA earn a silver medal at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge where he registered 1-3—4 in 6 GP.

* His father, Brian, is a former goaltender and current NHL analyst who competed for 13 seasons with the Flyers, Coyotes, Flames, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Sharks and Hurricanes. His father set a modern-day NHL record by posting five consecutive shutouts for Phoenix from Dec. 31, 2003 to Jan. 9, 2004.

* Grew up around the Flyers locker room when his father played in Philadelphia where he would skate around with Daniel Briere and his kids after practices.  

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NOTE ON PICK 11: The NHL directed the forfeiture of this pick in sanctions against the Arizona Coyotes announced Aug. 26, 2020. 

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* Named USHL Rookie of the Year in 2020-21 after leading all first-year skaters in goals and ranking second in points (24-22—46 in 31 GP) – his 1.48 points per game in 2020-21 ranked fourth among all USHL skaters.

* Skated for the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers in 2019-20 where he ranked fourth among all rookies with 22-31—53 in 48 GP.

* Was born in Columbus, Ohio where his father, Mike, played for two seasons from 2001-02 to 2002-03. Overall, Mike skated in 1,049 career regular-season games spanning 17 NHL seasons with a dozen different teams (240-308—548 in 1,049 GP). He is the only player in NHL history to play for 12 different franchises.



* Named USHL Forward of the Year in 2020-21 after leading the league with 48 goals and eight game-winning goals (48-37—85 in 51 GP).

* Coronato was named to the USHL First All-Star Team 2020-21. He also led the league in power-play goals (19), shorthanded goals (tied; 4) and plus-minus (+37).

* Set a USHL record for longest all-time point streak with a 28-game run spread over two seasons from Feb. 14, 2019 to Jan. 16, 2021 (24-30—54 in 28 GP).

* Led all USHL skaters in postseason points in 2020-21 with 9-4—13 in eight games to help lift the Chicago Steel to a Clark Cup championship.

* Split the 2020-21 season between Leksand of the Swedish Hockey League (22 GP) and their junior club where he averaged a point per game (7-5—12 in 12 GP).

* Helped Sweden earn a bronze medal at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship where he led his team and ranked 11th in the tournament with 7-2—9 in 7 GP. His seven goals were tied for third-most in the tournament.

* Produced 21-14—35 in 38 GP with Leksand’s junior team in 2019-20, the highest total by an under-17 player in Sweden’s top junior league that season.

* His father, Roger, had a 17-season career mostly in Sweden with short stops in Russia and Denmark. As a junior, Roger won back-to-back silver medals for Team Sweden at the World Junior Championship (1993 & 1994).



* Posted a 17-1-1 record with Edmonton of the WHL in 2020-21 while leading all goaltenders in goals-against average (1.57), save percentage (.941) and shutouts (tied; 4).

* In his WHL rookie season of 2019-20, Cossa went 21-6-3 with a 2.23 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and four shutouts.

* During Cossa’s 2019-20 rookie campaign he led all WHL rookies in shutouts while also setting franchise marks for wins and shutouts by a rookie goaltender.

* This marks just the fourth time the Red Wings have selected a goaltender in the first round. The others: Tom McCollum (No. 30 in 2008), Terrance Richardson (No. 11 in 1973) and Jim Rutherford (No. 10 in 1969).

* The 2021 NHL Draft is the third consecutive year in which a goaltender has been selected within the first 15 picks. The others: Iaroslav Askarov (No. 11 in 2020; NSH) and Spencer Knight (No. 13 in 2019; FLA).  
 
* This marks the first time a goalie has been selected among the first 15 picks for three or more consecutive years since a 10-year run from 1997-2006. 

* Member of Team Canada’s gold medal entry at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship where he recorded six points (3-3—6 in 7 GP), including a goal in the gold-medal game.

* Played 34 games on loan with Olten in Switzerland’s second division in 2020-21 where he registered 16 points (7-9—16).

* He was not the first member of his family to play in a Swiss pro league. His father, Gery, played 11 seasons in Switzerland from 1989-90 to 2000-01 and his uncle, Robert, played in the country for 16 seasons and served as the head coach of Zunzgen-Sissach in the Swiss second division in 2020-21.

* Named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2019-20 after recording 17-16—33 in 55 games – his 17 goals ranked sixth among first-year skaters that season.



* Ranked second on his team in points in 2020-21 with 10-19—29 in 27 GP. Fourteen of his 29 points were recorded over a seven-game point streak from Feb. 14 to March 6, 2021 (5-9—14).

* Awarded the Mike Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s Best Professional Prospect at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season. Alexis Lafrenière (2019-20), Nico Hischier (2016-17) and Sidney Crosby (2004-05) are among current NHL players who have won the award.

* Named QMJHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 after leading all first-year skaters in goals (30) and ranking third in points (30-22—52 in 55 GP).

* Matched an Oceanic franchise record for fastest two goals in a single game when he tallied twice in a span of 0:08 on Feb. 7, 2020.



* Played 13 games with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program’s Under-18 Team in 2020-21 after recovering from a knee injury. He averaged a goal-per-game and 1.54 point-per-game pace after totaling 13-7—20 through 13 games.

* Represented Team USA at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge earning a silver medal. He was named a tournament all-star after leading all players in goals and points (7-3—10 in 6 GP).

* His brother, Cruz, is draft eligible in 2022. He ranked third on the National Team Development Program’s Under-17 team in 2020-21 with 14-28—42 in 42 GP.



* Split the 2020-21 season between Togliatti in Russia’s second division where he produced 5-10—15 in 38 GP and their junior team where he produced at a point-per-game pace (4-11—15 in 15 GP).

* Helped Russia earn a silver medal at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship where he ranked 10th in tournament scoring with 4-6—10 in 7 GP.

* Named a tournament All-Star at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge while helping Russia earn a gold medal and ranking third in scoring with 6-2—8 in 6 GP.



* Wallstedt is the first Swedish-born goaltender ever selected in the first round of the NHL Draft. 

* This is the first time in nearly a decade that multiple goaltenders have been selected in Round 1 of the same NHL Draft, with the last such occurrence coming in 2012 when Andrei Vasilevskiy (No. 19; TBL) and Malcolm Subban (No. 24; BOS) had their names called. 
 
* This also marks the first time since 2006 that two goaltenders have been selected among the top-20 picks: Jonathan Bernier (No. 11; LAK) and Riku Helenius (No. 15; TBL). 

* The 18-year-old appeared in 22 games with Lulea of the Swedish Hockey League in 2020-21, posting a 12-10-0 record (2.23 GAA, .908 SV%, 2 SO).  

* Wallstedt was 14 years old when he became the youngest player to debut in Sweden’s top junior league with Vasteras’ junior club, four days younger than Victor Hedman – who had previously held the mark since 2005-06 after making his under-20 debut with Modo’s junior team.  

* A decorated goaltender internationally who has represented his country on multiple occasions including the 2021 World Junior Championship and as part of Sweden’s gold medal-winning performance at the 2019 Under-18 World Championship.  

* Played as both a goaltender and defensemen up until the age of twelve. 



* Spent the majority of the 2020-21 season with Lulea of the Swedish Hockey League (2-1—3 in 26 GP) and also produced 3-10—13 in 11 GP with Frolunda’s junior team.  

* Helped Sweden earn a bronze medal at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship where he tied for the team lead in points with 3-6—9 in 7 GP.  

* Represented his country at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge where he led his team and ranked ninth in tournament scoring with 5-2—7 in 5 GP.  

* This is the fifth time that at least five Swedish-born players have been selected in the same first round of the NHL Draft. Each of the previous four instances ended with six picked in the opening round (2018, 2011, 2009, 1993). 

* Ranked seventh in the QMJHL with 20 goals in the shortened 2020-21 season (20-20—40 in 29 GP).

* Tied for the Shawinigan team lead in points in 2019-20 when he recorded 33-38—71 in 63 games, matching Stars 2020 first-round pick Mavrik Bourque (29-42—71 in 49 GP).

* Was a finalist for the QMJHL’s 2020-21 Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the league’s most sportsmanlike player.

* Was a member of Canada White at the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, where he tallied two assists through five games.



* Helped Team Canada earn a gold medal at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship where he produced 2-2—4 in 7 GP – the only seven games he appeared in all season due to the OHL’s cancelled season.

* Tied for 10th among OHL rookies with 12 goals in 2019-20 and ranked 14th among first-year skaters in points (12-18—30 in 53 GP).

* Skated for Canada Red at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge where he tied for the team lead in points with 3-2—5 in 5 GP.

* His older sister, Quinn, is a forward for Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont.



* Averaged over a point per game with Chicago of the USHL in 2020-21 with 13-24—37 in 36 GP.

* Ranked third among all skaters in the 2021 USHL Playoffs with 1-9—10 in 8 GP to help the Steel claim the Clark Cup championship.

* His sisters, Madison and Melissa, also play hockey. Madison plays defense and skated for Quinnipiac University in 2020-21, while Melissa, a forward, helped Team USA earn a gold medal at the 2019 Women’s World Championship.

* Committed to the University of Michigan for the 2021-22 season.



* Averaged 1.34 points per game with the AJHL’s Brooks Bandits in a shortened 2020-21 season, amassing 4-7—11 in 8 GP.

* Won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship where he finished the tournament with 1-7—8 in 6 GP to lead all defensemen in assists.

* In 2019-20, he finished tied for ninth among AJHL defensemen with 5-30—35 in 44 GP.

* Named after his father, Colin’s, favorite player – long-time NHL forward Shayne Corson.



* Spent the majority of his 2020-21 season on loan to JYP in Finland, where he mostly appeared with their junior team (2-9—11 in 13 GP).

* Led all WHL rookie defensemen in points in 2019-20 after amassing 8-24—32 in 57 GP with Winnipeg. He also played two games in the WHL’s bubble in 2020-21 before having his season cut short due to injury.

* Represented Canada White at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, where he was named a tournament all-star (0-5—5 in 6 GP).

* His brother, Jonny, is also a defenseman who skated for the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings in 2020-21.



* Tied for eighth among all QMJHL skaters with 19 goals in 2020-21 in his first season with Halifax of the QMJHL (19-20—39 in 33 GP).

* Led all QMJHL rookies in points with 20-33—53 in 55 GP with Moncton in 2019-20 where he was named to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team.

* Represented Canada Black at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge where he notched 0-3—3 in 5 GP.

* Wears No. 66 as a tribute to his mother, who always wore the No. 6 while playing basketball.



* Olausson is the sixth Swedish-born player taken in the 2021 NHL Draft – tied for the most in the first round of any Draft year (also six in 2018, 2011, 2009, 1993).

* Played 27 games of professional hockey in 2020-21 split between HV 71 of the Swedish Hockey League (3-1—4 in 16 GP) and Sodertalje in the second division (3-3—6 in 11 GP).

* Also skated in 16 games with HV 71’s junior team in 2020-21 where he ranked sixth in league scoring with 14-13—27 in 16 GP – his 1.69 points per game average ranked fourth among all players (min. 10 GP).

* Internationally, Olausson skated for Team Sweden at the 2021 World Junior Championship and helped his country earn bronze at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

 * Spent the 2020-21 season on loan to Esbjerg in Denmark’s junior league where he averaged two points a game with 9-7—16 in 8 GP.

* Helped Team Canada earn a gold medal at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship where he registered 2-2—4 in 7 GP including an assist in the gold medal game.

* Named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2019-20 after finishing ninth in rookie scoring with 13-21—34 in 58 GP. His 63 penalty minutes were also tied for the most among first-year skaters.

* His brother, Riley, was a fourth-round pick by the Panthers in 2016 (114th overall) who currently plays for the Blackhawks. His father, Cory, was a first-round pick by the Flames in 1992 (No. 6 overall) who went on to record 278-449—727 in 1,025 career regular-season games with the Flames, Blues, Lightning, Hurricanes, Senators and Panthers. Cory is a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2004 w/ TBL and 2006 w/ CAR). His grandfather, Bud Stefanski, was a ninth-round selection by the Rangers in 1975 (154th overall) who also played in the IHL, AHL, CHL and Austria.



* Recorded 10-10—20 in 23 GP with Gatineau of the QMJHL in 2020-21 while also leading his team in power-play goals (5).

* Named to QMJHL All-Rookie Team in 2019-20 after ranking sixth among first-year skaters with 18-28—46 in 57 GP.

* Represented Canada Black at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge where he finished tied for the team lead in points with 3-4—7 in 5 GP.

* Despite being born in Grand Prairie, Alta., Dean considers himself a Newfoundlander, having grown up in Mount Pearl. He joins Alex Newhook (No. 16 in 2019; COL) and Dawson Mercer (No. 18 in 2020; NJD) as Newfoundland residents drafted in the first round in each of the last three years.



* This marks the third time the Canadiens have selected No. 31 overall, after taking Jocelyn Gauvreau in 1982, Jim Cahoon in 1971 and Steve Carlyle in 1970. 



* Split the 2020-21 season between being on loan to La Ronge of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (2-3—5 in 5 GP) and 16 games in the WHL bubble with the Prince Albert Raiders (1-1—2 in 16 GP).

* Helped Team Canada earn a gold medal at the 2021 Under-18 World Championship (1-1—2 in 7 GP).

* His brother, Blake, also plays in the WHL where he recorded 2-4—6 in 21 GP with the Calgary Hitmen in 2020-21.

* His uncle, Chad, was a third-round pick by the Canucks in 1994 (65th overall) who played 11 seasons of professional hockey in the AHL, Germany and Austria and helped Team Canada earn a gold medal at the 1996 World Junior Championship. His uncle, Karl Taylor, served as head coach of the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals from 2018-19 to 2019-20.

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Post-Draft Notes:

* A breakdown of the first-round picks by birthplace: Canada (15), United States (8), Sweden (6), Switzerland (1) AND Russia (1). 

* First-round picks by amateur league: OHL (5), Sweden (5), QMJHL (4), WHL (4), BIG10 (3), USHL (3), U.S. NTDP (3), AJHL (1), GOJHL (1), Russia-2 (1) and Sweden Jr. (1). 

COURTESY NHLmedia.com