2022 Review of 2021 Draft

Year +1 best and worst value pick from each round

As with every year in a draft format with 1 more year development before our draft there are always risers and fallers. So how are teams doing after another year of development. We will look at each round’s best value from 1-4 and worst to date. For rounds to 5-7 we will look at them together, focussing only on top value as often these are crap shoots anyways!

Round 1

The first round saw guys moving up and down and so pressure placed on value of course with cost to move up. Askarov at 3 was big mover but remains a top notch goaltending prospect. Sanderson dropped from 5-11, and seems to be good value at that position. Without much NHL time though makes that assessment hard. I am going to go with Braden Schneider at pick 18 to Blues. He is playing in the NHL and with a solid two way game. Excellent value for years to come for a mid round pick.  Rodion Amirovat 15 though, with a diagnosis of brain tumour despite my hopes for him and his future with NHL TML is the worst value given that diagnosis. I hope for his sake I am wrong with time.

Round 2

The second round has lots of movers and shakers. In terms of value for 2^nd round I am going to go with Jared’s pick of Ridly Greig at pick 38 overall. He put up 63 pts in 39 games in the WHL before making his AHL playoff debut. Quality at 38. As for worst value, reviewing the picks I see no horrible decisions. Most have developed well. I am going to nominate Tyler Kleven selected at pick 62 by Toby and his Pens. Not horrible, but now sophomore at UND has not developed much offense going from 22 gp 5 g and 2 a at draft and now only 38 gp 7g and 3a. Most college players tend to start developing more year 3-4, but little development to date raises a red flag for me. 

Round 3

For value, I am going give nod marginally to Nico Dawes selected by Toby. This is 100% as has made NHL debut. 25 NHL games and 21 AHL games sees him with best value for sure. Likely Devils platoon tender for next season and perhaps a #1 with time. Round 3 sees more “stretches” as team try to find a diamond in rough. Zayde Wisdom was a bit of a revelation with COVID lockdown as he had 18 pts in 28 games in the AHL. But he stepped back to OHL as did many this year and was unremarkable with 43 gp and 9 goals after putting up 29 in his draft season. This raises big red flags and as such, is my round 3 disappointment. 

Round 4

For sure the best future player in round 4 is Jackson Kunz and Trevor Kuntar! Seriously though, this round has lots of talented players coming. I am going to say Dan’s selection of Antonio Stranges. His skating on the now famous youtube clip and a quality season in London with 84 pts in 60 gp. Michael Benning and Mike Hardman get the runner up award as all continued excellent trajectories. As for the disappointment, this was hard. Most guys are doing well from our BRHL draft. If have to choose, I will go with Maxim Groshev. 3^rd round NHL selection by Tampa, he continues to shift between all three Russian leagues. In the KHL he only had three games this season after 18 the year before. Not terrible development but I have to choose so he gets my vote!

Round 5-7 Stand outs

William Dufour turned into a sniper this season and led his team to the Mem Cup. A great pick by Eric F in round 5. Ryan Tverberg went from 7^th rounder to Hobey Baker finalist. Great pick by Dan. 

I am sure others see different, but some great and shit picks from many!!