Broad Street Buzz
Fansided

NHL Entry Draft: 2021 First-Round Mock Draft Selections

By Walt Gebelein

RIGA, LATVIA - JUNE 05: Owen Power #25 of Canada in action during the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Semi Final game between USA and Canada at Arena Riga on June 5, 2021 in Riga, Latvia. Canada defeated the United States 4-2. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)
RIGA, LATVIA - JUNE 05: Owen Power #25 of Canada in action during the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Semi Final game between USA and Canada at Arena Riga on June 5, 2021 in Riga, Latvia. Canada defeated the United States 4-2. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 12
Next

13.  Calgary Flames–COLE SILLINGER, Sioux Falls, USHL

Pick by C. Coyne of broadstreetbuzz.com

The Flames capture the man with the biggest cannon by selecting Cole Sillinger with their first round pick.  Rather than investing yet another pick in goaltending, two in the last three years, and with former Everett Silvertips goalie Dustin Wolf close to an NHL leap, the Flames address offense with the talented winger.

Sillinger’s primary strength is finding open ice where he can take a pass an unload his lethal shot.  But he is more than a stand a slap type of player, Sillinger also excels at finding the net while in traffic, in tight by the goal line.  His quick hands make him adept at gathering and wristing the puck in a single motion while around the net.  Sillinger is a threat to score anywhere in the offensive zone.

Sillinger’s game is not all scoring and glory, there are some glaring deficiencies.  His weakness skating is  likely the reason he fell out of every scouting bureau’s top ten, dropping down to twenty according to some scouts.  Sillinger lacks acceleration and explosiveness in his skating which limits him significantly on the rush or trying to beat a defender one on one.    If Sillinger is able to add an extra gear to his skating he could be a hidden gem.

14.  Philadelphia Flyers  — Fabian Lysell, Frolunda J20, SuperElit

Pick by C. Newby of broadstreetbuzz.com 

The Flyers will be looking for the skilled Swedish winger to develop into a top six forward to spark the offense.  Our very own Collin Coyne has the details!

15.  Dallas Stars  — Matthew Coronato Chicago, USHL

Pick by W. Gebelein of broadstreetbuzz.com

Dallas has  a cache of young talent at defense and at center allowing them to select the electrifying Matthew Coronato.  The young winger plays fast and is extremely dangerous in transition.  Coronato has good speed, good enough to skate wide and blow by defenders, and the puck handling skill to dangle his way through the offensive zone.  He has a quick and accurate shot that requires very little set up to fire, but it is still a few tiers below elite.

While Coronato is dynamic offensively he is also a smart player, making good decisions even at the expense of offense.  He seems to understand  the objective to win rather than just about scoring, which gave his coaches trust enough to use him as a penalty killer.  Coronato is willing and able defender at even strength and works to provide easy outlets for his team mates.  His lack of top end acceleration makes him less effective as the initial pressure on the forecheck though his anticipation and stick work allow him to effectively patrol neutral ice to break up rushes.

Home/Draft