Entering one of the most wide-open drafts in recent history, NHL fans were able to finally see how teams valued certain prospects. The speculation that has been ongoing for nine months since the NHL Draft in October finally had its answers.
The first answer came with the first-overall pick, with the Sabres selecting Owen Power with the top selection. The Kraken followed behind, starting off their prospect pool with Power’s University of Michigan teammate, Matty Beniers. The first surprise came at the end of the top-10, with the Ottawa Senators selecting Tyler Boucher; however, it wasn’t the only surprise as there were several slides, rises — and one extremely controversial selection from the Montreal Canadiens — to round out Day 1 of the draft.
NHL DRAFT TRACKER: News, rumors on selections, signings & trades
FCHockey and Sporting News were on the virtual draft floor for the 2021 NHL Draft, handing out grades and providing instant analysis of every selection made during the first round.
NHL Draft picks, grades: Round 1
Grade: A
Grade: A
Grade: A
Grade: A-
Grade: A-
Grade: A
Grade: A
Grade: A
Grade: D
Grade: A
Grade: B+
Grade: A-
Grade: B
Grade: A-
Grade: B
Grade: A
Grade: A+
Grade: A
Grade: A
Grade: B
Grade: A-
Grade: A
Grade: A-
Grade: B+
Grade: A-
Grade: C
Grade: A
Grade: F
Grade: C-
