With five Canadians selected in the top-ten of the 2020 NHL Draft, Canada’s first-round drought has ended. For the past few seasons, Canada’s reign on junior hockey looked to be coming to a gradual end. With rising talent out of the United States, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, Canada’s future as a hockey powerhouse was called into question, as a limited number of Canadians were chosen in the NHL’s first round. In 2020 that five-year span of lackluster talent would end, Alexis Lafreniere among 18 other Canadian’s were chosen in the first round.
2021 is continuing this trend as Canada boasts a couple players that may find their way to a first overall selection. Brandt Clarke, a 6’1 defenseman out of Ottawa is on track to become the second Barrie Colts’ defenseman chosen first overall in seven years. Going first in 2014, Aaron Ekblad was the consensus choice as the top player. With that said, Clarke’s and Ekblad’s junior ties are where their similarities end. Clarke was one of the best players in the CHL last season. He’s a powerhouse that leads through his athletic mobility. Talented with the puck, he isn’t afraid of making his presence known.
If any Canadian is to contest Clarke for first overall in 2021, look no further than Michigan commit Owen Power. With an offensive toolbox that can wow the crowd each time he touches the puck, Power is a defenseman that has NHL clubs salivating. He is a 6’5, mobile, quick skating defenseman that the NHL has not seen the likes of. The combination of his skating and size alone may tempt teams to take him over, Brandt Clarke.
As defense is Canada’s bread and butter in 2021, a few forwards are looking to challenge for the spot of top forward. Adding to the imposing Michigan lineup, Kent Johnson is a magnificent forward out of Vancouver with an extraordinary understanding of the game. Meanwhile, Alberta’s Dylan Guenthier is a gawky skater but has a shot that stuns goaltenders with each wind-up. As Quebec comes off a first overall selection in 2020, the province looks to add another quality player to their regime in Zachary L’Heureux. The Montreal native is a throwback in various ways, but with great tenacity combined with newfangled ability, he is a captivating prospect.
Brandt Clarke – Defense – 6’1 – 181lbs
As the 4th overall selection in the 2019 OHL Draft, Clarke is a robust, hard worker that the OHL has not seen the likes of in quite some time. Clarke has become one of the most commanding players in all of junior hockey, there’s an uncomplicated aspect to his game that no one else in this draft has. He’s a great puck-carrier who can force the game to his pace constraining the opposition to play on his own terms. He won’t charm you with enchanting puck skills, but there’s a great flair to the way he moves with the puck. There’s perhaps no player available in 2021 with the same level of movement that Clarke has in his game.
This all comes down to his athleticism that’s far beyond what you would expect from someone coming into their second OHL season. He isn’t the most aggressive skater, in fact, there’s a few in this draft that are just outright faster than him, but it never holds him back either.
Owen Power – Defense – 6’5 – 214lbs
Owen Power is everything one would want in a defenseman. With an offensive skill set that overshadows the opposition, there’s simply not much flaw in his game. He’s a player with immense calmness in him under pressure, there’s a maturity above his years when he plays. Combining his great puck handling ability with his advanced skating makes for a skillful offensive player in Power.
His skating especially is exceptional for a player of his size, often challenging his opponents with his powerful strides. There’s a defensive composure to him, he’s never out of place. He’s able to quickly adjust to cover players on each of his sides. Although his shot is about average for a player his size, you wish it was better. With a 6’5 frame, he could be a real challenger for 1st overall as he’s bound to join a phenomenal Michigan squad this season.
Kent Johnson – Center – 6’1 – 165lbs
Yet another Michigan commit, Johnson is making a strong case as the de facto best forward in the 2021 draft. A mesmerizing player, he is everything you want in an offensive powerhouse. Dominating the BCHL last season, Johnson would score 101 points in 52 games. While he isn’t an superb skater, he is above average, there’s a certain lightness and eagerness to his game that’s always prepared.
Much of his success derives from his nonpareil intelligence on the ice, he’s not apprehensive when he has the puck. He seeks the opportunity to be imagintative with the puck burning defenders in the process. This is a player you don’t want to make a mistake with, or else he’ll absolutely capitalize on it. Being one of the older players in the draft you would hope he would be a little more filled out by now, but it’s a fixable issue. Combined with a deadly quick shot and a precocious IQ, Johnson’s frame hasn’t been an issue thus far. He’s a thrilling talent that is bound for success.
Dylan Guenthier – LW – 6’1 – 170lbs
A big, solid skater with a great shot, Guenthier has shown why he was worthy to go first overall in the 2018 WHL Draft. With a shot that is as accurate as it is swfit, he is a player that was already making NHL like moves in his rookie WHL season. While he’s best when he has solid assistance around him to properly dish him the puck, his outstanding presence is able to deliver results.
He skates well, but there’s an clumsiness to his stride that simply looks off. It’s lanky and often gives the oppression that it’s holding him back, but his play tells another story. With cunning creativity, he’s able to drive the net with his powerful shot. Even when he wasn’t producing at the beginning of last season, his skill set shined as he out-thought everyone else.
Zachary L’Heureux - Center - 5'11 - 196lbs
With incredible top-end skill, L’Heureux can take over a game with ease. There’s enormous work ethic in him, he never plays easy. Never backing down he has an edge to his game that is as fierce as deceitful. Despite progressing with each year, there are those that still underestimate him. A blend of a throwback player with modern skill, L’Heureux is evidently not frightened of anything. Built like an ox, he’s the first one to a scrum on the boards for the puck that he’ll so eloquently steal and then dazzle you with a big goal. With alleged attitude issues, you do worry that one day he may take a hit too far, but with a recent trade to Halifax, he is producing none the less.
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