3 Players The Seattle Kraken Could Select At 2nd Overall In The 2021 NHL Draft

This year's draft is a toss-up due to teams being unable to scout players in person as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Outside of 1st overall where Buffalo is widely expected to select defenceman Owen Power, the NHL's 2021 draft class and prospect ranking is a complete crapshoot. Given that, the Seattle Kraken's 2nd overall selection is a major opportunity for the fledgling franchise. They'll have their pick of the class outside of Power, and will be drafting a player that could become the first face of their franchise. Here are 3 prospects they may select.

William Eklund (C/LW) Djurgårdens IF SHL

Eklund is ranked as the top European prospect in the Draft by NHL He had an explosive start to the year with Djurgårdens, scoring 14 points in his first 19 games. If he had maintained that pace, he would have been the highest-scoring prospect to come out of the Swedish league in a decade. However, he cooled off in the latter half of the season, leaving him as the second-highest scoring Swedish prospect of the last decade, behind Elias Lindholm. Eklund fits the bill of the undersized top 6 wingers that have emerged in the NHL recently, coming in at just 5'9". What he lacks in size he makes up for with extremely powerful skating ability and fantastic puck control. Eklund's greatest strength is his playmaking skill. He is relentless in the offensive zone in generating scoring chances for his teammates, often setting up two or three dangerous chances in a single shift. While he is not a "shoot first" player, his shot isn't exactly lacking. Check this out:

Ever wonder what a player is thinking on a highlight-reel goal?

Join @theTonyFerrari as he and DP Swedish scout @carlmikaelholm to break down tape with top #2021NHLDraft prospect William Eklund!

Look at that shoulder fake and snipe! Check it out here: https://t.co/fNEdGdYKGI pic.twitter.com/QYfadLyAAQ

— DobberProspects (@DobberProspects) March 6, 2021

Seattle can expect a fast, high-IQ winger with spectacular playmaking sense if they choose to draft Eklund.

Matthew Berniers (C) University of Michigan NCAA

Berniers is possibly the most complete forward in this year's Draft. The 6'1" center is a menace in the defensive zone, hounding opposing puck carriers and frequently causing turnovers with his smart physical play. He follows this up with excellent skating speed through the neutral zone and creative movement with the puck that opens up large attack lanes for his teammates. No puck is too far away for him to hunt down, no opposing player has safe possession when he is on the ice. Berniers is a play-driving quarterback in the offensive zone and has both excellent playmaking ability and a scoring touch. In his own end, he shows excellent problem-solving and quick hands that see him breaking up plays and smoothly transitioning into a breakout rush. His skating is extremely deceptive, he can dig into his edges which allows him to make quick shifts in his skating speed that throw off defenders and open up space for him to make plays. If Berniers were to reach his potential, he could be one of the top two-way players in the NHL. It will be difficult for Seattle to pass that up.

Simon Edvinsson (D) Frölunda HC SHL

Edvinsson is a bit of a wildcard. The massive 6'5" defender is most skilled with the puck on his stick, carrying it through the neutral zone and breaking through the opponent's blueline. His size is coupled with smooth skating and good hands that keep the puck on a string while he has possession. His weakness seems to be outlet passing, where his passes from the defensive zone out are often poorly thought out and appear rushed when he's under pressure. Although these issues seemed to improve as his season went on, this coincided with his own shifting focus toward being a "defence first" blueliner. His ability to close gaps and aggressively break up rushes is astounding,  and he uses his size to great effect in the corners. Although he isn't the kind of defender to blast shots from the point, he has a quick wrist shot that can sneak through screens and find the net. If Seattle were to draft Edvinsson with the idea that he start by honing his defensive game before leaning back into the offensive play that saw him soar up the draft rankings, he could end up with the highest skill ceiling of any player in the Draft. His potential, coupled with his giant frame and strong skating, could cement him as Seattle's captain a few years down the road.

Who do you think Seattle takes at 2nd overall?

Photo credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports