The 2021 NHL season came to an end last night, which means the offseason officially begins now. In 13 days, the Seattle Kraken draft their team while the entry draft will be a few days later. To that end, it's time to examine each team and their needs going into the draft. Since there are 32 teams, this will be broken down into sections, and it will be in order of original draft placement.
1. Buffalo Sabres
The owners of the first overall pick, the Sabres have needs almost everywhere, but especially up front. Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel are both looking to leave, and it is possible that Rasmus Ristolainen also goes. With no clear top prospect in the draft, it is possible they go with Owen Power, a defenseman from Michigan. They also have eight other picks, so they can load up to give themselves more prospects for what is likely a rebuild of a rebuild that never got off the ground.
Projected pick: Owen Power, D, Michigan
2. Seattle Kraken
The Kraken are in position to pick the best available player here, and are likely to accrue another first round pick or two, as teams will try to get them to select a player to work under the cap. Odds are they will load up on veterans to give the drafted players time to develop, ala Vegas in their first year.
Projected pick: Matty Beniers, C, Michigan
3. Anaheim Ducks
The third overall pick in the draft, they have loads of prospects, but little veteran leadership, particularly if Ryan Getzlaf leaves. With Trevor Zegras pencilled in next season, it may benefit the Ducks to pick a player that can step in a year or two from now, given the development of Jamie Drysdale, among others.
Projected pick: Simon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda
4. New Jersey Devils
Experience, experience, experience. That is issue surrounding the Devils, especially since PK Subban keeps declining in skill. That also raises an issue on the blue line, where there is still a hole or two to be filled. Luke Hughes can be seen as a reach here, but reuniting him with older brother Jack may be a draw.
Projected pick: Luke Hughes, D, US NTDP
5. Columbus Blue Jackets
Offense has been an issue since Artemi Panarin left. However, with Seth Jones not wanting to commit after next season, when he becomes a free agent, defense could be an issue, too. They have cap to work with, but Columbus has rarely been a destination for the bigger names.
Projected pick: Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton (WHL)
6. Detroit Red Wings
They're still likely going to go with veterans on one year deals to help the kids along, and Moritz Seider is likely going to make the jump next season, giving Detroit their likely top defender. Goalie help is in short supply, and I can't see them reaching for Jesper Wallstedt this early. A trade down could happen here.
Projected pick: Brandt Clarke, D, Nove Zamky
7. San Jose Sharks
A team in desperate need of prospects, defense is their biggest need, particularly since their top four average 32 years of age. Goalie help is also needed, but I think that gets answered via cheap FA pick up for now. If they need someone to step in now, William Eklund appears to be the most ready of the available talent, according to me.
Projected pick: William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden
8. Los Angeles Kings
Loaded with prospects everywhere but in goal, I get a feeling Los Angeles goes with the best available goalie here, the aforementioned Wallstedt. Beyond that, it's likely short term veterans filling out the roster to give a few prospects time to develop.
Projected pick: Jesper Wallstedt, G, Lulea
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