The 2021 NHL Draft is just over 17 months away, but it is never too early to begin looking at the top American prospects. A few NHL organizations employ an underage scout whose primary job is to scout the next year's draft class. For example, in the 2019-20 season, the underage group would be players...
The 2021 NHL Draft is just over 17 months away, but it is never too early to begin looking at the top American prospects.
A few NHL organizations employ an underage scout whose primary job is to scout the next year's draft class. For example, in the 2019-20 season, the underage group would be players born between Sept. 16, 2002, and Sept. 15, 2003.
The following rankings of the Americans include first year eligible players born in the U.S. or players with dual citizenship who have previously played at USA Hockey events. A lot can change between now and June of 2021, but there is now a fairly large sample size for many of these players.
Most of these players on the list have gone through two national camps or one plus a half season with the NTDP. I am far more confident with my ranking at the top of the class. In no way am I suggesting everyone on this list will be drafted, but even players at the bottom have a characteristic that is strong enough to deserve attention from NHL scouts.
While this list doesn't have a lot of New Englanders, the top American prospect for the 2021 NHL Draft is Hingham, Mass., native Matt Beniers, a late '02 committed to Harvard and playing for USA Hockey's NTDP U-18. Before heading out to Plymouth, Mich., to join the NTDP in 2018-19, Beniers spent his freshman season with Milton Academy. He is accelerating through high school to be able to enroll and play hockey at Harvard next fall.
2021 NHL Draft: Top American prospects
