If you were disappointed the Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t take more high ceiling defensemen this past draft, you’re luck! The 2021 NHL entry draft is already being called the “Year of the Defensemen”.
Where 2020 was pretty weak for high ceiling defenders outside of Drysdale and Sanderson, 2021 could have as many as 4 of the top 5 and and 6 of the top 10 picks go to blueliners. For reference, there were 6 total defensemen taken in the entire first round this year, while there could be double that next year.
This is not a ranking for any of the prospects.