When it comes to Franchise Mode in NHL 21, there are a lot of different factors that a player needs to make their team great. Free agency signings and trades are very important when building a roster, but drafting may very well be the most crucial element. This is especially the case if a player opts to take on a rebuilding team. Given that this mode can last up to 25 simulated seasons, there is no questioning the necessity of creating a team that’s built for the long haul.
There are a ton of draft prospects in EA’s NHL 21, both real and fictitious. Due to the fact that fictional prospects are not the same in each separate franchise mode, it is important to know which real-life ones are worth snagging. This is particularly prevalent when it comes to the first two seasons, as they have most of them. There are truly some marvelous choices the player has to build their team around, so knowing which ones are worth acquiring is very important.
It’s also fun to revisit the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and reflect on what transpired in the league and how things may have changed had the draft gone down differently.
Shane Wright
Shane Wright is currently the most talked-about prospect of the 2022 NHL Draft. This translates well over to the video game, as he quickly grows into a first-line center. Therefore, if possible, players should scoop him up immediately.
He is such an intriguing prospect in real life, as he dominated the OHL as a 15-year-old. This is a player that is an excellent playmaker in the game, but he also has the ability to register a lot of goals in the process.
Aatu Räty
Aatu Räty is a very good player to add to any team’s roster, as he possesses high elite potential. He takes a little time to grow, but the investment is worth it in the end, as he becomes a very reliable two-way forward.
Offensively, his output is commendable, especially if put on the first-line and powerplay. Yet, players will also appreciate his defensive skills, as he works marvelously on the penalty kill, too. Overall, he is a spectacular all-around player.
Dylan Guenther
Dylan Guenther is a very fun prospect, as he has the potential to be a top-of-the-line scorer in this game. He possesses medium elite potential, so, if he progresses correctly, he becomes a star over time.
He certainly is one of the most intriguing players to draft from the 2021 draft class because of this. He tends to slip down the ranks a little bit, too, so the player may be lucky and find him later in the top 10.
Carson Lambos
Carson Lambos is a player who becomes a top-two defenseman in the game. It does take some time for him to evolve his game, but that tends to be the case with most defensemen in franchise mode. It certainly is worth the wait, though, as he becomes spectacular.
It also seems to be far easier to find studs on offense through the draft, so players like Lambos are important to treasure. Thus, if he is available in the draft, he is absolutely a must-have for any team no matter how good or bad they are.
Zachary L’Heureux
Zachary L’Heureux is a great passer, which makes him an interesting pick. He has high top-six potential, so, even if he does not become elite, he ends up having a very respectable overall, regardless.
However, growing him correctly can result in him jumping up to medium elite, as well. Even if this does not occur, he is an automatic top-six center who works effectively with goalscorers, so drafting him is a win, no matter what.
Simon Edvinsson
Simon Edvinsson is considered to be one of the top prospects available in this year’s draft. Therefore, it makes sense that he is a great hockey player in the game, as he is another defenseman that has medium elite potential.
As he’s on the taller side, he can grow well in physicality, which is a nice attribute to have. He also is able to register a decent amount of points from the backend while being immensely sound defensively.
Nathan Gaucher
Nathan Gaucher is a fun prospect that becomes available to players in the 2022 NHL draft. He has medium top-six potential, which may not be too alluring at first, but it is still very respectable.
He becomes elite with his body checking while also becoming a solid scorer. It also helps that he grows very fast, too, so he becomes an important center on any roster early on. This also can result in him hitting a high overall, which definitely makes him worth it.
Matthew Savoie
Matthew Savoie is another fantastic prospect from the 2022 NHL Draft. He is a playmaking center that possesses medium elite potential, so he naturally becomes a star very quickly. He is a prime candidate to draft if the player is using a rebuilding team, too.
He is a prospect that is easy to build around and very easily can get over a point-per-game each season after he develops into his prime.
Brandt Clarke
Brandt Clarke is a very alluring option for those who need a defenseman in the 2021 NHL draft. Although he has medium elite potential, he often does drop out of the top handful of picks. Thus, he can be quite the steal for those who know to look out for him.
Building a strong defensive core is a huge part of being successful in Franchise Mode, so adding a player like Clarke can be massive. Not only is he very effective with his defensive play, but he also provides great scoring abilities for a defenseman.
Joshua Roy
A finesse player with size, Joshua Roy can be a marvelous addition to any roster. He is another player who is capable of growing into a first-line center in this game, so it definitely makes sense to add him if possible.
Even if he takes a little time to grow into that role, it is worth it at the end of the day. He is also quite crafty with the puck, so it can be a lot of fun using him when in games. However, if the player opts to simulate their seasons, Roy still registers a very stellar offense.
