With the fifth pick in the 2021 SB Nation NHL Mock Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets are pleased to select William Eklund, forward, from Djurgårdens IF.
To learn more about Eklund, check out his draft prospect profile here. Among the players in the top 10, Eklund seemed to have the highest upside. His 200 foot game appealed to me, as did his experience playing in a pro league in 2020-21.
The first four selections were:
- Buffalo — Owen Power
2. Seattle — Matthew Beniers
3. Anaheim — Dylan Guenther
4. New Jersey — Luke Hughes
Beniers was at the top of my draft board, but Eklund was close behind. I was a bit surprised that Hughes went so high, but I understand that it’s hard to resist the urge to re-unite Luke with one of his brothers. Brandt Clarke and Mason McTavish were also considered in our draft room due to the need for defensemen and centers, respectively. At #5, however, I felt it most important to pick the best player available regardless of position.
Do you agree?
Who would you pick at #5 in this mock draft?
| I agree with selecting William Eklund | 136 |
| We need defense, take Brandt Clarke | 26 |
| We need defense, take Simon Edvinsson | 14 |
| We need a center, take Mason McTavish | 46 |
| Other (make your case in the comments) | 8 |