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Carolina Hurricanes: Updated Top 3 2021 NHL Entry Draft 1st Round Targets

By Matthew Nidiffer

Apr 12, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod BrindÕAmour looks on from the bench against the Detroit Red Wings at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod BrindÕAmour looks on from the bench against the Detroit Red Wings at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MARCH 18: General view of play in front of empty stands during the SHL match between Djurgaardens IF and Brynaes IF at Hovet Arena on March 18, 2021 in Stockholm, Sweden. Sporting stadiums around Sweden remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MARCH 18: General view of play in front of empty stands during the SHL match between Djurgaardens IF and Brynaes IF at Hovet Arena on March 18, 2021 in Stockholm, Sweden. Sporting stadiums around Sweden remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images) /

3. Isak Rosen (LW)

Isak Rosen, a left-winger from Sweden currently playing for Leksands IF in the SHL, kicks off my list. You’ll notice he wasn’t on there the first time. His draft stock hasn’t plummeted, per se, but he has fallen a few slots; his offensive production this season just hasn’t been there.

In 22 games played in SHL contention, he only has a lone assist and 2 PIMs. In the 2019-20 season, however, Rosen was an offensive powerhouse, registering 21 goals and 14 assists for 35 points in 38 games played in the J20 Superelit Swedish league.

Rosen did, however, put up 7 goals and 5 assists for 12 points in 12 games played in J20 Nationell contention, which puts my mind at ease about his offensive performance slipping elsewhere.

Rosen, who stands at 5’11 and 156lbs, is generally a very good playmaker whose size is less of a detriment and more of an advantage. His more slender frame allows him to be incredibly speedy and agile.

According to Draftin Europe:

"[Rosen is] the kind of (speedy) forward that can shoot off the rush when given enough gap and still be first on the loose puck… Draftin Europe, 2020"

Rosen is also “a true playmaker. Very good technical skills. Exceptional at reading the game.”, according to Head Coach Anders Eriksen.

Eliteprospects have Rosen ranked at 24th overall; FCHockey have him at 26th overall.

The Carolina Hurricanes have shown that they have tremendous interest at drafting young, skilled forwards in the 1st round; 2019 28th overall selection Ryan Suzuki and 2020 13th overall selection Seth Jarvis have proven just that.

Rosen would be a solid addition, but he’d have to fall a few slots first. I’m not entirely sold on that happening, which is why I have two other players on this list ranked higher.

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