from Matt Porter of the Boston Globe,

For many developing hockey players, the last 16 months have been a struggle. Games were canceled, rinks were closed, and growth opportunities were lost. The most dedicated of players adapted and now hockey life everywhere is approaching normalcy. But there’s a gap there.

So it comes as little surprise to hear both Owen Power and Matty Beniers, who could be the top two picks of the upcoming NHL Draft (July 23-24), say that they might head back to school (Michigan) rather than enter the league. It would be rare.

Technically, the last No. 1 overall pick who didn’t immediately join his new NHL club was Nail Yakupov, but he debuted as an Oiler immediately after the 2012 lockout ended. Before that, there was Erik Johnson (2006), who played his freshman year at Minnesota before signing with the Blues. Chris Phillips (1996), Bryan Berard (1995), Ed Jovanovski (1994) all returned to juniors for a season. Eric Lindros (1991) refused to play for Nordiques ownership, demanded a trade, and wound up a Flyer.

Beniers, a two-way center from Hingham, wouldn’t bring the Sabres, who pick first, or the Kraken (second) that kind of drama. He would happily join them or whomever else takes him. But maybe after a good season of college hockey, which the pandemic all but stole.

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