Greg Wyshynski, ESPN 3y

2021 NHL draft Day 1 takeaways: Many trades, Michigan makes history

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The first round of the 2021 NHL draft was like a blockbuster summer movie.

There were tantalizing trailers, in the form of three blockbuster trades that preceded the draft and impacted picks -- including Rasmus Ristolainen to the Philadelphia Flyers, Oliver Ekman-Larsson to the Vancouver Canucks, and Seth Jones to the Chicago Blackhawks. 

There was the draft itself, which had its share of surprises, though something not all that shocking: The Michigan Wolverines saw an incredible five players (current and committed) selected in the first round, led by Owen Power at No. 1 and Matty Beniers at No. 2. 

And then there was a twist ending -- and an unfortunate one -- that shocked the hockey world that tuned in to watch the NHL's future stars get selected.

Which teams did the best on Day 1? Who made some head-scratching moves? Here are the winners, losers and lingering questions, along with a glance at the top 15 remaining prospects on the board for Day 2.

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