DRAFT: Top Defensive Prospects in the 2021 NHL Draft

On Monday, we took a look at some of the best forwards available in this year's draft, and now we move on to the top defensemen available as ranked by NHL Central Scouting.
Here are some of the top names that could be available when Chicago goes on the clock at No. 12 overall:

BLACKHAWKS DRAFT
DRAFT CENTRAL: Full Coverage of the Blackhawks' 2021 NHL Draft
DRAFT: Top Forward Prospects in the 2021 NHL Draft
DRAFT: How Chicago's Picks Were Acquired

North American Skaters

1. Owen Power, D (Michigan - NCAA)
2. Luke Hughes, D (U.S. NTDP)
3. Brandt Clarke, D (Barrie - OHL)
4. Carson Lambos, D (Winnipeg - WHL)
5. Corson Ceulemans, D (Brooks - AJHL)
- "Has the potential to become a top-four NHL defenseman able to play big minutes in all situations." - Mike Morreale, NHL.com - "The big right-shot defenseman is an outstanding skater who can lead the rush and use his speed to create chances in transition and in the offensive zone. The 18-year-old also knows how to use his mobility and long reach to keep opposing forwards to the outside." - Adam Kimelman, NHL.com

European Skaters

1. Simon Edvinsson, D (Frolunda - SWE)
2. Danil Chayka, D (CSKA - RUS)
3. Stanislav Svozil, D (Brno - CZE)
4. Dmitri Kostenko, D (Spartak - RUS)
- "He stands out with the puck on his stick, has slick hands and the ability to fool checkers with his one-on-one plays. He's a creative passer who makes a strong outlet and has blue line poise… Projects to play NHL games on a third pair with enough offense to advance up a lineup." - Corey Pronman, The Athletic - "He was a good VHL defenceman this year and a dominant all-situations one when he played in the MHL, dictating play in all three zones and really breaking teams down off of the point inside the offensive zone with his ability to open up structure and facilitate east-to-west… He's got power-play upside and a polished defensive game. There's really nothing about where he's at that worries me." - Scott Wheeler, The Athletic