When it comes to NHL 21, a lot of its players spend a lot of time in its Franchise Mode. This makes a lot of sense, as it allows players to control their favorite team and run them the way they want to. In this game, building a roster that results in success definitely requires star players, whether the player opts to play or simulate games. Yet, much like in the real NHL, teams also need to have a strong supporting cast to completely round out their rosters.
Some players simply perform so much better than advertised in these games too. Even if they are not necessarily the most talked-about players when it comes to real life, it is clear that they quite effective in the game. They often not only simulate well but work quite efficiently in actual gameplay. In some cases, one can acquire them relatively easily, so there is no risk in acquiring them. These players offer a ton of assistance to the player on their quest of obtaining the Stanley Cup.
Nick Ritchie
Nick Ritchie is a very solid middle-six forward for the Bruins this season. It seems as though that this carries over well to the video game, as he is a fantastic player to add. He tends to progress to a higher overall as the years pass, so he definitely is worth signing or trading for.
He is a fun player to use, as he not only registers points but throws a lot of strong hits because of his ratings. He also tends not to ask for too much money in the game, so affording him is not very difficult. He is a perfect bargain player.
Danton Heinen
Coincidentally, the player the Bruins traded to acquire Ritchie, Danton Heinen, is also marvelous in this game. His overall jumps up very quickly after the first season as a member of the Anaheim Ducks and he becomes a very solid second-line center on any roster.
Via simulation, his statistics are strong, especially if the player utilizes him on the powerplay. He is definitely the type of finesse player that will provide a lot of scoring, as he is an excellent passer in the game.
Jamie Oleksiak
Jamie Oleksiak does not possess a very high overall in the game, but he works very effectively on any roster. This is due to the fact that he not only plays a very physical game, but he also is quite reliable defensively in the process.
This is a perfect player to add to the bottom defensive pairing. Player chemistry also skyrockets if the player pairs him with an offensive defenseman. Overall, he is a great depth piece to have in earlier seasons of the mode.
Alexandre Texier
Alexandre Texier is a younger player in the NHL playing for a smaller market in Columbus. Therefore, he may not be the most popular of players available. However, he is somebody to acquire if possible.
He develops quite nicely in this game, and through simulation, he tends to produce almost a point per game. Fans of the Blue Jackets sure know that he has potential, but the game turns him into a borderline star.
Lucas Johansen
Lucas Johansen is an older prospect for the Washington Capitals and has a bit of an upward battle to make their roster in real life. However, in this game, he often blossoms into a very efficient top-four defenseman.
He provides a good amount of offense in the process too, so he is perfect for the powerplay. Yet, this does not impact his solid defensive game, as he is very effective on the penalty kill too. Overall, he is just a very balanced player worth acquiring.
Pierre Engvall
Pierre Engvall is a player who often finds himself swapping in and out of the Toronto Maple Leafs' roster. This is due to the immense amount of forward depth the team has but he solidifies himself as a top-six winger in this game every time.
His offensive numbers vary in the game at times, but he certainly is worth adding to the team. Depending on how the player utilizes him, he tends to vary between 84 and 86 overall, which is clearly respectable.
Jake Bean
Jake Bean is emerging as an effective offensive defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes. He likely will become a solid powerplay specialist for them once they showcase him more, but in this game, he has the potential to be truly elite.
This is due to the fact that he is a marvelous passer, which in return, allows him to rack up the points. Team chemistry impacts his overall too as if he is paired with a veteran defensive defenseman, he tends to become a far better hockey player.
German Rubtsov
Kind of a forgotten prospect, German Rubstov is in for a hard challenge to make the Philadelphia Flyers. The former first-round pick in this game, however, turns into an immensely effective middle-six forward.
This is due to the fact that his physicality skyrockets his development. He also tends to be a shoot-first player in this game through simulation, so he does work on his off-wing, even if he is a natural center in real life.
Sam Bennett
NHL fans cannot stop talking about Sam Bennett right now, as he reportedly wants out of Calgary. He isn't reaching his full potential there, but he is still a very reliable and tenacious forward. In this game though, he does get a lot better over time.
This is due to the fact that his defensive abilities become a lot better as he progresses. Offensively, he can put up very solid points if placed on the second-line. However, for the first season, he should be in the bottom-six to effectively develop.
Ben Chiarot
Ben Chiarot is the ultimate defensive defenseman to have on your bottom pairing. He works extremely well when it comes to chemistry, while also providing a massive amount of toughness and physical play.
The primary issue with him in this game is he does not produce much offensively. However, every Stanley Cup winning team needs a reliable defense-first veteran on their team. Chiarot fits that role perfectly in this game.