NHL 21 Scouting Help

[Instant C1a55ic]

I know the patch dropped that was supposed to fix the scouting of higher tier players, but I am still having issues.

Pictured is my top players list, and there are a TON of holes. I had everything set to auto, and after about the 3rd round, I had no players to pick from.

Did I miss something? 20201107_172754.jpeg

Sent from my SM-G975U using Operation Sports mobile app

[BigBadAss33]

Quote: Originally Posted by Instant C1a55ic

I know the patch dropped that was supposed to fix the scouting of higher tier players, but I am still having issues. Pictured is my top players list, and there are a TON of holes. I had everything set to auto, and after about the 3rd round, I had no players to pick from. Did I miss something? Attachment 184793 Sent from my SM-G975U using Operation Sports mobile app

Scouting is a MAJOR part of this game and there are NO time saving shortcuts that will help you. I turn OFF Auto Scout. I want to be hands on when scouting and telling my scouts who to look at specifically.

Here is what I always do when starting a FRANCHISE.


I will say that OWNER mode and FOW is OFF.

1. Don't FIRE you NHL/AHL scouts . Most of them are A+ in one or more Amateur leagues(OHL, QMJHL, WHL, USA) so use that to your advantage.
2. Scout SETUP - 20 MAX Scouts - 2- Russia, 1 or 2 SHL, 1 or 2 LIIGA, 2 Europe, 1 each for all 3 USA leagues, 3 OHL, 3WHL and 3 QMJHL.

So far in my Franchise the 1st and 2nd year scout pool is no good almost BAD. The highest ranked scout was a B-. so Hire him and fire your worst overall scout.

3. IMPORTANT - you really need to know both of your rosters(NHL/AHL) so you know what you need. You cant have a team full of non future NHLers in the AHL or in a few years your toast.

4. CHL scouting - Each league will have 3 scouts. Assign 1 scout to do Forwards and Defense, 1 scout to do Defense and goalies. The 3rd scout will do lower ranked players(150-200).

5. Here is the most important step at least for me. make sure you pay attention to your record and where you are starting FEB 1. This will help you scout the players where you are projected to finish. now once you hit FEB you have to make sure you identify players that may be later picks but are considered a steal.(compare SCOUT Ranking and National Ranking) if you see a guy that is ranked 85 but your scout say 60. Scout that guy until 100% to know if he is a real steal.

6. USE your DRAFT BOARD for your potential picks. APRIL MAY and JUNE you should have all scouts in a region scouting maybe 3 or 4 players. I usually know who my picks are going to be before the 2nd round of the playoffs or MID-May. This helps big time because it also help you determine if you can free up some space for Free Agents by trading a declining overpaid 3rd line player.

A few other tips to help -

I HATE picks above the 4th Round so I will always use 5th, 6th and 7th picks in trades. I will also at the draft trade 3 for 1. example: my 2021 5th,6th and 7th for a 2022 3rd or 4th from a team that is picking near the top. Most teams will do this to add the prospects.

The highest ranked player available is NOT always the BEST Available. look at stats for at least 10 players after your pick when its your turn. if a better player is available later trade down.

Take your time with scouting there is no quick easy route. I spend at least an HOUR real time every day in the prospect list.

Hope this helps!!

BigBadAss33

[Instant C1a55ic]

Thank you. I am following this and a youtube video I found. Just finished my first season, and it was amazing.

It is time consuming, but is worth it in the end.

Quote: Originally Posted by BigBadAss33

Scouting is a MAJOR part of this game and there are NO time saving shortcuts that will help you. I turn OFF Auto Scout. I want to be hands on when scouting and telling my scouts who to look at specifically. Here is what I always do when starting a FRANCHISE. I will say that OWNER mode and FOW is OFF. 1. Don't FIRE you NHL/AHL scouts . Most of them are A+ in one or more Amateur leagues(OHL, QMJHL, WHL, USA) so use that to your advantage. 2. Scout SETUP - 20 MAX Scouts - 2- Russia, 1 or 2 SHL, 1 or 2 LIIGA, 2 Europe, 1 each for all 3 USA leagues, 3 OHL, 3WHL and 3 QMJHL. So far in my Franchise the 1st and 2nd year scout pool is no good almost BAD. The highest ranked scout was a B-. so Hire him and fire your worst overall scout. 3. IMPORTANT - you really need to know both of your rosters(NHL/AHL) so you know what you need. You cant have a team full of non future NHLers in the AHL or in a few years your toast. 4. CHL scouting - Each league will have 3 scouts. Assign 1 scout to do Forwards and Defense, 1 scout to do Defense and goalies. The 3rd scout will do lower ranked players(150-200). 5. Here is the most important step at least for me. make sure you pay attention to your record and where you are starting FEB 1. This will help you scout the players where you are projected to finish. now once you hit FEB you have to make sure you identify players that may be later picks but are considered a steal.(compare SCOUT Ranking and National Ranking) if you see a guy that is ranked 85 but your scout say 60. Scout that guy until 100% to know if he is a real steal. 6. USE your DRAFT BOARD for your potential picks. APRIL MAY and JUNE you should have all scouts in a region scouting maybe 3 or 4 players. I usually know who my picks are going to be before the 2nd round of the playoffs or MID-May. This helps big time because it also help you determine if you can free up some space for Free Agents by trading a declining overpaid 3rd line player. A few other tips to help - I HATE picks above the 4th Round so I will always use 5th, 6th and 7th picks in trades. I will also at the draft trade 3 for 1. example: my 2021 5th,6th and 7th for a 2022 3rd or 4th from a team that is picking near the top. Most teams will do this to add the prospects. The highest ranked player available is NOT always the BEST Available. look at stats for at least 10 players after your pick when its your turn. if a better player is available later trade down. Take your time with scouting there is no quick easy route. I spend at least an HOUR real time every day in the prospect list. Hope this helps!! BigBadAss33

Sent from my SM-G975U using Operation Sports mobile app