NHL Draft 2011 Results: 6 Round 1 Picks That GMs Will Regret Forever

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It's easy to point fingers and criticize selections on draft day because there is no proof that levied criticism is unwarranted.

So today, we will take full advantage of the situation.

Many factors are involved with each pick, including perceived future needs, player's unique skill sets and system fit.

Yet it seems that often scouts, coaches and GMs may fall into a trap of falling in love with a particular player to the detriment of the team's greater needs.

Let's point a few fingers, shall we?

Winnipeg Jets: Mark Scheifele, Center

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Mark Scheifele is not a bad selection...just the spot in which he was taken is questionable.

Although we hate to rain on Winnipeg's parade, the Jets (YES! They chose the right name!) have more than a few holes to fill.

With all the trading of selections that was going on, the team could have taken advantage of the active market to trade down and likely still been able to get their man in Scheifele, who was not ranked in the top 10 by anyone.

Philadelphia Flyers: Sean Couturier, Center

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Philadelphia will regret this selection for many reasons.

• He won't replace the production of Jeff Carter
• His game will not reach the level of Mike Richards
• Couturier's stock has done nothing but fall

Additionally, Couturier's weaknesses are his skating, lack of quickness and grit in his game.

Does that sound like a guy who can make in impact in the Atlantic division? 

Does it sound like a Flyers player?

There is just a lack of fit here to feel comfortable enough with a top-10 selection.

Colorado Avalanche: Duncan Siemens, Defense

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The Avs went with the heavy hitter over many more skilled options.

Siemens' greatest strengths are that he's mean and nasty and shows a bit of skill.

In today's NHL, puck movers at the blueline come at a premium.

With Ryan Murphy, Jamie Oleksiak and Nathan Beaulieu still on the board, it would have made much more sense to take the greater commodity and go after a banger later in the draft.

Phoenix Coyotes: Connor Murphy, Defense

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Murphy has some great measurables but has been an injury magnet for the past few seasons.

What's a big body worth if it can't play?

I saw this as the biggest reach of the first round.

Additionally, the Coyotes are a team that could use some goals.

Passing up on a Tomas Jurco, Brandon Saad, Matt Puempel or Nicklas Jensen is something that Phoenix will come to regret.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Tyler Biggs, Right Wing

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When Brian Burke took over the Leafs he clearly despised Toronto's smooth skating, European rink-styled roster.

He took it upon himself to make over the team in "his image."

Burke added sandpaper galore with every hitter and grinder he could get his hands on.

Toronto is a lot tougher today but not any better.

Biggs is a big nasty. Great.

However, as TSN's scouting preview put it, his weaknesses are that his "feet and hands are average, limited offensive upside, lacks creativity. Prone to taking bad penalties, will need more discipline..."

Has been compared to Los Angeles Kings' forward Kyle Clifford. Should be a tough, intimidating second or third-line winger who will battle hard."

Fantastic, the Leafs added a Kyle Clifford in the first round of the draft!

Pittsburgh Penguins: Joe Morrow, Defense

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Joe Morrow may turn out to be a fine player and everything that the Penguins say he is going to be.

However, we are talking about the Penguins, whose organizational strength lies in their blueline.

Both at the NHL level and their top prospects, defensemen reign supreme.

Yet on the wings, the cupboard is nearly completely bare.

There is not much to be had at the NHL level, AND there is no help on the way.

Tomas Jurco is a magnificent fit for this team.  He has the size, strength, skill and battle level for Pittsburgh...and he was there for the taking.

The Penguins will not be the only team to regret passing on him, but they may regret it the most.

My Jurco love poem is now complete.

 

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