NHL Draft 2011: 10 Reasons Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Will Go First
The 2011 NHL Draft is quickly approaching, and the Edmonton Oilers are currently on the clock with the No. 1 selection.
They were in the same position last year and they chose Taylor Hall. He ended up leading the team with 22 goals.
Where does Edmonton go this draft? Ryan Nugent-Hopkins provides many areas of need for the Oilers, and this is why I believe he should go first.
The NHL Draft is June 24.
No 10: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Would Be Tough to Pass on
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It would be difficult to pass on a player like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
His overall skill level is one of the best, if not the best, in the 2011 NHL Draft. His vision, skill and play-making ability makes him likely to be selected with the first pick.
The Oilers have multiple areas of need and he could help with their offensive problems.
No 9: Scouts Love His Overall Skill-Set
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Many scouts have Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on top of their big board.
He is a 6'0" 170 center that is NHL ready. Obviously, he needs to get stronger at 170 pounds. After a few years, he could be one of the best players in the Western Conference.
He is an overall play-maker that has many scouts believing he is the most complete player in the 2011 NHL Draft.
No 8: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Could Also Play Right Wing
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Some may believe that he is a future winger in the NHL. His 6'0" 170-pound size does concern people.
He should be able to be a great winger if he does change positions.
His ability to play multiple positions will help the Oilers on the power-play, if they have a center that coaches want on the ice.
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No 7: Two Dynamic Players on Same Team
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Most of the top teams in the NHL have two dynamic players on the roster.
Sidney Crosby has Evgeni Malkin, Daniel Sedin has Henrik Sedin and Taylor Hall could have Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
I am not comparing these two to those already proven and established players, but am simply saying that one day it could be similar.
No 6: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Could Help Taylor Hall
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Whether they would end up on the same line or not, he could help Hall in many other areas.
He would take the pressure of being the No. 1 pick away from Hall, bringing the focus square on his shoulders.
Teams would have to game plan against two dynamic players instead of just one.
They could increase their power-play—which was 27th in the NHL this season—with two play-makers on the ice.
No 5: Depth at Center
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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins plays the center position; a position that is a need for the Oilers.
Jordan Eberle, Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano led the team at the center positions this season. Eberle scored 43 points (led team), Gagner scored 42 and Cogliano scored 35.
There is a desperate need for a play-making centerman and Nugent-Hopkins fits that role. He could bring that set-up player that Taylor Hall and the rest of the Oilers need to compete in the Western Conference.
No 4: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Has Great Vision
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Many scouts believe that he is the most complete player on the board. His vision is quite possibly the best in the draft class.
The Oilers are a team desperate for skill players. With Nugent-Hopins' vision and passing ability, he would easily fit into what the Oilers are looking for.
He makes everybody around him a better hockey player. Creating two lines out of Hall and Nugent-Hopkins would give the Oilers players to build around. Or, putting them on the same line could be a possibility.
No 3: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Is a Play-Maker
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In 141 games with Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League, Nugent-Hopkins scored 57 goals and 120 assists.
He has the best play-making ability in the 2011 NHL Draft. His unbelievable vision mixes perfectly with his high hockey IQ.
The Oilers have many needs this year. They could take Adam Larsson, defenseman, if they want to secure their blue line.
I just believe that passing on Nugent-Hopkins would be tough because of his potent offensive ability.
No 2: Edmonton Oilers Need Play-Makers
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Edmonton receives the number one pick for the second consecutive year. Last year, they selected Taylor Hall, and this year should be Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
The Oilers were 27th in goals for with 2.3 a game. Their power-play was clicking at 14.5 percent, which was 27th overall.
They need help in multiple areas but they can't pass over his talents. When you have a player at your fingertips like Nugent-Hopkins is, take him.
Defense can be improved upon more in free agency than offense can, in my opinion.
No 1: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Is the Best Available Prospect
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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is the best available prospect in the 2011 NHL Draft.
His play-making ability gives him distance from any other prospect available. Although there are plenty of solid options, Nugent-Hopkins would be a tough prospect to pass up.
In a league full of skill players, it would be difficult to pass on a player that most scouts believe to be the most complete prospect.
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.png?w=600 "B/R NHL Staff Second-Round Predictions 🏒")
