NHL Draft 2011: Projecting the Entire First Round
With the 2011 NHL entry draft coming up in a couple of days, I thought I would give a preview of how I believe the first round of the draft should go down. There are many intriguing prospects in this year's draft, and a lot of teams will be getting some major help.
I believe the first overall pick has already been decided, but after that, it is a major guessing game as to the order of the rest of the first round.
EDM: No. 1 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (C)
1 of 30
Vitals: 6'0", 174 LBS
2010-11 Team: Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
2010-11 Stats: 69 games played, 31 goals, 75 assists, 106 points
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a phenomenal hockey player, and the Oilers are finally getting a top notch center prospect to go along with their surplus of prospects on the wing in players such as Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi and Linus Omark.
Hopkins' best asset is his vision and ability to see things on the ice that no one else does. He is hard to knock off the puck despite his size and he possesses very good speed. He is probably the most creative player in the draft and is always in the middle of the action.
COL: No. 2 Gabriel Landeskog (LW)
2 of 30
Vitals: 6'0", 201 LBS
2010-11 Team: Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
2010-11 Stats: 53 games played, 36 goals, 30 assists, 66 points
Probably the most NHL ready forward in the draft, Landeskog is a great two way winger. He is a good skater, but could stand to gain more speed and explosiveness. He isn't afraid to get involved in the physical aspect of the game.
Landeskog was a leader on his OHL club and never took a shift off. Whichever team drafts him is getting a player who can step in right away and contribute.
FLA: No. 3 Adam Larsson (D)
3 of 30
Vitals: 6'3", 220 LBS
2010-11 Team: Skelleftea HC (SEL)
2010-11 Stats: 37 games played, one goal, eight assists, nine points
Another huge Swedish defenseman, Larsson is a smooth skater with great hockey sense in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. Stats were a little down from last year because his team wanted him to focus more on the defensive side of the game.
He has a strong and accurate shot from the point and can make a very good outlet pass. Like Landeskog, Larsson needs to focus on gaining a little more foot speed.
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NJD: No. 4 Dougie Hamilton (D)
4 of 30
Vitals: 6'4", 187 LBS
2010-11 Team: Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL)
2010-11 Stats: 67 games played, 12 goals, 46 assists, 58 points
A late riser in this years draft, Hamilton is an excellent offensive defenseman who possesses a great outlet pass and can lead the rush. He is a very good skater for someone with his size.
Hamilton isn't afraid to use his large frame in the physical aspect of the game. His defence could use some work, but there is no doubt that will come along as he further develops because of the hockey sense he has shown that he has.
NYI: No. 5 Sean Couturier (C)
5 of 30
Vitals: 6'4", 191 LBS
2010-11 Team: Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
2010-11 Stats: 58 games played, 36 goals, 60 assists, 96 points
A guy that was ranked number one by many at the beginning of the year, Couturier fell because people expected him to take the next step. Couturier still had a great year and will be a huge asset for any team that drafts him.
Couturier plays a great two way game and possesses both great vision and a nice scoring touch. He played in all situations for his junior team and may be ready to jump to the NHL immediately.
OTT: No. 6 Jonathan Huberdeau (C)
6 of 30
Vitals: 6'1", 170 LBS
2010-11 Team: Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
2010-11 Stats: 67 games played, 43 goals, 62 assists, 105 points
Huberdeau exploded on to the scene this season with a great regular season and an even better playoff performance. He has very soft hands, giving him the ability to execute great passes and also helps his great goal scoring ability.
His main weakness is his skating; he needs to develop some more speed. Other than that, he is one of the more complete players in this year's draft.
WIN: No. 7: Ryan Murphy (D)
7 of 30
Vitals: 5'11", 176 LBS
2010-11 Team: Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
2010-11 Stats: 63 games played, 26 goals, 53 assists, 79 points
Maybe the best offensive defenseman in the draft, whoever drafts Murphy is getting their power play quarterback of the future. Murphy almost made the Canadian WJC team this year based on his offensive ability.
He possesses both great passing ability and a hammer of a shot. Murphy is also a very good skater with great mobility.
CBJ: No. 8 Ryan Strome (C)
8 of 30
Vitals: 6'1", 183 LBS
2010-11 Team: Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL)
2010-11 Stats: 65 games played, 33 goals, 73 assists, 106 points
A player more in the mold of a power forward, Strome is not afraid to battle in front of the net for his goals.
He also has great vision, as evidenced by his 73 assists with the Niagara Ice Dogs last season. Stromes needs to work on gaining a little more puck control ability and strength, as he can sometimes be knocked off the puck rather easily.
BOS: No. 9: Mika Zibanejad (C)
9 of 30
Vitals: 6'1", 191
2010-11 Team: Djurgardens IF Stockholm (SEL)
2010-11 Stats: 26 games played, five goals, four assists, nine points
Doesn't possess amazingly fast speed, but still a good skater. Zibanejad uses his size to his advantage and plays a great two way game. Can play either center or wing, but is a great faceoff man.
Zibanejad is mature beyond his years and may be ready to play in the NHL faster than many people think. If his skating improves this offseason, Zibanejad could make an impact as early as 2012.
MIN: No. 10: Nathan Bealieu (D)
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Vitals: 6'3", 191 LBS
2010-11 Team: Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
2010-11 Stats: 65 games played, 12 goals, 33 assists, 45 points
Part of the Memorial Cup championship Saint John Sea Dogs, Beaulieu played in every situation for the Sea Dogs in their push for the Cup. He plays a more offensive game, possessing good pucks skills and decent speed.
Bealieu needs to focus on getting stronger and playing better when it comes to the defensive side of the game.
COL: No. 11: Duncan Siemens (D)
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Vitals: 6'3", 192 LBS
2010-11 Team: Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
2010-11 Stats: 72 games played, five goals, 38 assists, 43 points
A very tough defenseman who doesn't back down from a fight, Siemens is the complete package of defense, offence and toughness, although his game translates to him being more of a defensive presence when he makes the NHL.
A good skater, Siemens will be the go to guy for the Saskatoon Blades next year, as they are losing their top two defensemen. Siemens will play in all situations and may even be named captain.
CAR: No. 12 Joel Armia (RW)
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Vitals: 6'3", 187 LBS
2010-11 Team: Assat Pori (SM-liiga)
2010-11 Stats: 48 games played, 18 goals, 11 assists, 29 points
A pure goal scorer, Armia possesses an incredible shot and very good puck handling skills. He is not very physical, but uses his body well to shield the puck.
A huge knock on Armia is that he is purely a one way forward at this point in his career. Without the puck, he is non-existant and only focuses on putting the puck in the net.
CAL: No. 13 Mark McNeill (C)
13 of 30
Vitals: 6'2", 210 LBS
2010-11 Team: Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
2010-11 Stats: 70 games played, 32 goals, 49 assists, 81 points
A pure goal scorer, Mark McNeill still holds a lot of untapped potential, and with his work ethic, there is no doubt in my mind he will reach it.
He uses his size to his advantage and possesses a great shot. He was all over the ice for the Raiders in the playoffs this year and was the big reason why they almost upset the Saskatoon Blades.
DAL: No. 14 Sven Bartschi (LW)
14 of 30
Vitals: 5'10", 185 LBS
2010-11 Team: Portland Winter Hawks (WHL)
2010-11 Stats: 66 games played, 34 goals, 51 assists, 85 points
A pleasant surprise this year for the Winter Hawks, Bartschi exploded onto the scene this season and went from a late round pick to a first round pick.
Bartschi works hard and is a great passer, but his lack of speed to go along with his small stature may hinder him in the NHL.
NYR: No. 15 Joe Morrow (D)
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Vitals: 6'1", 198 LBS
2010-11 Team: Portland Winter Hawks (WHL)
2010-11 Stats: 60 games played, nine goals, 40 assists, 49 points
Joe Morrow had a break through playoffs for the Winter Hawks this year, averaging a point per game from the blue line and leading Portland to the finals, where they would eventually lose to the Kootenay Ice.
Morrow is a superb skater, and his shot from the point is one of the best in the WHL. He also makes a good outlet pass. Morrow still needs work on the defensive aspects of the game.
BUF: No. 16 Mark Scheifele (C)
16 of 30
Vitals: 6'3", 175 LBS
2010-11 Team: Barrie Colts (OHL)
2010-11 Stats: 66 games played, 22 goals, 53 assists, 75 points
Scheifele went from being a relatively unknown player to one who will now be drafted in the first round on Friday. He was the leader on a rebuilding squad on Barrie and surprised many with his offensive output.
While not terrible defensively, he is likely to get better at it because of his work ethic. He is not a great skater and needs to add muscle during the offseason.
MON: No. 17 Matthew Puempel (LW)
17 of 30
Vitals: 6'0", 190 LBS
2010-11 Team: Peterborough Petes (OHL)
2010-11 Stats: 55 games played, 34 goals, 35 assists, 69 points
A natural goal scorer, Puempel has great speed, soft hands and a nice touch around the net. He is a hard worker despite going through some inconsistent stretches throughout the season.
He plays more on the perimeter, but that doesn't stop his offensive game. His season ended early with hip surgery.
CHI: No. 18 Boone Jenner (C)
18 of 30
Vitals: 6'1", 193 LBS
2010-11 Team: Oshawa Generals (OHL)
2010-11 Stats: 63 games played, 25 goals, 41 assists, 66 points
Not a very flashy player, Jenner is more of a safe pick than one with huge potential. He plays a responsible two-way game and performs like a power forward.
He is average to above average in most categories, but won't blow you away with skill.
EDM: No. 19 Jonas Brodin (D)
19 of 30
Vitals: 6'0", 172 LBS
2010-11 Team: Farjestads BK Karistad (SEL)
2010-11 Stats: 42 games played, zero goals, four assists, four points
An outstanding skater with great mobility, Brodin possesses a great outlet pass and some offensive potential despite his low point output in the highly competitive Swedish Elite League.
Brodin should be given more freedom with Farjestads next year, and he will be able to show the hockey community exactly what he is capable of.
PHX: No. 20 Jonathan Miller (C)
20 of 30
Vitals: 6'1", 198 LBS
2010-11 Team: USA U-18 (USHL)
2010-11 Stats: 48 games played, 11 goals, 26 assists, 37 points
Committed to the University of North Dakota for next year, Miller will be a long term project for whichever team drafts him and may not see the NHL for four years.
Miller plays a solid two way game, helped by his great speed. He underwhelmed at the beginning of the year, but made people take notice with his great performance in the under 18 tournament.
OTT: No. 21 Tomas Jurco (RW)
21 of 30
Vitals: 6'2", 193 LBS
2010-11 Team: Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
2010-11 Stats: 60 games played, 31`goals, 25 assists, 56 points
Another play from the Saint John Sea Dogs projected to go in the first round of the draft, Jurco has all the skills necessary to be a premier scorer in the NHL.
He has blazing speed, great hands and a willingness to take punishment in front of the net. He needs to get better on the defensive side of things, such as reading the play and picking up his man.
ANA: No. 22 Zack Phillips (C)
22 of 30
Vitals: 6'0", 180 LBS
2010-11 Team: Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
2010-11 Stats: 67 games played, 38 goals, 57 assists, 95 points
Continuing a trend, Phillips is the fourth member from the Memorial Cup Champion Sea Dogs to be projected to go in the first round. Phillips can both dish the puck very well and has a great shot that helps in the goal scoring department.
PITT: No. 23: Rocco Grimaldi (C)
23 of 30
Vitals: 5'6", 160 LBS
2010-11 Team: US NTDP (USHL)
2010-11 Stats: 23 games played, 12 goals, 13 assists, 25 points
A very undersized player, Grimaldi makes up for it with his amazing speed, shot and passing ability. His skills allow him to be a top notch player despite his size.
Hopefully for him he grows at least a couple of more inches before he stops growing, because a player with his size is very rare, even in today's NHL.
DET: No. 24 Oscar Klefbom (D)
24 of 30
Vitals: 6'2", 201 LBS
2010-11 Team: Farjestads BK Karistad (SEL)
2010-11 Stats: 23 games played, one goal, one assists, two points
Klefbom is a good skater with nice mobility and a great stride. He competes hard and possesses a great defensive game. His offensive upside is limited, though, and he needs to show improvement in his next season.
TOR: No. 25 Daniel Catenacci (C)
25 of 30
Vitals: 5'10", 180 LBS
2010-11 Team: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
2010-11 Stats: 67 games played, 26 goals, 45 assists, 71 points
Another small player with great speed and quick hands, Catenacci may fall to the second round, but I think he will be picked in the first round because of the offensive potential he has.
He also plays defensively responsible and actually gets physical despite his size.
WAS: No. 26 Dmitrij Jaskin (F)
26 of 30
Vitals: 6'1", 196 LBS
2010-11 Team: Slavia Praha HC (Czech)
2010-11 Stats: 33 games played, three goals, seven assists, 10 points
An intriguing prospect, Jaskin plays like a power forward in that he is physical and goes to the dirty areas.
His big weakness is his skating. It takes him more then a few strides to get to his maximum speed, which isn't all that fast to begin with. Needs to work on his explosiveness this summer.
TBL: No. 27 David Musil (D)
27 of 30
Vitals: 6'3", 191 LBS
2010-11 Team: Vancouver Giants (WHL)
2010-11 Stats: 62 games played, six goals, 19 assists, 25 points
A defensively responsible defender, Musil is not a flashy player, but is a safe bet to have a nice and long career, just like his father Frank Musil. He is not overly physical for a player of his stature, but he plays a safe game and makes a great first pass out of his own zone.
SJ: No. 28 Ty Rattie (RW)
28 of 30
Vitals: 6'0", 167 LBS
2010-11 Team: Portland Winter Hawks (WHL)
2010-11 Stats: 67 games played, 28 goals, 51 assists, 79 points
A very good offensive player with a good shot and great passing ability, Rattie needs to add some muscle to his tiny frame if he wants to be successful in the NHL. He is a creative player who always manages to get himself open in the offensive zone.
His two main weaknesses are his top end speed and defensive game. He sometimes will make bad decisions with the puck and is prone to turnovers.
VAN: No. 29 Tyler Biggs (RW)
29 of 30
Vitals: 6'3", 200 LBS
2010-11 Team: US NDTP (USHL)
2010-11 Stats: 20 games played, seven goals, four assists, 11 points
Committed to play college hockey at Miami University (Ohio) next year, Biggs is a power forward, as he uses his size to his advantage and possesses great speed to go along with his great hands and physicality.
TOR: No. 30 Jamie Oleksiak (D)
30 of 30
Vitals: 6'7", 240 LBS
2010-11 Team: Northeastern University (NCAA)
2010-11 Stats: 38 games played, four goals, nine assists, 13 points
A very huge defenseman that uses his size to his advantage, Oleksiak is projected to be more of a defensive defenseman when he makes the jump to the NHL.
Like a lot of guys his size, Oleksiak needs to improve on his foot speed and side to side mobility.
For more 2011 NHL draft coverage, stay tuned to Bleacher Report for updated NHL mock drafts, NHL draft rumors, NHL draft results and draft grades.
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