NHL Draft 2011: The Best Scorer, Goalie, Defenseman and More

The Central Scouting Service has released its final set of player rankings for the 2011 NHL draft, but fans are still left to distinguish what each player does best.

That's where these rankings come in. 

Each player in this draft has a speciality. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins distributes the puck like a madman, while Joel Armia can flat-out bury the puck.

Dougie Hamilton is the most physical defenseman in the draft, but the all-around award goes to the Swedish stud Adam Larsson.

It's superlative time for the 2011 NHL draft prospects, ladies and gents. Enjoy.

Best Scorer: Joel Armia

In terms of putting the biscuit in the basket, few players project as well as Joel Armia does in that category.

His skill set is jaw-dropping. Between Armia's stick-handling and his wicked shot, Armia looks like a young Jeff Carter when he takes the ice. The top Finnish prospect available, Armia has the most dangerous offensive weapons among all forwards in this draft.

Armia also looks ready to contribute immediately, having scored 18 goals this season in the Finnish Elite League. While most of these prospects were playing against boys their own age, Armia was taking on men and still putting up numbers.

Best Playmaker: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

The consensus top prospect available in the 2011 NHL draft, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins earns his praise due to his ability to distribute the puck on the rush and set things up in the offensive zone.

Playing for a Red Deer Rebels team that lacked some of the high-end talent other top prospects were able to player with, Nugent-Hopkins still racked up 75 assists. He has a sixth sense about where his teammates will be and is always able to deliver the perfect pass.

Best Defenseman: Adam Larsson

Few will disagree with Adam Larsson as the best defenseman in the 2011 NHL draft, given the fact that he is on an elite level both offensively and defensively. He is a strong skater, great passer and a lockdown guy on the back end.

However, my favorite aspect of Larsson's game is his awareness and poise. A player with his experience and skill is always reliable on the blue line.

Best Goaltender: John Gibson

The best goaltender in the 2011 NHL draft is Gibson. On, wait, you mean I have to pick one Gibson?

Well, both Christopher Gibson and John Gibson have established themselves as top goaltending prospects in this draft, but John edges out Christopher for me.

John Gibson manages to use his big frame to take away space and his athleticism to take away time from shooters. He has the killer instinct and focus scouts look for in a goaltender.

Most NHL-Ready: Gabriel Landeskog

Many will agree that Gabriel Landeskog is the most NHL-ready player in the draft, and it's not just because of his immense skill, which he does have.

What will make Landeskog's transition easier is his toughness, leadership and ability to learn and improve on the fly while competing at a high level.

This guy has captain written all over him. He's the most coachable player available.

Most Physical Defenseman: Dougie Hamilton

Dougie Hamilton stands at 6'4'' tall, making him an imposing force on the blue line.

Give him a few years of seasoning, and few players are going to want to take Hamilton on in the corner or in front of the net.

He had 77 penalty minutes last season in the OHL, so Hamilton is not afraid to get his hands dirty.

Best Forechecker: Ty Rattie

This may come as a surprise to some, but although Ty Rattie is a late first-round prospect, the scrappy winger is the best forechecker available in this year's draft.

Rattie uses his speed to get in quickly on the forecheck and then tenaciously attacks and sticks with opposing defenders. He's an absolute pest.

Best Defensive Forward: Sean Couturier

Some consider Sean Couturier's skating ability a deterrent for him being able to play in the defensive zone. However, Couturier's skating ability is more than adequate enough to make him a terrific backchecker and sound in the defensive zone.

Couturier has so much awareness defensively. In three seasons in the QMJHL with Drummondville, Couturier's plus-minus rating was at a plus-141. That doesn't happen by accident. 

Best Hands: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Part of what makes Ryan Nugent-Hopkins such a tremendous playmaker in the offensive zone is his ability to create space on the rush with not only his speed, but his hands as well.

RNH will make plays that few other people can see on the ice, and he does so because of his high awareness and the hands he was blessed with.

Just take a look at the video above for a sample of what this guy can do with the puck.

Best Power Forward: Gabriel Landeskog

I wanted to give this honor to Mark McNeill because he plays the center position, which is rare of a power forward, but few embody the role of power forward like Gabriel Landeskog.

Despite being just under 6'0" tall, Ladeskog is not afraid to do the dirty work in the corners and actually uses his tremendous strength as an asset offensively, the true mark of a power forward.

Most Likely To Be Captain: Gabriel Landeskog

It may seem like I'm showering Landeskog with praise, but he deserves it.

Let's be honest, there are probably at least a handful of captains in the 2011 NHL draft, but the most sure bet to handle that role in the NHL has to Gabriel Landeskog.

Landeskog's was willing to gut through an ankle injury this season, displaying toughness and character.

The Swedish youngster also shows tremendous leadership on the bench and on the ice. Despite having to overcome a language barrier by learning to speak fluent English, Landeskog is the most vocal and coachable kid in the draft. 

Biggest Sleeper: Tomas Jurco

Sure, Jurco is considered to be a first-round pick, but he is still an under-appreciated player available this weekend.

Jurco was surrounded by tons of talent at Saint John, which caused him to be overshadowed at times, but Jurco stepped to the forefront in the Memorial Cup with four goals in four games for the Sea Dogs.

The talented Finn has tons of offensive ability and will be a solid NHL player in a few years time.

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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.