NHL Draft 2011: 5 Rookies Who Will Make an Instant Impact

After the 2011 NHL Draft, the experts will analyze what prospect fits the team they landed on the best.

It’s not hard to think about it because as long as the prospect fits the team's need and style of play, then that pick has been set up for all the success in the world.

There are many good fits during the course of the first round, but it’s players that just scream out for certain systems and the perfect team takes them. Those are the players to get excited about.

This slideshow is a list of the five best first-round picks that will make an instant impact on their teams. Enjoy.

Must Read: NHL History: Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and the Top 100 Players of All Time

Check back for more on the 2011 NHL Draft as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s Hockey Page to get your fill of the NHL.

5. Joel Armia, LW, Buffalo Sabres

Draft Position: 16th Overall

When the Buffalo Sabres took Finnish born right winger Joel Armia, they found a great value at the No. 16 spot.

Armia is a great power forward that will have success with the Sabres driving the net and making his presence known with his physical play.

For Buffalo, the idea of a forward that can make his own plays is exactly what a team that lacks playmakers needs.

4. Duncan Siemens, D, Colorado Avalanche

Draft Position: 11th Overall

While Western Hockey League defender Duncan Siemens was projected to go in the area of No. 11 in the NHL draft, the best fit was the one that came to fruition.

After getting a stellar forward at No. 2 in Gabriel Landeskog, the Colorado Avalanche got one of the premier defenders in the draft.

Siemens stands at 6’3" and over 200 pounds, and should walk right onto the Avalanche and take a starting position manning the blue line.

3. Dougie Hamilton, D, Boston Bruins

Draft Position: Ninth Overall

As if winning the Stanley Cup in 2011 wasn’t enough for the Boston Bruins, the team decided to steal the show at the 2011 NHL Draft as well.

With the No. 9 selection, the Bruins took Ontario Hockey League defender Dougie Hamilton and his 6’5” frame.

Hamilton is a hugely physical player that is not afraid of confrontation. The best part of his game will be his ability to hit big shots on a Bruins power play that was futile in the playoffs.

2. Sean Couturier, C, Philadelphia Flyers

Draft Position: Eighth Overall

The Philadelphia Flyers had traded away two of their top centers in Mike Richards and Jeff Carter in what was one of the wildest days in Flyers history.

It was obvious that Philadelphia was going to pick defense with their newly acquired No. 8 pick, but that was before Quebec Major Junior Hockey League center Sean Couturier fell to them.

Couturier was one of the top three prospects in the draft for the longest time, but some other players outperformed him and his stock fell slightly. The Flyers needed a center, and there is a chance that they could have the long term best in the draft.

1. Adam Larsson, D, New Jersey Devils

Draft Position: Fourth Overall

The New Jersey Devils have not had a great defender manning the blue line since the departure of Scott Niedermayer and captain Scott Stevens.

Now, it looks like the Jersey boys have found themselves a man to helm the ship for a long time in Swedish defender Adam Larsson.

Larsson is the best defender in the draft by far, and his two years of playing professionally in the Swedish Elite League will make the transfer to the NHL quick and simple.