2011 NHL Mock Draft -- Updated Draft Order
Usually I wait until the draft order is certain to post this, but I'm bored (frankly) and I haven't updated in a while, so here is my meager attempt at predicting who's going where in the first round of this year's NHL Entry Draft.
Enjoy.
1. Edmonton Oilers - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Red Deer (WHL)
They got the talented goal-scorer in Taylor Hall last year, now they need a center to play and grow with him.
2. Colorado Avalanche - Gabriel Landeskog, LW, Kitchener (OHL)
Strong down the middle with the likes of Paul Stastny, Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly and last year’s #17 overall pick Joey Hishon on the way, Landeskog has the ability to step into the Avs line-up as early as next season to create room for whichever linemates he ends up playing with.
3. Florida Panthers - Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)
Without question one of the best centers in the draft, this big centerman is just what Panthers GM Dale Tallon needs to kickstart his rebuild.
4. New Jersey Devils - Adam Larsson, D, Skelleftea (Sweden)
The top defender in this year’s draft could eventually be the Devils’ best blue liner since Scott Niedermayer.
5. New York Islanders - Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara (OHL)
Big physical defenseman the next step in the Isles’ rebuild phase.
6. Ottawa Senators - Ryan Strome, C, Niagara (OHL)
Could eventually be the second half of the Senators 1-2 punch down the middle with Jason Spezza.
7. Atlanta Thrashers - Jonathan Huberdeau, C, Saint John (QMJHL)
Thrashers bolster their lineup with scoring down the middle.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets - Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener (OHL)
Excellent puck moving defenseman, just what the Jackets need.
9. Boston Bruins (via Toronto) - Nathan Beaulieu, D, Saint John (QMJHL)
Highly skilled blue liner that’s excellent in his own zone. Will be a big asset to the power play down the road.
10. Minnesota Wild - Joel Armia, RW, Assat (Finland)
Good sized forward brings size, speed and skill to the Wild’s forward lines.
11. Colorado Avalanche (via St. Louis) - Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon (WHL)
Big, tough defender just what the Avs need on the blueline. Will develop nicely alongside junior defense partner Stefan Elliott.
12. Carolina Hurricanes - Mika Zibanejad, C, Djurgarden (Sweden)
Power forward with soft hands, great vision and speed will work nicely in Paul Maurice’s system. Can also play on the wing.
13. Calgary Flames - Boone Jenner, C, Oshawa (OHL)
Big, skilled center that’s good in all three zones. Something the Flames don’t have a whole lot of.
14. Dallas Stars - Tomas Jurco, RW, Saint John (QMJHL)
Extremely skilled forward brings all kinds of dazzling puck skills to Texas.
15. New York Rangers - Daniel Catenacci, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Talent of a top 10 goal scorer, drawing comparisons to Mike Cammalleri.
16. Buffalo Sabres - Zack Phillips, C, Saint John (QMJHL)
Offensive minded forward has skills in spades.
17. Montreal Canadiens - Brandon Saad, LW, Saginaw (OHL)
Big, skilled forward excellent addition to Montreal’s cabinet of prospects. Scored 27 goals in his first season with the Spirit.
18. Chicago Blackhawks - Phillip Danault, LW, Victoriaville (QMJHL)
Well rounded forward dynamite on the penalty kill. Will compliment other prospects very nicely.
19. Edmonton Oilers (via L.A.) - Jamieson Oleksiak, D, Northeastern (HE)
Big, smart and tough to play against (boasts a 6’7” frame). Exactly the kind of shut down defenseman the Oil need.
20. Phoenix Coyotes - Mark Sceifele, C, Barrie (OHL)
Highly skilled forward will only improve. Could be a hell of a 1,2 punch with Kyle Turris in a few years.
21. Ottawa Senators (via Nashville) - Christopher Gibson, G, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Dynamite stats (.920 save percentage, 2.42 goals against average and 4 shutouts) on an otherwise lousy team.
22. Anaheim Ducks - Nicklas Jensen, W, Oshawa (OHL)
Versatile winger comes with great vision, good offensive skill.
23. Pittsburgh Penguins - Joseph Morrow, D, Portland (WHL)
Puck moving defender a diamond in the rough this late in the opening round. Could eventually fill the void left by Alex Goligoski’s departure.
24. Detroit Red Wings - Sven Baertschi, LW, Portland (WHL)
The Red Wings taking a hard working Swede? Who would have guessed?
25. Toronto Maple Leafs (via Philadelphia) - Jonathan Miller, C, USA U-18 (USHL)
Just what the doctor ordered, help down the middle for the Leafs.
26. Washington Capitals - Tyler Biggs, RW, USA U-18 (USHL)
Big, mean power forward will line up nicely alongside Marcus Johansson.
27. Tampa Bay Lightning - Jonas Brodin, D, Farjestad (Sweden)
Skilled Swedish defender will develop well with fellow Swede Victor Hedman.
28. San Jose Sharks - Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert (WHL)
Big center really impressed at the scouting combine. San Jose would be wise to snag him, if he's still on the board, at #28.
29. Vancouver Canucks - Matt Puempel, LW, Peterborough (OHL)
Lead team in both goals (34) and points (69) despite being limited to only 55 games.
30.. Toronto Maple Leafs (via Boston) - Shane Prince, C, Ottawa (OHL)
Speedy and versatile, Leafs desperate for help down the middle.
Just for fun, you can check out a nice little database of mock drafts at the DC Pro Sports Report.
