[Part One] 2011 Draft Class Hierarchy
Part One: 2011 Draft Class Hierarchy
by Dean Youngblood
The 2011 NHL Entry Draft is fast approaching and analyzing top prospects is in full gear. The 2011 Draft class has been called weak in the past due to the fact that it does not possess that one true "draft stud" that every team covets. However, do not let this years' draft prospects hear that as many of them have made their case to NHL clubs that picking them will not go unnoticed.
The top position of this years' draft class has been held by not one, not two, not three but four individuals this past season. On June 24th as the NHL clubs convene in St. Paul, Minnesota, the entire hockey world will be on edge as Edmonton Steps up to the podium for the second consecutive year to make the first overall selection. Who will it be? Only the Edmonton Oilers know that at this point but the following rankings should help you to understand the names that will be thrown around draft tables in the first round.
Before we start, a few disclaimers are needed: - Rankings are not based on fantasy value
- Rankings are not a mock draft (to be released later)
- Estimated Time of Arrivals (ETA) are best personal guesses and will depend largely on the team who selects them. Subject to change
Here we go! Check back for the next ten best prospects as the 2011 NHL Entry Draft approaches.
1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Position: Centre, Shoots: Left, Height: 6'0", Weight: 164 lbs, Hometown: Burnaby, BC
164GP - 31G - 75A -106P
NHL.com Draft Prospect Video
Video
Nugent-Hopkins was the first overall selection of the 2008 WHL Bantam draft so the Burnaby native will be used to stepping up to the podium first. The WHL`s top playmaking center (75 assists) and third leading scorer (106 points) has been on a tear since the CHL prospects game. RHN has been compared to a number of current and past NHLers including Datsyuk for his hockey vision and Sakic for his shot release. The player comparisons are always nice but in the end, Hopkins-Nugent brings an elite level of puck skills to his game which opens up a lot of space for himself and linemates on the ice. Ryan has become the clear-cut favourite for the first overall pick in this years NHL draft.
ETA: 2012-13
Readiness: RHN has the intelligence to play in the NHL immediately but I am sure scouts would prefer to see him bulk up and fill out his 6-foot frame.
2. Adam Larsson, Skellaftea (SEL)
Video (Swedish audio)
Position: Defenseman, Shoots: Right, Height: 6`3`, Weight: 220 lbs, Hometown: Skelleftea, SWE
37GP - 1G -8A-9P
Larsson has been atop the 2011 draft crop for three years now and it is not surprising that he has kept his position among the top three for so long now. Larsson plays a calm, cool and collected game that has often been compared to a young Niklas Lidstrom. Now, being compared to the one of the NHL`s all-time greatest defenseman is hardly fair for an 18-year old but it does seem accurate when describing his approach to the game. Larsson`s offensive game is still relatively unknown but the skills are there to put up points. The 6-foot-3-inch Larsson is already built for the rigors of the NHL and the expectation is that he will likely suit up for whichever NHL club is priviledged enough to select him.
ETA: 2011-12 (NHL ready)
Readiness: Larsson has the physical tools to step right into a NHL lineup as the 5th or 6th defenseman but some say Larsson may return to the SEL for another season.
3. Gabriel Landeskog, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Position: Right Wing, Shoots: Left, Height: 6`0, Weight: 207 lbs, Hometown: Stockholm, SWE
53GP-36G-30A-66P
NHL.com Draft Prospect Video
Video
The young Swede (with no trace of an swedish accent) has become a favourite of scouts around the NHL with his comparisons to NHL captains Mike Richards and Jerome Iginla. In all honesty, Landeskog probably plays the most `Canadian game`of all NHL draft eligible players. Landeskog oozes leadership abilities and will surely become a captain for his future NHL club. The Stockholm native plays a complete game with no noticeable holes in his game. Landeskog does have similarities to the swedish icon Peter Forsberg. Gabriel does not have Forsberg`s elite scoring abilities but he does play an aggressive game and he likes to mix it up. Plus, Landeskog can put up the good numbers and is no stranger to fighting.
ETA: 2011-12 (NHL ready)
Readiness: Landeskog has a lot of team scouts drolling because he is likely the most NHL-ready forward of the draft class. If Gabriel can put together a strong NHL camp, he should find himself skating on an NHL team's third line to start the 2011-12 season.
4. Sean Couturier, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
Position: Centre, Shoots: Left, Height: 6`4, Weight: 197 lbs, Hometown: Bathurst, NB
58GP-36G-60A-96P
Video
Couturier was ranked first among all 2011 NHL eligible skaters to start the season but has seen his draft stock fall over the course of the season. Why? Couturier has not necessarily fallen but moreso, others have passed him with their exceptional play. However, it is important to realize that the strong two-way center brings a level of consistency (at both ends of the rink) as he finished with back-to-back seasons in the Q with 96 points. Couturier's all-around play should be extremely attractive to all of the top drafting teams this summer. Couturier possesses a high-level of hockey IQ, can shoot and pass with the best of them but does have a slow first step in the skating department. Fortunately, skating is a skill that can be improved and Couturier will surely look to improve his skating this summer.
ETA: 2011-12 (NHL ready)
Readiness: Couturier's game is very mature and is likely to start the 2011-12 NHL season (at least for the 9 game trial) skating among the big boys.
5. Dougie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Position: Defenseman, Shoots: Right, Height: 6'4, Weight: 187 lbs, Hometown: St. Catharines, ON
67GP-12G-46A-58P
NHL.com Draft Prospect Video
Video
Dougie Hamilton has quickly ascended up the draft boards as he has become somewhat of a unexpected riser over this past season. Hamilton brings a complete package of size and skill (both offensive and defensive). This past season, Hamilton set the new defenseman scoring record for the Niagara IceDogs with 58 points (previously held by Alex Pietrangelo). Hamilton is almost assured to be a very good NHL based on his versatility. Dougie is a very good skater that covers the ice with exceptional lateral movement. If Hamilton fails to display the offensive skills at the NHL level that he has shown this past season the team who drafts him will be able to use him as a very reliable shutdown defenceman. It has been said before, Dougie Hamilton could end up being the steal of this draft class as he possesses a full tool box of skill.
ETA: 2011-12 but likely 2012-13
Readiness: As always, a lot depends on the team players are drafted to but Hamilton could step into an NHL roster if he has a strong camp. However, I would not be surprised to see Hamilton get a 9-game stint and return to Niagara to build upon his impressive 2010-11 season.
Last edited by Dean Youngblood; 05-03-2011 at 04:35 PM.
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