2011 NHL Draft Predictions
A Guest Blog by Catfizh
Ok, now that the Stanley Cup has been awarded, it is time to move forward with the 2011 Draft. There is considerable talk that this years draft will be well remembered within a few years, with some even comparing it to 2003, though not having the top end talent 2003 had. (Pretty hard to beat that draft though)http://www.mynhldraft.com/2003
1st Round includes:
Marc-Andre Fleury(1), Eric Staal(2), Nathan Horton(3), Thomas Vanek(5), Ryan Suter(7), Jeff Carter(11), Dustin Brown(13), Brent Seabrook(14), Zach Parise(17), Ryan Getzlaf(19), Brent Burns(20), Ryan Kesler(23), Mike Richards(24), and Corey Perry(28).
Other notable picks included:
Loui Eriksson(33), Patrice Bergeron(45), Matt Carle(47), Shea Weber(49), Corey Crawford(52), Max Lapierre(61), David Backes(62), Jimmy Howard(64), Daniel Carcillo(73), Lee Stempniak(148), Joe Pavelski(205), Tobias Enstrom(239), Dustin Byfuglin(245), Matt Moulson(263)
So with that, here’s hoping the draft is deep, and in 3 years we marvel at how quickly the Manitoba/Winnipeg Jets/Falcons built their Stanley Cup Champion.
First up is Edmonton, they will entertain offers for the pick as consensus is not there for #1, could move down and still get the big center they need. I think Ottawa with #’s 6, and 21 could move up. Also Toronto picking #28, and 30 and St. Louis which has 3 2nd Rd picks at #’s 32, 39, 46 will be aggressive in moving up.
Here’s what I would do if allowed at the table, along with what I think they will do.
Will do
1) Edmonton Adam Larson Need Defensemen to go with young forwards
2) Colorado Gabriel Landeskog I think he is the most complete player, closest to NHL
3) Florida Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Need a star, can wait a year
4) New Jersey Sean Couturier Solid all round C
5) NY Islanders Jonathan Huberdeau Need help on the defensive end, but cannot pass up on Mem Cup star
6) Ottawa Mika Zibanejad Trading up? 5 picks in first 2 rounds.
7) Winnipeg Ryan Strome Highlight reel plays, competitive streak has endeared to scouts
8) Columbus Dougie Hamilton Need a puck carrying D-man
9) Boston(Tor) Ryan Murphy In need of a young powerplay QB
10) Minnesota Zack Phillips Rising after strong QMJHL and Mem Cup run
11) Colorado Sven Bartschi Continue to add depth, talent on wings to aid young centers
12) Carolina Tomas Jurco Highly skilled player, Canes need scoring help
13) Calgary Duncan Siemens Big, tough d-man adds youth to core.
14) Dallas Nathan Beaulieu Stars need puck carriers from the back end, 3rd from Saint John team.
15) NY Rangers Joel Armia Need help on the wings, 6’3″ goal scorer will do that.
Back tomorrow with my 2nd half of the 1st Round