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