Pajicz
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- Mar 22, 2011
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The Oilers have extremely talented offense after drafting Jordan Eberle, Magnus Pääjärvi and Taylor Hall in the past three years. In other hand, their defense isn't so strong, and most notable weakness is their goaltending.
As drafting a goalie with the first overall pick is totally out of question, the most obvious choice would be drafting Adam Larsson. possible franchise defenseman in future. But, the idea of having Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as center, with Eberle and Hall playing in the wing seems to be too tempting for Oilers' front office.
Nugent-Hopkins is a future first line center, but he may not possess such abilities that he'd became a franchise player. But, as last years first overall pick Taylor Hall seems to be the poster guy, Oilers will be proud to select Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, skinny center with great vision, with the first overall pick of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
PICK: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Adam Larsson, D
The whole Avalanche organization fell from high after a great season year before, eventually ending up being the second-to-last team in the whole league, beating only the baby-Oilers. Greg Sherman, the still inexperienced GM of Avs, did couple big trades which may have not helped the team, especially in long-term.
In the biggest one of those moves, Avalanche traded away two essential parts of their future in winger Chris Stewart and defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. In return they got 3rd line workhorse Jay McClement and former first overall pick, Erik Johnson, who might be a valuable asset for the Avs in future. Do they want to acquire another defenseman to possibly form a great number one pair with Johnson in future, or to get a forward to make scoring easier and replace aging star and Avalanche icon Milan Hejduk?
Avs have three options here; Adam Larsson, if they want to improve defense, Gabriel Landeskog, if they want to improve offense, and for some reason drafting center Jonathan Huberdeau has became more and more popular choice in public. But, because Avs already have two great centers in Paul Stastny and Matt Duchene, I believe that with the second overall pick, Colorado Avalanche select Gabriel Landeskog, great two-way, powerful winger and natural leader from Kitchener Rangers.
PICK: Gabriel Landeskog- LW, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Adam Larsson, D
After leaving Windy City, where he created the base for the Stanley Cup-winning 2010 Blackhawks team, Dale Tallon has tried to do the same for Florida Panthers. The team is still in rebuilding phase, but their defensive core is looking strong, as there are such names as Dmitri Kulikov and Erik Gudbranson, third overall pick from last year's draft who hasn't made his NHL debut yet.
With the defense being alright already, biggest problem for Panthers is their offense. Stephen Weiss just isn't nearly good enough player to lead an offense, such isn't David Booth either. So, Florida will be targeting for offensive weapon in the draft, even with Adam Larsson on the board. That leaves them with two possible choices; Jonathan Huberdeau or Sean Couturier.
Huberdeau's stock have risen notably after winning the Memorial Cup with the talent-stacked Saint John Sea Dogs. But, as the teams and scouts may not give as much value for the tournament as many people would think, Panthers will go with Sean Couturier, big two-way center who was originally touted as the best player in this draft.
PICK: Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Jonathan Huberdeau, C
Marty Brodeur is getting old. That's a nightmare in New Jersey, but unavoidable one, so another senior Lou Lamoriello has to pull another trick out of his sleeve to turn the course of the dynasty of early 21st century. Signing Ilya Kovalchuk as a free agent last year was a good start, but he didn't have a good year, which combined to the absence of Zach Parise torn the hopes of successful season in Newark.
Devils originally had the eight pick of the draft, but they won the draft lottery, which was truly a gift from heaven.They get to fill their biggest need with Adam Larsson, best defenseman of the draft, who's still on the board. Devils defense hasn't had such force after Brian Rafalski and Scott Niedermayer jumped to the west.
Only possibility that Devils would pick someone else than Larsson in this situation would be that they'd be absolutely in love with someone a bit off the board, as they have been quite often in their history. That someone could be Ryan Murphy, who might have the biggest upside in the whole draft.
PICK: Adam Larsson, D, Skellefteå AIK (SWE)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Ryan Murphy, D
Islanders need to do something. Quickly. That something doesn't involve their players, but their arena Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which currently is the oldest NHL venue after Penguins moved from Mellon Arena. Moving from Long Island may be inevitable for them, and I cannot understand why they didn't co-operate with the New Jersey Nets of the NBA, who are building new, state-of-art facility called Barclays Center to Brooklyn, New York.
When talking about players, Isles don't anymore have screaming need which they should fill as soon as possible, maybe excluding goaltending, so they can go with the best player available. That player probably is Jonathan Huberdeau, who could form a killer line in future with Swiss superstar Nino Niederreiter and face of the franchise, 2009 first overall pick John Tavares, who's starting to meet some of the expectations that have been set for him since he was drafted to the OHL as the youngest player ever.
If Isles believe that Huberdeau isn't best available player, they could go with the alternative route and pick a defenseman, who would probably be Dougie Hamilton.
PICK: Jonathan Huberdeau, C, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Dougie Hamilton, D
Things have gone badly in Ottawa since Dany Heatley, nowadays one of the most hated players in the league, decided that he doesn't like Cory Clouston. That incident started the freefall which is getting bigger and faster all the time. Even their still-existing star Jason Spezza is starting to lose his grip totally.
With this sixth overall pick, Senators need to draft a forward, who's good enough that the team won't become the laughing stock of the NHL. Too bad for them that there might not be one, but best bet is going with Ryan Strome, offensively talented center from Niagara IceDogs.
Another guy for Sens to go with would be Mika Zibanejad, who's excelled himself more as a two-way player. Personally I don't rank Zibanejad nearly this high, but many teams would love to have him and one of them could be the Ottawa Senators.
PICK: Ryan Strome, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Mika Zibanejad, C
7th pick - WINNIPEG NHL TEAM:
Winnipeg has gotten back what they have so eagerly waited and desired for over 15 years: their NHL team. The player who will be picked with this choice may be the face of the modern-era Winnipeg team, as he will be their first "own" player, who'll join them instead of Atlanta Thrashers. Will the team be named "Jets"...who knows?
Biggest need for the newest member of NHL family is forward, as their defense is fine with players like Tobias Enström, Dustin "Big Buff" Byfuglien and Zach Bogosian, who although could be traded in near future. So, the most probable choice would be the remaining of Ryan Strome/Mika Zibanejad, in this case Zibanejad.
Zibanejad is an international Swede, as his father is Iranian and mother Finnish. Both Iranians and Finns are considered as hard-working people, and maybe Zibanejad has gotten influence from there. He isn't a typical Swedish forward prospect as he's got the grinder mentality combined with the talent. Still, I believe that Zibanejad is a bit overrated, and he should be taken four or five picks later, but that won't be happening in reality.
If Zibanejad eventually isn't the guy that new GM Kevin Cheveldayoff wants, there aren't any forwards worth taking here, so they would opt for defenseman who fits them best, which is Dougie Hamilton.
PICK: Mika Zibanejad, C, Djurgårdens IF (SWE)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Dougie Hamilton, D
Blue Jackets have drafted in top ten many times after joining the NHL in 2000 with Minnesota Wild. They haven't done good job with drafting, and many guys have been doomed in the capital of Ohio, most recently Russian wonderchild Nikita Filatov. Drafting Ryan Johansen with the fourth overall pick last year was a risky move, but it might have been worth it.
Things aren't going too well in the rink either, as every position seems to need some kind of a fix. Even Steve Mason, goalie who had an astonishing rookie season, hasn't been able to bounce back from his sophomore slump. Biggest need in Columbus is defense, which is good when considering that many potential defensemen are available here; Dougie Hamilton, Ryan Murphy, Nathan Beaulieu and Duncan Siemens.
Blue Jackets will continue risky drafting and take a chance with Ryan Murphy, who has divine offensive potential, but isn't nearly as sure prospect as Dougie Hamilton is.
PICK: Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Dougie Hamilton, D
Boston ended their long, 39-year-long Cup drought by winning the Vancouver Canucks in a heated seven-game series. A team which wins the Stanley Cup can not have many major weaknesses, so Bruins will go with the best player available. That means that they'll surely pick a defenseman.
Originally this ninth pick did belong to Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston received it in the infamous Phil Kessel -trade. Leafs GM Brian Burke must be extremely furious as they did also gave up their first rounder last year, which turned out to be the second overall pick and was used to select Tyler Seguin, future superstar. How many times has the team with a lottery pick won the Stanley Cup in following year? Not many, so "thank you, Kessel!"
That best available D-man who I mentioned earlier is Dougie Hamilton, who's been in consideration for many teams before Bruins. Second option for them is Nathan Beaulieu, who's more offensive-orientated and risky than Hamilton.
PICK: Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara IceDogs
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Nathan Beaulieu, D
State of Hockey hasn't had a chance to enjoy watching a really successful Wild team since their surprising playoff run in 2003. But they have nearly always been at least contending for a playoff spot, so they haven't been able to draft in the top 5 either since 2005 and Benoit Pouliot. That lack of top picks have left them floating into the middle of the pack, to the swamp of mediocrity.
To increase the effects of bad draft picks, Wild drafting has been horrible during the era of former GM Doug Riseborough, as such picks as Pouliot or James Sheppard with the ninth pick in 2006 proof. After the departure of Riseborough, their drafting has improved dramatically; last year they drafted Mikael Granlund in the first round, who forms a solid group of forward prospects with Jason Zucker, Casey Wellman, Colton Gillies and underrated Johan Larsson.
Situation in defense isn't as good, although Marco Scandella and Tyler Cuma have potential to become regular NHL players. That being said, I believe that Wild will draft future powerplay quarterback in Nathan Beaulieu, although scoring wingers Joel Armia and Sven Baertschi are certainly tempting. Beaulieu is a big, smooth skater with good offensive skills, but his defense is a bit doubtful.
PICK: Nathan Beaulieu, D, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Joel Armia, RW
After drafting future captain in Landeskog instead of Adam Larsson, Colorado will look to strengthen their defense with this pick, which was acquired in the Erik Johnson -trade from the St. Louis Blues.
There's still some quality defensemen for Avs to choose, and most probable option of them would be Duncan Siemens, who isn't flashy or anything, but brings everything he's got to the game day after day, and is reliable on defensive zone.
As big defenseman are in fashion at the moment, Avs could also go with Jamieson Oleksiak, who's like Sabres phenomenon Tyler Myers, least in terms of size.
PICK: Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Jamieson Oleksiak, D
Jim Rutherford has been successful in creating a good atmosphere into the Hurricanes organization; Raleigh might not be a place where players want to go, but when they come, they don't mind staying in there. But they also want money, so that doesn't help them too much in the free agent market.
To fill the hole that one of the leaving players, Jussi Jokinen will make, Canes will draft another Finn, Joel Armia. Armia has great offensive talent, but he's still bit raw and inconsistent. Armia has dropped in the rankings when compared to October and November, when he was even at top 5 eventually. If he'd be a Canadian playing in the WHL, he would probably still be a top five pick, or at least sixth or seventh.
Hurricanes haven't drafted a defenseman in the first round very often, so another option for them could be Sven Baertschi. Baertschi is a bit similar to Armia and even more to his Swiss teammate from Portland, Nino Niederreiter.
PICK: Joel Armia, RW, Porin Ässät
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Sven Baertschi, LW
Era of Darryl Sutter has finally come to an end in Calgary, but that won't grant success for the skill-lacking Flames team. Situation in the organization is a bit unstable, and even captain and long-time Flame Jarome Iginla has been part of several trade rumors. If they would really let Iginla go, that would be a clear sign that they want to start over from scratch and build a new image for the team and for the whole organization. What would be a better place to do that than the draft?
There still are few things that will make the ultimate rebuild impossible; Jarome Iginla isn't going anywhere, they aren't drafting high enough and they aren't bad enough to turn everything upside down. Therefore Flames will draft another player who'll fit in to their current image and team perfectly, but won't make them successful. There are two possible choices, both centers and named Mark.
Mark Scheifele is the more skilled player out of those two, but Flames will go for Mark McNeill, who's not too fancy or big, but powerful, two-way player to be a physical force in NHL - if he wants to.
PICK: Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Mark Scheifele, C
Dallas has been one of the success stories of NHL's Sun Belt expansion, but the previously rich team has suffered from the addition of salary cap, and has now became poor too, as their owner Tom Hicks has had some financial troubles. Stars have fallen out of the list of Cup contending teams due to those difficulties, and now have to fight hard year after year to even make playoffs - in which they failed last season.
Dallas offense hasn't been too bad recently, but now after Brad Richards leaving as an unrestricted free agent, things may take turn into worse. Jamie Benn, maybe the biggest steal in recent drafts, has been a helpful addition to the offense, and he, Mike Ribeiro and Loui Eriksson make sure that Stars offense with stay at least on satisfying level.
That being said, Stars will now go for a defender. Their current core isn't really strong despite addition of Alex Goligoski, who came from Pittsburgh in exchange of Matt Niskanen and James Neal. Stars are drafting a bit too late to snatch the best guys in this years draft, but they still have the biggest wild-card on the board. Literally the biggest, because 6'7 Jamieson Oleksiak will make Chris Pronger look like a fourth grader - scary fourth grader though.
Oleksiak's size might make people forget that he isn't overly talented in terms of skill, and if Stars don't want to take the chance of him not developing into a 275 pound monster with skills, they won't have any defensemen left who'd be worth taking over Mark Scheifele.
PICK: Jamieson Oleksiak, D, Northeastern (NCAA)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Mark Scheifele, C
Future looks bright for the both teams playing in New York City; Islanders might have prospects with better ceiling, but Rangers are already much closer of success. They were outmatched by Capitals in playoffs, but if Marian Gaborik would've been playing on his level, Caps would've had hard time.
While having King Henrik in the crease and players like Marc Staal and Michael Del Zotto leading the defense for a long time, it doesn't leave many suspicions that Madison Square Garden will see a new forward soon. And even though Brandon Dubinsky is a good player, he isn't a first line center, as isn't Artem Anisimov either. Mark Scheifele from the Barrie Colts could be one.
Scheifele had respective 75 points in bad Colts squad, and showed his skills in U18 World Championships when playing with better teammates. He could've been taken already by Calgary, but Rangers are thankful about him still being on the board because he fits their needs much better than McNeill.
In case that Rangers wouldn't want Scheifele, which would be bit odd (remember Dylan McIlrath?), they'd go for Sven Baertschi, Matthew Puempel or maybe even Alexander Khokhlachev, as Rangers aren't scared of drafting Russians.
PICK: Mark Scheifele, C, Barrie Colts (OHL)
ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: Sven Baertschi, LW
