Here’s my go at my first mock draft of the year. I’m going to do another one a week prior to the draft, but for now here’s my first go! My early thoughts are that I think we may see a lot of trades on the draft floor - shuffling of picks. It seems very wide open, as many in the biz have already pointed out, and that may lead to some movement.
Here's part 1 of 3 of my early mock-draft:
1. Edmonton Oilers – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C
When it comes down to it, RNH seems like the best bet in the draft – even for a team with an abundance of young forward talent. I will say this, I think this pick could be ‘had’ and I think a number of teams behind the Oil in the top 6 will make a pitch for the selection. I think ideally the Oilers would fit well with taking Larsson, but I don’t think they’ll do it 1st overall.
2. Colorado Avalanche – Adam Larsson, D
The Avalanche will continue to build from the net out with the Larsson pick. They have some of the top defensive prospects in the game, and with the addition of Erik Johnson and now Adam Larsson they should be set up for quite some time. They’ll be able to shift their focus to stellar forward talent from here on in.
3. Florida Panthers – Sean Couturier, C
The Panthers made big strides last year in their rebuild selecting three times in the first round. They’ll continue building toward their future by selecting stud centre prospect Sean Couturier. Arguably, the Panthers could go with Jonathan Hubereau at this pick, but I think Couturier will be their guy. This will give the Panthers someone to build around at forward.
4. New Jersey Devils – Dougie Hamilton, D
Winning the draft lottery will prove to be huge when they step up to the podium on June 25th. Dougie Hamilton will give the Devils an all-round defensive prospect to build their defensive core around. It’ll aid in the Devils ability to build from the net out, and give them the type of player they currently lack on their roster.
5. New York Islanders – Gabriel Landerskog, LW
The Islanders would love to nab a top defensive prospect at 5th overall, but they also can’t pass up the opportunity to select Landerskog. Ryan Murphy is intriguing, but not with the forward talent still available. Again, a team I can see moving up if they can. Landerskog will compliment that top-six for the Islanders in the near future and add another player teams will hate playing against.
6. Ottawa Senators – Jonathan Huberdeau, C
Senators were leap frogged on draft day when New Jersey won the lottery, but selecting in the top 6 gives them as good a shot as any to draft one of the better players in 2011. Senators are licking their chops at the prospect of adding Jonathan Huberdeau, and adding him will fill a big void in their system. Already primed with solid defensive prospects, Huberdeau adds a great dynamic to the club going forward.
7. Atlanta Thrashers – Ryan Strome, C
The Thrashers picking at 7th overall again will look to add a significant forward prospect and can’t overlook Ryan Strome here. He’s a great offensive talent that may be one of, if not the best forwards to come out of the draft.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets – Ryan Murphy, D
Ryan Murphy is a dream come true for the Jackets franchise who’s lacked such a defensive talent. Murphy is a dynamic defender who lacks size, but makes up for it with strong vision, high-end skill, and smooth skating. Murphy gives them a weapon from the back-end and could potentially jump into the NHL next season – although it may be wise for the Jackets to not rush him given their talent development to date.
9. Boston Bruins (from Toronto) – Duncan Siemens, D
With a plethora of offensive talent in their system, the Bruins select a potential top-pairing defender in Duncan Siemens. I don’t think you’ll see them shoot for a homerun with this pick and Siemens seems fairly safe at this spot. Given this will likely be the last time the Bruins expect to pick this high, I wouldn’t be shocked to see them try and push up further into the top 5-7.
10. Minnesota Wild – Mika Zibanejad, C
From this pick on the draft seems to open up, and the Wild don’t hesitate to select the high-impact, all-round talent Mika Zibanejad. He projects very well at the next level and should fit in with the Minnesota system. With Granlund and Zibanejad the Wild have two potential impact forwards to build around.
