NHL size + NHL composure +tested at the highest level available to euros (since he was 16) = easy fav for first overall selection.
His skating is likely the biggest concern, but only if you’re looking for one, as his acceleration and quickness aren’t great. Some scouts have speculated that his game would improve if he would slim down 5-10lbs (to the 210-215lb range).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMO #2 is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Likely not the consensus #2, but I believe he's the player to watch in this draft. Easily the most productive canadian at this years Ivan Hlinka tournament, top end speed and elite vision mean he makes everyone around him better. Adding weight is a potential issue for Ryan, but personally I can see him as having a higher ceiling then the other top 4 players likely to go in the top 5 -> potential pick, not picking for the player he is today.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A virtual lock for the top 3, Sean Couturier.
After a disappointing 16 year old season, Sean put his mark on the league as a 17 year old. Many believe he was the best player in the Q last season, his combination of size, skill, and work ethic has people comparing him to the likes of Vincent Lecavalier and Jordan Staal. Some people seem to incorrectly state/believe that he is a quebec-er, which is not the case. He's a good New-Brunswick boy. His skating was awkward as a 16 year old, but appears to have improved leaps and bounds in a single year, so although it is still far from elite, it is no longer a concern.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My current favourite: #4 Ryan Murphy
The most unique and confusing prospect in years. Short, skinny, and lacking any signs of a polished game, his natural abilities and out of this world offensive game make him impossible to ignore. The most agile prospect in this years crop, tremendous speed and the hands to make moves at top speed. If he wants to break the top 5 it will be related to an improvement in his defensive play. Personally I like this player because I believe true puck moving defence-men are the rarest commodity in the NHL.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The guy I've seen the most of, David Musil should round out the top 5.
As a 16 year old, new to North American, and the rough'n'tough game of the DUB, David had a very strong rookie year with the Giants. His angles, positioning, and 'feel' for the game are absolutely top end; Scouting reports suggest that he's loaded with pro-traits and will be able to handle big-minutes in the show in no time! Offensive game has yet to blossom, however as a 14/15 year old playing for HC Dukla-Jihlava (czech U18/U20) he demonstrated the potential that would have him joining the argument for top 3.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#6. Brandon Saad
USDP top prospect, believed to be a raw-skill type prospect. Owns a thick NHL-type frame, with a love of the physical game and a good eye for the net; compete level and versatility combine to form a player that will help teams when the going gets tough. Has transferred seamlessly into the OHL. Elite offensive potential has not yet been seen, but scouts suggest a perennial member of the 30/30/100 club.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#7. Seth Ambroz
One of the most touted American's I've ever followed, Seth was thought to be fast tracking to the NCAA. However some mis-management by the shambles of a program that is U-Minn (an unexpected # of returnee's) means that they didn't even have a roster spot for him to battle for. Another year in the USHL won't hurt his development, but likely pushes him outside the top 5 NHL draft picks. As a 15 year old in the USHL he posted nearly a point-per-game, as well as 118PIMS. Consistency, competitiveness, and physical play are the strengths of his game, speed is an issue (as one would expect from a 6'3" 200lb 16 year old). Anyone who takes the puck from Ambroz often is forced to pay a rather hefty price to do so.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#8Gabriel Landeskog
The not so typical Swedie. After a somewhat underwhelming start to his OHL career Gab really picked it up down the stretch for kitchener, and was a standout in the playoffs. Landeskog is extremely phsyical, dominates puck battles and has an NHL type release. Similar to Saad he's unlikely to ever contend for a scoring title, but Gabriel is viewed as a safe prospect who will be a helpful top 6 for any NHL club.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#9 Matt Puempel-
> This is the player that suggests to me that perhaps the 2011 class is not as weak as some initially suggested. Matt owns all the traits of a true goal scorer, and showed as much in his rookie OHL season (33/31 for 64 in 59). Although the rest of his game is under-welhming, and he plays casper more then any fan or scout can tolerate, this same trait allows him to find the seams and open ice in the offensive zone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#10 Victor Rask
My guess for #10, but I see a notable gap from the previous 9 down to this next group. However Rask is a big, skilled swede, and has been regarded as a top end prospect for some time, a good season locks him in the top half of the 2011 1st round.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.M. Boone Jenner
6'1", 190lbs and the wild card of this list. Discipline and off-ice dedication have both been questioned. Small portions of his game have been compared to the 2009 1st overall selection, John Tavares, in that he has lightning quick hands and a nack for making plays when he has the puck, and that his stride need major work (think 15 year old JT)... wide and very choppy. Jenner will have to cement himself as a go-to offensive force on the Generals if he hope to be a first half pick in the first round. Other guys worth searching & following -> Shane McColgan,RW, Kelowna (WHL) -> Lucas Lessio, LW, Oshawa (OHL) -> Vladislav Namestnikov, C, London (OHL) -> & Duncan Siemens , D, Saskatoon (WHL). With Matt Killian, Craig Wyszomirski, Matthew Nieto, & Austen Brassard rounding out other potential first rounders. Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound) is the top CHL goalie prospect, however he's not expected to go very early on.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
