2011 NHL Draft: Winners and Losers

Winners:

Boston Bruins:

1	9	9	BOS	DOUGIE HAMILTON	D	CAN	6′ 5″	193	OHL	NIAGARA
2	10	40	BOS	ALEXANDER KHOKHLACHEV	C/LW	RUS	5′ 10″	183	OHL	WINDSOR
3	20	81	BOS	ANTHONY CAMARA	LW	CAN	6′ 0″	194	OHL	SAGINAW
4	30	121	BOS	BRIAN FERLIN	RW	USA	6′ 2″	201	USHL	INDIANA
5	30	151	BOS	ROB O’GARA	D	USA	6′ 3″	185	HIGH-MA	MILTON ACADEMY
6	30	181	BOS	LARS VOLDEN	G	NOR	6′ 3″	198	FINLAND-JR.	BLUES JR.

The Bruins got extremely lucky that both defenseman Dougie Hamilton and forward Alexander Khokhlachev fell to them in the draft. Hamilton should have been drafted seventh overall by Winnipeg, then eighth overall by Philadelphia, but Boston was able to snag the probably star defenseman. Hamilton will be able to play this year, while Khokhlachev could play on a top-two line role in another year.

Chicago Blackhawks:

1	18	18	CHI	MARK MCNEILL	C	CAN	6′ 1″	211	WHL	PRINCE ALBERT
1	26	26	CHI	PHILLIP DANAULT	LW	CAN	6′ 0″	181	QMJHL	VICTORIAVILLE
2	6	36	CHI	ADAM CLENDENING	D	USA	5′ 11″	187	H-EAST	BOSTON UNIVERSITY
2	13	43	CHI	BRANDON SAAD	LW	USA	6′ 1″	203	OHL	SAGINAW
3	9	70	CHI	MICHAEL PALIOTTA	D	USA	6′ 3″	198	USHL	USA U-18
3	18	79	CHI	KLAS DAHLBECK	D	SWE	6′ 2″	194	SWEDEN	LINKOPING
4	18	109	CHI	MAXIM SHALUNOV	RW	RUS	6′ 3″	185	RUSSIA-JR.	CHELYABINSK 2
5	18	139	CHI	ANDREW SHAW	C	CAN	5′ 10″	180	OHL	OWEN SOUND
6	18	169	CHI	SAM JARDINE	D	CAN	6′ 1″	190	AJHL	CAMROSE
7	18	199	CHI	ALEXANDER BROADHURST	C	USA	5′ 10″	150	USHL	GREEN BAY
7	30	211	CHI	JOHAN MATTSSON	G	SWE	6′ 3″	200	SWE-JR.	SODERTALJE JR.

Mark McNeill was arguably the strongest prospect to enter the draft, and could be one of the best power forwards that the league has seen in a decade. He will be a nice replacement for Troy Brouwer, traded during the draft. In addition, the Blackhawks were able to snag Brandon Saad, a former top prospect who unfortunately fell down the board, but could easily become a regular in the NHL. Along with Russian Maxim Shalunov and winger Phillip Danault, the Blackhawks are sitting pretty among the NHL elite.

Edmonton Oilers:

1	1	1	EDM	RYAN NUGENT-HOPKINS	C	CAN	6′ 0″	171	WHL	RED DEER
1	19	19	EDM	OSCAR KLEFBOM	D	SWE	6′ 3″	204	SWEDEN	FARJESTAD
2	1	31	EDM	DAVID MUSIL	D	CAN	6′ 3″	196	WHL	VANCOUVER
3	1	62	EDM	SAMU PERHONEN	G	FIN	6′ 5″	184	FINLAND-JR.	JYP JR.
3	13	74	EDM	TRAVIS EWANYK	LW	CAN	6′ 1″	176	WHL	EDMONTON
4	1	92	EDM	DILLON SIMPSON	D	CAN	6′ 1″	192	WCHA	NORTH DAKOTA
4	23	114	EDM	TOBIAS RIEDER	C	DEU	5′ 10″	180	OHL	KITCHENER
5	1	122	EDM	MARTIN GERNAT	D	SVK	6′ 5″	187	SLOVAKIA-JR.	KOSICE JR.
7	1	182	EDM	FRANS TUOHIMAA	G	FIN	6′ 2″	178	FINLAND-JR.	JOKERIT JR.

Besides the obvious choice of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with the first overall choice, the Oilers were able to secure Oscar Klefbom and David Musil, two defenseman who could find themselves playing in the NHL within a few years. They also have Samu Perhonen, who could be a starting goalie in the NHL in three or four years. Steve Tambellini and the rest of his hockey operations staff should be very proud of the position they have put the Oilers in with this year’s showing.

Losers:

Los Angeles Kings:

2	19	49	LAK	CHRISTOPHER GIBSON	G	FIN	6′ 1″	191	QMJHL	CHICOUTIMI
3	19	80	LAK	ANDY ANDREOFF	C	CAN	6′ 1″	198	OHL	OSHAWA
3	21	82	LAK	NICHOLAS SHORE	C	USA	6′ 0″	184	WCHA	U OF DENVER
4	19	110	LAK	MICHAEL MERSCH	LW	USA	6′ 2″	198	WCHA	U. OF WISCONSIN
5	19	140	LAK	JOEL LOWRY	LW	USA	6′ 1″	180	BCHL	VICTORIA
7	19	200	LAK	MICHAEL SCHUMACHER	LW	SWE	6′ 3″	198	SWE-JR.	FROLUNDA JR.

The Kings already have three NHL-ready goalies in their system, so to draft another in Christopher Gibson seems pointless. In addition, they passed on a few players that seemed to have great NHL potential, instead drafting a few no-name players. Not that those guys don’t make it to the NHL ever (see: Zetterberg, Henrik; Datsyuk, Pavel).

New York Rangers:

1	15	15	NYR	JONATHAN MILLER	C	USA	6′ 1″	189	USHL	USA U-18
3	11	72	NYR	STEVEN FOGARTY	C	USA	6′ 2″	194	HIGH-MN	EDINA HIGH
4	15	106	NYR	MICHAEL ST. CROIX	C	CAN	5′ 10″	177	WHL	EDMONTON
5	13	134	NYR	SHANE MCCOLGAN	RW	USA	5′ 8″	165	WHL	KELOWNA
5	15	136	NYR	SAMUEL NOREAU	D	CAN	6′ 5″	206	QMJHL	BAIE-COMEAU
6	21	172	NYR	PETER CERESNAK	D	SVK	6′ 3″	209	SLOVAKIA-JR.	TRENCIN JR.

With their showing at the 2011 NHL Draft, Glen Sather and his cronies have once again shown the league why no one takes the Rangers seriously any longer. With the 15th pick, they selected Jonathan Miller, one of the couple players who seemed to be a mystery. Scouts all over the league couldn’t get a consistent read on him, while media outlets knew nothing about him. In addition, they also passed over numerous other players on the board that they truly could have used, instead drafting a bunch of centers who will most likely never fill that need.

 

Tampa Bay Lightning:

1	27	27	TBL	VLADISLAV NAMESTNIKOV	C	RUS	5′ 11″	171	OHL	LONDON
2	28	58	TBL	NIKITA KUCHEROV	W	RUS	5′ 11″	171	RUSSIA-JR.	CSKA 2
5	27	148	TBL	NIKITA NESTEROV	D	RUS	6′ 0″	183	RUSSIA-JR.	CHELYABINSK 2
6	27	178	TBL	ADAM WILCOX	G	USA	6′ 0″	171	USHL	GREEN BAY
7	20	201	TBL	MATTHEW PECA	C	CAN	5′ 8″	155	CHL	PEMBROKE
7	27	208	TBL	ONDREJ PALAT	LW	CZE	6′ 0″	174	QMJHL	DRUMMONDVILLE

It is extremely difficult to see good coming out of this draft from the Lightning. They focused too heavily on Europeans, and drafted two players who they may never see come out of the Russian leagues. If the players do come to North America, Steve Yzerman’s 2011 draft could become one of the best. But for now, time must tell.

 

Winnipeg Jets: 

1	7	7	WPG	MARK SCHEIFELE	C	CAN	6′ 2″	184	OHL	BARRIE
3	6	67	WPG	ADAM LOWRY	LW	USA	6′ 4″	187	WHL	SWIFT CURRENT
3	17	78	WPG	BRENNAN SERVILLE	D	CAN	6′ 3″	184	OJHL	STOUFFVILLE
4	28	119	WPG	ZACHARY YUEN	D	CAN	6′ 0″	196	WHL	TRI-CITY
5	28	149	WPG	AUSTEN BRASSARD	RW	CAN	6′ 2″	188	OHL	BELLEVILLE
6	6	157	WPG	JASON KASDORF	G	CAN	6′ 3″	178	MJHL	PORTAGE
7	6	187	WPG	AARON HARSTAD	D	USA	6′ 2″	199	USHL	GREEN BAY

The Jets passed on both Sean Couturier and Dougie Hamilton to select Mark Scheifele, who may not even see the NHL for another three years. They also selected few other players that will see NHL action in their careers. Adam Lowry may turn out to be a solid depth winger, but for right now, it’s tough to tell.

 

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Mock Draft: Picks 21-30

21 Ottawa Senators (from Nashville)

Nicklas Jensen, LW, Oshawa (OHL)

Despite some solid contributions from young players this past season, the Senators need to keep adding to that talent pool to solve the secondary scoring issues that have plagued this franchise. Jensen had a good first season in North America and at times was dynamite in the OHL playoffs. Jensen can set up the play fairly well, but he’s the kind of guy who could turn into a very good finisher on the wing, as his rookie year featured a seven-game goal-scoring streak.

 

22 Anaheim Ducks

David Musil, D, Vancouver (WHL)

With many forwards already in the system, including Peter Holland, Emerson Etem and Devante Smith-Pelly, the Ducks will look to rebuild their blueline en route to a return to the playoffs. Musil, a 6-foot-4 defensive defenseman for the Vancouver Giants, will be able to provide a strong, physical game that the Ducks haven’t seen since Chris Pronger was traded to Philadelphia. Although he isn’t going to put up more than 20 points per season in the NHL, he has great puck skills and can help start a breakout with ease. His skating continues to improve each year as well.

 

23 Pittsburgh Penguins

Vladislav Namestnikov, C/W, London (OHL)

When you look at the Pittsburgh Penguins, there’s always been one place that they’ve needed help since drafting Sidney Crosby 1st overall in 2005 and that’s on the wings. With the free agent signings in the off-season last year, the soonest a Penguins defenseman goes to free agency unrestricted is 2013/14 (Ben Lovejoy), meaning top prospect Simon Despres might be in for a wait as well. Namestnikov has the speed and vision that would fit in well alongside Crosby, Malkin, or Staal, but mainly he’ll be expected to finish, which he can definitely do. Like most his age, Namestnikov will need to add size to help him get to the next level.

 

24 Detroit Red Wings

Alexander Khokhlachev, C, Windsor (OHL)

A rookie in the OHL this year, Khokhlachev was among league leaders for the first quarter of the season. Although he finished a bit slower, you have to give him the benefit of the doubt, with regards to fatigue over a 70-game season. He is the perfect fit for Detroit, who love puck-possession players, specifically those from Europe. Khokhlachev can play on both ends of the ice, and will be mentored for the next few years by Pavel Datsyuk, and could ultimately prove to be the replacement for the famed Russian on Detroit’s first line. Khokhlachev is a project, but the Red Wings have never backed down from one in the past.

 

25 Toronto Maple Leafs (from Philadelphia)

Boone Jenner, C, Oshawa (OHL)

It’s no secret that the Leafs need help down the centre of the ice, and adding another prospect to that pool will help them build that depth. Jenner is a dangerous player because he can jump on you quickly and capitalize on mistakes. He’s not just patient and waits out those mistakes by his opponents though, his hard work forces them. He’s a player that understands the phrase “doing what it takes to win” and could be just as effective as a checking centre and a faceoff winner, as he could be as a second-line set-up man. He’s got good size (6’1″) and knows how to use it.

 

26 Washington Capitals

Scott Mayfield, D, Youngstown (USHL)

Looking to boost their back-end, the Capitals will take project defenseman Scott Mayfield fro the USHL. The 6-foot-4, St. Louis native has a few years before he can even think about making the jump to the NHL, but if he develops as the Capitals hope, he can one day be a solid anchor on their blueline. He is a smooth skater and can dish out some big hits, but is also a very smart player. He is committed to the University of Denver for next season, but the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL also own his rights. Where he winds up is yet to be determined.

 

27 Tampa Bay Lightning

Ty Rattie, RW, Portland (WHL)

While Rattie isn’t the largest winger in the draft, size isn’t something that has deterred the Lightning in the past. They’ve got a solid set of young forwards in the system, and Rattie strengthens that depth. He’s a quick, tough winger that likes to use his hands and will be able to create. He’ll need a little more time to develop, but Tampa is in a solid position down the wings right now, offering all of their prospects the time to do so.

 

28 San Jose Sharks

Mario Lucia, LW, Wayzata (USHS)

With brother Tony already in the system, the Sharks will be happy to watch the 6-foot-2 winger develop alongside his sibling. Mario is a future two-way forward who will be able to play consistently on a third or fourth line for an NHL team. He still has a good three or four years to fill out and develop his game, but he has great work ethic and scouts are keen on his ability to step up his game when it comes time. Unfortunately, he won’t

 

29 Vancouver Canucks

Oscar Klelfbom, D, Farjestad (SEL)

Despite being depleted by injuries and fatigue in the Stanley Cup Finals, the Vancouver Canucks have a group of core forwards in place that will be able to get them back there. Where the immediate questions are, are on defense. While Klefbom won’t be able to help solve their upcoming free agency woes, he’ll provide the Canucks with another long term piece with attractive size, while he’ll still be afforded a bit of an opportunity to learn.

 

30 Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston)

Matt Puempel, W, Peterborough

While the Leafs have already built up a solid foundation of prospects up front, young scoring forwards are always useful. Puempel provides the Leafs with that, and he’s a dynamic forward that may get forgotten about, which is a surprise considering he was the OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year last year. Season-ending surgery may raise a red flag upon first glance, but after seeing the same specialist that treated Mario Lemieux, the problem is not expected to plague Puempel.

 

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Mock Draft: Picks 11-20

11. Colorado Avalanche (from St. Louis)

Joel Armia, RW, Assat (FIN)

There are three players that Colorado could probably consider here, barring a draft-day surprise and that’s Armia, Sven Bartschi, and Duncan Siemens. While the hard-hitting WHL defenseman would be a great addition to Colorado’s young back end, this team needs more depth on the wings for their young centres, and the burly Finnish prospect replaces some of the size lost up front in the Erik Johnson trade. Does he have the same impact as a Chris Stewart? Maybe, maybe not, but Armia has a big 6’2″ frame that he’ll be able to fill out and he’s a goals-first kind of guy that Colorado will need with those playmakers at centre.

 

12. Carolina Hurricanes

Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon (WHL)

Carolina has to be thinking defense with the 12th pick. All signs point to Joni Pitkanen leaving the organization via free agency, and, after already hitting a home run with forward Jeff Skinner last year, the Canes need to shore up their blue line. A tricky decision will have to be made between two-way defenseman Duncan Siemens and towering shutdown defenseman Jamie Oleksiak. If the Canes are looking at Oleksiak, they could trade down three or four spots and he might still be available. However, based on all-around game, Siemens is more complete and has a better offensive upside.

 

13. Calgary Flames

Brandon Saad, W, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

The Flames bring a workman-like mentality to the ice and the fans laud having physical teams to smash the opposition and Saad fits the bill. He’d give the Flames two big wingers in the system (Greg Nemisz being the other), and he’s a menace on the forecheck, and has good speed and footwork to go with it. Saad has plenty of talent despite slipping from eighth to 19th in the final North American rankings, and along with just missing the 30-goal mark in his first OHL season (27 goals), he also brings an excellent two-way game to Calgary.

 

14. Dallas Stars

Zack Phillips, C, Saint John (QMJHL)

Expecting to lose Brad Richards on July 1, the Stars need replacement in the middle, and even though they have 2009 first rounder Scott Glennie ready to step in soon, Phillips is an outstanding forward who can both score goals and dish out assists. After winning a Memorial Cup and scoring five points in the process, the Stars will believe Phillips can step in within two years and help rebuild the Dallas organization. He’ll also be a physical presence when he fills out his 6-foot-1 frame. His skating is suspect, but expect it to improve by the time he becomes an NHL regular.

 

15 New York Rangers

Tomas Jurco, W, Saint John (QMJHL)

The acquisition of Tim Erixon, a former-first round pick of the Calgary Flames, may change what the Rangers target with this pick. While the Rangers have good young centres and hungry young wingers, the raw talent and hands that Jurco brings to the game is too much to pass on. If his game completely transitions to the next level, he’s a game-changer that creates his own space with silky smooth moves. If not, he’ll still be an especially talented piece that might fit on a line with Chris Kreider, a big body that can open up some space for him.

 

16 Buffalo Sabres

Sven Bartschi, LW, Portland (WHL)

Having fallen very far down the board, the Sabres are an organization that is not afraid to draft an undersized kid with tons of offensive ability. After having great success with guys like Tyler Ennis and Nathan Gerbe, Bartschi will fit right into the Buffalo organization — one that needs more scoring depth. The young Swiss’ 85-point season is plenty to catch the attention of Darcy Regier and Lindy Ruff.

 

17 Montreal Canadiens

Mark Scheifele, C, Barrie (OHL)

Scheifele is a tall, lanky centre that would bring the right attitude to Montreal. Although it wasn’t great from a team standpoint, Scheifele was put in a great position personally this year in Junior, quickly becoming a central piece on a Barrie Colts decimated by loading up for an OHL Championship run in 2010. Scheifele is a player that wants to play each and every day, and along with that he’s got great two-way instincts and can get up and down the ice. When offered the opportunity to showcase his playmaking ability, Schiefele relishes those chances and could end up being a Jordan Staal type: Primarily used in defensive and checking situations, but offensively fluid when needed.

 

18 Chicago Blackhawks

Tyler Biggs, RW, USNTDP

Ranked as high as eighth overall by some outlets, Biggs is a massive power forward who has already filled out and can most likely step in within a few years. Attending Miami University next season, Biggs has the potential to be a dominant second- or third-line winger – in addition to someone who can play on special teams, both on the power play and penalty kill. Scouts continue to rave about his physicality and his ability to also put up points in crucial moments of the game.

 

19 Edmonton Oilers (from Los Angeles)

Jamie Oleksiak, D, Northeastern University

With the best centre available at number one overall in the draft, the Oilers can afford to pass on Adam Larsson, and the reason why is that a quality defenseman will slip at some point in the draft to 19. Another option at this pick might be Scott Mayfield, but if the 6’7″ Oleksiak is available, he provides the Oilers with exactly what they need: A big, shut-down body that can be physical against any and all forecheckers. Oleksiak has a very athletic background so don’t expect him to be a stereotypical slow-footed big man; he can move the puck and make his own way up and down the ice.

 

20 Phoenix Coyotes

Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert (WHL)

With Shane Doan nearing the end of his career, McNeill would be a great replacement. A power forward who put up 81 points for a weak Prince Albert Raiders team, McNeill could go anywhere from 10th overall to early in the second round (some teams are very high on him, while others think there’s too much need for improvement). Regardless, McNeill will be able to settle into a nice second- or third-line role, and once he gains a little more strength, he will be able to challenge for the top center spot on the Coyotes’ roster.

 

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. G2 Christopher Gibson

After growing up in Finland, goaltender Christopher Gibson made the jump to the Quebec Major Junior League, joining the Chicoutimi Sagueneens for the 2009-10 season. Similar to top-ranked goaltender John Gibson (no relation), Christopher had a sub-par year in his rookie season, but bounced back this year. The Finn had a .920 save percentage and a 2.42 goals against average on a mediocre team.

“The top two guys have a very similar style…there’s not much separation other than consistency,” Al Jensen, Central Scouting’s top goalie scout, told NHL.com. “I think John has maybe been a little more consistent in his game over the course of the year. But it’s a very fine line between these two. I have no problems saying they are quality goalies, and as I followed them, it just solidified my thinking of how good they really are.”

“He’s got that look about him in the net,” Jensen said. “When you see him, you say to yourself this kid really does look like a goalie. He has great balance and spreads out very well. He’s got the make-up to be a pro goalie, the strength and knowledge that you need. He’s got quick feet, but what really sticks out in my mind is his positioning, the way he covers the net. I really like the way he battles in there, too.”

The 6-foot, 193-pound goaltender his very strong and has great positioning. His raw skill is arguably the best in the draft (among goaltenders), while his athleticism further contributes to his attractiveness. However, he still needs to improve a bit on his anticipation and reading of each play. His size must improve as well, of course. But there’s an tangible that scouts love in Gibson.

“He’s a very confident goalie, has an air of confidence about him,” Al Jensen, NHL Central Scouting’s goaltender scout, told NHL.com. “He’s got very good net coverage, has good size and is very strong in his crease. He plays determined and aggressive, his movements are controlled, he tracks the puck very well and he challenges properly and holds his ground. He battled hard in all areas. He has a good, solid butterfly, was quick at gathering in any loose pucks and has good overall quickness.”

Even his goaltending coach, former NHL goalie Marc Denis, loves the way he plays.

“He won with Notre Dame, which helped him. That’s experience you can’t buy anywhere else,” Denis told NHL.com. “We helped his game on the ice, helped him with a few technical points here and there. Going to a 70-game schedule, going to the North American style of coaching, or how goalies evolve in the team concept and how that’s dealt with on a day-to-day basis to see if the team is going to be competitive at all.

“That was his first year with a sub-.500 record, so he had to learn to deal with that and see the light at the end of the tunnel and not get discouraged by an outing he wasn’t pleased with or get too high over an outing he was proud of. That’s where we had to spend the most time with him. The way he came into the playoffs showed how much was able to learn the lessons throughout the season.”

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. G1 John Gibson

Goaltenders are always some of the toughest players to judge when determining their draft stock. For Pittsburgh, PA native John Gibson, however, goaltending was not even his first choice of position.

“I probably started skating when I was three or four and was playing defense for a team when I was five,” he said. “When I turned six, I converted to goalie. I guess at the time I just liked to stop pucks but I also liked to be in those pressure situations. I like to have the team rely on you to make the big save and keep them in the game. I do like that kind of pressure, I want to win games.”

Since then, Gibson has had great success, joining the U.S. National Developmental Team Program in time for the 2009-10 season. Playing behind 2010 World Junior Championship hero Jack Campbell, Gibson managed a mediocre .905 save percentage and a less-than-impressive 3.69 goals against average. But after taking a summer to develop his game, he returned and increased his stats drastically, posting a .926 save percentage and a 2.38 goals against average – numbers that garnered him the top North American goalie ranking for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

“He has size and presence in the net, and moves with power,” USNTDP goalie coach Joe Exter said to NHL.com. “The best part is he’s not just a limited goaltender for being a big guy. He’s multi-dimensional. He has power, athleticism, and he’s got good flexibility. And those parts of his game allow him to have success at the high level. He also has a calm demeanor in the net.”

Being 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Gibson is a big guy. He takes up a large portion of the net, but is also athletic enough to move that frame around with ease.

“John has great net coverage and size (6-foot-3, 200 pounds), and is very strong,” NHL Central Scouting goalie guru Al Jensen told NHL.com. “He’s sound technically, moves very well laterally and is controlled. He’s calm, not busy.”

But Gibson also was impressed with Campbell and took the opportunity to learn from the 2010 first-rounder.

“When I came to the (NTDP), I was a pretty calm guy and then, in my first year here, I was kind of new to the experience and didn’t have that experience playing at a high level,” Gibson explained. “Then I saw Jack (Campbell). He’s been around so I looked at him for leadership and saw how calm and composed he was. I just kind of added that to my game and I think it’s really benefitted me.”

“Campbell is the more the quick, athletic type and Gibson is the more a controlled, strong positional type,” Jensen said. “Both do have good size — I like how strong Gibson is.”

Gibson has great positioning, which is also partially due to his size. There are no glaring weaknesses in his game in the net (when he ventures outside the net is when he garners some problems), but he needs to improve on his all-around game. It is questionable if he will be a first-rounder this June, but you never know, when it comes to teams with a hole in their organizational depth at the position. And if that’s so, expect Gibson’s stock to skyrocket in the next few months.

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. E4 Joel Armia

Nothing like a young Swedish forward dominating the juniors to open the eyes of some NHL scouts. Assat Pori right wing Joel Armia did just that.

“Day by day he was getting better, and what I mean by better is his puck handling … he has great hands and a good hockey sense,” Assat Pori head coach Pekka Rautakallio said in an interview with NHL.com. “He has surprised everyone in the whole country, especially the hockey people.”

After averaging almost a point per game in the Finnish junior A league, Armia was called up to the Finnish Elite League for the 2010-11 season – and was immediately placed on the first line. In 48 games with the club, Armia has posted 18 goals and 29 points, in addition to a plus-nine rating.

“He’s big and tall but surprisingly mobile for a player of his size,” NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb told NHL.com. “He’s a sniper with a good selection of shots. You might have to look for him during some shifts, but then, suddenly, he scores the winner. He has a very good feel for the game and moving the puck well with his linemates. He has a heavy wrist shot that he gets off quickly and is always looking for the empty spots on the ice.”

“I really liked him this summer,” said one NHL GM in an interview with The Hockey News. “He had a really great tournament in Piestany in August and I think he struggled a little bit in this tournament, but he has tremendous upside; a big kid who can skate with good hands.”

Indeed, the General Manager was correct. He has great size (6-doot-3, 191 pounds) and can skate better than the majority of the players on his team (including those double his young age). His hands rival the best prospects in the world, while his hockey sense helps contribute to his success. However, some executives weren’t too impressed with his play at the World Junior Championships in January, citing an inability to use his size to his advantage, in addition to simply not being committed to two-way play.

“He did not play quite as well as I expected (at WJC),” said one NHL scout from a Western Conference team. “I was hoping to see more; he’s been scoring unbelievably good in the Finnish league. Obviously he’s big, but needs to fill out. His skating is good and he goes to the net well. Maybe I expected him to do a little more with the puck, be a little more creative. He’s a solid draft pick and he’ll go high in the draft. It might have been a bit of culture shock for him playing in a big tournament in North America. Armia will be back at World Juniors next year, though, and be much improved.”

These critiques led to his demotion to the fourth-best European, according to NHL Central Scouting in their final rankings. But regardless of spot on the list, Armia’s coach knows that after spending another year in Finland next year, he will be just fine.

“We have a great program here, play three games a week and practice with the weights,” Rautakallio told NHL.com. “He needs another year or two to get better. He takes good care of himself. He loves hockey so much. We had two all-time winters (in Finland), so the natural ice was great outdoors. When we were done with our four hours of practice, Joel would continue playing on the natural ice all the time. I’ve seen so much potential in all categories of his game — the big challenge for him is to improve over his rookie season.”

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. E3 Jonas Brodin

After seven Swedes were taken in the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, none were selected last year. That will change when defenseman Adam Larsson becomes the first Swede taken in the 2011 draft, and will further be strengthened when defenseman Jonas Brodin is drafted late in the first round.

“Brodin is an outstanding skater whose strength is his east-west lateral movement and ability to crossover in the face of forwards who attack with speed,” wrote Bruins 2011 Draft Watch. “He’s got excellent vision and defensive instincts, able to diagram unfolding plays and put himself in position to interdict and neutralize the opposition attack. Brodin also has the ability to start the transition game to offense with his soft hands and crisp outlet passing. Although only about 165-170 pounds, Brodin has also shown a surprising ability to play a physical game. This is especially significant because he’s competing at the Swedish Elite League (SEL) level this season with Färjestad.”

Last season, Brodin became the youngest player ever to suit up for Färjestad, after making his debut as a 16-year-old. Being a late birthday (July), he was able to spend another season developing, which has helped him exponentially.

“Jonas is progressing after the individual plan we set up for him prior to this season. He takes one step at the time and his thirst for knowledge is admirable. Jonas is a good listener and learner which is a good asset,” said Leif Carlsson, assistant coach responsible for the defensemen with Farjestad in an interview with ESPN.com. “Jonas has put a lot of effort into improving his mobility and his shot. He has exceeded with both and on top of that he has become faster when body checking.”

The 6-foot, 172-pound Karlstad, Sweden native has yet to score a goal in the Swedish Elite League, but has posted four points and a plus-6 rating playing against professionals twice his age. He is extremely undersized weight-wise, but as we have seen with other Europeans, physical maturity comes simply with time. His skating and hockey sense are his best features, while his ability to keep the puck on his stick through traffic makes him an even more desirable player to NHL teams looking for a defenseman that can start a breakout up the ice. And although his size is not yet up to par, there is absolutely no lack of physical or passionate play – or a desire to take on everyone bigger than him, for that matter.

“I did not think I would be impressed by such a young guy,” said coach Charles Berglund to HockeyServige.se. “One thinks, of course, to tell the players just to ‘run over that f**king brat,’ but it is of course not that easy.”

“He’s not a spectacular player, he will not take on three players at one time with the puck,” said head coach Tommy Samuelsson in an interview with HockeyServige.se at the beginning of the 2009-10 season. “But he solves almost any situation and plays smart and simple.”

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Mock Draft: BT and Bass at it Again

This year, Bryan Thiel and Alan Bass continued their annual tradition of a mock draft. We will be publishing our picks 10 at a time over the next few days to preview the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in Minnesota!

The odd picks (1, 3, 5, etc.) are BT’s, while the even picks (2, 4, 6, etc.) are Alan’s. Enjoy!

1. Edmonton Oilers

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Red Deer (WHL)

While there is the possibility that the Oilers trade out of this position if someone is enamored enough with one of the four or five players that could go first overall, expect them to keep it and target either Nugent-Hopkins or Adam Larsson. The Oilers have plenty of talent on the wings, so Gabriel Landeskog would simply be an addition to those riches, and with Nugent-Hopkins’ high-end puck sense and vision, he’d form a dynamic top-line with fellow number one Taylor Hall. Edmonton is fortunate though, that both Larsson and Nugent-Hopkins address a need for the franchise.

2. Colorado Avalanche

Gabriel Landeskog, LW, Kitchener (OHL)

There is also a possibility that the Avs may trade out of this pick, specifically if Bryan Murray and the Ottawa Senators desperately want to draft the star winger out of Kitchener. But if Colorado hangs on here, Landeskog would be a great addition, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities, in addition to a physical presence – one who can play on a first line with Matt Duchene or Paul Stastny. Defense is also a need right now, but Landeskog can provide more help in the short-term and the long-term, while Adam Larsson could take longer to develop.

3. Florida Panthers

Jonathan Huberdeau, C, Saint John (QMJHL)

Adam Larsson’s “slide” from first overall continues simply because there is a wealth on the back-end in Florida’s system. Back-to-back first round selections of Dmitri Kulikov and Erik Gudbranson (provided he can sign this time around) mean that the Panthers can concentrate on some needs up front. Huberdeau’s smooth hands put him in a great position to succeed alongside some of the young wingers Florida picked up last year, namely Quinton Howden. With solid two-way centres Scott Timmins and John McFarland in place, Dale Tallon can add that scoring centre he’ll need whether or not Stephen Weiss is around.

4. New Jersey Devils

Adam Larsson, D, Skelleftea (SEL)

Although the Devils do have Jon Merrill and Matt Corrente waiting to make the jump to the NHL, neither translate into a top-two defenseman. However, after winning the draft lottery, Lou Lamoriello will be able to replenish his blue line with the 6-foot-3 Swede, at one point a potential number one overall pick. Larsson will provide both offense and defense to the New Jersey organization and can help ease the transition to a new era when Martin Brodeur retires in the next two years.

5. New York Islanders

Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara (OHL)

People have fallen in love with Hamilton’s all-around game and he’s certainly earned those endorsements. An all-around defenseman with a hulking 6’4″ frame and a flair for offense, Hamilton takes pride in his defense as well, making him a complete defenseman with a nasty side as well. Hamilton’s ascension through the draft ranks is difficult to overlook, but it’s well deserved. He’ll bring grit to the back end along with leadership and give the Isles a great potential top-pairing with Calin de Haan.

6. Ottawa Senators

Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville (QMJHL) 

If the Senators can’t move up to take Gabriel Landeskog (and believe me, they’ll try their best), then Couturier would be the next best choice. Although he seemed to hit a wall at points throughout the season, he performed well in the playoffs, averaging over a point per game. Couturier would make a great number-two center in 2011-12 behind Jason Spezza, and could take over the number one spot within a few years.

7. Winnipeg/Manitoba

Ryan Strome, C, Niagara (OHL)

The Niagara Ice Dogs and Marty Williamson have produced two players with top-ten potential in this year’s draft, and with the defenseman off the board, the Thrashers go with forward Ryan Strome. The NHL squad has a number of young wingers in the NHL right now and their defense is established, meaning that another young centre to help out Alexander Burmistrov is key. Like Burmistrov, Strome is a little smaller, but he’s a speedy, crafty centre with grit and toughness to go with it. While Strome is a talented player, it’s his ceiling as a prospect (which may be one of the highest in the draft) that will draw the interested parties.

8. Columbus Blue Jackets

Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener (OHL)

Columbus has never had a franchise defenseman since their inception in 2001. However, with the selection of offensive defenseman Ryan Murphy, that will change for the next two decades. Murphy may still be a couple years away from the NHL, but once he fills out his 5-foot-11 frame and hones his defensive skills, he will anchor the Blue Jackets’ blue line for years. His 26 goals and 79 points this past season will translate well into NHL production, specifically when playing with Rick Nash.

9. Boston Bruins (from Toronto)

Nathan Beaulieau, D, Saint John (QMJHL)

After using the first pick they acquired from the Maple Leafs to draft Tyler Seguin last year, the second first rounder they got in the Phil Kessel trade will go to further stabilizing Boston’s blueline. That may sound silly considering Zdeno Chara is patrolling the blueline, but the hulking 34-year old won’t be around forever. The Bruins have a strong nucleus of young forwards doing the heavy lifting (Lucic, Horton, Bergeron, and Krejci are all 26 or younger), Brad Marchand and Seguin are long-term, controllable assets at centre, while Jordan Caron and Zach Hamil got call-ups this year to go along with a handful of other young forwards. Like Seguin, Beaulieau would find himself in a fortunate situation with the Bruins as the key cogs in this defense have a few years left, allowing him more time to grow and mature into the physical puck-mover he can be.

10. Minnesota Wild

Mika Zibanejad, C, Djurgarden (SEL)

After selecting center Mikael Granlund last year in the 2010 Draft, Minnesota will go with another two-way forward from Europe, one whose stock has risen drastically over the past year. Zibanejad is a bit of a project, but at 6-foot-2, 191 pounds, he is physically capable of stepping into the NHL next year. He and Granlund could make a great 1-2 tandem down the middle, contributing on both sides of the puck.

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. E2 Mika Zibanejad

Other than defenseman Adam Larsson, most hockey fans are not up to date on the latest Europeans that will come out of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. It is tough to call any of them future superstars, because as we know, nothing is a sure thing. But after increasing his stock in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, Djurgarden center Mika Zibanejad could very well turn into one of the best Swedish centers since Henrik Sedin.

“Mika’s a real power forward but also has soft hands, good vision and fine skating skills,” NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb told NHL.com. “He has tremendous balance and is hard to knock off the puck. He’s very strong in the battles along the boards, finishes checks with authority and has a heavy shot that he gets off quickly.”

“I would say that I am an all-around-player. I´m quite big and strong. I have a good shot, and I believe I am a pretty good passer who sees the ice pretty well. But my weaknesses are my balance, which I am working hard with, and then I have to be a better skater. I am working hard to be more explosive in my skating. That’s the things I am working on this summer. But overall, a guy my age has to work on improving everything.”

The 6-foot-1, 191-pound Stockholm, Sweden native is an “A+” rated prospect by ESPN.com. Scouts love his size, his speed, and most importantly, his hockey sense. He has great hands that lead to a powerful shot and beautifully-placed passes. His two-way play could use a bit of improvement, but it is still miles ahead of the majority of kids his age. But Zibanejad still looks to NHL superstars for inspiration.

“I watch Sidney Crosby for the work he does at center. I watch Alex Ovechkin for the way he scores goals and I watch Pat Kane for the way he stickhandles,” Zibanejad said in an interview with NHL.com. “I’m not that type of guy to just look for the big hits. I try to play physical but that’s only because I want the puck back. Sometimes you have to finish your checks on defensemen in order to tire them out.”

He also confirmed the rumor that he likes to base his game off the Penguins’ All-Star forward.
“Sidney Crosby is my idol, and I won’t lie and say that I am not trying to be like him,” Zibanejad said in an interview with Dan Sallows. “But at the same time I try to take a few things from him and try to make it in my way. I want people to remember me as Mika, not as a Sidney Crosby-copy. But as I said, it’s always fun and nice to hear that kind of feedback and comparison.”

Playing in Djurgarden, Zibanejad does not get as much ice time as he would hope. However, playing on the third line (and splitting time between the second power play unit and the penalty kill), he still managed five goals and nine points in 26 games in arguably the most talented league in Europe.

And if one of the most talented young players from one of the most talented leagues in Europe comes to the NHL, it’s hard to argue he won’t have success.

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

Boston Bruins or Vancouver Canucks Will (Most Likely) Set NHL Record In Game 7

With the Boston Bruins tearing through the Vancouver Canucks (yet again) at TD Garden Monday night, it sets up a textbook Game 7 on Wednesday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. On the line: the Stanley Cup.

But regardless of who wins, a record will most likely be set — which record that is, however, will vary based on the final score. As of the end of Game 6, the goal differential is plus-12 for the Boston Bruins (Bruins: 19 GF, Canucks: 8 GF).  If the Boston Bruins win the Stanley Cup by at least two goals in Game 7, they will have a goal differential of at least plus-13, which would tie the record for largest goal differential for a Stanley Cup champion. Ironically, the team they would tie is the 1970 Boston Bruins, who defeated a terribly inferior St. Louis Blues squad, one who was still struggling after 1967 NHL Expansion. That Bruins team outscored the Blues 20 to 7.

If the Vancouver Canucks win, they will become just the fourth team in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup while having a negative goal differential (unless they happen to win Game 7 12-0). However, they will most likely become the Stanley Cup champion with the lowest goal differential, after the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins were outscored 18 to 14 by the Detroit Red Wings, whom they would defeat in Game 7 by one goal.

For your statistics pleasure, here is the list of smallest and largest goal differentials for Stanley Cup champions in NHL history, and even beforehand in Stanley Cup challenges (for all your hockey history nuts out there)!

Smallest Goal Differentials for Stanley Cup Champions

2009 Pittsburgh Penguins – outscored 18-14 by the Detroit Red Wings

2004 Tampa Bay Lightning – outscored 14-13 by the Calgary Flames

1928 New York Rangers – outscored 6-5 (in a five-game series) by the Montreal Maroons

Biggest Goal Differentials for Stanley Cup Champions

1970 Bruins outscored the St. Louis Blues 20-7 (13)

1990 Oilers outscored the Boston Bruins 20-8 (12)

1991 Penguins outscored the Minnesota North Stars 28-16 (12)

1996 Avalanche outscored the Florida Panthers 15-3 (12)

Others (Pre-NHL):

1900 Montreal Shamrocks (CAHL) outscored Halifax Crescents (HCHL) 21-2 (two games)

1904 Ottawa HC (CAHL) outscored Toronto Marlboros (OHL) 17-5 (two games)

1905 Ottawa HC (FAHL) outscored Dawson City Nuggets (FAHL) 32-4 (two games)

1906 Ottawa HC (ECAHA) outscored Queen’s University (OHA) 28-14 (two games)

1906 Montreal Wanderers (ECAHA) outscored New Glasgow (Amateur) 17-5 (two games)

1908 Montreal Wanderers (ECAHA) outscored Ottawa Victorias (FAHL) 22-4 (two games)

1908 Montreal Wanderers (ECAHA) outscored Winnipeg Maple Leafs (MHL) 20-8 (two games)

1912 Quebec Bulldogs (NHA) outscored the Moncton Victorias (NHA) 17-3 (two games)

1915 Vancouver Millionaires (PCHA) outscored the Ottawa Senators (NHA) 26-8 (three games)

1917 Seattle Metropolitans (PCHA) outscored the Montreal Canadiens (NHA) 23-11 (four games)

1918 Toronto Maple Leafs (NHA) – outscored 21-18 (five games) by the Vancouver Millionaires (PCHA)

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.