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 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. 31 Seth Ambroz

Growing up in New Prague, Minnesota, there isn’t much to do in the winters other than play hockey. And although Omaha Lancers right wing Seth Ambroz was not really into hockey at first, it only took his brother and a couple skating sessions to develop his love for the game.

“Living in Minnesota, it’s just what you do,” Ambroz said in an interview with USHL.com.  “I started playing shortly after my brother.  He got into it when he was about three or four years old and I followed shortly thereafter.  Then our sister joined us when she was about 12.”

“My brother definitely got me started in hockey and opened up some doors for me,” Seth said. “He told me about Bliss and he liked him a lot as a coach. He told me he was a tough coach, but also a great teacher.”

Years later, after his sophomore season in the United States League, Ambroz was one of the top-ranked prospects for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. His 22 goals and 49 points in 56 games, combined with the plus-24 rating he compiled, led NHL Central Scouting to label him as one of the most talented upcoming players in the world. But after his two linemates, Montreal Canadiens first rounder Louis LeBlanc and Boston College forward Pat Mullane, moved on from the USHL, Ambroz’s game regressed a bit, as his plus/minus rating dropped to just plus-1, after posting 46 points in the 2010-11 season. His Central Scouting ranking dropped to 31st among North American skaters. But Ambroz continues to work on his game and refuses to give up.

“The transition from high school to the USHL was hard since it’s a much faster game, but you just have to get used to it,” Ambroz said. “Playing with Louie (Leblanc) and Pat (Mullane) helped me a lot though. Louie just had that attitude of wanting to play hard and he would never quit. Being with him every day was a great thing for me to have.”

“He’s a freak,” Omaha GM Bliss Littler told NHL.com. “He’s a special kid. To think, he started on our third line last year and ended up on the top line with Louis Leblanc and Pat Mullane. He’s on one of our top two power-play units and he’s killing penalties.”

“He’s an outstanding underage player with a very bright future,” NHL scout Jack Barzee told NHL.com. “He’s good at all facets of the game and has them down pretty well.”

The 6-foot-3, 198-pound forward’s best aspect is probably his size. As a power forward, he is very difficult to move off the puck – and he can throw bodies around when the opportunity calls for it. His skating and hands are above average, but still needs to work on his two-way play. He still lacks the explosive acceleration needed to succeed at the professional level. But Ambroz is pumped to be a part of June’s annual ceremonies, and knows that he needs to work hard if he hopes to take that big step to the next level.

“I’m definitely excited about the draft coming to Minnesota,” wrote Ambroz in his NHL.com draft blog. “I just hope it all works out well. I realize there’s pressure but you just hope to play well in front of the scouts who are watching. It’s something that you can’t really think about too much because you know you’re not going to be able to have your best game every single night. You can’t let the pressure get to you because that’s when you kind of start grabbing your stick a little harder or not making the simple plays you should be making, so just got to think of it as just another game. Just do what you do best.”

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. 24 Scott Mayfield

At some point in every professional sports draft’s first round, the talent levels off, and players turn from dominant, right-away performers to more project players – guys that have great potential, but who will require a great deal of practice and development over the upcoming years to make it in the big leagues.

Midway through the 2011 NHL Entry Draft’s first round, that might happen. However, that’s not to lessen the impact that players such as Youngstown Phantoms defenseman Scott Mayfield might have on the NHL. Playing in the United States League, Mayfield is one of the largest players in the league (6-foot-4), and one of the most consistent in his own zone. Not one to put up the points, Mayfield has posted just 35 points in 106 career USHL games. His plus/minus rating of minus-16 through two seasons also looks unimpressive at first glance. But at second glance, scouts realize that he is playing on one of the worst teams in the USHL – a team that has the third-worst record and gave up 38 more goals than they scored.

But it’s Mayfield’s physical play and his defensive zone coverage that makes scouts antsy to see what he can contribute to an NHL organization. “He plays the body well and is physical but not in an overly rambunctious way,” NHL Central Scouting’s Gary Eggleston said in an interview with NHL.com. “He can close off the forechecker up high and is controlled, poised and calm in his play. He plays like a seasoned veteran.”

At the beginning of February, the USHL released their conference all-star picks, and Mayfield was pleasantly surprised to be included on the list. “It’s nice to be recognized and have personal success, but all that really matters to me is what the team is doing and how we are pushing to make playoffs,” he wrote on his NHL.com blog. “I am just trying to focus all of my attention on doing everything I can to help my team be the best we possible can.”

“The big blueliner has been turning heads in every rink he has played in so far this year,” said one scout on Mayfield. “A hulking strong defender, Mayfield moves extremely well and already has the look of a top level pro. Mayfield will represent the USHL at the World Junior A Challenge in Penticton, BC and will gain even more exposure to NHL scouts. His ability to play in all ends of the rink and be an impact player in all situations will certainly move his name way up the draft list. Few players have the maturity and ability to adapt to the different styles and emotions that a game takes on, Mayfield can without missing a beat. With Mayfield already looking so strong the question will be how much better can he get, but as far as this year’s prospects go there are few players that are this ready for the NHL already.”

Unfortunately for Mayfield, there won’t be any playoffs this year for him to hone his skills. But that doesn’t mean he won’t be able to help Denver University next season when he suits up for the Pioneers in the fall. In fact, he’ll most likely be able to help any NHL team that drafts him this June.

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. 22 Tyler Biggs

Although the program’s success in recent years has increased, the United States National Team Developmental Program has not yet churned out a dominant NHL player. That may all change this year when right wing Tyler Biggs is selected in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward from Binghamton, New York is arguably the best American prospect this summer. Although his 11 points in 20 United States League games may not endear him to any statistic enthusiasts, it is not just a player’s points total that makes him attractive to NHL scouts.

“He has size, a great shot and skates well…he’ll play at the next level,” an NHL scout says. “I don’t think he has the type of skills to create chances on his own. At least he really hasn’t shown that. What you can project with him is the ability to come in as a third- or fourth-line player on a good team, learn the defensive game, use his strength and take baby steps with the NHL.”

USA Hockey executive Jim Johannson says that Biggs’ game reminds him of Mike Keane, but with more offensive upside. But just like Keane, Biggs has the ability to stand up for himself and his teammates and can drop the gloves when necessary. According to HockeyFights.com, Biggs has participated in six USHL fights in the past two seasons.

Biggs’ strengths include his work ethic, his hockey sense, and his ability to finish plays, be it passing, scoring, or throwing the body. His big, bulky body is unusual for a player of his age, but is a huge plus when it comes to playing the game. Numerous scouting outlets are projecting him as a future NHL first-liner at best, with the worst-case scenario being a second-line winger. The team captain of the USNTDP squad, Biggs has already committed to play for the University of Miami in Ohio for the 2011-12 season. The dynamic power forward can expect to continue his success at the U.S. collegiate level. And the main reason why has nothing to do with skill.

“He’s an honest, hard-working player,” an NHL scout says. “He has a big-time release, getting his shot off in traffic, which you have to count as a skill. He works really well along the boards and in the corners – same thing, if getting 50-50 pucks 70 percent of the time is a skill, then he’s skilled. Does he have a great stick in terms of flashy moves in the open ice or anything like that? No. Does he use it effectively in less obvious ways? Yeah. He’s an honest player. If there’s been off games, it’s not that he hasn’t given it the effort. If it hasn’t happened for him all game, he’s still trying to make it happen right down to the last shift.”

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. 13 Jamieson Oleksiak

The tallest and biggest prospect for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft is also ahead of most players his age’s development. The 6-foot-7, 244-pound gargantuan defenseman is manning the blueline for Northeastern University at age 18.

Playing for the Chicago Steel and Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States League, Jamie Oleksiak took a while to develop his game. Far from an offensive defenseman, Oleksiak scored just two goals and 18 points in three seasons in the USHL. His total plus/minus rating was a minus-3.

This year, however, he has scored four goals and 13 points in 38 games for the NCAA’s Northeastern University, in addition to an even plus/minus rating.

ESPN writer Gare Joyce compares Oleksiak to Norris Trophy winner and Boston Bruin giant Zdeno Chara, in that both, at this age, were tall and thick – already filled out. But in terms of skill, Oleksiak more closely resembles Buffalo Sabres blueliner Tyler Myers.

“A player with that sort of frame needs to build strength and fill out,” said an NHL scout in an interview with ESPN.com. “It’s hard for major junior kids to do the gym work in season but college kids can with just games on weekends. The Northeastern program is good for getting kids to the gym year-round. You can see that (Oleksiak) has made real progress from one year (in the USHL) to the next (as a freshman) on conditioning.”

Scouts are wild about Oleksiak’s size, of course. He can intimidate even the largest opponents, and has the strength to be physical. Unfortunately, scouts have noticed that he fails to be as physical as many his size tend to be. They would like to see him use his body more, both on the rush and in front of the net. But more questions arose over the past few years about Oleksiak’s skating ability, as many his size don’t have the talents to move around the ice as quickly as necessary to succeed in the NHL.

“The key questions you have to make for a player like this are: Can he turn? How does he handle speed?” the scout continued. “At this stage Oleksiak is probably a little behind where Myers was on that count — Myers was painfully skinny but he was a good if not fluid skater — but Oleksiak isn’t that far behind. Myers will probably have an advantage in the north-south speed but that’s not the big part of this evaluation. This kid will be a first-rounder and Myers’s success will help him. How much? If you said the second ten (of the draft) you’d have a good chance of him being in that range.”

But fortunately for Oleksiak, his skating has continued to improve, and will most likely only get better in the upcoming years. No one should expect him to appear in the NHL the year after being drafted, but in a few years, with great coaching and some hard work on the part of Oleksiak, he just might be that player every team hates to see multiple times per 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.