TheGP’s 2011 NHL Mock Draft
Last Updated: June 22, 2011
With the Stanley Cup Final in the rearview mirror, all eyes in the hockey community are now on the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. In order to ease the transition from postseason to offseason, TheGP Hockey has put together a comprehensive, colorful account of what fans, scouts and pundits can expect to see come June 24 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Over the course of the past six months, TheGP Hockey staff has been hard at work, stock piling exclusive interviews and feature stories that all pertain to the much anticipated summer event.
The result? The Good Point‘s official 2011 NHL Mock Draft.
Under the umbrella of TheGP‘s 2011 NHL Entry Draft Prospects Series, which continues to run until the draft, premier talents such as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Gabriel Landeskog have been interviewed and profiled accordingly, while probable mid-to-late first-rounders like Boone Jenner and Scott Mayfield haven’t been forgotten.
With less than 10 days remaining before the draft, take this opportunity to read up on some of the NHL’s next generation of stars — and where we think they’ll be playing.
Stick-taps go out to each and every scout and journalist who contributed to this Mock Draft. Without your breadth of knowledge, such a vivid account of this year’s prospects and what they bring to the ice would not be possible.
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No. 1 — Edmonton Oilers
Nugent-Hopkins, Ryan (C)
Red Deer Rebels | Burnaby, BC, Canada
6’0″ | 155 lbs. | April 12, 1993
2010-11: 69 GP, 31 G, 75 A, 106 PTS, 51 PIM, +29
TheGP Hockey Staff:
The Oilers appear to be taking baby steps with their development, so we expect them to pass on any particular positional need and instead select the best player available.
– TheGP and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Jan. 2011
– TheGP and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Dec. 2010
Expert’s Take:
“Ryan is one of the most dynamic talents in this year’s draft. His calling cards are his vision and his hands. He’s skinny right now and may go back to junior, but that shouldn’t matter when it comes to overall value.”
– Ryan Kennedy, Writer/Editor, The Hockey News
No. 2 — Colorado Avalanche
Landeskog, Gabriel (RW)
Kitchener Rangers | Stockholm, Sweden
6’0″ | 201 lbs. | November 23, 1992
2010-11: 53 GP, 36 G, 30 A, 66 PTS, 61 PIM, +27
TheGP Hockey Staff:
As one of the youngest squads in the league, and in need of filling a winger spot more than anything, the Avalanche are keen on Landeskog’s enviable package.
– TheGP and Gabriel Landeskog – Dec. 2010
Expert’s Take:
“Gabriel is a strong physical player with great hands. He is very dangerous around the net and battles hard up and down the boards. He is a key situation player with tons of upside, including leadership skills.”
– Ed Burkholder, Director of Player Personnel/Head Scout, Toledo Walleye
No. 3 — Florida Panthers
Huberdeau, Jonathan (C)
Saint John Sea Dogs | St. Jerome, QC, Canada
6’1″ | 171 lbs. | June 4, 1993
2010-11: 67 GP, 43 G, 62 A, 105 PTS, 88 PIM, +59
TheGP Hockey Staff:
The Panthers have reportedly been keen on selecting not only a center but a center who has a fillable frame and sky-high skills. In this year’s draft, their guy is Huberdeau.
– TheGP and Jonathan Huberdeau – Jun. 2011
– TheGP and Jonathan Huberdeau – Jan. 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Jonathan displays elite level hockey sense and the ability to process information under duress. His puck movement and shooting ability projects him to become a top-two line NHL forward one day.”
– Shane Malloy, Author, The Art of Scouting
No. 4 — New Jersey Devils
Larsson, Adam (D)
Skelleftea AIK | Skelleftea, Sweden
6’2″ | 209 lbs. | November 12, 1992
2010-11: 37 GP, 1 G, 8 A, 9 PTS, 41 PIM, +12
TheGP Hockey Staff:
As an NHL-ready defenceman, the Devils will not pass on Larsson. Their back end is very weak and low on stability, which Larsson’s overall package would begin to fix.
Expert’s Take:
“Adam is an all-around defender with a complete package of both offensive and defensive abilities. He has the potential to be a No. 1 d-man in the NHL. The maturity he has as a player is second to none, so it’s hard to find a downfall.”
– Mark Edwards, Founder/Head Scout, HockeyProspect.com
No. 5 — New York Islanders
Couturier, Sean (C)
Drummondville Voltigeurs | Bathurst, NB, Canada
6’4″ | 191 lbs. | December 7, 1992
2010-11: 58 GP, 36 G, 60 A, 96 PTS, 36 PIM, +55
TheGP Hockey Staff:
On paper, Couturier and his passing acumen appear to be a seamless fit for the Robin role to the Islanders’ Batman, John Tavares.
– TheGP and Sean Couturier – Feb. 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Sean has outstanding hands that make everyone around him better. His hockey sense is elite but first-step quickness is an issue. He has a hard time with quick stops and starts but with some improvement in his mechanics, should be OK eventually.”
– Kirk Luedeke, Prospects Writer, New England Hockey Journal
No. 6 — Ottawa Senators
Strome, Ryan (C)
Niagara IceDogs | Mississauga, ON, Canada
6’1″ | 183 lbs. | July 11, 1993
2010-11: 65 GP, 33 G, 73 A, 106 PTS, 82 PIM, +28
TheGP Hockey Staff:
Strome has been linked to the Senators for months and would be a great rebuild stepping stone with a similar player, Jason Spezza, on his way out of town eventually.
– TheGP and Ryan Strome – Mar. 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Ryan’s growth potential is off the charts and NHL teams know it. He is a gifted hockey player that is offensively brilliant and defensively responsible. He couples these skills with a willingness to win and tremendous playmaking abilities.”
– Ed Burkholder, Director of Player Personnel/Head Scout, Toledo Walleye
No. 7 — Winnipeg
Zibanejad, Mika (C)
Djurgardens IF | Huddinge, Sweden
6’2″ | 192 lbs. | April 18, 1993
2010-11: 26 GP, 5 G, 4 A, 9 PTS, 2 PIM, +1
TheGP Hockey Staff:
As a franchise in a new town, Winnipeg should not pass up on the opportunity to select Zibanejad, a game breaker and the potential second coming of Daniel Alfredsson, plus size.
Expert’s Take:
“Mika’s NHL translation is a power forward with scoring ability. His compete level is high end. His skating stride is far from perfect but should not hold him back.”
– Mark Edwards, Founder/Head Scout, HockeyProspect.com
No. 8 — Columbus Blue Jackets
Hamilton, Dougie (D)
Niagara IceDogs | Toronto, ON, Canada
6’4″ | 193 lbs. | June 17, 1993
2010-11: 67 GP, 12 G, 46 A, 58 PTS, 77 PIM, +35
TheGP Hockey Staff:
Last year, the Blue Jackets drafted their Rick Nash sidekick in Ryan Johansen, so now it is time to add Hamilton, a player who has the brains and brawn to guide their paper-thin d-corps.
– TheGP and Dougie Hamilton – Feb. 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Dougie is a fluent, puck-moving defenceman that will be dedicated to adding on the pounds this summer, ultimately making him even more of an athlete than he is now. His vision to look for the open man is second to none.”
– Brandon Sudeyko, Founder/Host, In the O
No. 9 — Boston Bruins
Murphy, Ryan (D)
Kitchener Rangers | Aurora, ON, Canada
5’11” | 176 lbs. | March 31, 1993
2010-11: 63 GP, 26 G, 53 A, 79 PTS, 36 PIM, +22
TheGP Hockey Staff:
The defending Stanley Cup champions aren’t in need of much, but with a dreadful power-play performance in the playoffs, a man-up specialist like Murphy would complement their roster moving forward.
– TheGP and Ryan Murphy – Jun. 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Ryan has strong offensive talent, excellent skating, a cannon of a shot and the ability to run a team’s power-play. Simply put, he makes plays that others can’t. At the same time, learning that the safe play can be the best option is something he needs to improve upon.”
– Jon Abbott, Host, Team 1200
No. 10 — Minnesota Wild
Bartschi, Sven (LW)
Portland Winterhawks | Langenthal, Switzerland
5’10” | 185 lbs. | October 5, 1992
2010-11: 66 GP, 34 G, 51 A, 85 PTS, 74 PIM, +23
TheGP Hockey Staff:
In Bartschi, the Wild will be inheriting just what they need: a European winger with elite scoring touch.
Expert’s Take:
“Sven is one of the draft’s natural scorers. He has the hands and hockey sense to get into scoring position and is a consistent and dangerous threat. He was a total perimeter player at the World Junior Hockey Championship, but played better in the WHL.”
– Kirk Luedeke, Prospects Writer, New England Hockey Journal
No. 11 — Colorado Avalanche
Beaulieu, Nathan (D)
Saint John Sea Dogs | Strathroy, ON, Canada
6’3″ | 191 lbs. | December 5, 1992
2010-11: 65 GP, 12 G, 33 A, 45 PTS, 52 PIM, +44
TheGP Hockey Staff:
Beaulieu, as a mature and smart d-man, will make things easy on the Avalanche for their second pick. His upside is too high to pass by, even though on paper he may not be as highly touted as others who may be available at the time.
– TheGP and Nathan Beaulieu – Jun. 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Nathan is a smooth-skating, puck-moving defenceman with NHL offensive upside. Once he improves his play without the puck and gains the appropriate core strength he could develop into a top-four NHL defenceman.”
– Shane Malloy, Author, The Art of Scouting
No. 12 — Carolina Hurricanes
Siemens, Duncan (D)
Saskatoon Blades | Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
6’3″ | 192 lbs. | September 7, 1993
2010-11: 72 GP, 5 G, 38 A, 43 PTS, 121 PIM, +40
TheGP Hockey Staff:
With forwards Justin Shugg, Zach Boychuk, Zac Dalpe and Drayson Bowman all zooming through the Canes’ system, a rock solid defender like Siemens is a responsible pick.
– TheGP and Duncan Siemens – May 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Duncan brings a physical game from the back end; toughness is his middle name. He has a sandpaper edge to his game, but needs to improve on his awareness and positioning in his own zone.”
– Mark Edwards, Founder/Head Scout, HockeyProspect.com
No. 13 — Calgary Flames
Armia, Joel (RW)
Assat Pori | Pori, Finland
6’3″ | 187 lbs. | May 31, 1993
2010-11: 48 GP, 18 G, 11 A, 29 PTS, 24 PIM, +9
TheGP Hockey Staff:
The Flames and Armia are a match made in heaven as the club has been in dire need of a pure goal scorer to complement Jarome Iginla for what seems like forever.
Expert’s Take:
“Joel is a guy who wants to have the puck on his stick. When he gets it, he utilizes good protection skills and might just develop into the best pure goal scorer from this year’s draft crop. Conversely, he does have some work to do to get to that point.”
– Chris Ralph, Prospects Analyst, The Hockey Writers
No. 14 — Dallas Stars
McNeill, Mark (C)
Prince Albert Raiders | Edmonton, AB, Canada
6’2″ | 210 lbs. | February 22, 1993
2010-11: 70 GP, 32 G, 49 A, 81 PTS, 53 PIM, -4
TheGP Hockey Staff:
In McNeill, the Stars will get back in skill and size what they lost to the Penguins in James Neal.
– TheGP and Mark McNeill – May 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Mark is a power center who brings a good two-way game with a physical edge and the potential to be a top-six forward in the NHL. His physical maturation is far ahead of the majority of his peers.”
– Kirk Luedeke, Prospects Writer, New England Hockey Journal
No. 15 — New York Rangers
Grimaldi, Rocco (RW)
USNDT | Auburn Hills, MI, United States of America
5’6″ | 160 lbs. | February 8, 1993
2010-11: 23 GP, 12 G, 13 A, 25 PTS, 18 PIM, +10
TheGP Hockey Staff:
As an all-American stud that is undersized yet incredibly talented, Grimaldi fits the Rangers’ mold in a perfect way.
– TheGP and Rocco Grimaldi – Jun. 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Rocco has leadership, honesty, integrity and all the things you’d want in a human being. On the ice, he makes things happen and has the ability to create and destroy at once. Some say his height is an issue.”
– Ryan Clark, Reporter, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
No. 16 — Buffalo Sabres
Jenner, Boone (C)
Oshawa Generals | Dorchester, ON, Canada
6’1″ | 193 lbs. | June 15, 1993
2010-11: 63 GP, 25 G, 41 A, 66 PTS, 57 PIM, +10
TheGP Hockey Staff:
For a team that has been knocked over the years for being too small up front, the Sabres are reversing the trend by drafting guys like Marcus Foligno and, likely, Jenner.
– TheGP and Boone Jenner – June 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Boone doesn’t mind playing in the corners and has incredible vision in the offensive zone. His most compelling attribute is his ability to play well in all three zones. He still needs to work on becoming a better skater, though.”
– Anthony Nicholson, Sports Editor, News 24
No. 17 — Montreal Canadiens
Saad, Brandon (LW)
Saginaw Spirit | Gibsonia, PA, United States of America
6’2″ | 211 lbs. | October 27, 1992
2010-11: 59 GP, 27 G, 28 A, 55 PTS, 47 PIM, +8
TheGP Hockey Staff:
Much like the Sabres, the Canadiens require a gritty forward like Saad who can turn them into a force to be reckoned with, rather than an intimidated group.
– TheGP and Brandon Saad – May 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Brandon is a big power forward who loves to take his game to the dirty areas. His best attribute is how he uses his size on the sideboards. He must work on his strength to make the next step.”
– Anthony Nicholson, Sports Editor, News 24
No. 18 — Chicago Blackhawks
Oleksiak, Jamie (D)
Northeastern University | Toronto, ON, Canada
6’7″ | 240 lbs. | December 21, 1992
2010-11: 38 GP, 4 G, 9 A, 13 PTS, 57 PIM, +13
TheGP Hockey Staff:
With full intentions of keeping Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook together for the next half-decade, the monstrous Oleksiak will add depth to their otherwise relatively thin lineup.
Expert’s Take:
“Jamie is a unique physical package at 6’7″ but, unlike some cases of huge defencemen, the rest of his game isn’t dragged down. He looks to be a second pairing defender, but there has been a lot of variance in his projected development.”
– Corey Pronman, Prospects Writer, Hockey Prospectus
No. 19 — Edmonton Oilers
Brodin, Jonas (D)
Farjestads BK | Karlstad, Sweden
6’0″ | 172 lbs. | July 12, 1993
2010-11: 42 GP, 0 G, 4 A, 4 PTS, 12 PIM, +6
TheGP Hockey Staff:
Since the Oilers have both the No. 1 pick and the 19th choice, their second selection will be somewhat of a risky endeavor, like the fairly undiscovered Brodin.
Expert’s Take:
“At this point Brodin will not wow you with his offensive production. However, the wow-factor is definitely there in the minds of NHL scouts who covet his smooth skating, great hockey sense, unparalleled composure, pinpoint passing, defensive acumen and willingness to play a physical game when necessary.”
– Chris Ralph, Prospects Analyst, The Hockey Writers
No. 20 — Phoenix Coyotes
Rattie, Ty (RW)
Portland Winterhawks | Airdrie, AB, Canada
6’0″ | 167 lbs. | February 5, 1993
2010-11: 67 GP, 28 G, 51 A, 79 PTS, 55 PIM, +20
TheGP Hockey Staff:
Blueliners Keith Yandle and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are the present and future lifeblood of the Coyotes organization, so choosing a high-flying right winger like Rattie is in their draft day cards.
Expert’s Take:
“Ty is an interesting player because his size and defensive skills have been knocked, but there’s no getting around the fact he can really assault the score sheet.”
– Ryan Kennedy, Writer/Editor, The Hockey News
No. 21 — Ottawa Senators
Khokhlachev, Alexander (C)
Windsor Spitfires | Moscow, Russia
5’10” | 172 lbs. | September 9, 1993
2010-11: 67 GP, 34 G, 42 A, 76 PTS, 28 PIM, +9
TheGP Hockey Staff:
Khokhlachev suits the Senators, as he not only brings along a breadth of winning know-how from junior, but all-around skill to boot.
Expert’s Take:
“Alexander is a relatively complete offensive talent with shooting, skating and passing abilities, combined with a good hockey sense and vision of the ice. He lacks on the physical side of things, however, and will have to bulk up sooner than later.”
– Stephen Sweet, Freelance Reporter, The Barrie Examiner
No. 22 — Anaheim Ducks
Gibson, John (G)
USNDT | Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
6’3″ | 205 lbs. | July 14, 1993
2010-11: 17 GP, 9 W, 1 SO, 2.38 GAA, .926 SV%
TheGP Hockey Staff:
As a franchise not content with their goaltending situation, the Ducks will be primed to pick the top goaltending prospect, Gibson.
– TheGP and John Gibson – May 2011
Expert’s Take:
“John, with the right coaching, can be a franchise/elite goaltender in the NHL one day. He has great athleticism in the crease and is massively strong with a hulking frame.”
– Ryan Clark, Reporter, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
No. 23 — Pittsburgh Penguins
Jensen, Nicklas (RW)
Oshawa Generals | Herning, Denmark
6’3″ | 186 lbs. | March 6, 1993
2010-11: 61 GP, 29 G, 29 A, 58 PTS, 42 PIM, +14
TheGP Hockey Staff:
The Penguins’ days of drafting high in the first-round are over, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try to steal a top-notch product in Jensen.
– TheGP and Nicklas Jensen – Apr. 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Nicklas is a crafty, game-breaking speedster whose size and speed make him a threat no matter where he is on the ice. He needs to be more consistent with his play and stronger on the puck.”
– Anthony Nicholson, Sports Editor, News 24
No. 24 — Detroit Red Wings
Klefbom, Oscar (D)
Farjestads BK | Karlstad, Sweden
6’2″ | 201 lbs. | July 20, 1993
2010-11: 23 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS, 2 PIM, +1
TheGP Hockey Staff:
The Red Wings have a soft spot for Swedes so Klefbom and his tremendous upside should be their ideal pick at the No. 24 spot.
Expert’s Take:
“Oscar is an explosive puck rusher. His skating tool is great and when he gets going in a straight line he has top-tier speed. He’s very raw and, thus, has a lot of improvements to make his defensive game, decisions with the puck and overall awareness.”
– Corey Pronman, Prospects Writer, Hockey Prospectus
No. 25 — Toronto Maple Leafs
Puempel, Matt (LW)
Peterborough Petes | Essex, ON, Canada
6’0″ | 190 lbs. | January 24, 1993
2010-11: 55 GP, 34 G, 35 A, 69 PTS, 49 PIM, -33
TheGP Hockey Staff:
Considering Puempel’s stock has dropped due to questions surrounding his health, the Maple Leafs should be able to snag the crafty winger late in the first-round.
Expert’s Take:
“Matt is a natural goal scorer and a very gifted offensive talent. He has demonstrated on numerous occasions he can single handedly win a game. The real question mark surrounding his development is how he’ll recover from his current hip injury.”
– Jon Abbott, Host, Team 1200
No. 26 — Washington Capitals
Phillips, Zack (C)
Saint John Sea Dogs | Fredericton, NB, Canada
6’0″ | 180 lbs. | October 28, 1992
2010-11: 67 GP, 38 G, 57 A, 95 PTS, 16 PIM, +48
TheGP Hockey Staff:
Phillips brings a mix of ferociousness and big game talent to the table, which are two things the Capitals are tirelessly searching the market for.
Expert’s Take:
“Zack is a tough-minded skills guy who wins a lot of puck battles and seems to be very good with getting open and with making difficult passes. It is fair to wonder if his numbers were goosed by playing on a stacked Sea Dogs team.”
– Neate Sager, Junior Hockey Blogger, Yahoo! Canada Sports
No. 27 — Tampa Bay Lightning
Mayfield, Scott (D)
Youngstown Phantoms | St. Louis, MO, United States of America
6’4″ | 200 lbs. | October 14, 1992
2010-11: 52 GP, 7 G, 9 A, 16 PTS, 159 PIM, -18
TheGP Hockey Staff:
Mayfield would be a fantastic addition to the Lightning’s defense core as his size and style of play mirrors another stay-at-home former first-rounder, Victor Hedman.
– TheGP and Scott Mayfield – Jun. 2011
Expert’s Take:
“Scott brings size, skill and great vision. He can move the puck and be a good stay-at-home defenceman. He sees the ice well but didn’t produce big numbers offensively this past season.”
– Ryan Clark, Reporter, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
No. 28 — San Jose Sharks
Musil, David (D)
Vancouver Giants | Delta, BC, Canada
6’3″ | 191 lbs. | April 9, 1993
2010-11: 62 GP, 6 G, 19 A, 25 PTS, 83 PIM, +0
TheGP Hockey Staff:
As they continue down their long road to a Stanley Cup Final appearance, Musil and his valuable traits as a shutdown defender should provide great intrigue to the Sharks.
Expert’s Take:
“David brings very good size, athleticism and bloodlines to the mix. He’s fairly mobile and projects as a good shutdown defender in the NHL one day. So long as he doesn’t try to do too much, he’s sound with positioning and tough to beat 1-on-1.”
– Kirk Luedeke, Prospects Writer, New England Hockey Journal
No. 29 — Vancouver Canucks
Jurco, Tomas (RW)
Saint John Sea Dogs | Kosice, Slovakia
6’2″ | 193 lbs. | Dec. 28, 1992
2010-11: 60 GP, 31 G, 25 A, 56 PTS, 17 PIM, +46
TheGP Hockey Staff:
With unbelievable hands and a mindset that is fixated on improving his own-end play, Jurco would blend in well in the Canucks’ dynamic lineup.
– TheGP and Tomas Jurco – Jun. 11
Expert’s Take:
“Tomas has excellent puck skills and is learning to use his size. He is willing to work to be recognized as a responsible two-way player and might have the sweetest puckhandling moves in the entire draft.”
– Neate Sager, Junior Hockey Blogger, Yahoo! Canada Sports
No. 30 — Toronto Maple Leafs
Morrow, Joe (D)
Portland Winterhawks | Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
6’1″ | 198 lbs. | Dec. 9, 1992
2010-11: 60 GP, 9 G, 40 A, 49 PTS, 67 PIM, +23
TheGP Hockey Staff:
It’s safe to say the Maple Leafs will lean towards a guy to fill in on the backend, such as Morrow, once their second pick of the first-round rolls around.
Expert’s Take:
“Joe has a cannon shot, is a great passer and exemplifies poise with the puck. What really sets him apart is his superb skating ability. Although definitely improved with respect to positioning, he must continue to develop his defensive acumen.”
– Chris Ralph, Prospects Analyst, The Hockey Writers
Biggs, Tyler (RW) — USNDT
“He has a tremendous physical game but low offensive upside and is very bad in the possession game.”
– Corey Pronman, Prospects Writer, Hockey Prospectus
Catenacci, Daniel (C) — Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
“Extremely fast, dynamic skater. He competes extremely hard for his small size.”
– Jason Brooks, Former General Manager/Head Coach, Guelph Storm
Gibson, Christopher (G) — Chicoutimi Sagueneens
“Christopher is a competitor who stole a starting goalie job this season. While he has the size many scouts love in a goalie at 6’1″, at time he loses his angles, and his positioning.”
– Jesse Michael, Assistant Editor, Open Ice Hockey
Jaskin, Dmitri (RW) — Slavia Praha HC
“Jaskin’s best work is done in the dirty areas. In the corners, in front of the net; the more traffic he has the more he thrives.”
– Scott Vankoughnett, Editor, Open Ice Hockey
Miller, Jonathan (C) — USNDT
“Bring size and grit to any team needing a guy that works in the dirty areas. Could score more, but that’s even tough to say considering he does everything else imaginable.”
– Ryan Clark, Reporter, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Namestnikov, Vlad (C) — London Knights
“Has the foot speed to separate from his opponent. Creative with the puck; playmaker by nature.”
– Brandon Sudeyko, Founder/Host, In the O
Percy, Stuart (D) — Missisauga St. Michael’s Majors
“Stuart is one of the most poised defencemen in this year’s draft. He plays with a defence-first mentality and scouts rave about his hockey IQ.”
– Scott Vankoughnett, Editor, Open Ice Hockey
Rakell, Rickard (RW) — Plymouth Whalers
“Bigger center; good two-way pivot. Good vision and competitor. Played well at World Junior Hockey Championship for Swedes.”
– Jason Brooks, Former General Manager/Head Coach, Guelph Storm
Scheifele, Mark (C) — Barrie Colts
“Scheifele is a talented passer, partially in part to a great hockey sense and a desire to continually improve his game. Still hesitant to shoot in a number of situations, though.”
– Stephen Sweet, Freelance Reporter, The Barrie Examiner
Sproul, Ryan (D) — Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
“Sproul is a hulking defenceman who got the opportunity to flourish on an injury riddled Greyhounds team last season. The defensive side of his game will need to improve, exhibited by his minus-15 rating.”
– Jesse Michael, Assistant Editor, Open Ice Hockey
Required Reading:
-Ryan Kennedy runs a consistently informative feature for The Hockey News called The Hot List.
-Neate Sager’s Buzzing the Net is one of the premier junior hockey blogs online.
-On top of his duties with the Hockey Journal, Kirk Luedeke edits a blog about the Boston Bruins and the 2011 NHL Draft.
–Open Ice Hockey provides hockey coverage from Midget AAA to the NHL, in video and print.
-Ryan Clark, a recent winner of an Associated Press writing award, covers everything Minnesota Hockey for his blog Slightly Chilled.
-In addition to his work with News 24, Anthony Nicholson will also be contributing for Hockey Quarterly.
-Corey Pronman is a valued source for hockey prospect analysis available at Hockey Prospectus.
-Be sure to grab a copy of Shane Malloy’s The Art of Scouting, a comprehensive guide to how hockey scouting really works.
-Listen to Jon Abbott calling play-by-play for various Ontario Hockey League contests on Team 1200 sports radio.
-Chris Ralph is the main prospect writer and Draft guru for The Hockey Writers.
-Brandon Sudeyko analyzes hockey prospects as the founder and host of In the O, the exclusive OHL radio show.
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