2011 NHL Mock Drafts

Round One Update March 23rd

1. Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C
2. Ottawa Senators: Gabriel Landeskog, RW
3. Colorado Avalanche: Adam Larsson, D
4. Florida Panthers: Ryan Strome, C
5. New York Islanders: Jonathan Huberdeau, LW/C
6. New Jersey Devils: Sean Couturier, C
7. Atlanta Thrashers: Dougie Hamilton, D
8. St. Louis Blues: Matt Puempel, LW
9. Boston Bruins*: Ryan Murphy, D
10. Columbus Blue Jackets: Mika Zibanejad, C
11. Minnesota Wild: Nathan Beaulieu, D
12. Carolina Hurricanes: Ducan Siemens, D
13. Buffalo Sabres: Joel Armia, RW
14. New York Rangers: Alexander Khokhlachev, C
15. Calgary Flames: Daniel Catenacci, C
16. Dallas Stars: Sven Bartschi, LW
17. Anaheim Ducks: Tomas Jurco, RW
18. Chicago Blackhawks: Nicklas Jensen, RW/LW
19. Montreal Canadiens: Mark McNeill, C
20. Ottawa Senators*: Rickard Rakell, RW
21. Edmonton Oilers*: Joe Morrow, D
22. Tampa Bay Lightning: Xavier Ouellet, D
23. Toronto Maple Leafs*: Shane Prince, LW
24. Phoenix Coyotes: Vladislav Namesnitkov, C
25. Pittsburgh Penguins: Brandon Saad, LW
26. San Jose Sharks: Mark Scheifele, C
27. Detroit Red Wings: Lucas Lessio, LW
28. Washington Capitals: Zack Phillips, C
29. Toronto Maple Leafs*: Michael St. Croix, C
30. Vancouver Canucks: Ty Rattie, RW

Round One Updated Janurary 23rd

1. New Jersey Devils Adam Larsson, D
2. Edmonton Oilers Sean Couturier, C
3. New York Islanders Gabriel Landeskog, RW
4. Ottawa Senators Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C
5. Boston Bruins* Ryan Murphy, D
6. Buffalo Sabres Dougie Hamilton, D
7. Florida Panthers Jonathan Huberdeau, C
8. Calgary Flames Joel Armia, RW
9. Columbus Blue Jackets Matt Puempel, LW
10. Los Angeles Kings Brandon Saad, LW
11. St. Louis Blues Ryan Strome, C
12. Carolina Hurricanes Nathan Beaulieu, D
13. San Jose Sharks Shane Prince, LW
14. Minnesota Wild Sven Bartschi, LW
15. Colorado Avalanche Tomas Jurco, RW
16. Atlanta Thrashers Daniel Catenacci, C
17. Chicago Blackhawks Nicklas Jensen, RW/LW
18. Phoenix Coyotes Zack Phillips, C
19. Anaheim Ducks David Musil, D
20. Nashville Predators Alexander Khokhlachev, C
21. New York Rangers Myles Bell, D
22. Montreal Canadiens Mark McNeill, C
23. Boston Bruins Rickard Rakell, RW
24. Washington Capitals Vladislav Namesnitkov, C
25. Tampa Bay Lightning Xavier Ouellet, D
26. Dallas Stars Mika Zibanejad, C
27. Pittsburgh Penguins Mark Scheifele, C
28. Detroit Red Wings Victor Rask, C
29. Vancouver Canucks Shane McColgan, RW
30. Philadelphia Flyers Tyler Biggs, RW

Round One Updated Janurary 9th

Well here is our third rankings ever, third time is a charm right? But with all do honesty the year is still young and players will keep moving up and down 'til draft day comes. You may notice we have 31 picks in the second round this time, "that's odd" you may be thinking to yourself. Well Montreal had a conditional 50th overall pick as result of a non-signed first rounder in 2006, we discovered this after the Islander trade. Anyways enjoy this update.
1. New Jersey Devils Sean Couturier, C
2. New York Islanders Adam Larsson, D
3. Edmonton Oilers Gabriel Landeskog, C
4. Boston Bruins* Ryan Murphy, D
5. Ottawa Senators Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C
6. Florida Panthers Jonathan Huberdeau, C
7. Buffalo Sabres Ryan Strome, C
8. Calgary Flames Joel Armia, RW
9. Columbus Blue Jackets Brandon Saad, LW
10. Carolina Hurricanes Dougie Hamilton, D
11. Los Angeles Kings Sven Bartschi, LW
12. Phoenix Coyotes Matt Puempel, LW
13. St. Louis Blues Alexander Khokhlachev, C/LW
14. Chicago Blackhawks Tomas Jurco, RW
15. San Jose Sharks Shane Prince, LW
16. Minnesota Wild Zack Phillips, C
17. Montreal Canadiens Ty Rattie, RW
18. Anaheim Ducks Nathan Beaulieu, D
19. Colorado Avalanche Daniel Catenacci, C
20. Nashville Predators Vladislav Namesnitkov, C
21. Boston Bruins Seth Ambroz, RW
22. Atlanta Thrashers Mika Zibanejad, C
23. New York Rangers Maxim Shalunov, RW
24. Dallas Stars Ducan Siemens, D
25. Washington Capitals Rickard Rackell, RW
26. Tampa Bay Lightning David Musil, D
27. Pittsburgh Penguins Nicklas Jensen, LW/RW
28. Detroit Red Wings Victor Rask, C
29. Philadelphia Flyers Tobias Rieder, C
30. Vancouver Canucks Shane McColgan, RW

1. Nashville Predators* Vincent Trochek, C
2. New York Islanders Mark Scheifele, C
3. Edmonton Oilers Xavier Ouellet, D
4. Toronto Maple Leafs Michael St. Croix, C
5. Ottawa Senators Dmitrij Jaskin, RW
6. Florida Panthers Myles Bell, D
7. Buffalo Sabres Mark McNeill, C
8. Chicago Blackhawks* John Gibson, G
9. Columbus Blue Jackets Boone Jenner, C
10. Carolina Hurricanes Phillip Danault, LW
11. Los Angeles Kings Max Friberg, LW/RW
12. Phoenix Coyotes Jonathan Miller, C
13. St. Louis Blues Jonas Brodin, D
14. Chicago Blackhawks Guillaume Cloutier, D
15. San Jose Sharks Zakhar Arzamastsev, D
16. Boston Bruins* Tyler Biggs, RW
17. Florida Panthers* Colin Jacobs, C
18. Anaheim Ducks Scott Mayfield, D
19. Colorado Avalanche Oscar Klefbom, D
20. New York Islanders* Lucas Lessio, LW
21. Nashville Predators Stefan Noesen, RW
22. Boston Bruins Joe Morrow, D
23. Chicago Blackhawks* Joachim Nermark, C
24. New York Rangers Miikka Salomaki, C
25. Dallas Stars Maximilien Le Sieur, RW
26. New York Rangers* Adam Lowry, LW
27. Tampa Bay Lightning Luke Lockhart, RW
28. Pittsburgh Penguins Nikita Nesterov, D
29. Detroit Red Wings Karl Johansson, D
30. Phoenix Coyotes* Nick Cousins, C
31. Vancouver Canucks Oleg Misyul, D

- Sadik & Alex

Round One Predictions, updated December 10th

Gabriel Landeskog

Not too many huge changes, we thought Dougie Hamilton's really stock really rose but as picks went by we oddly realized that most teams were not looking for a Hamilton type player. A couple of Russians climbed in the draft and a new one popped up, Dmitrij Jaskin. He definitely has what it takes to be a super star player, but not much is known about him for the moment. And no your are not seeing triple. Anyways enjoy round one, round two will be up either tonight or tomorrow, we apologize for not having included it last time round.

1. New York Islanders: Gabriel Landeskog, C Kitchener Rangers
2. New Jersey Devils: Sean Couturier, C Voltigeurs de Drummondville
3. Boston Bruins: Ryan Murphy, D Kitchener Rangers
4. Edmonton Oilers: Adam Larsson, D Skelleftea HC
5. Carolina Hurricanes: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C Red Deer Rebels
6. Ottawa Senators: Jonathan Huberdeau, C Saint John's Sea Dogs
7. Calgary Flames: Ryan Strome, C Niagara Ice Dogs
8. Florida Panthers: Joel Armia, RW Porin Assat
9. Minnesota Wild: Sven Bartschi, LW Portland Winterhawks
10. Buffalo Sabres: Brandon Saad, LW Saginaw Spirit
11. Colorado Avalanche: Tomas Jurco, RW Saint John's Sea Dogs
12. St. Louis Blues: Dougie Hamilton, D Niagara Ice Dogs
13. Los Angeles Kings: Alexander Khokhlachev, C/LW Windsor Spitfires
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Nathan Beaulieu, D Saint John's Sea Dogs
15. Anaheim Ducks: Vladislav Namesnitkov, C London Knights
16. San Jose Sharks: Shane Prince, LW Ottawa 67's
17. Nashville Predators: Ty Rattie, RW Portland Winterhawks
18. Phoenix Coyotes: Matt Puempel, LW Peterborough Petes
19. Atlanta Thrashers: Nickals Jensen, LW/RW Oshawa Generals
20. Tampa Bay Lightning: Ducan Siemens, D Saskatoon Blades
21. Vancouver Canucks: Seth Ambroz, RW Omaha Lancers
22. Chicago Blackhawks: Christopher Gibson, G Saguéniens de Chicoutimi
23. Dallas Stars: Daniel Catenacci, C Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
24. New York Rangers: Mika Zibanejad, C Djurgarden
25. Boston Bruins: Victor Rask, C Leksand
26. Detroit Red Wings: Shane McColgan, RW Kelowna Rockets
27. Canadiens de Montréal: Phillip Danault, LW Tigres de Victoriaville
28. Washington Capitals: Maxim Shalunov, RW Traktor Chelyabinsk
29. Philadelphia Flyers: Zack Phillips, C Saint John's Sea Dogs
30. Pittsburgh Penguins: Dmitrij Jaskin, RW HC Slavia Praha

- Sadik Idriss and Alex MacDonald

Round Two Predictions:

31. New York Islanders: Myles Bell, D Regina Pats
32. Nashville Predators*: Tobias Rieder, C Kitchener Rangers
33. Toronto Maple Leafs: Xavier Ouellet, D Juniors de Montreal
34. Edmonton Oilers: David Musil, D Vancouver Giants
35. Carolina Hurricanes: Vincent Trochek, C Saginaw Spirit
36. Ottawa Senators: Stefan Noesen, RW Plymouth Whalers
37. Chicago Blackhawks*: Colin Jacobs, C Seattle Thunderbirds
38. Florida Panthers: Joe Morrow, D Portland Winterhawks
39. Boston Bruins*: Tyler Biggs, RW USA U-18
40. Buffalo Sabres: Michael St. Croix, C Edmonton Oil Kings
41. Colorado Avalanche: John Gibson, G USA U-18
42. St. Louis Blues: Lucas Lessio, LW Oshawa Generals
43. Los Angeles Kings: Adam Lowry, LW Swift Current Broncos
44. Columbus Blue Jackets: Nick Cousins, C Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
45. Anaheim Ducks: Austen Brassard, RW Belleville Bulls
46. San Jose Sharks: Scott Mayfield, D Youngstown
47. Nashville Predators: Rickard Rakell, RW Plymouth Whalers
48. Phoenix Coyotes: Jonas Brodin, D Farjestad
49. Chicago Blackhawks*: Jonathan Miller, C USA U-18
50. Tampa Bay Lightning: Nikita Nesterov, D Traktar Chelyabinsk
51. Vancouver Canucks: Dylan Busenius, D Medicine Hat Tigers
52. Chicago Blackhawks: Miikka Salomaki, C Karpat Jr.
53. Dallas Stars: Maximilien Le Sieur, RW Cataractes de Shawinigan
54. New York Rangers: Oscar Klefbom, D Farjestad Jr.
55. Boston Bruins: Scott Harrington, D London Knights
56. Detroit Red Wings: Karl Johansson, D Brynas Jr.
57. Florida Panthers*: Joachim Nermark, C Linkoping Jr.
58. New York Rangers*: Luke Lockhart, RW Seattle Thunderbirds
59. Phoenix Coyotes*: Zakhar Arzamastsev, D Novokuznetsk
60. Pittsburgh Penguins: Mark McNeill, C Prince Albert’s Raiders

* Indicates pick was acquired via a trade

2011 Round One Initial Predictions

Well after several hours of arguing and back and for trash talking my colleague and I have finished our First Round Predictions. We hope you enjoy them and we hope they spark a few interesting conversations. Round Two will be released this weekend, there are some great players left, and for all you people who say that 2011 is a weak draft class, you just haven't done your homework yet.

1. New York Islanders Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, 6 foot 1 1/2
Brings needed speed to the Isles, explosive playmaking ability, will compliment John Tavares at a very high level of play. Leadership is not an issue with this youngster.

2. Edmonton Oilers Adam Larsson, D, 6 foot 3
The need for defence for the oilers prompts them to select this really mature swedish defenseman, that most scouts say is already past hedman in terms of development.

3. New Jersey Devils Sean Couturier, C, 6 foot 4
Big player with sheer determination, and with soft hands around the net makes him a constant threat for scoring goals. Devils lack of centers, and also being the best player available makes this pick a no brainer for the devils.

4. Calgary Flames Jonathan Huberdeau, C, 6 foot 1 1/4
Huberdeau is a skillful centre who can score goals at a high rate. However he plays a good defensive role on his team and his coach never shies away from putting him on the ice to kill a penalty.

5. Florida Panthers Gabriel Landeskog, LW, 6 foor 1/4
Landeskog is a game breaking forward, who can change a game with a goal, a fight, or a hit. The panthers should be extremely thrilled to have landed a player that will change their offensive approach for years to come.

6. Boston Bruins Ryan Murphy, D, 5 foot 10 1/2
With boston's D core, fore the most part, getting older and more defensive sided the Bruins needed a power play quarter back, they have gotten just that in Ryan Murphy. Draws comparison to... dare I say, Bobby Orr? And with the potential departure of Chara around the corner selecting murphy should not be too hard for the B's

7. Carolina Hurricanes Sven Bartschi, LW, 5 foot 10 1/2
Bartschi possesses a fantastic release, that gives goalies nightmares. It's early to say for sure, but I feel like whoever drafts this kid is gonna have a solid forward on their hands. While he might not be the biggest guy on the rink, he never seems to take a shift off and isn't afraid to put his body out there on defense.

8. Dallas Stars Ryan Strome, C, 6 foot 1/4
Terrific skill set, dallas needs to stock up down the middle with possible holes opening up. Ryan Strome will dazzle fans for years to come, he can stickhandle in ways most players can only dream of doing,

9. Buffalo Sabres Joel Armia, RW, 6 foot 2
This product of Finland can really shoot the puck. Joel Armia is terrific stickhandler, and use his big frame to protect the puck. If you turn your head for a minute the puck will be in the net.

10. Atlanta Thrashers Dougie Hamilton, D, 6 foot 4
Atlanta needs a shutdown defenceman, at 6 foot 4 Hamilton is the definition of this. As one Pierre McGuire might say "He's a human eraser Gord!" Listen for that in the upcoming World Juniors. He is also a reliable player on the power play.

11. Nashville Predators Victor Rask, C, 6 foot 1 1/2
Victor Rask possesses a fantastic release and amazing vision. He uses his 6 foot 2 frame to his advantage by winning battles around the boards.

12. Tampa Bay Lightning Nathan Beaulieu, D, 6 foot 3
At 6 foot 3 it's tough to imagine this defenceman as being a two way defenceman, but that's exactly what he is. He is a very smooth skater and should help any team on the blue line.

13. Minnesota Wild Tomas Jurco, RW, 6 foot 2
Tomas Jurco is the definition of pure skill, he’s one of those players that gets you out of your seat whenever he touches the puck. With a combination of good vision, and a really nice one timer this kids a keeper.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets David Musil, D, 6 foot 3 1/2
The Vancouver Giants don't know what they would be without defenseman David Musil. This hulking defender is highly counted upon to clear the crease, and shut down the opposition's best players night in and night out.

15. Ottawa Senators Nicklas Jensen, LW/RW, 6 foot 3
Niclas Jensen is a player that skates extremely well, which allows him to separate himself from the opposing players. He also possesses a cannon of a shot, and is a really good 2 way threat.

16. Phoenix Coyotes Ty Rattie, RW, 5 foot 11
Ty Rattie has the potential to be the best goalscorer in this draft. He is not the tallest of players, but he plays big. He’s an explosive skater and uses his speed well to blow by defenders.

17. Colorado Avalanche Brandon Saad, LW, 6 foor 1 1/4
Brandon Saad is a good skater, he uses his body well to protect the puck while driving the net. He is a very smart hockey player, he knows how to play the game. With him it doesn't always have to be fancy, he has a knack for getting the puck through crowds.

18. Boston Bruins Seth Ambroz, RW, 6 foot 2
With a bigger number of American players coming to the CHL it is tough to find a truly amazing USDP or college player. Ambroz possesses the skill set to be a good player but if he were to switch to the CHL like many of his country man have his game could improve as well as his stock.

19. Chicago Blackhawks Christopher Gibson, G, 6 foot 1
Gibson is the combination of what many consider the best producers of goalies; Finnish and now, Quebecker. Choosing to come play hockey in North America has been the right decision for Gibson as he has impressed since his arrival. He is a perfect fit for Chicago because they desperately need goaltending.

20. Pittsburgh Penguins Alexander Khokhlachev, C/LW, 5 foot 10
Alexander khokhlachev is a really creative player. At times it looks like the puck is tied on a string. He made the move to north america to get accustomed to the game on this side of the pond, and so far it seems like he is thriving on a Windsor team missing a lot of their star studded lineup of a year ago.

21. San Jose Sharks Matt Puempel, LW, 6 foot
Matt is a great player stuck in a bad situation. The Petes have iced a very weak team and Puempel has been their only bright spot, but boy has he been a bright spot. A lethal combination of speed and a quick snap shot has him scoring at a high rate in the OHL, he should be able to cary that over to the NHL without any problems.

22. New York Rangers Vladislav Namestnikov, C, 6 foot 1 1/4
Another Russian invader for the CHL, "Names" has drawn comparison to a certain Pavel Datsyuk, or Alex Burmistrov. He just plays the game well and does it without causing any trouble. Although having just moved to Canada his english is amazing, it sounds like he's never been to Russia. Watch his stock rise in the near future.

23. St. Louis Blues Boone Jenner, C, 6 foot 3/4
Boone Jenner is a smart hockey player. He uses his smarts to get out of tough situations. Boone isn't the best of skaters, but he makes up for it by making quick and efficient decisions. He projects to be a player that plays hard every shift, and can really compliment other players by creating space for them on the forecheck.

24. Anaheim Ducks Shane McColgan, RW, 5 foot 8
After watching Anaheim snag a great Californian last year, one can easily believe that McColgan will be the next Cali born player to hear his named called by the Ducks. The Ducks are proving that their grassroots program is working, and what better way to prove it then by drafting those players. That being said even if McColgan was not from California the Ducks would be overjoyed to have him for he is a natural scorer.

25. Vancouver Canucks Phillip Danault, LW, 6 foot
Vancouver fans should be excited about this energizer. Danault is a guy who will get his team into them game either via a nice hard working goal or a huge hit. Vancouver's depth chart in forward prospects is just loaded with the addition of Danault.

26. Montreal Canadiens Xavier Ouellet, D, 5 foot 11 1/2
Maxime Ouellet is a really mobile defenseman. At 6'2 198 pounds he possesses great size, which will eventually make him a 2 way force in the NHL. He has a great knack to find lanes to the net on the PP, and also always spots the open man. Maxim has a really bright future if he puts it all together.

27. Detroit Red Wings Duncan Siemens, D, 6 foot 3 1/2
Duncan Siemens is 6'3 191 pounds, he is mainly a shutdown defender, he’s a steady type of player that’s good in his own end, but is also very effective transitionally and does have some offensive skill. You better keep your head up when he's on the ice or else you'll pay the price.

28. Los Angeles Kings Maxim Shalunov, RW, 6 foot 3
Shalunov possesses elusive speed and uses it well. He is a very shifty forward and at first glance you might think he's a defenceman. He is 6 foot 3, but he skates and moves like a natural scoring forward.

29. Philadelphia Flyers Daniel Catenacci, C, 5 foot 9 1/2
Daniel Catenacci is a bright spot on a offensively challenged greyhounds team. He was the 1st overall pick in the 2009 OHL priority draft. Daniel has a nice skillset and good determination towards achieving his goal to be drafted to the NHL. He wants to play like Crosby, but play a little more dirtier.

30. Washington Capitals Mika Zibanejad, C, 6 foot 1 1/2
Zibanejad is a well sized forward from Sweden. Washington would love to have him so he can eventually play along with Backstrom and Ovechkin. He will add great depth and scoring to an already potent Washington team.

- Sadik Idriss and Alex MacDonald

INITIAL 2011 TOP TEN

Having recently made our site public we have decided to give you faithful hockey fans a little appetizer, if you will, of what to expect in the coming days. The top ten we have released still lacks the reasoning behind every pick, player bios and important stats along with pictures, but fear not, they will be there shortly along with the rest of the first round selections who will be followed by the second round selections. Enjoy the appetizer but save room for the main course.

- Alex MacDonald