06-04-2011, 12:27 PM
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#6
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Rookie
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2011 Entry Draft
Looks like that draft list was pretty useless for this draft.
Nugent-Hopkins falls to 7th Overall
JUNE 23, 2011 - MINNESOTA
In an unbelievable first round, one of the big names going into the draft wasn't even on of the first 5 names to be called. Nugent-Hopkins, one of the most talked about players fell to 7th overall. When new GM Igor Larionov heard Phoenix select Sean Couturier, he breathed a huge sigh of relief. The top 10 selections are as follows
1. Toronto - A. LARSSON
2. Colorado - B. JENSEN
3. St. Louis - M. HOUSER
4. Dallas - R. GIOVANNINI
5. Boston - M. GAGNON
6. Phoenix - S. COUTURIER
7. New Jersey - R. NUGENT-HOPKINS
8. Anaheim - K. DACKELL
9. Chicago - D. CORRENTE
10. Edmonton - R. Steeves
Round 1 - 7th Overall: NUGENT-HOPKINS, Ryan - C - Red Deer, WHL
It's incredible that such a gifted hockey player fell into the Devil's lap at 7th overall. The playmaking center received a lot of hype leading up to the draft and may now have a chip on his shoulder from being passed over by several teams with needs down the middle. Excellent hands and passing ability coupled with good sense in both the offensive and defensive zone give Nugent-Hopkins the potential to be a star. One more year in junior should polish this gem to NHL standards.
Round 3 - 71st Overall: CONZ, Benjamin - G - Langnau, Swiss
Fans may be familiar with Conz due to his incredible performance in the 2010 World Juniors for Switzerland. He was named Best Goaltender for the tournament on his way to leading Switzerland for an impressive fourth place finish. While playing in a professional league has allowed Benjamin to be physically capable of taking on a starters workload, he will likely spend the year in the AHL adjusting his considerable skill set to the North American game. (in my last dynasty I got him one pick earlier)
Round 4 - 101st Overall: DAHLBECK, Klas - D - Linkopings HC, Elite
This big Swedish rearguard has a defensive mindset, but a good all-around game. Klas will use his speed and positioning as much just as often as he will size and force to neutralize opponents. After playing last year in a professional European league Dahlbeck is likely headed to the AHL to adapt to the North American game.
Round 5 - 131st Overall: SIEMENS, Duncan - D - Saskatoon, WHL
While Siemens is similar in build to Dahlbeck's, he plays a different game. Duncan has more of a nose for the net as well as an excellent slapshot, it is easy to imagine him anchoring a powerplay in the future. While he provides good offense from the postion he isn't a below average defender either. More of a project than the previous picks, look for him to spend several more years in junior developing his game.
Round 6 - 161st Overall: SKVORTSOV, Sergei - RW - Russia
Despite the new Russia influence in the front office, Sergei was the only Russian selected in the draft. A power forward with a decent shot, Skvorrtsov is another raw talent. He will need to develop his two-way play if he hopes to make an NHL roster. Several years in the minors may be necessary to develop his overall skills.
Round 7 - 191st Overall: FLEMINGTON, Kyle - D - Sarnia, OHL
The hulking defensemen is a huge physical presence and plays with a mean streak. Able to inflict devastating hits on the ice as well as with his fists. has good speed and athleticism for a big-man. Flemington projects to be a 3rd pair d-man and tough guy in the future. Another year in junior wouldn't hurt his development.
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