I hope you guys like this mock better than my previous ones. Can someone explain to me how these conditional picks work? I think there fascinating, but I don’t understand how exactly they work.
If you don’t like a pick please explain why you dislike it or mention someone else who is more worthy of the pick so I learn something new moving forward thanks.
Also teams picking 15-30 will be based on my playoff predictions along with regular season standings taken into account.
Round 1
1. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Nugent Hopkins C Red Deer Rebels WHL Edmonton’s front office has compared Ryan Nugent Hopkins to Wayne Gretzky in terms of field vision I know they have Shawn Horcoff, Sam Gagner, Gilbert Brule, and Jordan Eberle on the roster right now, but they do not need to rush this kid. If Edmonton likes Nugent Hopkins this much they are going to take him and end up trading Gilbert Brule because the #1 overall pick always plays right away on an NHL squad and I’d expect that if Nugent Hopkins goes #1 overall. Horcoff has a 5 year contract right now, while Gagner and Eberle are key pieces at center moving forward. Edmonton will likely start Nugent Hopkins on line 4 and as he progresses and improves he will jump other players on the roster and work his way up to a line 1 role where he plays with Taylor Hall in the future. Jordan Eberle played some right wing down the stretch when injuries occured so if Edmonton wanted to they could pair up Nugent Hopkins and Eberle on line 2 which Oilers fans would probably love to see.
Personally I’d take Larsson because Edmonton needs a line 1 defender and they are set at center, but I think the Oilers will draft someone like Ryan Nugent Hopkins #1 overall because their comparing him to Gretzky in terms of field vision and because he is the most NHL ready player in the 2011 NHL Draft.
Don’t rule out Gabriel Landeskog the right winger for the Kitchner Rangers. Landeskog may be a wild card to go to Edmonton. Edmonton has left wingers in Taylor Hall, Linas Omark, Magnus Paajarvi, and Teemu Hartkiainen. Look at the right wingers besides Hemsky and Zach Storini they got nothing. Edmonton could move Storini down to line 3 and draft Landeskog as a line 2 right winger. Taylor Hall started out on line 2 and will likely jump to line 1 next season. Don’t be shocked if Edmonton does this.
In the end Edmonton takes Nugent Hopkins because people are comparing his field vision to Wayne Gretzky and Edmonton seems to like Nugent Hopkins the best among their current NHL players.
2. Colorado Avalanche Gabriel Landeskog RW Kitchner Rangers OHL Colorado Avalanche GM Greg Sherman does not know who he will draft yet, but right now Landeskog is the front runner to go to Colorado.
Colorado may consider Adam Larsson, but they pick at #11 also so the consensus is they take a game changing right winger and put him on line one with Duchene while moving Peter Mueller down to line 2 and Brandon Yip down to line 3. TJ Gallardi is a top notch left winger and with Landeskog and Duchene on line one Gallardi will get more chances as well.
The Lake Erie Monsters Colorado’s AHL Team have a 2nd and 6th round pick from the 2008 NHL Entry Draft that were key elements in the line one defense on the Lake Erie Monsters. Joel Chouinard a 2008 6th round pick and Cameron Gaunce a 2008 2nd round pick have solid potential. Bringing both of these guys up to Colorado and putting them on line 3 while getting a line 1 defenseman for the Avalanche at #11 while bumping John Michael Liles and Kyle Quincy down to line 2 would give the Avalanche a potential top 10 defense down the road in the NHL so they have the luxury of taking Landeskog here.
3. Florida Panthers Sean Couturier LW Drummondville Voltigeurs QMJHL I would not draft Couturier in the top 5 because he reminds me too much of Kyle Turris due to poor accuracy on wrist shots and slap shots. Couturier’s role on the ice is being a teams sniper and a sniper has to shoot the puck with great power and accuracy. Couturier has that quick slap shot that you cannot coach, but his accuracy needs some work in terms of shooting. He may get their with ice time, but I’m not buying his intangibles for the moment in terms of shooting accuracy.
Couturier’s talent and his value may be too good for the Florida Panthers to pass up on at this point so I believe the Panthers will draft him. Couturier played center on Drummondville so he could move to center if that is necessary. I posted a scouting report on why Sean Couturier is the next Kyle Turris. Plus if Couturier goes to a place like the Florida Panthers he may not thrive due to the fact that Florida is such a warm climate. Turris went to a warm climate in Phoenix as well which is another thing to consider.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Kyle Turris let me fill you in. In 2007 Kyle Turris was projected as the #1 overall player by the NHL Scouting Bureau. The Chicago Blackhawks were expected to take him #1 overall and have a 2 line combo with Teows and Turris with the Philadelphia Flyers picking 2nd and the Phoenix Coyotes picking 3rd. Ovechkin, Crosby, and Staal were all graded out as the top prospects in the previous 3 drafts and all 3 players proved to be productive. Chicago was not sold on Turris so they drafted Patrick Kane with the first pick. The Flyers were not sold on Turris either so Wayne Gretzky drafted Turris 3rd hoping to build the Coyotes around Turris. Last year Patrick Kane scored the overtime goal against the Philadelphia Flyers that got the Chicago Blackhawks a Stanley Cup for their team, their fans, and most importantly the city of Chicago in general. Also, Turris got bumped down to the AHL which means he is a bust, because you do not waste a top 5 pick on a player like Turris at the time only to send him to the AHL 3 years later. Imagine if Chicago had passed on Kane and went with Turris the Blackhawks would probably continue to struggle, but another key factor that played into there decision was that the Blackhawks drafted Teows the previous season with the 3rd overall pick in 2006 so they kind of felt like they had to go with a winger to compliment Teows and the Blackhawks decision to take Patrick Kane over Turris got them a Stanley Cup.
Florida finished in the top 8 in penalty killing despite the fact that their 2010 first round pick Eric Gudbranson did not play. That’s why I believe they cannot afford to take Adam Larsson the Skellfetea defender considering their needs on offense.
Florida needs offense more than they need defense and Couturier can play left wing, center, or right wing even though he has terrible accuracy for a sniper.
4. New Jersey Devils Adam Larsson D Skellfetea Eliteserien Larsson is exactly the kind of defensemen the Devils need to keep centers like Sidney Crosby, Evegeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Mike Richards, Claude Giroux, Jeff Carter, John Tavares, and Brian Sutherby in check. Larsson can start out on line 3 of this Devils defense that has a lot of players with big contracts who are getting overpaid and as some of these contracts expire Larsson can work his way up the depth chart in the long run until he anchors a deadly line one unit with Anton Volchenkov who needs a defenseman like Larsson to make him look better.
5. New York Islanders Jonathan Huberdeau C Saint Johns Sea Dogs QMJHL Huberdeau is considered the best available player and in this situation the Islanders draft him here.
6. Ottawa Senators Ryan Storme C Niagra IceDogs OHL Ryan Storme is a top notch center to compliment Jason Spezza and Storme is the right kind of center that the Senators need.
7. Atlanta Thrashers Dougie Hamilton D Niagra IceDogs OHL Atlanta ranked 27th out of 30 teams in penalty killing. While the Thrashers are strong on defense with a few big name players they have to keep drafting defenseman until their penalty killing numbers improve. Atlanta has the luxury of not rushing Hamilton to the NHL so look for him to remain with Niagra next fall while Storme is playing in the NHL.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets Duncan Siemens D Saskatoon Blades WHL Siemens is starting to creep up draft boards plus I get the feeling that the Blue Jackets reach for him. Other options on defense include Ryan Murphy of Kitchner and Nathan Beaulieu of Saint John. Any of these 3 defenseman could go to Columbus, but all 3 defenseman will be gone by pick 11 if Boston takes a defenseman.
9. Boston Bruins from Toronto Maple Leafs Ryan Murphy D Kitchner Rangers Ryan Murphy gives the Boston Bruins incredible value with this top 10 selection. The Bruins have two good lines of defense, but they need a line 3 defenseman. Murphy can tryout for a line 3 spot, but if he does not make the team this year he can play for Kitchner for another year.
10. Minnesota Wild Mika Zibanejad C Djurgardens IF Hockey Elitserien The Minnesota Wild take the last top 10 player in Zibanejad and boost their offensive core. Zibanejad can go to a Houston Aeros AHL team that is pretty good and play there until he is ready to move up to the NHL because Minnesota has 4 different centers with one way NHL contracts.
11. Colorado Avalanche from St. Louis Blues Nathan Beaulieu D Saint John Sea Dogs QMJHL Colorado gets a superstar caliber defenseman with this pick and has the picks to boost the defense. The Avalanche ranked 30th out of 30 teams in penalty killing so they have to take a defenseman with one of these two picks at either pick 2 or pick 11.
12. Carolina Hurricanes Sven Bartschi LW Portland Winterhawks WHL The Carolina Hurricanes usually go for forwards and take the best available player here with this pick.
13. Calgary Flames Mark McNeil C Prince Albert Raiders WHL Calgary needs depth at center and Mark McNeil seems like a match made in heaven for Calgary.
14. Dallas Stars Jameson Oleksiak D Northeastern Dallas loves drafting WHL players in the first round the same way the Pittsburgh Penguins love QMJHL players and I’m having trouble figuring out what they will do. The Texas Stars made the playoffs so Dallas will sign any farm team players and move some players up to the Dallas Stars meaning that Dallas will be set on offense. They won’t find a WHL player who can play on offense plus they do not leave goaltending so
I honestly believe Oleksiak is their best option long term because the Northeastern defenseman is 6 foot 7 240 pounds. Oleksiak can remain on Northeastern and develop until Skrastins is ready to retire because Skrastins is 36 years old and he does not have too much time left.
Plus at this point the next best WHL prospect would not be available until pick 22 so taking Oleksiak makes a lot of sense.
The Northeastern Huskies have had a lot of success in the annual Boston Beanpot and Oleksiak is the main reason why the Northeastern defense has had recent success.
15. New York Rangers Daniel Catenacci C Salt. Ste. Marie Greyhounds OHL I picked the Washington Capitals 4 games to 1 in over the New York Rangers my stanley cup playoff predictions so the Rangers pick 15th at the moment in this mock draft.
I know New York has quality centers, but passing up on a prospect with the talent that Catenacci is creeping up draft boards and has made a case to be a top 15 pick. I think the Rangers could add some depth at left wing, but a lot people believe the Rangers will draft a center in round 1. And all of the left wing prospects available are reaches. Catenacci is a two way forward who can play the center or the winger role so he is a good fit for the Rangers at #15.
16. Buffalo Sabres Boone Jenner C Oshawa Generals OHL I took the Flyers in 6 games because they have more offensive and defensive depth with their lines, but Buffalo has a goalie in Ryan Miller and I’m not sold on the Flyers goaltending plus neither team dominates in terms of penalty killing which is why the Flyers VS Sabres series is kind of a push.
Buffalo likes drafting based on size so maybe they draft Boone Jenner with the 16th pick.
17. Chicago Blackhawks Mark Scheifele C Barrie Colts OHL I picked Vancouver to knock off Chicago 4 games to none. If Chicago wins a game it means I was wrong about the series, but I give Vancouver the edge because Chicago dropped from 8th to 25th in penalty killing. I haven’t been sold on Corey Crawford and they do not have playmakers on lines 3 and 4 behind Teows and Frolik. The Rockford Icehogs did not perform well so the Blackhawks need depth on their farm team and their pro team on lines three and four which should be easy holes to address considering the teams depth on defense. I know the Blackhawks should be picking 18th, but I have the Canadiens knocking off Boston in 7 games which is why Chicago is picking here.
Mark Scheifele managed to post 75 points along with 13 power play goals and he is an outstanding center when your team is down a man. Sounds exactly like the kind of player the Blackhawks need. None of the top notch defenders are worth considering until pick 20 so I think Chicago drafts a center here.
Another option is Vladimir Namestnikov the London Knights center. The last Blackhawk Chicago drafted out of London got Chicago their first Stanley Cup in a very long time with Patrick Kane.
I gave Chicago Scheifele, but I could see them just as easily taking Namestnikov.
18. Anaheim Ducks Vladimir Namesnikov C London Knights I have all the 7-5 seeds advancing to the 2nd round in the Western Conference meaning the 2 seed, 3 seed, and 4 seed will all be picking earlier than expected. I have the Nashville Predators knocking off the Anaheim Ducks in 5 games due to Rinne and a sick defense.
Anaheim has nothing behind Getzlaf and Koivu at the center position and I’d say at least 2-5 centers could go between picks 13-20. Anaheim should add depth at center and draft a flashy forward for line 3 at center who can bump up to line 2 when Koivu retires in Namesnikov.
19. Tampa Bay Lightning Jonas Brodin D Farjestad Sweden Eliteserien I have the Pittsburgh Penguins defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in 7 games which is why the Lightning are picking at #19.
Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman realizes the importance of having a defenseman and right now Brodin is a line 2 defenseman on Farjestad. I get the feeling Yzerman may draft his own swedish blue liner who may pair up with Victor Hedman sometime down the road. Another thing to consider is Brodin can play in the AHL until he makes the jump to the NHL.
20. Toronto Maple Leafs from Boston Bruins Zach Phillips C Saint John Sea Dogs QMJHL And the Maple Leafs went from a team with no 2011 NHL first round to a team with 2 first round picks. Boston’s pk is bad and Montreal has a top 8 pk unit which is why I took Montreal in 7 games.
Toronto owns Boston’s picks and has a few needs. They may need a line 4 center and a left winger. Zach Phillips is a quality acquisition at this point in the NHL Draft.
21. Detroit Red Wings Joel Arima C Assat SM-Liiga Finland I have the Coyotes winning this series in 7 games, but Phoenix looked sloppy against Detroit in game 1 and the Coyotes are 26th out of 30 teams on the PK so seeing Detroit win this series really would not shock me based on how Phoenix played during game 1.
Arima is a two way forward who can play center or right winger on line 1. Plus Detroit can put Arima on Grand Rapids to improve their farm team in the AHL because he does not have a contract clause with the CHL.
22. San Jose Sharks Stefan Noesen RW Plymouth Whalers I have the Kings winning this series which is the only reason San Jose is picking so early in the NHL Draft compared to where they should be picking.
San Jose is set at center and goalie for now. They need line 3 defenseman, a line 2 right winger, along with wingers for depth on line 3 and line 4.
I recently watched some film of Plymouth Whalers right winger Stefan Noesen and I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen out of Noesen on film. Noesen posted 32 goals and 43 assists adding up to 73 points in 60 games.
Right now I believe Noesen is the front runner to go to San Jose, but I’ve managed to write scouting reports on other top wingers including Matt Puempel LW Pterborough Petes, Seth Ambroz the RW for Omaha in the USHL, and Shane McClogan RW Kelwona who could all be considered options for the San Jose Sharks.
Right now I’m mocking Noesen to San Jose. A lot could change between now and June though so this is only the beginning of the NHL draft process. San Jose won’t begin their draft process until someone knocks them out of the playoffs.
23. Montreal Canadiens Phillip Danault LW Victoriaville Tigres QMJHL I have the Capitals knocking off Montreal in the 2nd round after Montreal wins a war of attrition when it comes to a battle tested series against the Boston Bruins.
The Montreal Canadiens would love to have a versatile forward who can make plays like Phillip Danault. Montreal is in a position to take the best available player because they have depth on their NHL and AHL team. Danault would most likely return to the QMJHL for another year of development.
24. Edmonton Oilers from Los Angeles Kings Scott Mayfield D Youngstown USHL I like Vancouver over Los Angeles in 5 games unless Kopitar returns. If Kopitar returns and the Kings get this far they have a fighting chance of knocking off the Canucks.
The Oilers got this pick in the Dustin Penner trade which sent Penner to the Kings. I think the Oilers did this for the extra first rounder and because they want Taylor Hall on line 1 next season.
Edmonton needs a line one defender and there are 2 defenders they can get at this juncture.
Joseph Morrow the Portland Winterhawks defender and Scott Mayfield the USHL defender.
I think Mayfield is a much better fit for this Oilers defense moving forward and putting him on line one would make their penalty killing unit stronger because Mayfield is a smart instinctive player with a great hockey IQ. Mayfield can win face offs at center on offense too which is another advantage with Scott Mayfield making him a very versatile player that you can do multiple things with in terms of developing complex hockey plays and hockey schemes for coaching your team.
25. Phoenix Coyotes Niklas Jensen RW Oshawa Generals OHL I have Phoenix moving on and winning a game or 2 thanks to Bryzgalov, but I strongly believe Nashville will be this years version of the Montreal Canadiens because of their penalty killing and their goaltending.
Jensen can play left winger or right winger and Phoenix needs help at right winger since Shane Doan switched from right wing to left wing.
26. Toronto Maple Leafs from Philadelphia Flyers Matt Puempel LW Pterborough Petes OHL I have the Flyers going up 3 games to none before Crosby returns and the Penguins do the Flyers what the Flyers did to the Bruins last year.
Philadelphia traded their first round pick to Toronto and Puempel provides great value for Toronto at this juncture because he was once in that #1 overall pick conversation with Larsson, Couturier, and Nugent Hopkins to start the year, but Puempel’s stock has really managed to hurt his teams overall value at this point.
27. Ottawa Senators from Nashville Predators Seth Ambroz RW Omaha USHL I have Nashville making the Western Conference Finals before losing to Vancouver which is why their picking here.
Seth Ambroz sounds like someone who should and would play on the Ottawa Senators. Ambroz got this pick from a trade with the Nashville Predators.
28. Washington Capitals Shane McClogan RW Kelowna Rockets WHL The Capitals are going to lose the Eastern Conference Finals is Crosby returns because I see this team with goalie issues without Varlamov plus Crosby #1 Pk, plus a Stanley Cup winning goalie showcase all the elements of a team that has been there before and that is looking to get back to the Stanley Cup.
29. Pittsburgh Penguins Thomas Jurco RW Saint John Sea Dogs QMJHL I have the Penguins making it to the Stanley Cup which is why they are picking here at this point in my 2011 NHL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Penguins love QMJHL players and Jurco provides the depth that the Penguins need down the road at right winger. The Penguins probably will take the best QMJHL player and I believe Jurco is that player at this point in the NHL Draft.
30. Vancouver Canucks David Musil D Vancouver Giants WHL Vancouver is my pick to win the cup over the Pittsburgh Penguins in 7 games.
I think Vancouver has to get a game changer on defense. Vancouver has depth everywhere on their NHL and AHL squad so Morrow would likely return to the WHL for another season.
Round 2
31. Edmonton Oilers Tyler Biggs RW USA U-18 USHL Biggs has enough talent to go into round 1, but there is so much depth in this draft a few round 1 guys could fall into round 2.
Edmonton will need a line 3 right winger and a line 2 right winger if Storini leaves and Biggs can play center or right winger and is a very versatile right winger.
32. St. Louis Blues from Colorado Avalanche Brandon Sadd LW Saginaw Spirit OHL St. Louis does not have a first round pick so taking a left winger when your short wingers makes a lot of sense. The St. Louis Blues get their left winger here.
33. Florida Panthers Ty Rattie RW WHL Portland Winterhawks The Florida Panthers need offense and they will have no one under contract long term at the right winger position. Ty Rattie who could go as high as #21 overall becomes an option for Florida in round 2.
34. New York Islanders Max Friberg LW Skovde Sweden The New York Islanders can draft Friberg and send him to the AHL team the Bridgeport Tigers. Bridgeport was one of the worse teams in the AHL this season.
35. Ottawa Senators Shane Prince LW Ottawa 67′s OHL The Senators did well in the penalty killing department finishing 9th in that area. Craig Anderson has been solid as a goaltender, but I feel like Ottawa needs more offensive firepower to ignite their team.
Shane Prince is a two way forward who can line up at center or left winger and is very versatile. Prince is a playmaker with flashy speed. This year Prince managed to obtain 25 goals, 63 assists, and a total of 88 points in 70 games.
36. Chicago Blackhawks from Atlanta Thrashers Joseph Morrow D Portland Winterhawks WHL Chicago needs left winger for depth, a 4th line center, and someone that they can groom for the future on defense.
Chicago plummeted from 8th to 25th in penalty killing so getting a defensemen in the first two rounds to groom for the future is a major priority for the Blackhawks.
37. Columbus Blue Jackets Alexander Khokhlachev C Winsdor Spitfires OHL Columbus is stacked at center, but they may want someone for the future and Khokhalchev is a two way forward who can play center, left winger, or right winger. Khokhlachev is a playmaker who sets up goals by passing the puck. Once considered an early 2nd round pick there is talk that he may crack the top 25 of the 2011 NHL Draft.
Khoklachev set up passes to Taylor Hall on this Winsdor team last year so he is an intriguing prospect to watch moving forward.
Khoklachev was second on Winsdor in goals scored with 34 goals scored in 67 games this season for the Winsdor Spitfires OHL squad..
38. Nashville Predators from New Jersey Devils Victor Rask C Leksands Allsvenskan Victor Rask had first round talent, but a drop off in performance along with some character issues cause Rask to fall to Nashville.
Nashville needs centers for the Milwaukee Admirals on lines 1-4. Its amazing that the Admirals got to the Calder Cup with wingers as centers so lets give the Nashville Predators Rask.
39. Toronto Maple Leafs Christopher Gibson G Chicoutimi Sagueneens QMJHL Jean Sebastian Giguere has an expiring contract and the Maple Leafs could afford an upgrade at goalie. Christopher Gibson’s value as a goaltender is too good to pass up on here because Gibson could go as high as #16 to Buffalo.
I know most teams are set at goalie, but there comes a point in the NHL Draft where you have to consider getting a goalie in the NHL Draft for the long run and for Toronto I think that point is now in round 2.
Christopher Gibson was on a losing team and led the QMJHL with a .920 save percentage, and was second in the QMJHL with fewest GAA with a 2..42 GAA. Gibson also recorded 4 shutouts along with the statistics I already mentioned.
40. Boston Bruins from Minnesota Wild Rickard Rakell RW Plymouth Whalers OHL Boston could use some depth at right wing. Rakell is a playmaking right winger with a high work ethic. Brings a lot of tenacity to a hockey team and plays very aggressive defensively.
41. St. Louis Blues Nick Jensen D Green Bay USHL The St. Louis Blues could use some defensive depth and Nick Jensen is the best available player here at this point in terms of defensemen.
42. Carolina Hurricanes Jonathan Miller C US-Under 18 Team Carolina needs a line 4 center behind Eric Stall, Brandon Suter, and Jeff Skinner. Plus Carolina usually drafts a center in the first two rounds.
43. Chicago Blackhawks from Calgary Flames via Toronto Maple Leafs Lucas Lessio LW Oshawa Generals OHL Chicago needs a left winger for depth and Lucas Lessio provides great value in round 2.
44. Dallas Stars Rocco Grimaldi C USHL Under 18 Team Dallas will draft a center in the first 2 rounds if Brad Richards leaves. I know they will need a right winger to replace Langenbrunner, but there are numerous options for Dallas in round 2.
Rocco Grimaldi getting that center for the future is the first option.
The second option includes drafting a defenseman like Joel Edmunson the top WHL defenseman and the only worth first round consideration WHL prospect left at this point.
The Dallas Stars final option would be to draft Dimitri Jaskin of Slavia Czech Republic.
I think Dallas gets Grimaldi here because they don’t have a 3rd rounder and if they bring back Langenbrunner they won’t have a 2nd rounder. Centers are so important for depth and Dallas needs to groom someone for the future in this draft. I cannot see Dallas double dipping on defense with Richards and Langenbrunner being potential free agents so if they take Oleksiak in round 1 expect them to go with a center or right winger in round 2 assuming they do not resign Langenbrunner.
45. New York Rangers Dimitri Jasken RW Slavia Czech Republic New York needs a 4th right winger for depth and Jasken provides good value for the Rangers in the 2nd round.
46. St. Louis Blues from Buffalo Sabres Mario Lucia LW Wayzata High School Minnesota The St. Louis Blues need that 2nd left winger because they only have 2 left wingers on their depth chart so I expect the Blues to take 2 left wingers with 2 of their 3 2nd round picks.
47. Ottawa Senators from Chicago Blackhawks Matthew Nieto RW Boston University Ottawa needs a line 4 right winger and Nieto provides good value here at pick 47.
48. Anaheim Ducks Adam Clendening D Boston University Anaheim needs to improve their penalty killing and will draft a defenseman for the future even though they are very deep in terms of depth at defense.
49. Tampa Bay Lightning John Gibson G Ohio State John Gibson may be better than Christopher Gibson and Tampa Bay needs to draft a goaltender early so they may target Gibson in this NHL Draft.
50. New York Islanders from Montreal Canadiens Compensation Pick Joel Edmundson D Moose Jaw Warriors WHL The Islanders need some help on defense and there were no defensive prospects available until this point in the 2011 NHL Draft.
51. Ottawa Senators from Boston Bruins Connor Murphy D US-Under 18 Team Ottawa has so many early round picks they can afford to take the best player available here.
52. Detroit Red Wings Oscar Klefbom D Farjestads BK Eliteserien I have the Red Wings losing in 7 games, but it looks like they will win this series up 2-0 and I will have a 4 round NHL Mock Draft update after the opening rounds end.
Detroit loves swedish defenseman and Klefbom is a good pickup in round 2.
53. San Jose Sharks Tobias Rieder C Kitchener Rangers OHL San Jose needs a two way forward for depth and Rieder is playmaker who sets up shots for Gabriel Landeskog when they play on the same lines.
54. Florida Panthers from Montreal Canadiens Ryan Tesink LW Saint John Sea Dogs QMJHL Florida needs all the offensive firepower they can get and by drafting a center and a right winger with their first 2 picks they add a left winger to the roster.
55. Los Angeles Kings Michael St. Croix C Edmonton Oil Kings WHL The Los Angeles Kings have depth everywhere on their NHL and AHL teams so they have the luxury of taking the best available player and waiting until that player is ready to go to the AHL or the NHL. Michael St. Croix is a talented player worth getting in the 2nd round.
The Los Angeles Kings have 3 players with expiring contracts so if none of those players return St. Croix would start on line 4 behind Brayden Schenn on line 3, Jarrett Stoll on line 2, and Anze Kopitar on line one.
56. Phoenix Coyotes Myles Bell D Regina Pats OHL Myles Bell is a good pickup for Phoenix at this point in round 2 of the NHL Draft. Phoenix could use one more defenseman that they can patiently groom for the future. I have Nashville knocking off Phoenix in 6 games, but Phoenix will probably pick earlier than 56 in my next 4 round mock draft.
The Coyotes finished 26th out of 30th in penalty killing during the regular season so they have to draft a defenseman in the first two rounds even if they have great depth on defense..
57. Phoenix Coyotes from Philadelphia Flyers Marcel Noebels RW Seattle Thunderbirds WHL Noebels is such a raw project, but I feel like the Coyotes will draft him. Turris was a project and the Coyotes still believe he has the upside and potential to succeed. I see a similar scenario with Noebels as they address their right winger issue.
58. Nashville Predators Robbie Russo D USA Under 18 Team Nashville is stacked at center, left wing, defense, and goalie, but all the right wingers are reaches so they take the best player available at this point.
59. New York Rangers from Washington Capitals Mike Reilly D Shattuck St. Marys School Minnesota Both the Islanders and Rangers are looking at Reilly as a 2nd round prospect.
60. Pittsburgh Penguins Jean-Francois Leblanc C Val-d’Or Foreurs QMJHL Pittsburgh loves QMJHL prospects because Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, and Marc Andre Fleury all played for QMJHL teams before entering the NHL. The Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) are the three different Canadian Hockey Leagues and the Pittsburgh Penguins have the most roots to the QMJHL so I see them drafting a QMJHL prospect once again in round 2.
Pittsburgh needs a plan B in case Crosby and Malkin are not ready for next season. I know they got Stall and there are other players stepping up, but it never hurts to have insurance at center. The Pittsburgh Penguins are stacked at center, but it would not hurt to groom a center for the future in Pittsburgh.
61. Vancouver Canucks Viktor Berglind D Brynas IF Eliteserien Vancouver is set everywhere, but I feel like they could add more depth at defense and I have the Canucks double dipping on defense taking a Swedish defender from the Eliteserien league in round 2.
Round 3
62. Edmonton Oilers Stuart Percy D Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors OHL Edmonton’s only needs at this point will be line 3 defenders and a right winger for lines 3 and 4 line 3 right winger if Storini does not return.
If I’m Edmonton I get a defender here and start setting up my defense. Edmonton was 29th out of 30 teams in penalty killing so they need to double dip at the defender position. Ryan Whitney and Scott Mayfield can play line 1 with Foster and Gilbert two players with more than one year left on their contract playing line 2. Edmonton needs a line 3 defender and that’s where Stuart Percy comes into play.
63. Anaheim Ducks from Colorado Avalanche via New York Islanders Miikka Salomaki C Karpat Oulu SM Liiga Anaheim needs multiple centers for lines 3 and 4 behind Getzlaf and Koivu. The Islanders can send this pick or their 5th pick to Anaheim and the picks are pretty close apart so I think they send this pick to Anaheim. The picks that the Islanders have are only 2 picks apart so I really don’t think they care which pick they send away.
Salomaki can play for Anaheim’s AHL team so this pick works out well.
64. Florida Panthers Nick Shore C Denver The Florida Panthers will need offensive playmakers and will take the best offensive player. At this point Nick Shore is probably considered the best offensive player available.
65. New York Islanders Rasmus Bengtsson D Rogle BK Eliteserien The New York Islanders get another defender for their lineup. Bengtsson can go to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the AHL and help out a poor Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL Team.
66. Ottawa Senators Colin Jacobs C Seattle Thunderbirds WHL Ottawa gets another center to rebuild their offense in Colin Jacobs with their 3rd round pick. Ottawa needs numerous upgrades on offense. The defense and penalty killing unit did okay, but besides Spezza and Alfreddson this Senators team has nothing on offense.
67. Atlanta Thrashers Olivier Archambault C Val-d’Or Foreurs QMJHL Archambault is the last 2nd round prospect that could fall to round 3. Which really limits what teams could do when drafting players now. At this point the only prospects worth drafting are round 3 prospects.
68. Columbus Blue Jackets Markus Granlund C HIFK Helsinki SM-Liiga Columbus can send Granlund down to their AHL team so this pick works out very well for Columbus.
69. New Jersey Devils Forfeited Pick due to Kovalchuk Signing.
70. Chicago Blackhawks from Toronto Maple Leafs Scott Harrington D London Knights OHL Chicago needs to improve that penalty killing unit by drafting defenseman for the future. These guys do not have to start right away and can return to their respective Canadian Hockey Leagues until they are old enough to go to the AHL and play for the Rockford Icehogs, but Chicago may double dip at defense looking for penalty killer.
71. Minnesota Wild Adam Lowry LW Swift Current Broncos WHL Minnesota has depth at center, right wing, defense, and goalie, but they need some left wingers and this is where a player like adam Lowry comes into play. Minnesota will reach for a left winger because all their current defenseman have multiple years left on their contract.
72. St. Louis Blues Jessie Forsberg D Prince George Cougars WHL St. Louis’s AHL team the Peoria Riverman will be depleted on defense so double dipping at defense is necessary in this NHL Draft.
73. Carolina Hurricanes Joakim Ryan D Dubuque Fighting Saints USHL Carolina gets a defenseman with this selection here to shore up their defense.
74. Edmonton Oilers Austen Brassard RW Belleville Bulls OHL Edmonton needs a line 4 right winger that will be a line 3 right winger if Storini leaves Edmonton. Austen Brassard provides great value with this pick.
75. New Jersey Devils from Dallas Stars Matt Killian D Delbarton School New Jersey New Jersey will get this pick if the Dallas Stars fail to resign Langenbrunner. I think they select Killian a hometown prospect with this pick.
76. Florida Panthers from New York Rangers Phillippe Hudon RW Choate Rosemary Hall Connecticut Florida has a penalty killing unit on defense that finished in the top 10 and a goalie in Voukoun. They have to stack up on offensive players in this draft.
77. Buffalo Sabres Barclay Goodrow LW Brampton Battalion OHL The Buffalo Sabres always draft for size. Goodrow is 6 foot 2 209 pounds and the Sabres biggest need is the left wing position.
78. Chicago Blackhawks Craig Wyszomirski D Gunnery School Connecticut Chicago needs defense for the penalty killing unit and they would not need to rushWyszomirski.
79. Anaheim Ducks Tyson Teichmann C Belleville Bulls OHL Teichmann is a unique prospect because he can play center or goalie. Teichmann is exactly the kind of player the Ducks need in round 3.
80. St. Louis Blues from Tampa Bay Lightning Mike McKee D Kent School Connecticut St. Louis goes with more defense in this draft looking to rebuild one of the middle of the pack penalty killing units that was 18th in the league.
81. Florida Panthers from Boston Bruins Vincent Trocheck C Saginaw Spirit Florida continues to add offensive firepower and rebuilds a team for the future.
82. Detroit Red Wings Petr Placek D Hotchkiss School Connecticut Placek is a defender that the Red Wings could groom for the future. Detroit is a defensive factory and the Red Wings continue to stack up on defenseman.
83. San Jose Sharks Jordon Binnington G Owen Sound Attack OHL San Jose needs to add a goalie for the future. Binnington provides good value in the 3rd round for a goaltender here.
84. Montreal Canadiens Garrett Meurs C Plymouth Whalers OHL Montreal is so deep in terms of depth they can afford to take the best player available with this pick.
85. Los Angeles Kings Zakhar Arzamastev D Russia Los Angeles is stacked everywhere and can take the best available player. They do not really need defense, but Arzamastev is the best available player at this point.
Drew Doughty’s contract expires and he will come back to Los Angeles unless another team makes the Kings an offer they cannot refuse like 3 future first round picks. Just to be safe Los Angeles should get a defenseman in case this unlikely scenario occurs that way the Los Angeles Kings defense is prepared with or without Doughty. Right now I’d say there is a 99 percent chance Doughty returns to Los Angeles.
86. Boston Bruins from Phoenix Coytoes Justin Seftin D Sudbery Wolves OHL Boston gets another defenseman for depth with this pick late in round 3.
87. Toronto Maple Leafs from Philadelphia Flyers Clark Garrett D Halifax Mooseheads QMJHL Toronto can take the best available player and put him in the minor leagues for a few years.
88. Nashville Predators Alan Quine C Kingston Frontenacs OHL Nashville needs centers for their AHL team and they get Quine as a developmental player in round 3.
89. Florida Panthers from Washington Capitals Alex Gacek C Indiana USHL Gacek is an underrated center who could make an impact down the road for this Florida Panthers team.
90. Philadelphia Flyers from Pittsburgh Penguins Matt McNeely G US-Under 18 Team I’m not sold on the Flyers long term answer at goalie and McNeely is a 3rd round prospect at goaltender. Philadelphia should take a flyer on him here.
91. Vancouver Canucks Brent Andrews LW Halifax Mooseheads QMJHL Brent Andrews is a left winger who could contribute down the road in Vancouver while continuing to develop in the QMJHL.
