To give readers an idea of what may be to come in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft tonight, I have looked over a ton of mock drafts from around the net that have the New York Rangers picking different players with the 15th overall pick. I then took those players and provided scouting reports for each of them, including strengths and weaknesses, below. Let's get to it.
- Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert (WHL)
Scouting Report: Mark McNeill possesses hockey sense and skill that cannot be taught. Both intelligent and creative, he stands head and shoulders above most of the Raiders forwards and won numerous accolades for his play as a 17-year old this past season with the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. McNeill makes plays out of almost nothing and sees the ice and developing play as well as anyone in the WHL.
He is at his most dangerous in close quarters to the opposing goaltender using his strength and quick hands to put points in the net. He does not look to always carry the puck himself but instead uses his on ice ability to see the play developing to see the best possible pass to move the puck quickly. He takes the team game to a higher level with the raiders, as the many Raiders Fan Zone polls can attest to. A strong physical and a strong skater definitely rates him high in the upcoming draft as a centre with size and skill, and most teams looking for that rare combination.
While his offensive abilities are exceptional, McNeill can also play both sides of the ice.
- Boone Jenner, C, Oshawa (OHL)
Scouting Report: One of the best name's in this draft, Boone Jenner plays a crafty two way game. Boone Jenner has completed two years with the Oshawa Generals and scored 25 goals last year. Jenner was on fire in the playoffs scoring 7 goals and adding 12 points in only 10 games.
Boone Jenner will not blow anyone away with skill but he is a player who doesn't make a lot of mistakes. He plays an excellent two-way game but at the same time has great hands. He plays a power forward type game and he will only continue to get better as he develops.
- Vladislav Namestnikov, C, London (OHL)
Scouting Report: Namestnikov is one of the fastest skaters in this class and he also has great vision on the ice. Namestnikov scored 30 goals in his rookie season with the Knights this year and only got better as he adjusted to the new style of hockey. Namestnikov will be drafted this year has a skilled player who both shoot and pass the puck.
Namenstnikov's downfall is that he needs to continue to bulk up before making the jump to the NHL. He has the tools to one day play in the NHL but the team that drafts Namenstnikov should let him play under Dale Hunter and his great staff of coaches before thinking of rushing him to the next level.
- Joel Armia, RW, Finnish Elite League
Scouting Report: Joel Armia is a budding power forward already playing in the Finnish Elite League at 17 years old. 6'2, 185 lbs, Armia has an incredible shot and uses his size to his advantage on the cycle. Already drawing comparisons to Finnish great Teemu Selanne, Armia possesses a similar scoring touch, though not to the same degree. Although he underwhelmed during the World Junior Championship, the Finnish team collectively flamed out during the metal round. Though he is one of the top offensive players in the draft, Armia may not go straight to the NHL, as his defensive game needs rounding out. Armia projects to go in the from any where inside to top 10-the a pick in the mid teens.
- Mark Scheifele, C, Barrie (OHL)
Scouting Report: Mark is a player with NHL size and has the tools to become a very good NHL'er. Scheifele is a playmaker but contains a good scoring touch. Has good speed to his game. Scheifele is a smart two-way player who in the future will be a power forward in the NHL.
To make the next step, Scheifele will need to add on some muscle to his frame. His currently 6'3 175, to make the jump watch for him to be in around the 190-195 range. NHL teams could consider him as a project with only playing one year in the Ontario Hockey League but in a few years, he could become one of the better steals of the draft.
- Tyler Biggs, RW, US NTDP
Scouting Report: Above average penalty killer willing to sacrifice the body. Makes few mistakes in the neutral zone and shows signs of being a 20G 20A player. Stocky kid that uses his size. Will be a steal in late first round. Not tremendous upside, though.
- Brandon Saad, LW, Saginaw (OHL)
Scouting Report: Brandon Saad will not overpower you with his skill but he is a force on the ice. He seems to be dropping a bit in the draft ranking but he could end up being one of the better picks in the draft. Saad was a point per game player with the Saginaw Sprit and he only got better as the season moved on.
Saad scored 27 times during the regular season and also added 3 during the playoffs. He is a guy that is extremely strong and will win a lot of battles in the corners, he's a power forward type player. He also plays a good two-way game and Saad has a strong hockey IQ.
- Matt Puempel, LW, Peterborough (OHL)
Scouting Report: Matt is a fantastic player, with both skill and speed, Matt moves the puck well and is able to protect the puck in his own end. Everytime his time has the puck you can see Matt getting in front of the net waiting for passes, but he is also not afraid to play in the corners and behind the net. Matt has puck control abilities for beyond the tender age of 17, he is smart enough to fall back to defence if needed or any other position, he can cover his man very well and can create turnovers.
- Rocco Grimaldi, C, USHL
Scouting Report: One of this years smallest forwards but his skill is top notch. Standing only 5'6 , Grimaldi possesses great speed and plays a two way game. He is extremely fun to watch and you notice him on every shift. If he was a bigger player, Rocco would be considered as a top 10 pick, his size may lead him to dropping a bit in the draft but some General Manager will fall in love with this kid's talent. He had a very strong U18 and will raise in the rankings before the draft. His rights are owned by the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL but Grimaldi will be playing NCAA hockey next year.
My Prediction: It's changed several times while looking into this draft, but after viewing all of the scouting reports and reading all of the opinions I am going to go with center Mark McNeill of the WHL. He is a great all around player that will fit nicely into the Rangers system.
REMINDER: Join me tonight as I live blog the entire first round of the draft right here on the blog starting at 7 p.m.!