The 2011 NHL Draft; The Top Ten Prospects; NHL Comparisons

Sep 12, 2010
Scott Michalak

Namestnikov: the next Kovalchuk in the NHL draft? - Alaney2k

The ISS has released its list of top prospects for the 2011 NHL Draft. The top ten are rich in talent - those ranked 6-10 could truly slip into the top 5.

As of August 13th, the International Scouting Service listed their top prospects for the 2011 NHL Entry draft. Rankings 6-10 are listed as follows:

Nugent-Hopkins (Prospect Rank: 6)

The 6', 160" pivot has some filling out to do, but his talent and the numbers he is putting up could easily convince an NHL team to take him in the top five. In the '09-'10 season with the Red Deer Rebels (WHL), Ryan racked up 65 points in 67 games (24 goals, 41 assists) - all this without playing with a wingman to truly play alongside his talent level. His efforts earned him WHL Rookie of the Year honors.

NHL scouts are eager to see what he can do when flanked with complimentary talent.

Ryan's strengths are many: amazing stick-handling skills to go along with good speed, and vision. It's likely that his vision is his most vital attribute, as he has shown the ability to read the on-ice play ahead of time, and as a result, seems to be always in the right spot at the right time, and can find team mates in his blindspots.

NHL Comparison: Steven Stamkos

Brandon Saad (Prospect Rank: 7)

Saad is a big, mean, talented young man. The left winger stands at 6'2" and 200 lbs, and is only going to get bigger. A great two-way player who digs deep along the dasher boards, Saad has explosive speed and a strong sense for offense - and put up the numbers to prove it when matched up against his peers.

In the 2009 U-17’s, he scored 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) in 6 games with Team USA, and won a gold medal at the 2010 World U-18 Championships.

As he continues to grow his game and his frame, he could easily power his way into the top 5 in the 2011 NHL draft. For now, he has been picked up by the Saginaw Spirit (OHL).

"He's an all around player, he brings a lot to the table," Spirit General Manager and Head Coach Todd Watson said to the Saginaw News. "He can play in all situations. He can score, he's a power forward. He has good hands, he can play physical, and will be a great asset to our program."

NHL Comparison: James Neal

Ryan Murphy (Prospect Rank: 8)

What Ryan lacks in size (5' 11", 160lbs), he makes up for with pure offensive wizardry - as a defenseman. Playing for the Kitchener Rangers (OHL), Murphy has excellent mobility and is already projecting as an elite puck moving defenseman. He's used on the top power-play line and is killing penalties in Kitchener. He's strong for his size, has explosive speed, and has a surprise knack for employing the hip check to anyone coming into his side of the defensive zone.

In the '09-'10 season, Murphy posted 39 points in 62 games (6 goals, 33 assists).

NHL Comparison: Dan Boyle

Vladislav Namestnikov (Prospect Rank: 9)

Namestnikov's lower ranking in the top ten may only be based on the so-called "Russian Factor," whereby many NHL teams fear any Russian player may at any time pick up his bags and head to the tundra for the promise of the heavy riches of the KHL.

The 6', 160lb center is about as talented as they come, from any continent. In the '09-'10 season, he pocketed 11 goals and 17 points in 26 games for Khimik Voskresensk, all the while playing against seasoned veterans.

Namestnikov is a very reliable finisher, and is a nifty passer and playmaker. An excellent skater, he takes advantage of open space very well. Like others in his draft class, he needs to gain strength before he eventually blossoms in the NHL.

NHL Comparison: Ilya Kovalchuk

Duncan Siemens (Prospect Rank: 10)

Siemens is a pure defenseman, polished in all areas of the defensive game. At 6'3" and 194lbs and growing, Duncan is not afraid to throw his weight around. His physicality comes with rare hockey smarts.

He is currently a rock for the Saskatoon Blades (CHL), where in the '09-'10 campaign he posted 20 points (3 goals, 17 assists) in 57 games. He also anchored Team Canada’s defence at the 2010 IIHF Under-18 tournament, helping his team en route to a gold medal wihle contributing a goal and 2 assists in 5 games.

His work ethic is heady, his transition game is steady, and his shot from the point is heavy. Siemens will be a consistent anchor for a NHL team for many years.

NHL Comparison: Brent Seabrook

Siemens rounds out the ISS's top ten - for now. The amount of talent in this group is deep, and players on the back end of this list can indeed find their way into the top five before the 2011 NHL entry draft takes place. There is plenty of skating, scoring, and scouting to do before all is said and done, but these players will continue to be focal points of the NHL scouting core.