TSR’s 2011 NHL Mid-Term Top 60 Skaters Rankings (1-30)

2011 Draft Rankings | 30 Jan 2011

Click here for Part Two of the Top 60 Skaters (31-60)

Introduction:

Welcome to this year’s edition of TSR’s Mid-Term Top 60 Skaters! I’d like to personally thank all of our staff for putting in a lot of time and effort to help put our list together and offer some tremendous insight on the prospects of the 2011 NHL Draft Class. I’d also like to thank a few anonymous sources who have helped us with some of the European prospects as well as those playing high school and prep hockey, their help is a great resource. With that being said, we hope you enjoy this list and appreciate you visiting TSR as a source for your hockey prospect information!

1. RD Adam Larsson – Skelleftea AIK (SEL)

DOB: Nov. 12/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 220lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 28GP 1G 7A 8P 37PIM
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Larsson is no longer the consensus number one pick he may have been a year ago, but he’s still an enticing player that has a lot of NHL ability. He’s a composed defender with solid skills at both ends of the ice, and while he might not be a franchise type player, he certainly has top pairing potential.
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2. LC Sean Couturier – Drummondville (QMJHL)

DOB: Dec. 07/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 191lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 39GP 21G 44A 65P +31 17PIM
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Couturier also has not been as dominant as he was a year ago, but the rangy pivot still has an elite skill-set to match an imposing frame. Again, he doesn’t project to be a dominant player at the NHL level, but he could be a very good first line center with his size and ability to score in a tight-checking league like the NHL.
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3. LC Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Red Deer (WHL)

DOB: Apr. 12/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 164lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 47GP 13G 49A 62P +15 35PIM
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Nugent-Hopkins has had some struggles finding the back of the net this season, especially at even strength, but his dynamic skill-set is a can’t miss. He may very well have the highest ceiling of any player in this draft due to his exceptional speed and creativity, but his smallish frame will need to mature for him to become that type of player at the NHL level.
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4. LW Gabriel Landeskog – Kitchener (OHL)

DOB: Nov. 23/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 201lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 32GP 25G 20A 45P +24 43PIM
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Landeskog has made a very impressive surge this season and is now in the same company as the former ‘big three’. The Swedish winger is a hard-nosed player with plenty of grit and should be a very safe pick, but doesn’t quite have the high-end upside of the other three. Still a very close race at this point and most will consider the top four fairly interchangeable.
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5. LW Matthew Puempel – Peterborough (OHL)

DOB: Jan. 24/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 190lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 45GP 27G 31A 58P -30 45PIM
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Puempel has been a faller in many people’s eyes this season, but we’ve been impressed by his ability to be a dominant offensive player on one of the weakest offensive teams in the OHL. He’s got an elite release on his shot and exceptional offensive hockey sense, but he’s also showed more of an ability to create on his own this season. Still guilty of disappearing for periods of a game, but his innate offensive ability would look good on the top line of an NHL team.

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6. RD Ryan Murphy – Kitchener (OHL)

DOB: Mar. 31/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.10 | Weight: 165lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 43GP 18G 40A 58P +15 22PIM
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A dynamic player with a skill-set that rarely comes along, Murphy could end up going anywhere from the Top 3 to outside of the Top 10. Has the ability to go end to end with exceptional skating ability and puck handling skills. Has great up-ice vision and is very dangerous in the offensive zone as well. Has really started shooting the puck more this year, and has erased a few concerns about his shot last year. Still has some defensive issues and sometimes loses his man because he’s caught looking for opportunities to turn the play the other way. Size is still a concern as well, as his strength is going to be tested in the NHL.
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7. LC Jonathan Huberdeau – Saint John (QMJHL)

DOB: Jun. 04/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 171lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 46GP 29G 42A 71P +41 55PIM
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A similar player to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Huberdeau is a lanky centerman that makes up for it with a dynamic skill-set and the ability to be a game-breaker on a consistent basis. Huberdeau has a high ceiling and while he could knock on the door of the Top 5, his potential is up there with any of the players in this draft.
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8. LD Duncan Siemens - Saskatoon (WHL)

DOB: Sep. 07/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 200lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 48GP 4G 24A 28P +28 72PIM
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One of the youngest players in this year’s draft, Siemens is an all around defenseman with the prototypical nastiness of a WHL defenseman. This year has been a break-out one for him, as he has refined his offensive game and showed improvements in his ability to move the puck. Loves to take the body and has the size and strength that makes him an extremely difficult player to play against.
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9. RW Joel Armia – Assat (SM-Liiga)

DOB: May 31/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 191lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 36GP 16G 8A 24P 12PIM
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Armia has been the big wildcard riser in this draft thus far, and despite a bit of an average showing at the World Junior’s, he’s firmly entrenched himself as a Top 15 pick. Some may be a little leery of a Finnish player rising this much, but Armia is a big winger with a lot of offensive skill. He’s still a little raw and needs to continue to add strength and grow into his frame, but he has the tools to be a quality goal-scoring forward in the NHL.
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10. RC Ryan Strome - Niagara (OHL)

DOB: Jul. 11/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 183lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 47GP 25G 48A 73P +21 60PIM
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We were very high on Strome coming into the season, but he’s managed to exceed our expectations for him. Strome is a very creative offensive player who also has underrated finishing ability. He has great one on one moves and is very deceptive and has a good burst of acceleration. Strength is still a major issue for us as he loses a lot of puck battles, but he has improved in that regard since his MM season with the Toronto Marlies.

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11. LW Brandon Saad - Saginaw (OHL)

DOB: Oct. 27/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 196lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 43GP 23G 21A 44P +12 32PIM
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Saad had a quick start to the OHL season, but has struggled to elevate his game since to the next level, like many of the other top prospects in this draft. He’s a big guy with good speed and protects the puck well, but just doesn’t compete hard enough on a consistent basis and has minimal grit to his game. Has slowed down a bit offensively, and will need to start to produce to avoid falling further.
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12. LW Sven Bartschi - Portland (WHL)

DOB: Nov. 05/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 5.10 | Weight: 185lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 45GP 26G 32A 58P +15 38PIM
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Bartschi has really come out of nowhere this season, but has quickly made a name for himself playing in the latest North American hotbed for Swiss prospects. Does a good job of going to the net and playing hard despite being undersized. Has a good touch around the net and has found a lot of chemistry with linemate Ty Rattie this season. Defensive zone play needs some improvement as Bartschi needs to be more aware of his responsibilities in zone.
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13. RD Dougie Hamilton - Niagara (OHL)

DOB: Jun. 06/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 193lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 45GP 9G 34A 43P +35 61PIM
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Very capable defender on the offensive end, and solid on the defensive end. Has great size and mobility and isn’t afraid to use his speed to move the puck. Has a big shot and does a good job of getting it through, especially as an asset on the powerplay. Sometimes makes poor decisions moving the puck and also has issues handling opponent’s forechecks. It’s tough to gauge what type of role he might have at the next level which is why we’re a little leery of having him in the Top 10.
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14. LD David Musil - Vancouver (WHL)

DOB: Apr. 09/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 200lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 39GP 4G 16A 20P +9 40PIM
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Once billed as a lottery pick, Musil has seen his stock progressively slide this season as his game hasn’t quite taken that next step forward from a stellar rookie season a year ago. He’s a big guy who is very strong and positionally sound defensively. Can be an effective puck mover, but doesn’t play an offensive oriented game. He’s still a pretty safe pick and projects well as a second pairing type 3/4 guy, but he doesn’t quite have the high-end upside of some of the guys in front of him.
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15. RC Mark Scheifele - Barrie (OHL)

DOB: Mar. 15/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 200lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 47GP 11G 36A 47P -19 24PIM
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Another TSR favorite since the start of the season, Scheifele’s impressive season is starting to get some attention around the league. He’s got a good frame and plays well in the difficult areas. Good along the boards and is very deceptive around the slot. Scheifele sees the ice very well, has a lot of creativity and while his 11 goals won’t blow you away, he actually has a pretty good release but needs to utilize it more frequently. Still needs to add a lot of strength to his frame, and also needs to continue to work on his first few steps, but don’t be surprised if he inches forward a little more after the second half of the season ends.

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16. RD Scott Mayfield - Youngstown (USHL)

DOB: Nov. 14/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 200lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 26GP 2G 3A 5P +2 101PIM
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Mayfield has gotten a lot of praise from our USHL Contributor since the beginning of last season, and he’s solidified himself as the premier defensive player in the USHL this year as an 18 year old. Mayfield is an imposing figure who does all the little things that coaches love such as blocking shots, playing sound defensively and effectiveness in every situation. His offensive production has really flat-lined this season, but NHL teams will be taking him as a potential shut-down guy down the road.
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17. LC Victor Rask - Leksand (Allsvenskan)

DOB: Mar. 01/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 194lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 37GP 5G 6A 11P 8PIM
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A player that has gone under the radar a bit this season, but still has a lot of potential. Rask has a lot of strong offensive qualities and is a creative player with adept finish. Hasn’t quite had the type of year some were likely hoping for, but he’s still a promising player who has very capable NHL potential.
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18. RW Nicklas Jensen - Oshawa (OHL)

DOB: Mar. 16/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 186lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 39GP 23G 20A 43P +13 26PIM
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A big riser from our previous OHL rankings, Jensen has exploded since coming back from the World Junior D-1 Championships. He’s a dynamic player with great skating ability and with his size, he can fight through checks and use his skating ability to go end to end or break plays through the neutral zone. Consistency was an issue for him, but he looks to be bringing it more every game now.
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19. RC Mark McNeill - Prince Albert (WHL)

DOB: Feb. 22/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 210lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 49GP 20G 32A 52P +1 40PIM
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A forward that coaches can turn to in any situation, McNeill is a hard nosed player who competes at both ends of hte rink. He may not have the most pure skills when compared to some of the top draft-eligible players, but with his hustle and anticipation, he is able to jump on loose pucks and he will be able to contribute at the NHL level.  He has managed to be a PPG player with very little help on a subpar Raiders team this year.
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20. RW Ty Rattie - Portland (WHL)

DOB: Feb. 05/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 170lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 49GP 21G 42A 63P +16 37PIM
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Since his huge October, he has seen his point per game total dip after posting 23 points in 12 October games. There is no question that Rattie has the potential to be a top 6 forward in the NHL one day.  Rattie is an above average skater who sees the play extremely well and is very skilled at creating quality chances in the offensive zone.  He also has the scoring touch to finish off those opportunities.

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21. LW Matthew Nieto - Boston University (NCAA)

DOB: Nov. 05/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 183lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 24GP 6G 3A 9P 6PIM
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Hasn’t posted outstanding numbers at BU, but still is an exciting player who works hard every shift. Has a great skill-set and also has very good hockey sense. He will need to have a good second half to the season, but more importantly just needs to continue to show that he’s a player that will battle every night.
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22. LD Nathan Beaulieu - Saint John (QMJHL)

DOB: Dec. 05/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 191lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 46GP 9G 24A 33P +31 36PIM
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Isn’t a dominating defenseman, but does a good job of controlling the pace of a game and does a good job of playing within his means. Makes a very good first pass out of the zone and does a good job of jumping up in the rush when he sees a chance but needs to avoid doing it at inopportune times. Isn’t overly physical but does have good reach and uses it pretty effectively.

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23. RW Dmitri Jaskin - Slavia Praha (Czech)

DOB: Mar. 23/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 196lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 25GP 3G 5A 8P 12PIM
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Jaskin had a knee injury that derailed his season a bit back in November, so don’t be surprised if he works his way up the list over the next few months. He is a well rounded player who has a lot of jam and rarely takes shifts off. Pretty good with the puck and makes good decisions as well. Skating is a bit of an issue, and he’ll need to work on improving his stride.
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24. RW Tomas Jurco - Saint John (QMJHL)

DOB: Dec. 28/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 193lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 39GP 18G 16A 34P +28 13PIM
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Jurco is arguably the biggest game-breaker in this draft, and has made no shortage of high-light reel plays so far in his year and a half long tenure in the QMJHL. Still has issues finding consistency with his game, however, and after a quick start his production has slowed down significantly. Does he remind you of Michael Grabner’s 2005/06 season with Spokane at all?
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25. RC Mika Zibanejad - Djurgarden (SEL)

DOB: Apr. 18/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 195lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 15GP 1G 2A 3P 0PIM
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Big center who plays both ends of the ice and has great leadership abilities. Zibanejad has benefited from playing in the SEL this season, and it should drive him to continually work on his skating which is an area of his game that he needs to work on.

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26. RC Rocco Grimaldi - US U18 Team (USHL)

DOB: Feb. 08/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.06 | Weight: 163lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 14GP 9G 8A 17P +8 14PIM
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Grimaldi easily has Top 10 skills but at 5’6” he will cause NHL GM’s to do some soul searching as to whether they should take a chance on a kid who has never let his lack of size stop him from producing.  Grimaldi owns such pure and  technically sound offensive skills, a picture perfect skating stride, puck distribution and protection skills and the ability to find the net from all parts of the ice.  Grimaldi leaves everything on the ice and shows no fear when the play takes him to the boards.  With Grimaldi, his size is  the only question mark….the rest is absolute.

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27. RW Seth Ambroz - Omaha (USHL)

DOB: Apr. 01/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 211lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 28GP 14G 12A 26P +8 37PIM
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Ambroz may not have held on to Top 5 status as some were predicting but he remains an interesting prospect.  He has continued to increase his production since his rookie USHL campaign as a 15 year old and is currently at a point per game pace.  Ambroz provides offense through his natural goal scoring ability and quick hands in front.  He also provides a physical presence and shows no fear or reservations on the ice.  The question on Ambroz has been and remains his skating.  Before you see him play, you tend to expect more due to the hype and can leave disappointed, until you look at the score sheet.  It will be interesting to see if he stays the NCAA route with Minnesota or takes his game to Seattle in the WHL.

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28. LC Alexander Khokhlachev - Windsor (OHL)

DOB: Sep. 09/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 5.10 | Weight: 172lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 45GP 26G 31A 57P +4 24PIM
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A dynamic Russian forward who has been a consistent offensive performer all season long. He’s got very good offensive creativity and has the ability to really break down a defense with his stickhandling ability and elusiveness. Prone to disappearing at times, but when he’s on his game, he has the ability to take it over. Especially dangerous on the powerplay when given time and space. Strength is a bit of a concern as he can be neutralized by physicality. Could certainly be a riser in the second half.

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29. RD Robbie Russo - US U18 Team (USHL)

DOB: Feb. 15/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 193lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 15GP 0G 3A 3P +3 6PIM
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The more you see him, the more you have to come away impressed with Russo’s intangible abilities.  His hockey sense is at an elite level both offensively and defensively as he seemingly has the puck on his stick most of the time he’s on the ice whether he’s skating with it through the neutral zone or intercepting opposing passes.  Russo is very smooth and effortless as he skates the puck into the attacking zone and has the ability to find the seams in the opposing team’s forecheck and exploit them through his quick passes or by skating it himself.
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30. LC JT Miller - US U18 Team (USHL)

DOB: Mar. 14/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 198lbs 
Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 12GP 1G 9A 10P +4 37PIM
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Miller is a very strong, powerful skater and he uses his speed to help him both offensively and defensively.  Miller is an extremely hard worker and has the ability to get to loose pucks as well as separate the puck from the carrier seemingly at will.  He has strong puck skills to go with his skating and is very dedicated to his end of the ice.  The only knock on Miller is that when you see him play and admire his skills, you wonder why he doesn’t produce the numbers to match those skills.
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Click here for Part Two of the Top 60 Skaters (31-60)

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