2011 National Hockey League Entry Drafts - Part 1
The National Hockey League regular season has come to an end and with this the draft lottery has also been decided for the last 10 teams in the league who will be given the pick according to the position they finished in. The list of teams that will be awarded
will be in the following ascending order:
Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Boston Bruins and the Minnesota Wild.
The players can be chosen from anywhere ranging from the junior leagues to international players. Though the draft is usually very interesting, but this time it has a diverse and talented group of players. Let us have a look at some of the top 10 picks during
this draft lottery.
Minnesota Wild: Tyler Biggs
The Wild have always been one of those teams that have become accustomed to physical players with dominating sizes. The players have shined for them when it comes to defence, but they have not performed according to expectations in the offence.
Tyler Biggs is the expected inclusion to the squad in the Wild. Biggs is one of the best in the lot standing at 6ft 2in. The 17-year-old weighing 210lbs also has the added ability to lead a team as he is the Captain of the United States Hockey League US
National Development team.
However, the only drawback of this player may be the lack of playing consecutive games day in and day out. He has not experienced the junior hockey where there are 60 games for each team during the regular season. So when he comes to the NHL he might need
some time to settle after which he can be among the best players. He has a strong competitive drive and loads of talent with the potential of putting in some game changing performances.
Looking at the positive side of this pick is that he will not only bring size to the team but also a lot of skill both defensively and especially offensively, which the Wild lack.
Boston Bruins: Swede Mika Zibanejad
Boston Bruins expected draft pick Mika Zibanejad is in at Number nine in the list and is bound to make the already strong Bruins team even better. The Bruins are very stable when it comes to their offence.
They will be looking to strengthen up the side which is sure to get a boost from the addition of Zibanejad. The Swedish born player has a lot of talent and is among the very best who played his last season with the Djurgårdens IF in the Swedish Elite League.
The Bruins still have a few reservations due to the fact as to whether or not Marc Savard can be the same player when he returns. However, if Zibanejad lands with the Bruins than expect him to fill the offensive gaps very well for the team.
The Bruins will not be in a hurry to make their pick and will give it their best shot to bring this player in. If they try to convince him to join the Bruins, they will have a lot of time since their currently squad is doing pretty well.
The Bruins certainly need him if we look at their current form in the play-offs which has seen them losing both the opening home games. If Zibanejad does decide to join the team, it will benefit the Bruins a great deal.
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