2011 National Hockey League Entry Drafts - Part 2
Columbus Blue Jackets: Ryan Murphy
The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of those teams that disappointed a lot of people as a lot was expected from them. However, their problems on offence and defence continued throughout the season as they were unable to score and allowed too many goals. They
were in the bottom 10 in both the lists at the end of the National Hockey League regular season.
However, the Blue Jackets have a chance to make things a little better if they want to emerge as a strong competitor during the next NHL season. The addition of Ryan Murphy would be absolutely superb as he is one of the lone offensive defensemen capable
of carrying a team in the entry drafts this time.
Though he as a very strong defensive hold, what really makes him an even better player is that this past year while playing for his junior team he scored 26 goals in only 63 games. Scoring 26 goals in that many games is brilliant if you look at it from NHL’s
point of view where the defenders are not accustomed of scoring goals regularly.
The only thing that the Blue Jackets will complain over is the small size of this defensive player. He is well built but nevertheless the added offensive strength that he brings makes him a key player in any team. Murphy stands at 5ft 11in weighing 176lbs,
but it among some of the lightning fast players in the league.
Atlanta Thrashers: Ryan Strome
The Thrashers had a great start to the season and many thought they would make their way into the post-season. However, the final part of the season proved to be disastrous as they slipped down places in the Eastern Conference ending up in the 12th
place.
This was not only disappointing but poor considering the amount of talent and strength that the team possesses. However, now that the season is over they have the next season to look up to and think of how to come out better. One thing that they lacked was
the ability to score from the centre position. The Thrashers will be looking to acquire a talented player that can fill the gap in the centre and produce goals for them.
The Thrashers had Nik Antropov playing in the central position during the regular season but he could not come up with anything extraordinary which hurt them. Antropov scored only 16 goals coupled with 25 assists during the regular season. However, Ryan
Strome seems to be a sensible and productive addition for the Thrashers.
Strome plays for the Niagara Ice Dogs in the Ontario National League where he has been one of the most dominating players in the centre. He has not only bagged 33 goals during the last season but ended with a huge 73 assists taking his total points tally
to 106 points during the season.
Ryan will also provide the Thrashers with an extra edge as he is well built and relies on his physical game quite a bit. He stands at 6ft and weighs 175lbs, as he is among the very best technicians of the game.
If he comes to the Thrashers and the National Hockey League, then expect him to grow even further into an even better player.
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