Over the next few days I'm going to a small series on HockeyBuzz. I will take my "Top 10" Prospects, in order of how I see them on a BPA level, and make a case for why the team in that spot should pick them. We'll start with Edmonton, today...
Steve Tambellini approaches the podium. The Xcel Energy Center has been abuzz for quite some time now, as the young stars of tomorrow find their seats. The General Managers, Scouts, and various other player personnel people within the NHL have all found their ways to team tables.
In his hand, is the jersey, as the building quiets.
"With the first pick of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Edmonton
proudly selects, from the Red Deer Rebels... Ryan Nugent-Hopkins."
Ryan and family are proud of their son as he removes his jacket and makes his way to the stage. The building comes to life once again, and the viewers watching from home are treated to more Pierre McGuire.
A very likely scenario that could play out quite soon. With a recent push for teams to build down the middle, following the great success of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tambellini looks at his depth chart and sees some hope in the 2-3 spots, but aside from the off chance that Ryan Martindale realizes his full potential, he'll need to find a franchise center. It's near impossible to name a team who's won the Stanley Cup in recent years without one.
When a kid comes along with as much vision and talent as Nugent-Hopkins, teams take notice. It's not often that scouts compare a 17 year old with the great Joe Sakic; but that's who he shows flashes of. When teams think of franchise players, they think of players like Sakic, Steve Yzerman, and Sidney Crosby; players who could elevate the play of those around him. RNH has done just that with the Red Deer Rebels.
A near point a game season in his first go round with Red Deer last season put the former first overall pick from the WHL Bantam Draftonto the map, and with 106 points this year (tied for the CHL league for 2011 Draft Eligibles with Strome), he continued his strong play.
When scouts watch players, they keep the four S's in mind; speed, skating, smarts and skills. It's been said that if you have three you'll be a good player, and with two, you've got a serviceable NHL'er. When a player can identify with all four? You've got a great player.
While it's far too early to be appointing the 'Nuge' to the Hockey Hall of Fame, one can't deny that Nugent-Hopkins displays all four in some capacity.
When, and if, the Oilers do draft the young Burnaby native (hello, Joe Sakic?)... I fully expect to hear "R. N. H." in Rexall Place.
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NOTE: B's fans, Knight piece will be posted tonight, sans interview. Once I do get a chance to chat with him (now that he's with Providence, it's harder to get in contact with him), I'll post the interview up for you to read.
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