Not only do the Ducks boast a good core of young players like Perry, Getzlaf, Ryan and 2010 NHL Draft Steal, Cam Fowler, they also have a plethora of quality prospects coming up through their system. At forward, blue chippers, Emerson Etem, Peter Holland, Devante Smith-Pelly and Kyle Palmieri all provide long term hope for the continued success of the black and orange. The blueline also provides much strength in Justin Schultz and Sami Vatanen; and that's without mentioning defender, Jake Gardiner, who they dealt away for the services of Francois Beauchemin. With no pressing need for his club, Bob Murray goes with his gut, choosing who he believes is the best player available.
"With the twenty-second pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Anaheim selects, from the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League - Niklas Jensen."
A beautiful blend of size and skill, Niklas Jensen has serious upside and could garner a lot of attention come June. The Denmark native could be the most talented player to come out of his home country, and likely would be if he could engage himself more on a nightly basis.
At 6'3, 187 lbs, Jensen is tall and thin, with lots of room to pack on weight. While he projects to be something of a power forward, Jensen has a lot of tools in his arsenal from a bullet of a shot, to his soft hands. He can set up shop in the dot and add another dimension to his game with his bullet of a shot. If he can learn to control the front of the net, Jensen could provide to be a versatile and dominant player.
Jensen's long legs are a huge asset to him, as a very powerful skater. His strides are long and he plants himself firm when he takes off, making him rather difficult to knock off the puck. His footwork could do with some improvements, as he has been known to stop moving his feet and coast when he could be working a bit harder.
Jensen has the ability to take over a game and be a pretty dominant force. However, more often than not, there seems to be little drive in him. A body made for the cycle game at the NHL Level, Jensen needs to get much stronger with his boardwork and continue to strengthen his core.
Hockey has been in his family for quite some time. His father, Dan Jesen, is most known for his time with the Peterborough Petes before going onto a career in the Denmark League.
Questions will be implanted in many scouts mind over Jensen's drive and passion on the ice. However, with the skill and physical package Jensen offers, a team will take a chance in the first round on a prospect with top ten skill. If a development team can fix the mental issues, Jensen could prove to be a top selection from this draft.
Taken Previously...
1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
2. Gabriel Landeskog
3. Jonathan Huberdeau
4. Dougie Hamilton
5. Adam Larsson
6. Sean Couturier
7. Ryan Strome
8. Ryan Murphy
9. Duncan Siemens
10. Mark McNeill
11. Nathan Beaulieu
12. Jamie Oleksiak
13. Mika Zibanejad
14. Joel Armia
15. Mark Scheifele
16. Matt Puempel
17. Brandon Saad
18. Sven Bartschi
19. Joe Morrow
20. Zack Phillips
21. Tyler Biggs
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