MONTREAL, QC.– All Habs has your handy guide to the 2011 NHL Entry draft from a Montreal Canadiens perspective including player previews, prospects currently in the system and a drafting philsophy overview that you can find here.
Last year Pierre Gauthier surprised Canadiens followers by moving doing something fans are not accustomed to seeing in Montreal: moving up in the draft. Gauthier traded a second round pick to move up five spots in the draft to get a big defenseman, Jarred Tinordi. At the recent Canadiens development camp, Tinordi was a standout.
Below, we have included eight players who have been mentioned in mock drafts or by experts as potential selections of the Canadiens this year. You will find statistics and our brief commentary on each player to help you get to know them.
Following the player preview, we have listed the top current Canadiens’ prospects for comparison.
Do we have a favorite?
There are several players who could fill the needs list for the Canadiens. While the sheer size and potential dominance of defenseman Jamie Oleksiak is attractive, Gauthier filled that bill with Tinordi at last year’s draft.
Upfront the Habs have a small aging group that will have to be replaced. We expect to see Gauthier choose a skilled player with size who will be a top-six asset for years to come.
We are intrigued with the nastiness of Tyler Biggs and the pure offensive skills of Joel Armia. But if the Canadiens are looking for a power forward who has the all the tools to fit into their style of play, the choice will be Mark McNeil — he is probably the best all-around forward in the draft. There is more risk attached to Mark Scheifele but he would also make a fine selection.
Don’t forget to participate in the All Habs mock draft. You can enter your picks here.
2011 Draft Player Preview — Montreal Canadiens’ potential selections
Mark Scheifele, C, Barrie (OHL)
Height: 6-2 Weight: 177 lbs
2010-11: 66 GP, 22 G, 53 A, 75 PTS, 35 PIM
ISS No. 18 THN No. 41 TSN No. 12
Scheifele is seen as a high-risk pick. He is a great playmaker who was the brightest light on a bad Colts team. Scheifele does not play as physical as he could given his size.
Jamie Oleksiak, D, Northeastern (H-East)
Height: 6-7 Weight: 244 lbs.
2010-11: 38 GP, 4 G, 9 A, 57 PIM
ISS No. 16 THN No. 17 TSN No. 17
Habs fans are already dreaming about the twin towers of Oleksiak and Jarred Tinordi on the blueline. Oleksiak is a good skater, has some offensive upside and can be dominant, one-on-one.
Mark McNeil, C, Prince Albert (WHL)
Height: 6-1 Weight: 204 lbs.
2010-11: 70 GP, 32 G, 49 A, 53 PIM
ISS No. 21 THN No. 16 TSN No. 19
McNeil is a smart power-forward who plays a good two-way game. His hockey sense, dedication to fitness and versatility has scouts singing his praises.
Brandon Saad, LW, Saginaw (OHL)
Height: 6-1 Weight: 208 lbs.
2010-11: 59 GP, 27 G, 28 A, 47 PIM
ISS No. 24 THN No. 14 TSN No. 22
Saad is a strong, smart two-way forward who is responsible in all areas of the ice. Consistency and work ethic are two areas that he will have to address.
Joel Armia, RW, Assat (FinE)
Height: 6-3 Weight: 191 lbs
2010-11: 48 GP, 18 G, 11 A, 24 PIM
ISS No. 13 THN No. 15 TSN No. 14
If the Canadiens are looking for a pure goal scorer then Armia will be their pick. The product of Finland is a smart, strong winger who played with Habs prospect Joonas Nattinen in the WJHC. Armia is a sniper who is a somewhat streaky scorer.
Tyler Biggs, RW, US U-18
Height: 6-2 Weight: 210 lbs
2010-11: 55 GP, 19 G, 12 A, 112 PIM
ISS No. 31 THN No. 20 TSN No. 15
Biggs is a strong, tough player who is not afraid to drop the gloves. Projected as a third line winger, Biggs has offensive upside with a strong shot but will need to improve his discipline.
Jonas Brodin, D, Farjestad, (SEL)
Height: 6-1 Weight: 165 lbs.
2010-11: 42 GP, 0 G, 4 A, 12 PIM
ISS No. 20 THN No. 22 TSN No. 10
Brodin is a smooth, poised, puck-moving defenseman. He is not physical but relies on good reads and positioning to effectively neutralize opposition forwards.
Zack Phillips, C, Saint John (QMJHL)
Height: 6-1 Weight: 181 lbs.
2010-11: 67 GP, 38 G, 57 A, 16 PIM
ISS No. 34 THN No. 9 TSN No. 28
Phillips has superior offensive talent, finishing in the top ten in QMJHL scoring. Concerns about his skating caused his stock to fall throughout the year.
Rankings:
ISS = International Scouting Service
TSN = TSN’s Bob McKenzie
THN = The Hockey News
Montreal Canadiens’ Top 12 Prospects
Danny Kristo, RW, North Dakota (WCHA)
Height: 5-11 Weight: 180 lbs
2008 draft, 56th overall
Louis Leblanc, C, Montreal Juniors (QMJHL)
Height: 6-0 Weight: 172 lbs
2009 draft, 18th overall
Jarred Tinordi, D, London (OHL)
Height: 6-6 Weight: 212 lbs
2010 draft, 22nd overall
Alexander Avtsin, D, Hamilton (AHL)
Height: 6-3 Weight: 198 lbs
2009 draft, 109th overall
Aaron Palushaj, RW, Hamilton (AHL)
Height: 6-0 Weight: 185 lbs
2007 draft, 44th overall (acquired via Matt D’Agostini trade)
Brendon Nash, D, Hamilton (AHL)
Height: 6-3 Weight: 206 lbs
2010 free agent
Andreas Engqvist, C, Hamilton (AHL)
Height: 6-3 Weight: 199 lbs
2009 free agent
Mac Bennett, D, Michigan (CCHA)
Height: 5-11 Weight: 170 lbs
2009 draft, 79th overall
Brock Trotter, C, Dynamo Riga (KHL)
Height: 5-10 Weight: 185 lbs
2008 free agent
Brendan Gallagher, RW, Vancouver (WHL)
Height: 5-8 Weight: 163 lbs
2010 draft, 147th overall
Steve Quailer, RW, Northeastern (H-East)
Height: 6-4 Weight: 200 lbs
2009 draft, 86th overall
Joonas Nattinen, C, Espoo (SM-liiga)
Height: 6-2 Weight: 183 lbs
2009 draft, 65th overall