Does Gabriel Landeskog or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins go first overall? Redrafting the 2011 NHL Draft

The 2011 NHL draft was a highly-anticipated event as it featured a number of promising prospects ready to make their mark in the league. With hindsight, however, it is clear that some of the top picks made by teams did not live up to expectations. In this article, we will be redrafting the top 10 picks of the 2011 NHL draft.

Some of the most elite skill in draft history

#1 - Edmonton Oilers - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Edmonton Oilers)

The Edmonton Oilers made the right decision by selecting Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with the first overall pick in 2011. Nugent-Hopkins has become a consistent and reliable player for the Oilers, and he has racked up over 500 points in his career thus far.

#2 - Colorado Avalanche - Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche)

The Colorado Avalanche also made a wise choice by selecting Gabriel Landeskog with the second overall pick in 2011. Landeskog has been an integral part of the Avalanche's success in recent years, serving as the team's captain and contributing both on and off the ice.

#3 - Florida Panthers - Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary Flames)

While Jonathan Huberdeau has had a solid career with the Florida Panthers, it's hard to overlook Johnny Gaudreau's talent. He has been a consistent scorer for the Calgary Flames and would have added some much-needed offensive firepower to the Devils.

#4 - New Jersey Devils - Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Adam Larsson has had an up-and-down career since being selected by the New Jersey Devils with the fourth overall pick in 2011. In hindsight, the Devils would have been better off selecting Nikita Kucherov, who has become one of the league's most dominant scorers in recent years.

#5 - New York Islanders - Dougie Hamilton (Boston Bruins)

Ryan Strome has had a decent career since being selected by the New York Islanders with the fifth overall pick in 2011. But it's hard to ignore Dougie Hamilton's talent. Hamilton has established himself as one of the best defensemen in the league, and he would be a valuable addition to any team.

#6 - Ottawa Senators - Sean Couturier (Philadelphia Flyers)

Mika Zibanejad has had a solid career in the NHL, but Sean Couturier would have been the better choice for the Ottawa Senators with the sixth overall pick in the draft. Couturier is one of the best defensive forwards in the league and would be a valuable asset to any team.

#7 - Winnipeg Jets - Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg Jets)

The Jets were correct in selecting franchise cornerstone Mark Scheifele in the 2011 NHL draft. he has become a star player for the team. With his speed, skill, and hockey sense, Scheifele is a threat every time he steps onto the ice.

#8 - Boston Bruins - Mika Zibanejad (Ottawa Senators)

Mika drops to eight, but that’s no knock on him, he’s still an elite scorer who took time to break out in the NHL. Since being traded to the New York Rangers in 2016, Zibanejad has continued to thrive, putting up impressive numbers and leading the team in scoring. With his speed and skill, Zibanejad is sure to continue making an impact in the NHL.

#9 - Philadelphia Flyers - J.T. Miller, (New York Rangers)

While Sean Couturier has become a valuable player for the Philadelphia Flyers, J.T. Miller would have been a better choice with the eighth overall pick. Miller has become a consistent scorer for the Vancouver Canucks and would have provided the Flyers with some much-needed offensive depth in the draft.

#10 - Minnesota Wild - Jonas Brodin (Minnesota Wild)

Jonas Brodin may not have been the most-hyped prospect in the 2011 NHL draft, but he has proven himself to be one of the best. His defensive prowess, offensive contributions, and durability make him an invaluable player for the Minnesota Wild, and it's clear that the team made the right choice in selecting him with the 10th overall pick.