2011 NHL Entry Draft

Round one of the draft last night, Round 2 later today.
Interesting point from day 1, of the first 30 picks 15 were Canadian (not surprising) 10 were European! 6 of which were from Sweden, with one each from Denmark, Finland, Switzerland and Russia. European players are now matching their skill with a more physical presence on the ice. More NHL hockey GM's are recogizing the fact and it can only be sign of a good future for Euro hockey.

From a US point of view, its doesn't make for good reading, only 5 of the 30 were US born. One US born player went in the top ten and he is Canadian based and he played Junior hockey for Team Canada this year at the Worlds. He was born in the US as his father was a pro hockey player in the 80/90's. The next US player went 15, the rest in the 20's.

Here is the link to the NHL's Draft page;
http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftsearch.htm?year=2011&round=1&intcmpid=nhln-button

Yes, I was surprised at the numbers of Europeans in the draft, and how high up they were chosen.

Delighted that the Bruins were able to grab the big defenseman Dougie Hamilton. And I think the Flyers have done well to get Sean Couturier. Especially seeing as they've traded Carter and Fisher.