The Colorado Avalanche will have plenty of options in the upcoming 2011 NHL Entry Draft, as the latest My NHL Draft mock projects the selection of forward Jonathan Huberdeau with the second overall pick.
Huberdeau quickly ascended the draft rankings with his play this past season, scoring 43 goals and 62 assists during just 67 regular season games this year with Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL). Huberdeau raised his level of play during the postseason, with 16 goals and 14 assists in 19 playoff games en route to the playoff MVP award.
Huberdeau still has some growing left at 6'1" and only 170 pounds, and will likely need at least another season at Juniors to fill out his frame. Once he's developed, Huberdeau projects as a top six forward and plus scorer. He's been praised for his accurate shot, excellent passing and good vision, and is versatile enough to play at either center or wing effectively.
The mock projects an equally intriguing selection at #11, as the Avalanche take D Duncan Siemens. Siemens has good size, listed at 6'3" and has the potential to become the top two-way defensemen available in this draft. He is a very physical player who is not afraid to join in offensively, but still shows good defensive instincts and can become a true lockdown blue liner. Siemens is likely to need another year in the WHL to refine his play, but he would be a potential steal at #11.
With very few NHL-ready players in this year's draft, both Huberdeau and Siemens are high-upside players that fill holes on the Avalanche's current roster, and could join the team sometime during the 2012-2013 season. Huberdeau is a potential star forward and Siemens projects as a top pairing defenseman. They would both be excellent long-term selections for Colorado.
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