With the second pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, the Colorado Avalanche have selected winger Gabriel Landeskog.
Landeskog is a pure physical specimen. A completely developed forward on Draft Day, Landeskog should immediately slide right into an NHL roster on Opening Night. Though he doesn't have the pure potential of the other players in this draft, scouts are very high on Landeskog's intangibles. He should be able to score 25-30 goals a season, but his leadership qualities and physical presence on the ice make him a top draft selection.
This is a draft move for immediate help. Landeskog doesn't have the ceiling of Jonathan Huberdeau or Sean Couturier, but he is developed right now. His selection suggests that the Avalanche front office believe that their team is built to compete this year, as he fills one of top needs on the team at left wing. He gives a strong, physical presence to pair with Paul Stastny or Matt Duchene, and is the type of player that former Avalanche Chris Stewart showed glimpses of becoming -- before he was traded to St. Louis. In a draft of high ceiling prospects, Colorado selected the one player that can give them immediate help.