(Last updated Monday, October 10th 2011)
1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Had a slow start in terms of goal production, including going goalless in 13 games in October, but ended the 2010-11 season with 17 goals in his final 20 games after being cut from Canada's U-20 team. Strengths - high end skills, including amazing vision and agility. Quick elusive skater with superb edges. Soft hands and creative puck handler. Solid work ethic and character. Weaknesses - Needs to add some muscle to compete with NHL defencemen in tight quarters. More of a playmaker than a goal scorer, although he began showing more finish at season's end. NHL Upside - first-line center who draws comparisons to Pavel Datsyuk in terms of style. - Tsn.ca
Nugent-Hopkins has stood out in his first minutes as an Edmonton Oiler. The Oilers lined up Nugent-Hopkins with fellow 1st overall pick Taylor Hall, and the duos skill and chemistry created all kinds of offensive changes. Ryan scored in his first game.
