2011 Draft Watch: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011), C, Red Deer

Slender pivot is listed at 6-foot-1, 185-pounds .. seems to be always around the puck .. effortless skater that appears to be able shift directions like only the elite can and is very elusive in tight spaces .. lacks the strength to go through a checker, but rarely gets held up and is extremely hard to knock off of the puck when he's got a step on an opponent .. strong on his stick .. showcases a six sense of knowing where the puck is going to be .. exhibits a very high hockey I.Q. .. splendid one-touch passer and thus is definitely more of a playmaker .. good technique on the draw aided by lightning fast reflexes .. uses his stick and great positioning to create turnovers .. takes the pass like his stick is covered with stickum .. will finish his checks and does do a decent job taking the body .. uses terrific agility and one step quickness to close down time and space on the puckcarrier .. creates space with his stickhandling to get the shot away .. can be guilty of over handling at times .. a Red Deer insider stated that he's never seen a player in the organization do the same at the same stage in their career .. likes to be off to the right on the power play between the faceoff dot and the redline .. wears an A .. centered the top line Andrej Kudrna and John Persson .. doesn't kill penalties.

Factoid: Recently ranked first overall in our December Top 30 Rankings. He was awarded the WHL rookie of the year award in 2009-10.

Current Season: 34gp, 10-35-45, +9

Last Season: 67gp, 24-41-65 (WHL)