For the second straight season, New York General Manager, Garth Snow, finds himself with the fifth overall pick after selecting franchise forward, John Tavares, is 2009. To compliment Tavares, New York boasts a strong core of young players and prospects; forwards Nino Neiderater, Michael Grabner and Kyle Okoposo, as well as defensemen Travis Hamonic, Calvin de Haan and Aaron Ness headline the group.
Having dropped out of the 4th spot, with New Jersey winning the Draft Lottery, Garth Snow approaches the podium.
"With the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, we are proud to select, from Skelleftea of the Swedish Elite League, defenseman Adam Larsson."
Some surprise found the Islanders Scouting Staff, not under the impression that Larsson would fall to them.
While comparisons in playing style to future Hall of Fame defenseman, Niklas Lidstrom, are a bit lazy - it is worth noting that he is ahead of the curve developmentally at the same age. An outstanding skater by trade, Larsson needs some continued work on his foot work to improve both his acceleration and play down low in the defensive zone. An accurate point shot, and strong first pass highlight the skill that this Swedish blueliner has in his arsenal.
Off the chart hockey IQ are the reason for optimism, say scouts. While Larsson shows no real physical edge to his game, his smarts and stick work have him as a top defenseman in his own zone, playing in a men's league at such a young age.
The concerns for Larsson stem from development issues. Larsson has seen most of his ice time in defensive situations, without much chance to develop the offensive side of his game behind Ottawa prospect, David Rundblad. While the tools are there for Larsson, without a chance to work on his offensive game this year or possibly next, should he decide to stay in Sweden, his offensive development could stall.
A combination of smarts, skills and size are a cause for excitement for any team looking for a two-way top four defenseman with franchise potential.
In 37 games this season, with Skelleftea, Larsson would notch one goal and eight assists.
Taken Previously...
1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
2. Gabriel Landeskog
3. Jonathan Huberdeau
4. Dougie Hamilton
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