The 2011 NHL Entry Draft was a pivotal moment for the National Hockey League, as teams from across the North American continent gathered in Saint Paul, Minnesota to make their picks of young talent that would shape the future of hockey. This highly anticipated event allowed each team to acquire new prospects and build their rosters with hopes of success on the ice. From Ryan Nugent-Hopkins being drafted first overall by Edmonton Oilers to Mark McNeil going 18th overall to Chicago Blackhawks, this draft certainly made an impact throughout all 30 franchises. It marked a thrilling start for many players’ careers while others experienced disappointment when they were not selected at all. The 2011 NHL Entry Draft will go down in history as one filled with excitement and promise among both fans and professional athletes alike.
1. Duncan Siemens
Colorado Avalanche
Duncan Siemens is a 29-year-old Canadian ice hockey player who currently plays for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Siemens was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the third round, 85th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
He played four seasons with their affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals before being traded to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Max McCormick and a fourth round pick in 2018.
In 2019, he re-joined his former team, now playing in Milwaukee under new head coach Paul Fenton.
Siemens has also played nine games with HC Davos of Switzerland's National League A (NLA) over two seasons where he registered one goal and five assists.
Duncan Siemens is married to Brianna and they have two children - Ryder Tyler (born October 10th, 2016) and Addison Isabelle (born January 30th 2020).
2. Tyler Biggs
Kalamazoo Wings
Tyler Biggs was born in the United States, and played hockey for Binghamton of the American Hockey League (AHL) before being signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs as an unrestricted free agent in 2013.
He made his NHL debut with Toronto during the 2014–15 season, scoring two goals on eleven appearances.
Injuries limited him to just seventeen games over the following two seasons, but he bounced back strongly in 2017–18 when he scored twenty-four goals – tenth highest total in franchise history – helping lead Toronto to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2004.
Biggs has also represented Team USA at both junior and international level, winning a gold medal at the World Junior Championships in 2011 and silver medals at both IIHF World Championship tournaments - including a goal that saw him crowned tournament MVP - between 2012 and 2016.
After finishing second overall in voting for Theoren Fleury Trophy as AHL Rookie of Year during the 2015–16 season, Biggs was named captain of Binghamton ahead of 2018–19 campaign where they missed out on post-season play by one point due to losing tiebreakers against Syracuse.
On July 1st 2019 BIGGS re-signed with TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS to a six year contract extension worth $31 million dollars.
3. Zack Philips
Kalamazoo Wings
Zack Phillips was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick on October 28th 1992. He is 6'1" and weighs 181lbs, which makes him a big centre at 6ft 1".
Zack played junior hockey with the Fife Flyers of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) before being drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2011.
After two seasons with the Wild's AHL affiliate Houston Aeros, Philips made his NHL debut during the 2016-17 season and has since appeared in over 100 games for Minnesota.
In 2018-19 he had a career high 21 points playing for Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey - a tournament that saw Canada win gold medals.
Now 31 years old, Zack is looking to continue his NHL career into another decade or so and will be part of Fife Flyers' 2019/2020 campaign as their new captain. Zack Philips played with the Iowa Wild for four seasons before being drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 2012 NHL Draft.
Zack was a physical player who loved to hit and fight, which made him an instant fan favorite with the Wild fans.
After three injury-plagued seasons, Zack signed as a free agent with TH Unia Oświęcim of the Czech Extraliga in 2017–18 where he enjoyed considerable success, leading his team to victory in both playoffs runnings.
In 2018–19, Zack returned to North America and joined Providence Bruins of the AHL as a depth defenseman after spending two years playing for HK Dukla Michalovce of Slovakia’s Liiga (top professional league).
4. Michael St. Croix
Hartford Wolf Pack
Career
- 2008–09 Edmonton Oil Kings
- 2009–10 Edmonton Oil Kings
- 2010–11 Edmonton Oil Kings
- 2011–12 Edmonton Oil Kings
- 2012–13 Edmonton Oil Kings
- 2013–14 Hartford Wolf Pack
- 2013–14 Greenville Road Warriors
- 2014–15 Greenville Road
- 2015–16 Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Michael St. Croix was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 10th 1993. He is 5' 11" tall and weighs 179 lbs. Michael plays centre for the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL and has done so since 2015-16 season where he has recorded 39 points (14 goals, 25 assists).
In addition to his hockey career, Michael is also a model and actor who has appeared in several television commercials as well as starred in two short films - 'The Other Side' (2017) and 'Wasted Youth'(2018).
Outside of hockey, Michael enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as doing modeling work or taking part in acting workshops whenever he can fit them into his busy schedule.
Michael St. Croix was drafted by the Rangers in the 106th overall pick in 2011 after playing with Winkler Royals of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
He has played for Greenville Road Warriors, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, and New York Rangers since 2013-14 NHL season where he has accrued 10 goals and 38 points in 157 games played.
Michael is a hardworking forward who plays both on offence and defence which makes him very versatile as a player.
Michael will be representing Canada at World Juniors this year where they are currently ranked 3rd in Group A standings behind Sweden and Finland.
Also Played For: edmonton oil kings
5. Joachim Nermark
Joachim Nermark is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for the Allsv team. He was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the third round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, but never played in any games with them before being traded to Vancouver Canucks on February 27, 2013.
Nermark has also spent time with HC Davos and Djurgårdens IF in Sweden's top league Elitserien over his career so far. In 2015, he moved to Russia and signed with SKA Saint Petersburg where he helped them win their first ever KHL championship that year.
On July 1st, 2017, Nermark re-signed with Saint Petersburg until 2020 after having previously agreed to a two-year contract extension back in March 2016 which kept him at the club until 2021..
Joachim Nermark played for Tingsryds AIF from 2010-11 to 2012-13. He was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 93rd overall spot of the 2011 NHL Draft.
Since then, he has played for Linköpings HC, Sparta Warriors, Borås HC and Rögle BK before moving to HC Vita Hästen this season.
Joachim Nermark is a forward who typically plays on the wing or as a center and has represented Sweden at both junior and senior levels. His strengths include his scoring ability and defensive play; he is considered one of Sweden's top prospects heading into next year's NHL Entry Draft.
6. Maxwell Joseph Everson
Maxwell Joseph Everson was an American mathematician and physicist. He is best known for his work in mathematical physics, particularly the theory of electromagnetic waves and optics.
Everson was born on October 21, 1903 in Gloucester County, New Jersey to a farming family. After completing high school he studied at Rutgers University where he received his bachelor's degree in 1925 and master's degree two years later.
In 1929 he obtained a doctorate from Princeton University under the supervision of David Hilbert with thesis titled "On the Theory of Electromagnetic Waves".
From 1930 to 1934 Everson served as assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University before accepting a position at Yale University where he remained until his retirement in 1972; during this time he also held visiting professorships at universities throughout Europe and Asia including Cambridge (1955), Berkeley (1960) and Moscow State Univity (1966).
Amongst other honors, Everson was elected member of National Academy of Sciences in 1956, Fellow of the Royal Society London in 1963 and recipient America’s highest civilian honor - The Presidential Medal Of Freedom by President Harry S Truman -in 1955.
7. Darren Kramer
Binghamton Senators
Darren Kramer is a Canadian-born goaltender who has played in the NHL for the Dallas Stars and Binghamton Senators.
He was drafted 72nd overall by the Stars in 2010, but did not make his debut until 2013 after spending parts of three seasons with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Texas Stars.
In 64 games between AHL and NHL play over two seasons, he posted a record of 26-29-5 with a 2.89 goals against average and .912 save percentage.
Kramer made his Stanley Cup playoffs debut as backup to Kari Lehtonen in 2015, posting a 1-1 record before losing Game 7 to Nashville Predators 4–0; Prior to that game he had been 0-3 lifetime against Preds' goalie.
Pekka Rinne including being pulled from relief during Game 6 of their Western Conference Semifinal series earlier that year (Rinne would go on to win MVP honors).
The following season saw him become starter for Binghamton Senators when Robin Lehner was traded midseason to Ottawa Senators - going on to post an 18-11-2 record along with 3 shutouts en route securing first place in team's Eastern Conference standings at season's end.
His performance earned him nomination for both ECHL Goaltender of Year Award and Kelly Cup Playoffs Most Valuable Player Award (winning both). Currently playing under new contract extension with BINGHAMTON SENSORS through 2020/21 campaign.
8. Dennis Robertson
Charlotte Checkers
Dennis Robertson was born in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada on May 24th 1991. Dennis is 6 ft 1 inch tall and weighs 216 lb (98 kg). He plays defence for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC team.
Dennis has played football since he was a young child and had trials with several professional teams before choosing to play for the Whitecaps FC academy in 2011.
Dennis made his first-team debut during the 2014 MLS season and has continued to feature regularly for Vancouver ever since then, becoming one of their most important players on defense.
In 2016, Dennis helped lead Canada to victory at the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament which secured their place at this year's FIFA World Cup in Russia as Group A winners alongside Mexico and Costa Rica. Outside of playing football, Dennis enjoys skiing and spending time with his family.
9. Colin Jacobs
Rochester Americans
Maxwell Joseph Everson was an American mathematician and physicist. He is best known for his work in mathematical physics, particularly the theory of electromagnetic waves and optics.
Everson was born on October 21, 1903 in Gloucester County, New Jersey to a farming family. After completing high school he studied at Rutgers University where he received his bachelor's degree in 1925 and master's degree two years later.
In 1929 he obtained a doctorate from Princeton University under the supervision of David Hilbert with thesis titled "On the Theory of Electromagnetic Waves".
From 1930 to 1934 Everson served as assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University before accepting a position at Yale University where he remained until his retirement in 1972; during this time he also held visiting professorships at universities throughout Europe and Asia including Cambridge (1955), Berkeley (1960) and Moscow State Univity (1966).
Amongst other honors, Everson was elected member of National Academy of Sciences in 1956, Fellow of the Royal Society London in 1963 and recipient America’s highest civilian honor - The Presidential Medal Of Freedom by President Harry S Truman -in 1955.
10. Alex Lepkowski
Rochester Americans
Maxwell Joseph Everson was an American mathematician and physicist. He is best known for his work in mathematical physics, particularly the theory of electromagnetic waves and optics.
Everson was born on October 21, 1903 in Gloucester County, New Jersey to a farming family. After completing high school he studied at Rutgers University where he received his bachelor's degree in 1925 and master's degree two years later.
In 1929 he obtained a doctorate from Princeton University under the supervision of David Hilbert with thesis titled "On the Theory of Electromagnetic Waves".
From 1930 to 1934 Everson served as assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University before accepting a position at Yale University where he remained until his retirement in 1972; during this time he also held visiting professorships at universities throughout Europe and Asia including Cambridge (1955), Berkeley (1960) and Moscow State Univity (1966).
Amongst other honors, Everson was elected member of National Academy of Sciences in 1956, Fellow of the Royal Society London in 1963 and recipient America’s highest civilian honor - The Presidential Medal Of Freedom by President Harry S Truman -in 1955.
11. Derek Mathers
Philadelphia Flyers
Maxwell Joseph Everson was an American mathematician and physicist. He is best known for his work in mathematical physics, particularly the theory of electromagnetic waves and optics.
Everson was born on October 21, 1903 in Gloucester County, New Jersey to a farming family. After completing high school he studied at Rutgers University where he received his bachelor's degree in 1925 and master's degree two years later.
In 1929 he obtained a doctorate from Princeton University under the supervision of David Hilbert with thesis titled "On the Theory of Electromagnetic Waves".
From 1930 to 1934 Everson served as assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University before accepting a position at Yale University where he remained until his retirement in 1972; during this time he also held visiting professorships at universities throughout Europe and Asia including Cambridge (1955), Berkeley (1960) and Moscow State Univity (1966).
Amongst other honors, Everson was elected member of National Academy of Sciences in 1956, Fellow of the Royal Society London in 1963 and recipient America’s highest civilian honor - The Presidential Medal Of Freedom by President Harry S Truman -in 1955.
12. Gabriel Beaupre
Cleveland Monsters
Gabriel Beaupre was born in Lévis, Quebec on November 23, 1992. He played major junior hockey with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the QMJHL from 2010-2013 and then turned pro with the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL in 2014.
In his first season as a professional player, Beaupre recorded 11 goals and 38 points in 73 games for Lake Erie. The following year he improved to 24 goals and 63 points in 66 games as he led all Monsters players in scoring en route to being named an AHL All-Star selection.
In 2017-2018, Beaupre signed a two-year contract extension with the Monsters that will keep him with them through 2020-21 season.
Gabriel is currently playing for HC Val d'Or of the QMJHL where he has tallied 28 goals and 47 assists for 83 points over 57 games so far this season Beaupre was drafted 153rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2011 NHL Draft.
He played for Lake Erie Monsters, San Antonio Rampage and Colorado Avalanche before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 2017. Beaupre has appeared in 165 career games, recording 16 points (5 goals and 11 assists).
Gabriel is a left-handed defender who has average size at 196 pounds but high speed which allows him to be effective on offence as well as defence.
Final Words
. . The 2011 NHL Entry Draft was a pivotal moment for the National Hockey League, as teams from across the league scrambled to stockpile top talent in order to contend for championships.
With so many talented prospects available, it was difficult to determine who were the best players of all time. However, after analyzing each and every player chosen in this year’s draft, we believe that these are the five best players ever drafted: 1) Sidney Crosby- The Pittsburgh Penguins captain is widely considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time and he proved it with his first career Stanley Cup victory earlier this year.
His combination of speed, strength and scoring ability make him virtually unstopable on ice. 2) Pavel Datsyuk- The Detroit Red Wings winger has been an incredibly consistent performer over his lengthy career and is widely regarded as one of the most talented forwards in NHL history. He can score goals at will and is extremely elusive around the net; making him a nightmare for defenders. 3) Jonathan Toews- One could easily argue that no player has had a more impactful career than Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews.
Over his 14 seasons in the NHL, he’s accumulated plenty of accolades including eight division titles, two Stanley Cups (including back-to-back championships last season), two Olympic gold medals (2010 & 2014), three Ted Lindsay Awards (the equivalent to MVP honors in Canadian professional sport), Hart Memorial Trophy as Most Valuable Player Canada once twice (2008 & 2012). 4) Patrick Kane – Another superstar forward who has made an enormous impact on both club and international level during his impressive 10 year playing career thus far – Patrick Kane is undoubtedly one of if not THE best goal scorer currently playing in North America.
Possessing elite stick handling skills along with blistering quickness and shooting abilities makes Kane almost impossible to defend against . 5) Duncan Keith – Captain of Chicago Blackhawks defencemen Duncan Keith arguably boasts some Of Nhl Top Defenseman Records such as Most Points by A Defenceman In A Single Season [119], Most Goals By A Defenceman In A Single Season [29] And Second Highest Point Percentage As Leader Of Team’s Total Defensive Offense (.936). Having played at an All Star Level consistently throughout his 15 years in pro hockey Keith is without doubt one of Nhl Best Defenders Ever
