The 2011 NHL Entry Draft, held in St. Paul, Minnesota, was headlined by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog, and Jonathan Huberdeau. While these players have had solid careers, the true gems of this draft were found in the later rounds. Several players selected well after the lottery picks have outperformed expectations and become key contributors to their respective teams. These "steals" represent shrewd scouting, player development, and a bit of luck.
One of the most significant steals from the 2011 draft is Nikita Kucherov. Selected 58th overall in the second round by the Tampa Bay Lightning, Kucherov has blossomed into one of the league's premier players. His offensive prowess is undeniable, leading the league in scoring in 2018-19 and playing a vital role in the Lightning's Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. Kucherov's journey from a relatively unknown prospect in Russia to an NHL superstar exemplifies the potential hidden in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.
Johnny Gaudreau, drafted 104th overall in the fourth round by the Calgary Flames, is another prime example of a steal from this draft. Overlooked due to his size, Gaudreau's exceptional skill and offensive creativity quickly made him a fan favorite in Calgary. He consistently produced at a high level, and in 2021-22, he recorded 115 points. Gaudreau's success demonstrates that talent and determination can overcome size concerns, making him one of the biggest steals of the 2011 draft.
The Tampa Bay Lightning's scouting department deserves immense credit for identifying another steal in the seventh round: Ondrej Palat (208th overall). Palat has become a highly effective two-way forward, known for his defensive responsibility and timely offensive contributions. He played a crucial role in the Lightning's Stanley Cup championships. Palat's career highlights the value of late-round picks and the importance of a team's ability to develop players beyond their initial draft position.
William Karlsson, picked 53rd overall in the second round by the Anaheim Ducks, represents another significant steal. After a few seasons with limited impact, Karlsson found his stride with the Vegas Golden Knights. In their inaugural season (2017-18), he scored 43 goals and became a key player for the team. Karlsson's emergence as a top-line center demonstrates that players can develop later in their careers and that a change of scenery can unlock hidden potential.
Josh Manson, selected 160th overall in the sixth round by the Anaheim Ducks, has become a dependable defenseman known for his physical play and defensive reliability. Manson has carved out a significant role on his teams, providing stability and grit on the blue line. His selection in the later rounds highlights the importance of scouting players with specific skill sets that can complement a team's overall structure.
These players, drafted outside the top tier, have become valuable assets to their teams, demonstrating the importance of scouting and player development. Their success stories offer a reminder that NHL teams can find impactful players throughout the draft, not just in the early rounds.
