HW 2011 Prospects: Jonathan Huberdeau

by danccchan on Jun 2, 2011 3:00 PM CDT in Prospects

MISSISSAUGA, CANADA - MAY 20: Jonathan Huberdeau #11 of the Saint John Sea Dogs celebrates his goal in the opening game of the 2011 Mastercard Memorial Cup against the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors in Mississauga, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Hockey Wilderness has decided to rank their 30 favorite prospects in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and will analyze each and every one of them. So on draft day, you'll have a good sense of who's who.

With each post, you will get to understand what type of player he is, and how he can help the Wild. You'll understand his strengths, flaws and get to understand what type of player he'll develop into.

The HW's Rank - The average rank of several of our favorite available rankings, weighted appropriately.

Summary Scout Notes - A broken down version of comments offered by each service. To read the whole explanations, click on the source site and search.

Now, introducing Saint John Sea Dogs forward Jonathan Huberdeau:

Don't forget to check out the Hockey Wilderness 2011 Draft Page as well. Just click on the picture.

Jonathan Huberdeau

#11 / Forward / Saint John Sea Dogs

Height: 6-1

Weight: 170

Born: Jun 4 1993

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	Midterm Rank	Final Rank	HW Rank
2010 - Saint John Sea Dogs	67	43	62	105	59	88	4	3	4.1

History And Accomplishments:

2009 QMJHL Midget Draft - 18th Overall, 1st Round

2010-11 QMJHL First Team All-Star

2010-11 QMJHL Champion

2010-11 CHL Memorial Cup Champion

2010-11 CHL Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy (CHL Memorial Cup MVP)

2010-11 CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team

2011 KHL Junior Draft - 5th Overall, 1st Round

HW's Take:

If there was one prospect I believed the would give Ryan Nugent-Hopkins a run for his money, it would be Jonathan Huberdeau (not as big a fan on Adam Larsson, but we'll come to that later).

He has done everything to help his draft stock this season. Won Memorial Cup MVP, lead his team to WIN the Memorial Cup, lead his time to win the QMJHL President's Cup. He has even attended an English speaking high school in order to improve his language.

Teams will love his recent winning record, his upward development, his character and his versatility. Teams love forwards that they can put anywhere on the ice and not be limited to a single position. Comes in handy when a center gets thrown out of the circle or when they need an extra man or whatever.

I haven't even mentioned his skills. Tons of offensive skills, great playmaking ability. As his head coach mentioned, not the fastest, but that doesn't matter because he certainly is one of the most craftiest. He can skate and stickhandle around players.

Of course, he's skinny like a stick. But thats the same with RNH. And like RNH, imagine how much more dominant he will be more with an extra 20 pounds.

Remember, drafting is about projecting in the future, not what you have right now. Of course, it doesn't hurt if what you have right now is one of the best forward prospect in the draft.

HW's Projection

Top-line offensive winger - more of a playmaker

Summary Scouts Notes

For full explanations, click on the links:

NHL Central Scouting's Chris Bordeleau (via NHL.com)

an ability to set up and score goals ... has NHL hands and playmaking ability ... can change the outcome of a game suddenly and quickly ... unbelievably quick hands ... gritty and does not back down when challenged ... needs to add more strength

Saint John head coach Gerard Gallant (via Panthers.NHL.com)

he's the complete package ... very crafty ... he has great puck skills ... his vision is outstanding ... quality, character kid ... competes hard in every situation ... competes both ways ... can be put on the ice in any situation ...not the quickest guy

B2011DW

complete package of physical tools, hockey skills and sense ... one of the most creative players in the class ... high-end offensive instincts ... gives and receives passes well ... accurate shooter ... protects the puck and will go into the dirty areas ... sees the ice extremely well ... good anticipation ... versatile; can play center or wing ... has a lot of flash to his game ... character kid who works hard and is a leader ... extremely slight frame ... lacks in physical maturity ... play without the puck needs to improve

Video Evidence

Jonathan Huberdeau Highlights (via alex20wild)

Where Does He Fit With The Wild?

Winger, check.

Offensive, check.

Bluechip, check.

Yeah, he fits.

Good Choice At #10?

Yes. And at #5. And at #3. Even at #1.

So will we see him at #10? Hell no.

How Does He Look As A Wild?

Comment away!

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Comments

These prospect previews are great, but I do have one suggestion. In addition to, or in place of the ‘Good Choice at #10’ section, I’d rather see a projected draft postion. Most of the reviews so far just say ‘no we don’t want him at 10,’ or ’he’ll be long gone by 10.’ Saying ‘projected draft position 15-20’ or something like that would give me a better idea what kind of guy we’re lookin at. 2¢.

by Jonsey on Jun 2, 2011 4:38 PM CDT reply actions

Actually, go to the draft page, press the draft image...

…you’ll see our actual prospect rankings. Its not a mock though. We will do a mock after these profiles are done, just wanted to get these profiles out first so you can understand who’s who.

Also, I’m saving the last 6 profiles for the guys of Wild interests :D

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by danccchan on Jun 2, 2011 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions