Hockey Wilderness Community 2011 NHL Mock Draft: Carolina Hurricanes

The Colorado Avalanche are going to be stocked for decades. With a young core that is only getting better, and two brand new players in the fold, the Avs will be a very dangerous team, very soon. After taking Gabriel Landeskog with the second overall pick, leaving Adam Larsson on the board, the Avs fans have spoken, and now take Duncan Siemens with the 11th.

All set up front, looking much better on the blue line. Dangerous. If they can find a goalie, that is. 

Our draft thus far:

1. Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
2. Colorado Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog
3. Florida Panthers: Adam Larsson
4. New Jersey Devils: Sean Couturier
5. New York Islanders: Jonathan Huberdeau
6. Ottawa Senators: Ryan Strome
7. Atlanta Thrashers: Mika Zibanejad
8. Columbus Blue Jackets: Dougie Hamilton
9. Boston Bruins: Ryan Murphy
10. Minnesota Wild: Sven Bartschi
11. Colorado Avalanche: Duncan Siemens

Next up on the list is one of favorite fan bases, and the host of the 2010-11 All Star Game, the Carolina Hurricanes. Make the jump, and help them pick a new Jeff Skinner. Sigh.

From top to bottom, there is nothing overly impressive about the Canes. Sure, Eric Staal is a stud, and Cam Ward is enough to make the difference between last place, and slightly better than last place, but the muckers and grinders just aren't there. The role players don't seem to be in place to make the core better. Of course, this can all change in a very short amount of time, and they have Jeff Skinner.

Dirty bastards.

Now, the Hurricanes have a chance to add more talent to the pool. This is a team with a mix of aging stars, and up and coming superstars. Stocking the cupboard for the next great run has to be the top priority in Raleigh. How do they do that? That's up to you, at the moment.

As we have discussed, still plenty of talent available, both on defense and on offense. The top three d-men are gone, meaning that the likelihood they make a reach at 12 for a defenseman. With Joel Armia, Brandon Sadd, and Mark McNeill available the Canes have to be taking a forward.

Right?

Make your choice, and make your case.