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NHL research and development camp roster loaded with 2011 draft potential

The NHL’s research and development camp is coming next week and while we’ve run down what they’ll be testing out rules-wise in Toronto and raised our eyebrows when appropriate, what we didn’t know was just who amongst next year’s NHL draft prospects would be out on the ice to test things out. We can wonder no more as the NHL has put out their roster of the 2011 NHL draft prospects who will be giving it a go in Toronto. It’s not an accident that these young and potential future superstars get the call to take part in this camp.

The purpose of the camp is for team officials to get a look at possible rules changes -- with the extra benefit that 33 of the top 2011 Draft-eligible prospects will show off their skills while bringing those changes to life.

“This Camp has the bonus element of giving general managers and their staffs an early season look at many of the players whose names they will be calling out as their teams’ top-round selections in the June 2011 Entry Draft in St. Paul,” said E.J. McGuire, Director of the NHL Central Scouting. “These are some of the most talented players available to execute the unique skills and strategies which the camp is designed to test and evaluate.”

“This will be a great learning experience and opportunity for these players,” said NHL Vice President Hockey and Business Brendan Shanahan. “Team personnel get an up-close look at these 2011 Entry Draft prospects while we hope to provide the players with a fun and informative two days.”

Getting a look at these kids before they suit up for their prospective programs is a big deal and with so many NHL folks in attendance, this is like the warm up party for the 2011 NHL draft in St. Paul, Minnesota. As for who is taking part, here’s the rundown.

FORWARDS

Seth Ambroz, Omaha (USHL), David Broll, Erie (OHL), Daniel Catenacci, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL), Sean Couturier, Drummondville (QMJHL), Michael Curtis, Belleville (OHL), Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John (QMJHL), Philippe Hudon, Choate (HIGH-CT), Boone Jenner, Oshawa (OHL), *John Kurtz, Sudbury (OHL), Gabriel Landeskog, Kitchener (OHL), Adam Lowry, Swift Current (WHL), Shane McColgan, Kelowna (WHL), Garrett Meurs, Plymouth (OHL), Matthew Nieto, Boston University (H-East), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Red Deer (WHL), Zack Phillips, Saint John (QMJHL), Alan Quine, Kingston (OHL), Ty Rattie, Portland (WHL), Nick Shore, Denver (WCHA), *Zack Torquato, Erie (OHL).

DEFENSEMEN

Nathan Beaulieu, Saint John (QMJHL), Gabriel Beaupre, Val d’Or (QMJHL), Myles Bell, Regina (WHL), Adam Clendening, Boston University (H-East), Dougie Hamilton, Niagara (OHL), Scott Harrington, London (OHL), Patrick Koudys, RPI (ECAC), Keegan Lowe, Edmonton (WHL), Scott Mayfield, Youngstown (USHL), Ryan Murphy, Kitchener (OHL), Xavier Ouellet, Montreal (QMJHL), Robbie Russo, U.S. U-18 (USHL).

GOALIES

John Gibson, U.S. U-18 (USHL), Mike Morrison, Kitchener (OHL), Tyson Teichmann, Belleville (OHL).

*- ineligible for 2011 Entry Draft

Seeing representation from all three of the Canadian junior leagues as well as three different NCAA squads, the USHL, and even one US high school shows the wide range of talent that will be immediately available in next years draft. If you’re looking to start studying up now for who might be the top pick in next year’s draft, good luck to you. Two names that kept popping up during the United States WJC camp as well as in Team Canada’s camp were defenseman Adam Clendening and center Sean Coutourier. They’ll be players to watch throughout the year to see how their draft stock improves.