The Carolina Hurricanes used their fourth-round pick to select Swiss forward Gregory Hofmann 103rd overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Hofmann has played for Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss elite league the past two seasons, plus had four points in six games for Switzerland's entry at last season's Under-20 World Junior Championships.
Hofmann, who is listed at 6 feet, 170 pounds, was called the most underrated player in the draft by International Scouting Services. ISS praised Hofmann for outplaying his countrymen in international play, and deem him a capable finisher and intelligent player with a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Director of amateur scouting Tony MacDonald called Hofmann a good forechecker with quick feet who can force the play. He can play both center and wing, according to MacDonald, and played the point on the power play for his team in Switzerland.Some predraft research on Hofmann revealed concerns that he might be unwilling to come play in North America, but MacDonald said they expect him to at least come overseas for Carolina's prospect conditioning camp this summer. The Hurricanes don't have an issue with him fulfilling his contractual obligations in Switzerland — he has one year left on his deal there, according to MacDonald.
Central Scouting ranked Hofmann the 11th-best European skater in the draft, while ISS rated him 85th. McKeen's Hockey had him the No. 53 prospect in the draft.