A Day in the NHL: 2012 NHL Draft First Round Recap
By Editorial Staff
1. Edmonton Oilers: Nail Yakupov, RW, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Some thought the Oilers would go defence, but they stay with the top-ranked player at number one overall.
2. Columbus Blue Jackets: Ryan Murray, D, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Compared to Scott Niedermayer, the Blue Jackets are quietly building a very good blueline when you mix in Jack Johnson.
3. Montreal Canadiens: Alex Galchenyuk, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Montreal fans wanted a big, talented centre? They got it. Galchenyuk fills an immediate need for Montreal, but a lost year of Junior may delay his impact.
4. New York Islanders: Griffin Reinhart, D, Edmonton Oil Kings (OHL)
The Islanders get a big two-way defenceman with good size and a leader. They have the forwards, now to build up the blueline.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs: Morgan Rielly, D, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
An electrifying puck-moving defenceman, the Leafs find something that they didn’t have in the system, and hopefully bolster their future power plays.
6. Anaheim Ducks: Hampus Lindolm, D, Helsingborg (SWE)
Good height with some room to fill out. Lindholm strengthens a blueline that lost top prospect Justin Schultz.
7. Minnesota Wild: Mathew Dumba, D, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Hits like a truck and exciting to watch. Size becomes the concern at the next level but a high ceiling despite that.
8. Pittsburgh Penguins (from Carolina): Derrick Pouliot, D, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
The Penguins add to a stable of offensive-minded defencemen that includes Simon Despres and NHL’er Kris Letang.
9. Winnipeg Jets: Jacob Trouba, D, USNDP
A defenceman with some edge, there won’t be an easy shift for opposing forwards against the Jets’ D a few years from now.
10. Tampa Bay Lightning: Slater Koekkoek, D, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Missed most of the year with should surgery, but another diamond in the rough from Steve Yzerman. Smart with an edge and offensive instincts.
11. Washington Capitals: Filip Forsberg, C/W, Leksand (SWE)
Thought to be a top-five pick, the quick, agile, and powerful forward falls to Washington. Quick hands too.
12. Buffalo Sabres: Mikhail Grigorenko, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Pair him with Cody Hodgson down the middle and it’s quite the combo. Questions about grit, toughness, and KHL could set Buffalo up offensively for years.
13. Dallas Stars: Radek Faksa, C, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Another North American rookie, plays very well in both ends of the ice. Big centreman who lets the game come to him with an infectious attitude.
14. Buffalo Sabres: Zemgus Girgensons, C, Dubuque (USHL)
Tough to play against with the ability to put up points, the Sabres add talent and toughness to their system.
15. Ottawa Senators: Cody Ceci, D, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
A big defenceman with a great two-way game and agile hockey mind, the Sens pick out of their backyard for the second-straight year.
16. Washington Capitals: Tom Wilson, F, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
While Dale Hunter won’t be coaching Washington, Wilson plays that style. Comes from a rolling-line system in Plymouth so he understands all roles, plays very physically and can score.
17. San Jose Sharks: Tomas Hertl, C, Slavia (CZE)
Sharks add another talented player with size. Showed equal ability finishing and assisting on plays this season.
18. Chicago Blackhawks: Teuvo Teravainen, LW, Jokerit (FIN)
Another player that was thought to have top-ten potential, Chicago gets a small, but talented winger. Good top-end speed and hands.
19. Tampa Bay Lightning: Andrei Vasilevski, G, UFA (RUS)
Tampa Bay attacks an organizational need and gets the top-ranked European goalie. Brings great size to the position in the age of physically big goalies (and not just big equipment).
20. Philadelphia Flyers: Scott Laughton, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Great defensive-minded forward who was buried on a deep depth chart in Oshawa. Still finding consistency offensively.
21. Calgary Flames: Mark Jankowski, C, Stanstead College
A big centre but has yet to face the same challenges as other players in his class. He’s a play-maker, but will probably need a little more time than other first rounders.
22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Olli Matta, D, London Knights
Finnish defender made jump to North America this year. Uninspiring first half, but turned it on down the stretch and in the playoffs. When comfortable, will jump into the rush and can be deceptive.
23. Florida Panthers: Mike Matheson, D, Dubuque (USHL)
Likes to skate with the puck and have control of an offense, but is working on the defensive end of his game.
24. Boston Bruins: Malcolm Subban, G, Belleville Bulls (OHL)
Rangy, athletic goalie who doesn’t get too fooled by bodies in front of the net. Makes playing the position look frustratingly easy.
25. St. Louis Blues: Jordan Schmaltz, D, Green Bay (USHL)
With the Blues depth on defence Schmaltz will have some time to develop his game. Talented defender offensively who could put on some pounds.
26. Vancouver Canucks: Brendan Gaunce, C, Belleville Bulls (OHL)
A big, strong two-way centre, Gaunce can punish opponents and dominate down low, while putting up points as well.
27. Phoenix Coyotes: Henrik Samuelsson, C/W, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Another first-round pick with NHL bloodlines, and edgy forward who didwell to pick up the North American game en route to the Memorial Cup.
28. New York Rangers: Brady Skjei, D, USNDP
Yet another defenceman who skates very well. The Rangers are building a very mobile blueline.
29. New Jersey Devils: Stefan Matteau, LW, USNDP
The American version of Tom Wilson. Matteau is a big guy who you don’t want to cross. 93 penalty minutes in 18 USHL games and 166 in in 46 USDP games ? ‘Nuff said.
30. Los Angeles Kings: Tanner Pearson, LW, Barrie Colts (OHL)
This was the wildcard of the draft. Some think Pearson is a late-bloomer, others thinks he just had a typical ’92 birth year OHL season. The Kings are coming off of the success and have the organizational depth to take this chance.