WGR has you covered for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. We'll be giving you a pick-by-pick analysis as teams make their picks in the 1st round.
1) Edmonton - F Nail Yakupov, Sarnia Sting OHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Nail is arguably the best skater in the 2012 draft. It's a blend of speed, power, quickness and agility that threatens and creates opportunities in the blink of an eye. He goes as fast as is necessary; seemingly just far enough ahead that creates desperation in opponents.
2011-2012 Stats: 42 GP, 31 G, 69 PTS
Between picks, the Anaheim Ducks have traded defensman Lubomir Visnovsky to the New York Islanders for a 2013 2nd round pick.
2) Columbus - D Ryan Murray, Everett Silvertips WHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Ryan has a sense and poise that makes it look like the game he is playing is incredibly easy. He never gets rattled and this has a calming effect on the entire team. His skating is effortless and fluid and he uses it to his advantage, especially defensively.
2011-2012 Stats: 46 GP, 9 G, 31 PTS
Between picks, the Washington Capitals have acquired Mike Ribeiro for Cody Eakin and the 54th overall selection in the 2012 draft.
3) Montreal Canadiens - F Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia Sting OHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Alex is the center who makes everybody around him better and helps teams win. It begins with an excellent understanding of all the essential elements in the game. He plays a complete game and is a competitor in all the critical areas. He doesn't take shortcuts and values the plays that are important to winning. His IQ is terrific and he has the ability to size up a situation and know what must be done to take advantage either offensively or defensively.
2011-2012 Stats: 2 GP, 0 G, 0 PTS (Injured)
4) New York Islanders - Griffin Reinhart, Edmonton Oil Kings WHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Griffin may be a diamond in the rough but he possesses the carats of a unique player. He has a an excellent understanding of the game with a composure and patience that may suggest a lack of urgency but don't be confused, his competitive waters run deep and he's capable of being aggressive and assertive when necessary.
2011-2012 Stats: 58 GP, 12 G, 36 PTS
5) Toronto Maple Leafs - D Morgan Reilly, Moose Jaw Warriors WHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Morgan is the defenseman who is ever elusive. When an opponent has him in a seemingly difficult spot, it can quickly become a case of a vanishing act because he is so adept at escaping trouble. He is a superb skater who has the ability to change gears in stride and beat pressure or create an opportunity by beating an opponent 1-1.
2011-2012 Stats: 18 GP, 3 G, 18 PTS
6) Anaheim Ducks- D Hampus Lindholm, Rogle Jr. SWE
Craig Button (TSN)- Hampus is an all-around defenseman who has the capability to play whatever style the game dictates. There are good skaters but Hampus can be referred to as a complete skater with speed, quickness, agility and balance. He uses the strength of his skating to influence the game both defensively and offensively. He can skate the puck out of trouble and is very good at jumping into the attack.
2011-2012 Stats: 28 GP, 5 G, 17 PTS
7) Minnesota Wila- D Matthew Dumba, Red Deer Rebeks, WHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Matt has the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He can do it offensively, defensively and physically which is a rare blend in defensemen. It begins with excellent skating ability that is founded in great balance and agility and he uses these elements in the various areas to make that impact. Whether skating the puck up ice, being able to handle opponents 1-1 or delivering bone rattling hits, his skating foundation is at the root of his game.
2011-2012 Stats: 69 GP, 20 G, 57 PTs
Between Picks, the Carolina Hurricanes have traded the 8th overall pick and Brandon Sutter to Pittsburgh for Jordan Staal.
8) Pittsburgh Penguins- D Derrick Pouliot, Portland Winterhawks, WHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Derrick is a QB Type defenseman who relies on excellent vision and precision passing. He understands the game so well and sees what is unfolding and then is able to exploit it. He has great poise with the puck and doesn't force things but ensures when you get the puck, that you can do something positive with it.
2011-2012 Stats: 72 GP, 11 G, 59 PTS
9) Winnipeg Jets- D Jacob Trouba, U.S. NTDP, USHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Jacob is an initiating player who takes charge. It begins with an intense desire to impact the game in some way. He takes charge of situations and if an opponent is not prepared to commit 100% versus him, he will find himself falling short. He is a very strong skater, with excellent balance & this allows him to jump into the attack and move up ice but it also allows him to deliver bone jarring hits as well as fend off opposing checks.
2011-2012 Stats: 22 GP, 4 G, 18 PTS
10) Tampa Bay Lightning- D Slater Koekkoek, Peterborough Petes OHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Slater plays the game with a combination of competitiveness and determination that helps teams win. He's an excellent skater who can close down the play very quickly and deny offensive chances when they appear inevitable.
2011-2012 Stats: 26 GP, 5 G, 18 PTS
11) Washington Capitals- F Filip Forsberg, Leksand, SWE
Craig Button (TSN)- Filip is a blend of high end skill and indomitable will. Skill that allows him to produce offensively and a will that makes it very challenging for opponents to stop him. He's a very strong skater with power in his stride and combined with speed, he's capable of opening up ice for himself and backing up defenders.
2011-2012 Stats: 43 GP, 8 G, 17 PTS
12) Buffalo Sabres- F Mikhail Grigorenko, Quebec Ramparts, QMJHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Mikhail possesses a unique blend of skill and size. He's an excellent skater with a long stride who seemingly just moves past defenders with ease. He carries the puck very well and because he can change gears in stride, it makes him very difficult to deter. A very good passer who makes plays on the move and is able to do it in traffic. He has good sense and vision and sees the potential for offensive opportunities and he creates chances. His shot is good but not threatening at this time but he shows a willingness to make this more of a weapon for himself. Because of his size and wing span, he is extremely effective defensively and he's able to force opponents away from dangerous areas and he is also able to fend off checkers when he's in offensive situations. He plays the game both ways and while he's not a physical presence, he is a player who creates challenges for opponents because of the skill and his size which he knows how to utilize to gain advantages. He possesses qualities and a potential that realized could make him a star.
2011-2012 Stats: 59 GP, 40 G, 85 PTS
13) Dallas Stars- F Radek Faksa, Kitchener Rangers, OHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Radek is cut from the mold of a classic center. He moves around the ice looking for opportunities and ready to exploit the weakness in an opponent. He has an excellent feel for the game and knows how to get himself into advantageous positions without the puck and then when he does have the puck, he is extremely capable of taking advantage and creating chances.
2011-12 Stats: 69 GP, 29 G, 66 PTS
Between picks, the Buffalo Sabres traded their 21st overall pick and their 42nd overall pick for Calgary's 14th overall pick.
14) Buffalo Sabres- F Zemgus Girgensons, Dubuque USHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Zemgus is a hard player. Hard on the puck, hard on the body, hard competitor, hard working and hard to play against. He is industrious and purposeful but one can't underestimate his skills. His skating is strong with excellent balance which makes it very difficult for opponents to deter him, let alone knock him awry. He has very good puck skills and while there may not be a deft touch to his passing, there certainly is an effectiveness and accuracy to it.
2011-2012 Stats: 43 GP, 19 G, 44 PTS
15) Ottawa Senators- D Cody Ceci, Ottawa 67s OHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Cody is the prototypical work horse player. He goes about the game playing in all of the important situations and at the critical times, seemingly effortless but with an incredible effectiveness and efficiency that goes unheralded but is ultimately important to winning. He plays a game that is rooted in his razor sharp attention to detail, strong positioning and an awareness of what he can do to shift the balance to his team's favour.
2011-2012 Stats: 64 GP, 17 G, 60 PTS
16) Washington Capitals- F Thomas Whilson, Plymouth Whalers OHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Tom is a player who makes opponents very uncomfortable when he's on the ice. He has an undeniable determination and desire to impact the game through physical play. Combine that with a body that complements his desire and you have a wrecking ball type player. It's a purposeful style that can be intimidating but is very effective because he creates room, not only for himself, but for his team.
2011-2012 Stats: 49 GP, 9 G, 27 PTS
17) San Jose Sharks- F Thomas Hertl, Slavia Praha, Czech
Craig Button (TSN)- Tomas is a very effective and efficient center. He takes a cerebral approach which finds him in proper position on the ice but always ready to take advantage of opportunity. He forces opponents into mistakes without the puck and when he gains the puck, his awareness, vision and puck skills allow him to threaten offensively.
2011-2012 Stats: 38 GP, 12 G, 25 PTS
18) Chicago Blackhawks- F Teuvo Teravainen, Jokerit, SM-Liiga
Craig Button (TSN)- Teuvo possesses the proverbial calm in the eye of the storm patience. When everything around him appears chaotic and without pattern, he is has the uncanny ability to remain calm, poised and fully aware of his options. He has 360 degrees vision and awareness and there is no player or possibility he is not aware of when he has the puck. He is elusive and is like a chess player in that he can anticipate moves 3-4 steps ahead of his opponent.
2011-2012 Stats: 40 GP, 11 G, 18 PTS
19) Tampa Bay Lightning- G Andrey Vasilevskiy, UFA 2 Russia
Craig Button (TSN)- Andrei plays with a combination of skill, sense and poise. There doesn't seem to be any situation in the game that rattles him. His size makes him imposing but his ability to read the play and move to advantageous position can intimidate shooters. He is an excellent skater; agility, side-to-side mobility, quickness and strength in his legs allows him to meet the challenges that all goaltenders face.
2011-2012 Stats: 27 GP, 2.23 GAA, .931 SV%
20) Philadelphia Flyers- F Scott Laughton, Oshawa Generals OHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Scott is not going to overwhelm you in any one area of the game but he's going to contribute to winning in all areas of the game. He has excellent hockey sense and is capable of playing any situation in the game. He is smart defensively. He is smart offensively. He can adjust to different circumstances and excel. He leaves himself in strong position on the ice so he's always ready to make the appropriate play for the situation.
2011-2012 Stats: 64 GP, 21 G, 53 PTS
21) Calgary Flames- F Mark Jankowski, Stanstead, Quebec Prep
Craig Button (TSN)- Mark is a late bloomer but certainly a testament to the adage; it doesn't matter where you start but where you finish. He was not on any scouting radar at the outset of this season but when he did appear, he became a bright, blinking light. He is an excellent skater with a long, efficient stride combined with agility, quickness and balance that allows him to impose himself on the game.
2011-2012 Stats: 57 GP, 53 G, 93 PTS
22) Pittsburgh Penguins- D Olli Maatta, London Knights, OHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Olli plays the game with a workmanlike approach. He has a strong hockey IQ and reads the play and understands what the challenges are and what the appropriate responses should be. He anticipates the play so well and it allows him to get on top of opponents defensively despite not being blessed with closing quickness. He is a heads up player and is finely attuned to the game.
2011-2012 Stats: 58 GP, 5 G, 32 PTS
23) Florida Panthers- D Michael Matheson, Dubuque Fighting Saints, USHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Michael's game is predicated on outstanding skating ability. There is not an area of skating in which he doesn't excel, and he's able to contribute in so many different ways because of it. He's very difficult to pin down in his own end because of his quickness and agility which allows him to escape the best checking efforts.
2011-2012 Stats: 47 GP, 9 G, 22 PTS
24) Boston Bruins- G Malcolm Subban, Belleville Bulls, OHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Malcolm is an outstanding athlete with great quickness, agility and reflexes. His side-to-side quickness is exceptional and he moves while maintaining strong position and doesn't create vulnerability for himself. While athleticism alone won't allow a goaltender to excel, Malcolm has worked hard to develop the technical aspects of goaltending. Compare it to a pitcher in baseball.
2011-2012 Stats: 39 GP, 2.50 GAA, .923 SV%
25) St. Louis Blues- D Jordan Schmaltz, Green Bay, USHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Jordan is an offensive defenseman who generates offense in multiple ways. He is very attuned to offensive opportunities and combined with very good skating, he can quickly take advantage when those opportunities present themselves. He is not hesitant in any way to jump into the attack or to even lead the attack given an opening.
2011-2012 Stats: 48 GP, 9 G, 32 PTS
26) Vancouver Canucks- F Brendan Gaunce, Belleville Bulls, OHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Brendan is big, strong two-way center. He is a good skater with a good stride and he moves well. He can improve his quickness and by doing so, he will become more difficult to stop because with his size, when he gains a step, an opponent is faced with a losing proposition. He is smart and plays the game well both with and without the puck.
2011-2012 Stats: 68 GP, 28 G, 68 PTS
27) Phoenix Coyotes- F Henrik Samuelsson
Craig Button (TSN)- Henrik had an odyssey of sorts this season but once he got himself established in Edmonton, he found a launching pad for his game. He is a big man who is very comfortable asserting with his size and establishing a presence in the game and he's not averse to playing chippy and even nasty at times. By doing this, it gives himself a little more room and makes opponents a little leery, a very good strategy for creating room and time for yourself.
2011-2012 Stats: 28 GP, 7 G, 23 PTS
28) New York Rangers- D Brady Skjei, U.S. NTDP, USHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Brady is a player who has is very difficult to play against because he has size and weight and is an excellent skater in all regards. He is powerful and with excellent balance, he is able to use his body and keep opponents from gaining an advantage. His agility is very good and he is able to handle 1-1 situations versus speed and quickness effectively and he's also able to move ahead with the puck and escape pressure.
2011-2012 Stats: 24 GP, 3 G, 12 PTS
29) New Jersey Devils- F Stefan Matteau, U.S. NTDP, USHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Stefan is capable of wreaking havoc in the game with his combination of skating, skill and size. He has excellent speed and can close on opponents quickly and when you combine this with a desire and willingness to make physical contact, it can be very uncomfortable for opponents.
2011-2012 Stats: 18 GP, 6 G, 10 PTS
30) Los Angeles Kings- F Tanner Pearson, Barrie Colts, OHL
Craig Button (TSN)- Tanner is another late bloomer. Players progress and develop at different rates and Tanner is a good example of this. He pushed his candidacy for the World Junior team as well as a potential 1st round pick to the forefront with stellar play. His skating may not be a thing of beauty but it doesn't deter him from excelling. He has excellent sense and understands how to use his skills in combination that makes him an offensive threat.
2011-2012 Stats: 61 GP, 37 G, 91 PTS
Make sure you stay tuned to WGR and WGR550.com for the latest breaking news from the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, continuing Saturday morning at 10:00 AM!
2nd Round
31) Columbus Blue Jackets- G Oscar Dansk, Brynas Jr., SWE-JR
32) Edmonton Oilers- F Mitchell Morox, Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL
33) Montreal Canadiens- F Sebastian Collberg, Frolunda SWEDEN
34) New York Islanders- D Ville Pokka, Karpat, FINLAND
35) Toronto Maple Leafs- D Matthew Finn, Guelph Storm, OHL
36) Anaheim Ducks- F Nicolas Kerdiles, U.S. NTPD, USHL
37) Nashville Predators- F Pontus Aberg, Djurgarden, SWEDEN
38) Carolina Hurricanes- F Phillip di Giuseppe, University of Michigan
39) Winnipeg Jets- F Lukas Sutter, Saskatoon Blades, WHL
40) Tampa Bay Lightning- D Dylan Blujus, Brampton Battalion, OHL
41) Colorado Avalanche- F Mitchell Heard, Plymouth Whalers, OHL
42) Calgary Flames- D Patrick Sieloff, U.S. NTDP, USHL
43) Dallas Stars- D Ludwig Bystrom, Modo Jr., Swe-JR
44) Buffalo Sabres- D Jake McCabe, University of Wisconsin
45) Philadelphia Flyers- G Anthony Stolarz, Corpus Christi, NAHL
46) Minnessota Wild- F Raphael Bussieres, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL
47) Carolina Hurricanes- F Brock McGinn, Guelph Storm, OHL
48) Chicago Blackhawks- D Dillon Fournier, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. QMJHL
49) Detroit Red Wings- F Martin Frk, Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL
50) Nashville Predators- F Colton Sissons, Kelowna Rockets, WHL
51) Montreal Canadiens- D Dalton Thrower, Saskatoon Blades, WHL
52) Pittsburgh Penguins- F Theodor Blueger, Shattuck-St. Mary's
53) Tampa Bay Lightning- F Brian Hart, Exeter
54) Dallas Stars- F Mike Winther, Prince Albert Raiders, WHL
55) San Jose Sharks- F Chris Tierney, London Knights, OHL
56) St. Louis Blues- F Samuel Kurker, St. John's Prep
57) Vancouver Canucks- F Alexandre Mallet, Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL
58) Phoenix Coyotes- F Jordan Martinook, Vancouver Giants, WHL
59) New York Rangers- F Cristoval Nieves, Kent School
60) New Jersey Devils- D Damon Severson, Kelwona Rockets, WHL
61) Dallas Stars- F Devin Shore, Whitby Fury, OJHL
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