The NHL Draft is fast approaching. It will be held in Pittsburgh on June 22, 2012. The scouts are already projecting who will be top picks in their respective categories.
Nail Yakupov
Russia’s Nail Yakupov who plays for Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League is considered to be the top prospect going into this year’s draft. He won a silver medal for Russia at the World Junior Championships and helped his team with 9 assists in the tournament. Another player considered to be a top pick is Alexander Galchenyuk who also plays for the Sarnia Sting. He received a torn ligament which caused him to have surgery and he hasn’t played since. Even though he has not been officially ranked, he is expected to be picked quite early in the draft.
Ryan Murray is the highest rank Defenseman in the 2012 Draft. He plays for the Everett Silvertips in the Western Hockey League and is ranked 3rd overall amongst North American skaters. He had 3 assists while playing on team Canada at the World Junior Championships. Murray shows strength and determination while remaining calm; he will be a great asset to any team.
Malcolm Subban was named the top North American goalie prospect. You may recognize his last name as he is Montreal Canadiens defenseman, PK Subban’s younger brother. He currently plays for the Belleville Bulls in the Ontario Hockey League and he is getting quite a reputation for his skills and abilities. His strength, speed and agility has made him one the most versatile goalies around.
There are so many great young players that are eligible for this year’s draft it’s really hard to tell who will be picked first. Other names like Mikhail Grigorenko who plays in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Filip Forsberg who plays in Leksand are considered top prospects as well. Only time will tell the order of how these players will be drafted but one thing is for sure they are needed by many different teams in the NHL! The countdown is on!! Stay tuned for all the latest Draft 2012 updates!!
Yakupov is a highly regarded winger. In recent years, you see issues with Russians being selected high due to contract disputes out of Russia — North America. But, with him playing the CHL already, and with the Russians more readily available for NHL play I don’t see the issue with him being selected first overall.
However, if a defender is needed, we will see Ryan Murray or Matt Dumba go. Other noteable forwards are Mikhail Grigorehnko & Filip Forsberg.
Yeah I agree. It wouldn’t surprise me Yakupov is selected first. He has been really standing out above the rest. Although there seems to be a lot of talk about Filip Forsberg. I guess we will have to wait and see! It all depends on what the NHL team needs at the time!