all NYR's 2012 Mock NHL Draft

PICK	NHL TEAM	PLAYER	2011-12 TEAM	HT/WT	POS
1	Edmonton	Nail Yakupov	Sarnia, OHL	5-11, 189	RW
Notes:	Yakupov is simply the most gifted offensive player available in this year’s draft class. A threat to score every time he’s on the ice, Yakupov is a strong, shifty skater with tremendous acceleration, soft hands, and an excellent shot. Not overly large but that doesn’t deter him from initiating physical contact and getting into the dirty areas. Oilers’ obvious need is on the blueline, but the Russian right wing is too good to pass up. GM Steve Tambellini will likely entertain offers for the #1 pick prior to the event in Pittsburgh.
2	Columbus	Ryan Murray	Everett, WHL	6-0, 205	D
Notes:	Jackets have been burned in past drafts by skilled Russians (Filatov, Zherdev), so I think they steer clear of Grigorenko and opt for Murray, the most well-rounded player among this year’s bumper crop of rearguards. He’s been described as a high character individual with good leadership qualities, admirable attributes which should mesh well with a Columbus squad currently in rebuild mode. Murray represents the “safe pick” here as there is nothing spectacular about his game. Rather, he does a little of everything, and does it all very well. Scouts believe his high hockey IQ, versatility, and overall complete game will translate well to the NHL level.
3	Montreal	Mikhail Grigorenko	Quebec, QMJHL	6-3, 200	C
Notes:	There have been whispers about Grigorenko’s questionable desire and work ethic, so his draft position could very well take a hit. That being said, a player with his impressive size and pure talent are probably too much for the Habs to overlook. If he learns to play with more consistency and determination, he can be a force. Grigorenko’s skills are on par with Yakupov’s, but he doesn’t always give 100% and that concerns many observers. Some attribute his late-season fade and mediocre playoff performance to a bout of mononucleosis. He’s the classic “boom or bust” pick that can either make a GM look like a genius or a fool. Newly-hired Marc Bergevin is immediately forced to make a tough decision.
4	NY Islanders	Alex Galchenyuk	Sarnia, OHL	6-1, 197	C
Notes:	Like Edmonton, the Islanders’ need is more on the blueline than up front. If Galchenyuk, however, falls into their lap at #4, the temptation to pounce on the prolific center will be great. While Galchenyuk missed most of 2011-12 due to major knee surgery, he displayed more than enough before the injury to warrant a pick this high, putting up 83 points in 68 games as a 16-year old rookie in the OHL. Sarnia teammate Nail Yakupov says his (own) hands are “not as good as Galchenyuk’s.” That’s some high praise coming from the consensus first overall pick. Isles could fleece Toronto in a deal if Galchenyuk is available here, because Brian Burke wants him badly.
5	Toronto	Filip Forsberg	Leksands, SWE	6-2, 181	LW
Notes:	A talented winger with size and remarkable puck-handling prowess, Forsberg (no relation to Peter) is a bit of a project but possesses all the tools necessary to succeed at the next level. His skating could use a slight bit of improvement, although that’s nitpicking; he’s the complete package skill-wise. Leafs have many needs to address, so unless they trade up, they grab the best available player at this spot, and it’s Forsberg. He may not be the second coming of Mats Sundin, but scouts love his upside and despite coveting Galchenyuk, Brian Burke should have no reservations about bringing Forsberg on board.
6	Anaheim	Mathew Dumba	Red Deer, WHL	6-0, 183	D
Notes:	The #6 spot leaves Anaheim in a bit of a quandary – with the elite forwards already off the board they don’t have much of a choice but to look at the remaining strong class of defensemen after Murray. They already have their offensive dynamo on the back end in Cam Fowler, but the imminent loss of unsigned Justin Schultz compels the Ducks’ to select Dumba here. An exciting offensive defenseman, Dumba is an excellent skater with good vision and a booming shot from the point. He will need to fill out a bit more to handle the rigors of life as an NHL defender; however his modest size doesn’t deter him from playing a physical brand of hockey. He won’t hesitate to make the big hit and regularly initiates contact.
7	Minnesota	Teuvo Teravainen	Jokerit, FIN	5-11, 165	RW
Notes:	Supremely skilled but small Finnish forward has been soaring up draft charts all year. A nimble and creative player with elite vision and speed to burn, he’ll have to add some grit to his game and muscle to his frame in order to successfully make the jump to the NHL. The Wild, as usual, are in dire need of players that can put the puck in the net, and Teravainen is quite adept at doing just that. The flying Finn can flat out score.
8	Carolina	Radek Faksa	Kitchener, OHL	6-3, 202	C
Notes:	Faksa has become a hot commodity of late. The Czech’s stock has been steadily rising all season long and for good reason. He’s got size, a heavy shot, and a nose for the net. He possesses solid playmaking ability and is defensively competent. Faksa, one of the most complete players available in 2012, compares his game to San Jose’s Martin Havlat. There’s a lot to like here. Central Scouting ranks Faksa #7 among North American skaters. Considering Jim Rutherford’s penchant for drafting forwards in the first, I like the ‘canes chances of taking the big center at this spot.
9	Winnipeg	Griffin Reinhart	Edmonton, WHL	6-3, 202	D
Notes:	Jets could use a stud defensive prospect in their system and they get one in Griffin Reinhart. Reinhart, son of former NHL defender Paul, is a big kid who is equally adept offensively and defensively. He handles the puck extremely well for his size and brings an element of physicality to his game. Reinhart possesses tremendous hockey sense and has improved his skating markedly over the past year. He has the potential to develop into a top 4 caliber defenseman.
10	Tampa Bay	Morgan Rielly	Moose Jaw, WHL	6-0, 190	D
Notes:	When it comes to blueline prospects, the cupboard is bare in Tampa. Enter Morgan Rielly. Rielly, ranked #5 by Central Scouting among North American skaters, is yet another highly-regarded 2012 draft-eligible player who suffered through an injury-shortened season. The offensive-minded defenseman was able to return late in the year and performed reasonably well for Moose Jaw in the WHL playoffs. His skating and hockey sense are both above-average, and he flashes plenty of finesse and creativity on the back end.
11*	Washington	Cody Ceci	Ottawa, OHL	6-2, 207	D
Notes:	Like Murray, Ceci does a little bit of everything, and does it well. He’s a big body but could stand to use it more to his advantage at times. Plays a sound positional game and is regarded as an intelligent, poised player with excellent hockey sense. Probably won’t be a big point producer as a pro, but has some room to grow offensively. If Washington continues to advocate the tight defensive game they executed so well late in the season and in the playoffs, Ceci is a player who will fit nicely in DC.
12	Buffalo	Jacob Trouba	USNTDP	6-2, 193	D
Notes:	Strong skating, mobility, and physical play are three of Jacob Trouba’s finest traits. And while his offensive game is evident, it will probably never be considered elite. The Rochester, MN native possesses adequate size and regularly uses it to his advantage, playing a hard-hitting brand of hockey. The right-handed point man has a heavy shot from the blueline and moves the puck up the ice extremely well. Trouba has tentatively committed to playing for the University of Michigan in 2012-13.
13	Dallas	Zemgus Girgensons	Dubuque, USHL	6-1, 198	C
Notes:	Girgensons, who is of Latvian descent, possesses a host of attractive qualities – size, leadership, grit, and skating ability. He’s not a slam dunk by any means, but his hockey smarts, competitive nature, and solid overall skills have left scouts impressed and intrigued. Offensive ceiling may be somewhat limited, although his willingness to play a complete game overshadows any other perceived deficiencies. Stars add a much-needed center prospect to their stable of youth.
14	Calgary	Sebastien Collberg	Frolunda, SWE	5-11, 176	RW
Notes:	Collberg is undersized but he’s an exciting, determined player with incredible speed, doesn’t shy away from contact, and definitely knows how to find the back of the twine. He’ll need to bulk up a bit to successfully make the transition to the NHL, and his defensive game needs refinement, but the Swedish right wing’s offensive acumen is unquestioned. Collberg’s a pure sniper.
15	Ottawa	Olli Maatta	London, OHL	6-1, 202	D
Notes:	Maatta suffered a concussion earlier in the year that may have scared some teams off, but his exceptional play in the Memorial Cup gave him a huge boost. Steady, two-way defender with great hockey sense and work ethic also began to display some additional offensive flair in London’s postseason run. He’s not a big banger, but a cerebral defender with a knack for making the right play. If Ottawa nabs him, we could someday be looking at one of the more formidable blueline tandems in the league in Karlsson-Maatta.
16	Washington	Brendan Gaunce	Belleville, OHL	6-2, 215	C
Notes:	Gaunce is a gritty, competitive team player who already possesses NHL-size. His offensive upside is questionable, but desire and a willingness to better his game work in his favor. His skating needs improvement and his puck skills are slightly below average; other than that he’s a complete player. Gaunce uses his big frame effectively and although he’s not a true sniper, the pivot does have the ability to finish a play when he gets himself into scoring position. He can distribute the puck effectively and sees the ice well. Gaunce has a true power forward’s mentality and plays an honest, hardworking game.
17	San Jose	Matt Finn	Guelph, OHL	6-0, 195	D
Notes:	Scouts have taken notice of Matt Finn this year not only for his talent, but his exceptional compete- level and leadership ability. He does have some shortcomings, most notably a lack of size for the position he plays, but makes up for it with his versatility, tenacity and hockey sense. Finn’s the type of high-character individual any team would love to add to their system. Besides, wouldn’t the Sharks be the perfect team to land a guy named Finn?
18	Chicago	Thomas Wilson	Plymouth, OHL	6-4, 203	RW
Notes:	Just a hunch here, as Chicago lacks legit prospects at right wing. Scouts, not surprisingly, have become enamored with Wilson’s massive frame and untapped offensive potential. Some might consider him a reach at 18, although they say you can't teach size. If nothing else, Wilson can become an effective third-line energy player who effectively cycles the puck down low, wears down the opponent, and has the capacity to chip in a little offense here and there. He could pay big dividends down the line or simply never pan out.
19*	Tampa Bay	Hampus Lindholm	Rogle, SWE	6-2, 196	D
Notes:	The original pick was Malcolm Subban, PK’s little brother. Then Steve Yzerman went out and acquired 6-6 netminder Anders Lindback from Nashville so that squashes any ideas about Tampa grabbing a goalie here. I think the Bolts continue to retool the defense corps and grab savvy Swede Hampus Lindholm, a smooth, puck-moving rearguard who tested as one of the most well-conditioned players at the recent NHL Scouting Combine. The Lightning will have to be patient - Lindholm has a ways to go on the defensive end, as that aspect of his game is still considered somewhat raw. He could blossom into a legitimate top 4 d-man after a few years of seasoning.
20	Philadelphia	Slater Koekkoek	Peterborough, OHL	6-2, 186	D
Notes:	One of the worst-kept secrets heading into this draft is Philadelphia’s desire to improve their defense. With many of the top defenders already gone, Flyers pluck Slater Koekkoek from Peterborough of the OHL at #20, a talented blueliner whose 2011-12 campaign was derailed due to a shoulder injury. He’s a nice blend of offense and defense, displaying above-average skill at both ends of the ice. When healthy, Koekkek is a workhorse who skates well, moves the puck capably, and makes smart decisions.
21*	Buffalo	Tomas Hertl	Slavia Praha, CZECH	6-2, 198	C
Notes:	Hertl is a strong, smart, skilled player with a good pair of hands, but he is not overly quick. A competitive player who exhibits great strength and is willing to mix it up physically, he's tough to knock off the puck at 6-foot-2 and almost 200 lbs. Hertl will need to improve his skating if he wants to take his game to another level – if he can successfully accomplish that, the Czech has a chance to be a quality NHLer. With diminutive forwards Roy, Ennis and Gerbe all under 5 foot 10, Buffalo would welcome a big body up front.
22	Pittsburgh	Mark Jankowsi	Stanstead, Quebec Prep	6-2, 170	C
Notes:	Jankowski is considered a sleeper in the first round and the partisan crowd at the CONSOL Energy Center may let out a collective “Who?” upon hearing his name called at #22, as he played in a relatively unknown league against lesser competition last season. Those who have scouted him feel he has tremendous upside and NHL potential. He’s on the lanky side and needs to spend some time in the weight room, but his vision, creativity, and hockey sense are enticing. Pens lack centers in their prospect pool, so adding Jankowski makes sense.
23	Florida	Derrick Pouliot	Portland, WHL	5-11, 186	D
Notes:	One of the draft’s better puck-moving point men, Pouliot is somewhat undersized and could slip further in the draft due to concerns that he may be too one-dimensional…or he could go a lot higher. He’s a tough call. A power-play quarterback who does a fine job getting pucks to the net, creating offense is not a problem for Pouliot. It’s at the other end of the ice where his game needs some refinement. Teams strictly looking for a pure offensive defenseman will give Pouliot serious consideration.
24	Boston	Pontus Aberg	Djugardens, SWE	5-11, 194	LW
Notes:	He’s a natural goal-scorer who can really one-time the puck from the circle. Aberg keeps defenders on their heels with his blazing speed and rapid acceleration. He has decent playmaking ability, but is more sniper than set-up man. As is the case with most young guns, Aberg’s defensive game needs fine-tuning. Central Scouting ranks him #6 among European skaters. He’s too talented to fall much further than this.
25	St. Louis	Ludvig Bystrom	MODO, SWE	6-1, 208	D
Notes:	Slick Swede plays with poise, composure and is rarely out of position. A fluid skater and reliable defender, Bystrom consistently makes smart decisions and never panics with the puck. Probably a long-term project, but his all-around skills and high hockey IQ have scouts taking notice. Bystrom is at least a few years away from NHL duty, though there’s little doubt he can become a very effective player at the big league level when he’s ready to come overseas.
26	Vancouver	Dalton Thrower	Saskatoon, WHL	5-11, 189	D
Notes:	Scrappy, undersized defenseman added an offensive element to his game this past season. He’s a fiery competitor, and while he may not be the most gifted player in the draft, he plays with a lot of passion and energy. Thrower is reliable defensively and has been described as “very hard to play against.” He could very well fall to the second round, but I think there’s a team that likes him enough to snap him up in the first. He’s drawn comparisons to current Canuck Kevin Bieksa, so why not add Thrower into the mix in Vancouver?
27	Phoenix	Stefan Matteau	USNTDP	6-2, 210	LW
Notes:	Word is GM Don Maloney may be shopping this pick, so the Coyotes may not be the team selecting here when June 22 rolls around. Phoenix is loaded with young talent on the back end, so assuming they DO end up making a selection here it’ll most likely be a forward. Stefan Matteau’s game closely matches that of the Desert Dogs – a grinding, wear you down, in your face style. He’s a hard-nosed, aggressive left wing who will chip in some goals here and there but is not considered a pure scorer by any means. He’s more smash and crash than flash and dash, and that suits the ‘Yotes just fine.
28	NY Rangers	Nicolas Kerdiles	USNTDP	6-2, 201	LW
Notes:	Kerdiles is the type of player the Rangers have been targeting lately. He’s not flashy by any means, but he employs a solid two-way game, forechecks effectively, and consistently displays at least adequate offensive ability. Kerdiles has a projectable NHL frame with power forward potential and is strong on the puck down low. Born in Irvine, CA, Kerdiles models his game after Chicago captain Jonathan Toews and is described as a hard-worker with a desire to continually improve. A product of USA Hockey’s Development Program, the left wing plans to attend the University of Wisconsin in the fall of 2012.
29	New Jersey	Cristoval Nieves	Kent School (CT), USHS	6-2, 184	C/RW
Notes:	It appears Jersey will not forfeit their first rounder this year, and they’re not retaining it to make a conservative selection. They'll swing for the fences and draft Nieves, a nifty playmaker whose stock has been on the rise since the beginning of the year. Nieves posted 78 points (18g, 60a) in only 48 games over the past two seasons for Kent, a prep school in Connecticut. He’s an explosive skater with terrific vision and creativity. The downside: He is slight of frame, so he will need to pack on some muscle and his physical game at this point is virtually non-existent. If a team is convinced they can address the aforementioned issues, Nieves appears destined to sneak into the first round.
30*	Los Angeles	Tanner Pearson	Barrie, OHL	6-0, 198	LW
Notes:	Pearson got off to a torrid start in 2011-12, leading the OHL in scoring for much of the year before cooling off somewhat toward the latter part of the season. Overlooked in the 2011 draft, the knock on Pearson is his skating, which is average at best. Despite this shortcoming, he knows how to put the puck in the net, and that’s something the Kings struggled to do last year, despite winning it all. If there’s one team that knows a thing or two about drafting snipers with less than stellar skating ability, it’s Los Angeles.

Pick 11 - Washington receives Colorado's 2012 first round pick (G Semyon Varlamov from Washington to Colorado for the Avalanche's 2012 first round pick and a second round pick in either 2012 or 2013).

Pick 19 - Tampa Bay receives Detroit's 2012 first round pick for D Kyle Quincey. Tampa had just acquired Quincey from the Avalanche in a trade for Steve Downie.

Pick 21 - Buffalo receives Nashville's 2012 first round pick for Paul Gaustad and 2012 fourth round pick.

Pick 30 – Columbus has the option of selecting here (F Jeff Carter to Los Angeles for a conditional first round pick and defenceman Jack Johnson. The Blue Jackets have their choice of either Los Angeles' 1st rounder in 2012 or 2013, since the Kings make the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs)