2. Filip Forsberg
3. Alex Galchenyuk
4. Ryan Murray
5. Mikhail Grigorenko
6. Griffin Reinhart
7. Teuvo Teravainen
8. Radek Faksa
9. Matthew Dumba
10. Morgan Rielly
11. Jacob Trouba
12. Cody Ceci
13. Brendan Gaunce
14. Zemgus Girgensons
15. Olli Määttä
16. Tom Wilson
17. Sebastian Collberg
18. Matt Finn
19. Andrei Vasilevski
20. Slater Koekkoek
21. Henrik Samuelsson
22. Derrick Pouliot
23. Tomas Hertl
24. Hampus Lindholm
25. Nicolas Kerdiles
26. Scott Laughton
27. Ludvig Bystrom
28. Cristoval 'Boo' Nieves
29. Oscar Dansk
30. Malcolm Subban
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a third straight year, Edmonton picks first overall. No one can deny the offensive power that Edmonton is sure to be with Hall, Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle up front. The need of a puck mover to get them the puck is still a priority, and goaltending has been up-and-down with Dubnyk. Tambellini has a closing window on filling holes and moving his team forward.
"With the first overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Edmonton is proud to select, from the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League:
Nail Yakupov."
There is no denying that Nail Yakupov is the clear cut best player at this very moment for the 2012 NHL Draft. He combines a multitude of different playing in style into a package built for offensive firepower. The names of Ilya Kovalchuk, Alexander Ovechkin and Pavel Bure all come to mind depending on what kind of game he's playing on any given shift.
Yakupov is just an explosive skater. His agility is beyond impressive, to the point most NHL'ers beyond a handful, would be jealous. He can make instant cuts and change of directions with strong footwork. He can explode from a stand still and back defenders right off. He has multiple gears and can literally blow past defenders at a moments notice.
At top speed, Nail shows his high skill level. He has great puck control and can use subtle lateral shifts and head fakes to beat defenders on the inside or outside. He finds open space and tends to go to where the puck is going, rather than chasing the puck.
Yak has a world class shot, that comes off the blade quickly. He pinpoints his targets and can hit them on a consistent basis. Yakupov's playmaking has grown a lot this year, as well, showcasing his elite vision. He's a creative player who can beat you in a multitude of ways.
Yakupov likes to play a rough and tumble game, often to a reckless abandon. He throws checks and has put a player through the glass before. He goes into areas without fear and battles for the puck. Sometimes int he process, he can get his head knocked off his shoulders a bit. Coaches will want to see him smarten up a bit there.
Yakupov also plays a two-way game, coming back and filling holes. No one will ever consider him elite defensively, but he puts in an honest effort.
The question marks start with his reckless play and his current frame as to whether or not he'll have an injury plagued career. He'll also need to learn to cut the individualistic play out that can plague young superstars at times.
An all-world talent who could be a superstar for a very long time, Yakupov is. Whether or not he plays that long career is the question mark, going forward.
Join the Discussion:
»