Brian Huddle: NHL Draft Q&A: Answers February 14, 2012

Assuming Columbus last in the NHL they would pick at worst 2nd overall. How will the Columbus fan base feel about them taking another Russian given that the top two players are indeed Russian?

cant believe my question was answered feels good to be mentioned in a b-huds blog :p i never knew galchenyuk played for the states internationally. hopefully some guys step up in the playoffs and memorial cup and can leap from him and he drops for leafs sake

Assuming Columbus last in the NHL they would pick at worst 2nd overall. How will the Columbus fan base feel about them taking another Russian given that the top two players are indeed Russian?
- Gunner Staal

That's actually a really interesting question after the history they had with Zherdev and Filatov, which neither ever really panned out. I imagine I'd be a bit hesitant. As a Sharks fan, I've noticed that they've really gravitated towards North American's and I wonder if some of that has to do with the history we had with guys like Nazarov, Kozlov and Zyuzin.

Assuming Columbus last in the NHL they would pick at worst 2nd overall. How will the Columbus fan base feel about them taking another Russian given that the top two players are indeed Russian?
- Gunner Staal

Yakupov is a zero threat to leave or as close as you can reasonably expect.

Yakupov is a zero threat to leave or as close as you can reasonably expect.
- AdamFrench

I was just generalizing on how the Russian route hasn't worked for them.

I was just generalizing on how the Russian route hasn't worked for them.
- Gunner Staal

I think the fact that both Yakupov and Grigorenko have come over to NA will help them, also if management believes they will be game breakers, I find it hard to believe they turn down the chance to draft them just because of their ethnicity.

I think the fact that both Yakupov and Grigorenko have come over to NA will help them, also if management believes they will be game breakers, I find it hard to believe they turn down the chance to draft them just because of their ethnicity.
- greekdude4567

I don't think they will pose a problem at all like Zherdev and Filatov. I am amused by the irony of it though.

Brian Huddle: NHL Draft Q&A: Answers February 14, 2012
- Brian Huddle

I've yet to see a Soo game since Mark was traded. Any update? I'm not gonna lie, I'm kinda disappointed he's scoreless in 12 games.

Who would they target? Well it's really hard to say this early, so let's go off the precipice that they'd like a scoring power forward type in the 5ish range. You're likely looking at a guy like Filip Forsberg, who brings a six-foot-one frame, pro release, adept skating and a physical edge to his game. He has a nose for the net as well as good pucks skills. He's not the typical mean Lucic-like player that teams are trying to find, but he's a good offensive forward with an edge, and some size.

Thanks for your insight.

Still looking for 2 more players to play as the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild in my EA Sports NHL12 League for Xbox. Anyone interested?