BY ERIC BRANDT – FAN FUEL BLOGGER
After the NHL draft lottey last night, we begin to get a clearer look at where the players may fall in June at the 2012 NHL draft.
Now that we know the order of the top five teams, here is my 2012 NHL mock draft 2.0:
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1. Edmonton Oilers: Nail Yakupov (RW – Sarnia OHL)
Although the Oilers may not need another high upside forward, Yakupov may very well be their best option. If they cannot work out a trade that makes sense for the team going forward this future star would be a great fit on the Oilers.
Not only would he make their offensive core even more lethal but he would add to the vast amount of talent that’s already in place in Edmonton.
2. Columbus Blue Jackets: Mikhail Grigorenko (RW – Quebec QMJHL)
Grigorenko would be a good fit in Columbus and could potentially be the one to replace Jackets star Rick Nash. It is still unclear if the Blue Jackets will try and stay clear of a Russian in this year’s draft, but if judging solely on talent, Grigorenko should be fast off the board.
3. Montreal Canadiens: Mathew Dumba (D – Red Deer WHL)
It is still unclear which direction the Habs will go, but if they do not make a push to move up in the draft to take one of Yakupov or Grigorenko, Mathew Dumba would be a very solid selection at this point and should be the first defender off the board come draft day.
4. New York Islanders: Ryan Murray (D – Everett WHL)
Everett Silvertip Ryan Murray should be one of the top picks in this year’s draft. Murray would provide the Islanders with a great future defender and allow them to continue to develop their strong young core.
The Islanders are lacking a great defenceman, and with young players such as John Tavares and Nino Niederreiter in the system, it may be time for them to take a chance on a defender.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs: Alex Galchenyuk (C – Sarnia OHL)
A former first overall pick in the OHL priority selection draft, Galchenyuk is just what the Maple Leafs need; a big and talented center. If Galchenyuk is still around when the Maple Leafs are on the clock I can’t see them passing on a talent like this.
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