2012 NHL Draft

[Nolan]

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/bob_mckenzie/?id=376477

Here's the top 10:

1. Nail Yakupov, RW
2. Mathew Dumba, D
3. Filip Forsberg, LW
4. Ryan Murray, D
5. Alexander Galchenyuk, C
6. Mikhail Grigorenko, C
7. Morgan Rielly, D
8. Nick Ebert, D
9. Derrick Pouliot, D
10. Matia Marcantuoni, RW

There's a ton of international talent and offensive defenseman in this years draft crop. Yakupov looks like the clear cup #1 at this point but if Dumba has a good 2nd season in Red Deer I could see him being picked #1.

Galchenyuk's my sleeper in this years draft crop. Great two way player who could really be a special player. I think people might overlook him because he plays along side Yakupov.

[Crowned]

Yakupov is a lock to be the first overall pick. He's a future franchise player.

This draft is loaded with talent. A top 6 of Yakupov, Dumba, Forsberg, Murray, Grigorenko and Galchenyuk in a preseason ranking is ridiculous. I could see someone like Frk make a run inside the top 6-7 when it's all said and done.

I think Dumba and Murray will battle each other all season long as a the first defenseman selected...but I see Murray as having more potential. The kid is going to be a special player for a long time.

[Nolan]

Well the new ISS rankings came out the other day and Mikhail Grigorenko has over taken Yakupov as the #1 prospect in their books.

I'm not sure if I totally agree with it either. If were picking #1 i'd go with Yakupov 10 times out 10.

[Nolan]

Well after a very strong showing at the World Juniors i'm guessing Andrei Vasilevski is going to rising up some draft boards.

[Nolan]

Grigorenko's been dropping like a rock lately. I have a feeling he's going to be this years Sean Couturier.

[Mike Hunt]

I'd be happy to see Grigiorenko end up in Toronto. I wouldn't complain one bit. The only player in the bunch that are expected to vie for the top-10, that I've gotten to see live is Cody Ceci. He seemed to be a legitimate NHL talent,

[ohara]

Hoping for something good for my Canes. Would love to see the teams ahead get nervous about the knee and let Galchenyuk slip to 8th. That or Grigorenko fall to 8th because of concerns he bolts to the KHL. All indications are Carolina wants a C in this 1st round, so either of these young men would make it a good day for Carolina.

Edit: Until NHL Network reminded me, I forgot Carolina loves the Kitchener players. So they may go for 3 in a row and take Faksa at #8. Would not be a bad move at all if they go with someone they know was coached well.

[ohara]

YES!!!!! Staal to Carolina for 8th, Sutter and Domoulin. Good trade. Staal is huge for us!