1. Edmonton- Nail Yakupov, RW, Sarnia (OHL)
Yakupov is far and away the favorite to be selected 1st overall. In 42 games played Yakupov had 31 Goals and 38 Assists this season and 101 total points last season with the Sarnia Sting. If selected by Edmonton, Yakupov will likely be wearing an Oilers sweater opening night.
2. Columbus- Ryan Murray, D, Everett (WHL)
Columbus needs help at every position and Murray will bring character and leadership to the defensive side of the bench. The Captain of Everett finished out this season with 9 Goals and 22 Assists in 46 games played. Look for Columbus to trade out of the #2 spot if Edmonton takes Murray #1.
3. Montreal- Filip Forsberg, LW, Leksands (Allsvenskan)
With the potential buyout of Scott Gomez’s contract, Forsberg would be a good replacement in the Habs’ top 6. Forsberg brings with him great size and a passion for the game.
4. New York Islanders- Griffin Reinhardt, D, Edmonton (WHL)
At 6’4″ and 204lbs Reinhart is one of the biggest d-men in this draft class. Along with his size he is an offensive minded puck moving defenseman with 12 Goals and 24 Assists this season. Reinhart could potentially be a nice fit paired with Mark Streit or Calvin de Haan.
5. Toronto- Alex Galchenyuk, C, Sarnia (OHL)
Galchenyuk spent most of this season out of the lineup recovering from a knee injury. Galchenyuk had 31 Goals, 52 Assists and 52 PIMS in the 2010-2011 season for Sarnia. He was also linemates with Nail Yakupov last season.
6. Anaheim- Mikhail Grigorenko, RW, Quebec (QMJHL)
With the potential loses of Teemu Selanne, Jason Blake and Niklas Hagman to Free Agency this offseason Anaheim cannot afford to pass him up. Grigorenko had 40 Goals and 45 Assists for Quebec this season.
7. Minnesota- Morgan Rielly, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)
Rielly also missed a lot of playing time this season recovering from a knee injury. In 18 games played this season Rielly had 3 Goals and 15 Assists.
8. Carolina- Jacob Trouba, D, US-Under 18 (USAH-NTDP)
With Carolina’s log jam at the Forward position and 2 over 30 year old defensemen (Jaroslav Spacek and Bryan Allen) hitting unrestricted free agency this offseason, Jacob Trouba should be the pick at #8. Trouba is a tough defenseman with a lot to offer and could help Carolina deal with the potential loses on defense.
9. Winnipeg- Teuvo Teravainen, RW, Jokerit Helsinki (SM-Liiga)
I believe that picking Teravainen at the 9th pick is a reach because of his size (5-11 and 165lbs) but his puck handling ability is extraordinary. He could be worth the risk for the Jets
10. Tampa Bay- Mathew Dumba, D, Red Deer (WHL)
Lightning G.M. Steve Yzerman would have no choice but to pick Dumba if he was still available at the 10th pick. In 69 games played this season Dumba picked up 20 goals and 37 assists for the Rebels.
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