More 2012 NHL Draft Predictions
Posted by kirsch17 on June 15th, 2012
Since all eyes will be on Nail Yakupov and who the Edmonton Oilers select in the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft Friday June 22nd in Pittsburgh the Columbus Blue Jackets are right behind the Oilers in needed to rebuild their organization. The advantage Edmonton has over Columbus is having the first round picks in three consecutive drafts. With the Blue Jackets coming off of one of the worst seasons they have ever had, the second pick in this years draft is something they need. The Blue Jackets need people in basically every position, a number one goaltender, first line center, more scoring from their second line, and puck moving defensemen. Center Alex Galchenyuk is perfect for the Blue Jackets. He is nearly identical to Ryan Johansen in that they both have similar skill sets. Having Galchenyuk allows the organization to start their rebuild in a positive way. They will probably look for another first round selection, especially considering the heavy defensive depth in the Top 50 picks this year. But look for the teammate of Yakupov to be a Blue Jacket after this years draft.
The Montreal Canadians have the third pick in the draft this year after having one of the worst years in the last decade ending the season with 78 points. The last time they ended the year with similar numbers was in the 2002-2003 season (77 points). The left winger from Sweden Filip Forsberg will go third overall this year. The Canadians, who desperately need a star on offense, need to look no further than Forsberg. Although he does not have the numbers like other players that will be available people have to remember he is only 17 years old. Given time to develop and get bigger and stronger and adapt to playing in the NHL he will be a great NHL player. This years Swedish star, Forsberg has shown his abilities on the World Juniors Championships stage and in his brief stint with Leksands in the Swedish 2nd Division. Once he builds some muscle and hones his
