1. Nail Yakupov 
2. Ryan Murray 
3. Alex Galchenyuk 
4. Griffin Reinhart 
5. Morgan Rielly News & Features
Tampa Bay Lightning 2012 draft review
Photo: Drafted 40th overall in 2012, defenseman Dylan Blujus brings a combination of size, physicality, and offensive ability to the Tampa blue line. (Ian Altenbaugh/HF)
Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman addressed the short term needs of his team with his first three picks, selecting two defenders and a goaltender. True to form for the third year Lightning GM, there was no shying away from riskier picks and the "KHL factor" was largely ignored.
Edmonton Oilers 2012 draft review
Photo: Russian forward Nail Yakupov is the third player in a row the Edmonton Oilers have selected with the first overall pick of the NHL Draft. (Jeanine Leech/Icon SMI)
After a pair of seasons at the bottom of the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers got lucky in 2012 and won the draft lottery, securing a third consecutive first overall pick in the process. In the lead up to the big event in Pittsburgh, much was made that Edmonton might be looking at someone other than consensus top pick Sarnia Sting winger Nail Yakupov, with many suggesting they would select Everett Silvertips blueliner Ryan Murray (CLB). When the dust settled however, the consensus was accurate and Yakupov is now an Oiler.
Increase in Russian-born draftees at 2012 NHL Draft
Photo: Los Angeles Kings draft pick Nikolai Prokhorkin was one of 13 Russians chosen at the 2012 NHL Draft (courtesy of Aaron Bell/CHL Images)
The 2012 NHL Draft was an interesting one for Russia as the first overall pick, for the first time since Alexander Ovechkin's name was called in 2004, was a Russian player, with Nail Yakupov receiving the honor as the choice of the Edmonton Oilers.
Minnesota Wild 2012 draft review
Photo: Winger Raphaël Bussières was drafted in the second round for his blend of skill and sandpaper. Bussières has drawn comparisons to current Wild forward Cal Clutterbuck. (Ken McKenna/HF)
Shortly after the 2012 NHL Draft, the Minnesota Wild greatly accelerated their rebuild by adding prized free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, filling two major organizational holes. With a crop of good prospects ready to compete for important jobs this year and next, the Wild took the long view with their 2012 draft class.
Vancouver Canucks 2012 draft review
Photo: Brendan Gaunce was the first draft pick selected by Vancouver Canucks at the 2012 NHL Draft. (Aaron Bell/CHL Images)
The Vancouver Canucks came into the 2012 NHL Draft with only five picks. The organization made the best available selection with their first round pick and went off the board with their remaining picks. There was a strong NCAA connection, with the team selecting players that will attend Maine, Boston University, and Yale. It was also apparent that the Canucks brass were looking to add size to their prospect ranks, as the average height of their 2012 draft class was 6'2.
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