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5. Morgan Rielly News & Features
Top 3 Undrafted Players in 2012
Photo: Max Iafrate was among the top players not selected in the 2012 NHL Draft. (CHL Images)
The 2012 NHL Draft saw its share of prominent falling stocks such as first-rounders Filip Forsberg (WAS) and Mikhail Grigorenko (BUF). Even “Mr. Irrelevant,” 211th pick Nick Ebert (LAK), fell from a potential first-round projection in 2011. Yet there were several players who were passed over entirely that raised the eyebrows of the Hockey’s Future staff.
College commitments of NCAA players chosen at the 2012 NHL Draft
Photo: Prep school scoring star and Tampa Bay Lightning second pick Brian Hart has committed to Harvard University (courtesy of Ken McKenna/HF)
Below is the list of all NCAA-bound players that were chosen in the 2012 NHL Draft whose commitments (verbal or otherwise) to college programs have been verified. Unless otherwise noted, all players listed are expected to be with their respective programs this fall. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this listing may not be completely up to date.
Pittsburgh Penguins 2012 draft review
Photo: Center Oskar Sundqvist (left) and goalie Matt Murray (right) were just two of seven players the Pittsburgh Penguins picked on Day Two of the 2012 NHL Draft. (Ian Altenbaugh/HF)
The hosts of the 2012 NHL Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins were expected to be among several teams actively seeking trades at or around the draft. Just several days prior to the event, Penguins General Manager Ray Shero stated that the team was going to aggressively shop one or two of their NHL defensemen.
New Jersey Devils 2012 draft review
Photo: Selected 29th overall, forward Stefan Matteau brings a solid mix of skill, physicality, and sandpaper to the Devils organization. Matteau is the son of former NHLer Stephane Matteau, a veteran of 848 games. (Ken McKenna/HF)
The New Jersey Devils were back in a familiar position this season, drafting right near the end of the first round after advancing to the Stanley Cup Final. While the common thought was that this would be an opportune time for the Devils to give up their first round draft choice as part of the punishment for Ilya Kovalchuk's contract, GM Lou Lamoriello decided to keep the pick.
Montreal Canadiens 2012 draft review
Photo: Despite missing almost the entire 2011-12 regular season, Alex Galchenyuk was selected third overall in the 2012 NHL Draft. (Jeanine Leech/Icon SMI)
The 2012 NHL Entry Draft was the first one under the guidance of new Montreal Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin. On paper at least, the draft class looks as though Director of Scouting Trevor Timmins hit a home run. Prior to the NHL Draft, Montreal's GM had stated that championships are not just won with size and skill, but character and desire.
