Minnesota high school 2012 draft review Photo: While not a homegrown product, Pittsburgh Penguins draft choice Ted Blueger of Shattuck St. Mary's was the top Minnesota high school pick at the 2012 NHL Draft (courtesy of Aaron Bell/CHL Images) While high end talent wasn’t there this season in the NHL Draft from the Minnesota high school ranks, there was certainly a quality of depth to be found. With that in mind, here is a look at the picks coming out of the State of Hockey. Ferlin takes unlikely path in quest to reach NHL Photo: Cornell University forward Brian Ferlin turned in a solid freshman season despite missing time due to injuries (courtesy of Rich Barnes/Icon SMI)
It wasn't too long ago that Boston Bruins prospect and Cornell University player Brian Ferlin had doubts about his future in the game of hockey, but after making the roster of the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League (USHL) he had a chance to grow. Kerdiles right at home with the Ducks Photo: The Ducks added more hometown flavor to their team with the selection of forward Nicolas Kerdiles from the USNTDP program (courtesy of Ken McKenna/HF)
While the Anaheim Ducks scoured Sweden to draft Hampus Lindholm, they only needed to meander fifteen minutes down I-5 to discover second-rounder and Irvine product Nicolas Kerdiles. Video: 2012 NHL Draft – Jacob Trouba, Winnipeg Jets Photo: The Winnipeg Jets added some physicality to their future defensive corps with the selection of Jacob Trouba (courtesy of Ken McKenna/HF)
The U.S. NTDP program has been prolific in recent years in terms of producing high-end NHL Draft prospects, and the 2012 NHL Draft is no exception. Three players from this program were chosen in the draft's first round, with Winnipeg Jets selection Jacob Trouba being the highest at ninth overall. Video: 2012 NHL Combine – Zach Stepan, Shattuck St. Mary’s Photo: 2012 NHL Draft prospect Zach Stepan, cousin of the the New York Rangers Derek Stepan, will attempt to carve out his own path to the NHL (courtesy of Ken McKenna/HF)
Being a draft prospect with some NHL bloodlines is certainly not a losing proposition, but it can sometimes be a burden that buries the prospect under the weight of inevitable comparisons. |
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