The ordered remains the same as predicted, except for the top pick. The envelopes were opened one by one until only two remained. As the envelope marked "1" is opened, there is a brief pause and silence in the air.
"The number one overall pick in the 2012 draft belongs to... The Edmonton Oilers," said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.
The Cameras did not turn to the last two General Managers that were present at the lottery. One can only imagine what was going through the head of Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson.
With only an 18.8% chance of winning the top pick, the Oilers became the second team in history to earn three top picks in consecutive drafts. The Quebec Nordiques did the same back in 1989-91. Although this is an interesting feat, it is also very unfortunate to have finished at the bottom so many times in a row. On the bright side they will be adding more young talent to an already powerful roster.
With the final draft rankings being released earlier this week, many questions are being raised about what Edmonton will do. Many say they should take top ranked forward Nail Yakupov of the Sarnia Sting. Others say that they should trade down and get a defenseman like Mathew Dumba of the Red Deer Rebels.
| Nail Yakupov |
The draft is scheduled for June 22-23 in Pittsburgh, where plenty is bound to unfold. Perhaps there will even be a new home for Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash.
What do you think Edmonton should do with their pick?
What do you think They will do with their pick? What do you think Columbus will do with theirs? And Who do you see Toronto getting?
ReplyDeleteHonestly I feel that they will go for a D-man, there is already a ton of firepower on the Oiler roster. The Oilers are lethal when their healthy, but that’s the problem right here. The Oilers always have way to many injuries to compete at an elite level. Getting a forward seems pointless, they won't be able to afford all of their players if they add more offensive talent, someone is going to be traded soon enough.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Columbus is going to keep the #2 pick and trade Nash to get another first round selection plus some young talent. They will go for a big name forward in the draft that’s for sure. They still have faith in Steve Mason, which i completely agree with because he has the skill to be an elite level goalie. Perhaps they pick up Yakupov but with all the concern around Russian players I wouldn't be surprised if they take Filip Forsberg. Teams are hesitant about the Russians; the whole Radulov thing has spooked them.
What Toronto will do is a tough question to answer. They need help in just about every area of the game, which makes predicting difficult. I would recommend a goalie first and foremost because their goalies are very inconsistent to say the least. They could either grab Subban or Vasilevski, either would be an ideal pick up but Vasilevski is risky. He may decide to stay in Russia like Kuznetsov and Tarasenko. I have a feeling that Toronto will take Galchenyuk because Burke is impatient and wants results instantly. Galchenyuk offers an instant impact that the Leafs desperately need. Getting back to the playoffs is what the Leafs need right now, worry about the cup later on.