The NHL lockout is over, and with the 2013 NHL season about to start, the 2012 NHL draft's first overall pick, Nail Yakupov, will get to showcase his talents soon. But what about the other draftees?
Not every first-round pick from 2012 will be in the NHL this year, but they have been busy with some form of hockey during the lockout.
Draft picks are often a crapshoot because, as history has showed, lottery picks like Alexandre Daigle can be busts and late-rounders like Henrik Lundqvist can turn out to be superstars.
While the NHL gets ready to start the 2013 season, here is an update on each first-round pick from 2012.
No. 30 Tanner Pearson (Los Angeles Kings)
Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images
Team: Manchester Monarchs (AHL)
The third time was a charm for Tanner Pearson in 2012 when he was selected by the Los Angeles Kings.
Pearson was a player who added some size and offense over the past few seasons, and this should allow him to be a solid two-way, second-line player.
Currently, Pearson is a member of the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL, where he has 18 points in 30 games.
His age, determination and experience should make him a favorite to make the Kings roster out of training camp in 2013-14.
No. 29 Stefan Matteau (New Jersey Devils)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
Stefan Matteau was selected by the New Jersey Devils during the 2012 draft, and he is a grinder who plays with an edge.
Currently, the future Devil is a member of Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, and he has scored 30 points in 27 games.
Matteau will be a secondary player similar to his father, but the younger Matteau will be a scrappier and feistier bottom-six forward.
No. 28 Brady Skjei (New York Rangers)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: University of Minnesota (NCAA)
Brady Skjei is a mobile defender who currently skates for the University of Minnesota, and he is a defender with a lot of upside.
He is a two-way defender who is stronger defensively than he is offensively, but his speed makes him stand out.
Skjei should project to be a second-pair defenseman once he hits the NHL level, but he is still young and growing at this stage.
After failing to make the Team USA roster for the WJC, the 18-year-old will look to improve on the six points he has already registered in 18 games with the Gophers.
No. 27 Henrik Samuelsson (Phoenix Coyotes)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Henrik Samuelsson, son of Ulf Samuelsson, is a grizzled forward who plays a lot like his dad used to.
Henrik projects to be a bottom-six grinder who will hit and play in the dirty areas of the ice, but his offense could add some depth to his game once he hits the NHL level.
Currently, Samuelsson has 39 points with the Oil Kings through 35 games.
No. 26 Brendan Gaunce (Vancouver Canucks)
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Team: Belleville Bulls (OHL)
Brendan Gaunce is a physical two-way forward with an offensive upside. He is a player who has been impressive in Juniors during the past few seasons.
He is currently the captain of the OHL's Belleville Bulls, and he has 18 points through 26 games.
His style of play will fill the role that Vancouver has been searching for during the past few seasons. Gaunce ultimately will be a second- or third-line forward who will play two-way hockey.
No. 25 Jordan Schmaltz (St. Louis Blues)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: University of North Dakota (NCAA)
Jordan Schmaltz is a player who was a safe pick in the late first round of the 2012 NHL draft, but he still has some serious upside.
He is off to a slow start with only four points in 18 games, but he has some developing to do.
He has the potential to become a solid power-play quarterback and top-four defender once he reaches his potential.
No. 24 Malcolm Subban (Boston Bruins)
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Team: Belleville Bulls (OHL)
Malcolm Subban projects to be a starting goaltender at the NHL level. He is currently the starter for the Belleville Bulls of the OHL and the Canadian WJC team playing in Ufa, Russia.
The younger brother of P.K. Subban is a determined and dedicated player, so it shouldn't take long for him to make his debut.
Subban is a talented netminder who will be in the NHL in a few short years, so keep an eye on him until that happens.
No. 23 Mike Matheson (Florida Panthers)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Boston College (NCAA)
Mike Matheson is an offensive defender who is a great passer and skater, but he lacks the trademark point shot of a power-play quarterback. He also is a big defender, but he lacks physicality.
So far, his offense has been key for BC, and he has 11 points through 16 NCAA games.
At this point, Matheson projects to be a bottom-pairing defender, but he has a lot of development ahead of him.
No. 22 Olli Maatta (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: London Knights (OHL)
Olli Maatta was a defensive prospect who flew under the radar during the 2012 draft, and he has a very bright future ahead of him with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He projects to be a top-four shutdown defenseman who can be effective in both ends of the ice.
This season, Maatta returned to play with the London Knights of the CHL, and the move has really paid off so far for the young defender, who has 24 points in 32 games.
No. 21 Mark Jankowski (Calgary Flames)
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Team: Providence College (NCAA)
Mark Jankowski was a surprise pick at the 2012 draft, and it is too early to predict what type of player he will be. The young forward has a lot of potential, but it will be a few years before his future is more clear.
Since his drafting, the young forward has tallied eight points in 14 games for Providence College.
No. 20 Scott Laughton (Philadelphia Flyers)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Scott Laughton is a physical and big-bodied center who projects to be an ideal third-line forward for the Philadelphia Flyers.
He is an aggressive hitter who plays with snarl, so he has the edge to fit in on Broad St.
Currently, Laughton is an alternate captain for the Oshawa Generals, and he has a point-per-game average through 25 games.
No. 19 Andrei Vasilevski (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Tolpar Ufa (MHL)
Andrei Vasilevski was a standout for his home country during last year's World Junior Championships, and he could end the never-ending revolving door of goaltenders in Tampa Bay.
The Russian goalie is once again representing his country at the WJC, and he is also Tolpar Ufa's starting netminder.
He is an athletic goaltender who comes up in big games, and he will be the Lightning's starter in a few short years.
No. 18 Teuvo Teravainen (Chicago Blackhawks)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Jokerit (SM-lliiga)
Teuvo Teravainen is a player who has the potential to be a great top-six forward at the NHL level.
He has also been one of the standout players of the 2012 World Junior Championships in Ufa, in addition to being a standout for Jokerit of the SM-liiga. Through 24 games, Teravainen has 19 points.
Teravainen has the speed, skills and shot to make an impact with Chicago very soon.
No. 17 Tomas Hertl (San Jose Sharks)
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Team: HC Slavia Praha (CZE)
Tomas Hertl is a young and talented playmaking forward who projects to be a second- or third-line forward.
Through 29 games with HC Slavia Praha, the youngster has 22 points and has shown some offensive creativity.
Hertl will be in the NHL in a few years, so he has the time to develop into a solid second-liner.
No. 16 Thomas Wilson (Washington Capitals)
Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
Team: Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Thomas Wilson is a truculent, grinding forward who projects to be a player of the same mould as Brooks Laich.
Wilson is a leader as the alternate captain of the Plymouth Whalers, and he has been a decent offensive contributor. In 23 games, Wilson has tallied seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points.
At his full potential, Wilson will play solid two-way hockey, be an aggressive forechecker and contribute his fair share of offense in a third-line role.
No. 15 Cody Ceci (Ottawa Senators)
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Team: Ottawa 67's (OHL)
Cody Ceci is an offensive defenseman who is on the small side, but he still has enough time to develop into a top-four defenseman. He was the captain of the Ottawa 67's, but he was just traded to the Owen Sound Attack.
In 36 games, the offensive Ceci has 33 points, and he has been a true threat on the ice.
If he continues to fine tune his overall skills, he should have no problem cracking the Ottawa Senators' roster out of training camp in a few years.
No. 14 Zemgus Girgensons (Buffalo Sabres)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Rochester Americans (AHL)
Zemgus Girgensons is a young center who projects to be a solid second-liner for the Buffalo Sabres.
He has a lot of talent, he is a player who can get physical and he has a solid skill set that will make him a bona fide two-way center.
Girgensons has been playing in the AHL, where he only has four points thus far, but he will benefit from this professional experience while some of his other draft mates are still in Juniors or college.
No. 13 Radek Faksa (Dallas Stars)
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Team: Kitchner Rangers (OHL)
Radek Faksa is a very talented and determined player who should become a 65 to 70-point, top-six forward.
Through 29 games, Faksa already has 25 points, and he is also representing the Czech Republic at the WJC in Ufa.
He has a lot of offensive skills, and his internal drive will allow him to have NHL success in a matter of seasons.
The youngster will be joining a solid supporting cast in Dallas, and that will allow him to thrive right off the bat.
No. 12 Mikhail Grigorenko (Buffalo Sabres)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Mikhail Grigorenko is a center who could turn out to be a real steal for the Buffalo Sabres. He is a great skater, a lethal scorer and an amazing passer.
In only 30 games with the Remparts, Grigorenko already has 50 points.
Grigorenko's offensive skills and ability to dominate on the ice should allow him to be a skilled top-six center once he makes his NHL debut.
No. 11 Filip Forsberg (Washington Capitals)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Leksan (Allsvenskan)
Filip Forsberg is going to be one of the best players to emerge from the 2012 NHL draft, and that is because of his impressive skill set. He is also one of the best prospects playing at the WJC in Ufa, in addition to being one of Leksan's best players.
In 22 games, Forsberg has 19 points, and he is off to a career-best start in the league.
Forsberg is a solid two-way winger who has a good-sized frame, impressive speed and good hands. Once he hits the NHL, Forsberg will be able to slot into a top-six role with Washington.
No. 10 Slater Koekkoek (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
Team: Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Slater Koekkoek was an solid top-10 pick for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and he projects to be a top-four offensive defenseman.
Koekkoek is a leader as the captain of the Peterborough Petes, and he is the team's top offensive defender with 25 points.
He is a prospect who currently has an amazing shot, and his passing abilities will ultimately allow him to develop into a power-play quarterback at the NHL level.
No. 9 Jacob Trouba (Winnipeg Jets)
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Team: University of Michigan (NCAA)
Jacob Trouba was one of the top defenders from the 2012 NHL draft, and he projects to be a top-pairing offensive defenseman.
At the University of Michigan, Trouba has 11 points through 16 games.
Trouba has a great shot, he is an amazing passer and he has been one of the standout defenders for Team USA at the WJC in Ufa, Russia thus far.
He could be an amazing top-end defender for the Winnipeg Jets if he keeps up the good work.
No. 8 Derrick Pouliot (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Derrick Pouliot was drafted in the first round of the 2012 draft, and he has had a solid season with the Portland Winterhawks up to this point.
He projects to be a second-pairing defender, but the sky is the limit for this young defender. Through 35 games, Pouliot has 36 points as the team's top defender.
Pouliot is one of the best defenders in the WHL, and he will continue to develop over the next few seasons.
No. 7 Mathew Dumba (Minnesota Wild)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Mathew Dumba is a solid defensive prospect for the Minnesota Wild, and this future top-four defender will make the jump to the NHL level very soon.
In 34 games this season in the WHL, Dumba has 17 points.
Dumba has a booming shot and is a mobile defenseman who will really fit in with the current core of defenders that the Wild have on board, which will make him a top asset on the blue line.
By 2013-14, Dumba should have a good chance at cracking the roster after training camp.
No. 6 Hampus Lindholm (Anaheim Ducks)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Norfolk Admirals (AHL)
Hampus Lindholm was a surprise pick in the first round of the NHL draft. Unfortunately, an injury knocked him out of this year's WJC in Ufa, Russia.
Lindholm is a talented defender who has a bright future.
No. 5 Morgan Rielly (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Morgan Rielly's stock has risen a lot over the past few months, and he is going to be the next big thing on the Toronto Maple Leafs' blue line.
Rielly is quietly having a nice season in the WHL, with 28 points registered through 33 games,
He is currently representing Team Canada at the WJC in Ufa, and he is a defender who seems to rise when the spotlight is on him.
Rielly was a no-brainer selection for Toronto, and he projects to be a top-pairing defender at the NHL level.
No. 4 Griffin Reinhart (New York Islanders)
Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
Team: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Griffin Reinhart is an amazing leader and offensive defender who is the future No. 1 defenseman for the New York Islanders.
The youngster is a member of the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL and the Canadian WJC team in Ufa.
Reinhart is a sizable defender with a booming howitzer of a slap shot, and that will make him an ideal power-play quarterback for the Islanders before they move to Brooklyn.
No. 3 Alex Galchenyuk (Montreal Canadiens)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Alex Galchenyuk is a Montreal Canadiens prospect who could walk into the NHL now that the lockout is over.
The youngster has had an explosive season with the Sarnia Sting, and that includes 61 points thus far.
He has been one of Team USA's top players at the WJC, and he projects to be an elite goal scorer at the NHL level.
If Galchenyuk does play in the NHL this season, he could score at least 15 goals in a shortened season.
No. 2 Ryan Murray (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
Team: Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Ryan Murray is currently sidelined with an injury that will force him to miss the entire 2012-13 season.
Once the Everett Silvertips captain makes his debut for the Columbus Blue Jackets, he will be a solid power-play quarterback and top-end offensive defender.
Murray is a solid passer and shooter, so he will be a dual threat while on the ice for Columbus.
No. 1 Nail Yakupov (Edmonton Oilers)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Team: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk (KHL)
Nail Yakupov is a player who projects to be a superstar goal scorer at the NHL level, and he could tear it up in a shortened season.
Yakupov has had a lot of ice time between playing in the KHL and with Russia at the WJC, so he stands to be one of the best-conditioned players this season.
In 22 KHL games, the youngster has 10 goals and eight assists for 18 points.
Once the season starts up, expect Yakupov to shine with his linemates in Edmonton and score close to 20 goals.
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
4 Comments
Loading comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete