2012 NHL Entry Draft: Columbus Blue Jackets Receive Second Overall Pick

The Columbus Blue Jackets came into tonight's NHL Draft Lottery with a 48.2 percent of earning the first overall pick in this year's draft.

With the league's worst record, the Jackets had the best opportunity at receiving the top pick and possibly using it on Russian winger Nail Yakupov.

However, Columbus' bad luck this year continued tonight as the Edmonton Oilers, who had a 18.8 percent chance, will be drafting first overall for the third year in a row.

The Jackets missed out yet again, having never received the first overall pick through the draft lottery in their 11 years of existence.

Columbus will receive the second overall pick and will have to go back to the drawing board as drafting their top target is no longer a sure thing,

"It's disappointing," Columbus general manager Scott Howson told the Columbus Dispatch.

"My heart was pounding there when it got down to the final two spots.

As disappointing as missing out on the first pick seems, there are still plenty of talented players available at No. 2, and it may not be the only first round pick they end up using on draft night.

"It's still a positive day. We're looking forward. We've got this pick -- which is a very good pick, and we're going to get a very good player -- and we have the possibility of taking (the Los Angeles Kings') pick (currently No. 17), if we so choose," said Howson.

The pick from the Kings was acquired by the Jackets in their trade of All-Star center Jeff Carter.

Because the Kings made the playoffs this season, the Jackets have the option of using the first round pick in either this year's draft or next.

The Jackets have the option of two top picks in the first round and could also add a third if the rumors of Rick Nash being traded before the draft are realized.

Columbus is on their way to reshaping the franchise and having a chance to pick three of the top-30 young prospects is a perfect starting point.

If Yakupov does not fall to the Jackets at No. 2, other talented forwards available include Mikhail Grigorenko, Alex Galchenyuk, and Filip Forsberg.

The Jackets could also trade the No. 2 pick for immediate help, most likely in net as three consecutive years of inconsistency have shown that Steve Mason is no longer an option as the team's franchise goaltender.

Whatever they decide to do with the pick, the Jackets have plenty of options to choose from and draft night will most likely be a positive one for the young franchise.