2012 NHL Mock Draft: Top Forwards Sure to Make Instant Impact

Sure, the draft is really about restocking a team's depth for the future and finding players that will contribute in a few year's to replenish the inevitable departure of veteran players.

But aren't the players who are able to play at the NHL level from day one the most exciting?

Darn right they are, and that's why I've focused on three forwards I think will be capable of making an impact in the NHL next year. For a few lucky franchises, the future is now.

Or at least it will be in October.

1. Edmonton Oilers: Nail Yakupov, LW, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

Sure, they need defense more than anything else, but when you have the top pick in the draft you take the top player available, and that player in this draft is Yakupov.

Yakupov is a future nightmare for defensemen. He skates well, has fantastic vision and puts the puck in the back of the net. While some might worry about his size (5'11"), Yakupov is quick and crafty enough to put those concerns to rest.

The Oilers already have incredible, young offensive talent. The addition of Yakupov will make them a very deadly offense sooner than later.

2. Columbus Blue Jackets: Filip Forsberg, LW, Leksands IF (Allsvenkan)

His combination of size, speed and puck control makes the 17-year-old too hard to pass on.

3. Montreal Canadiens: Mikhail Grigorenko, C, Quebec Remparts (QJMHL)

He's the best center in this draft, and he'll provide some much-needed size for the Montreal attack.

Grigorenko combines good hands and a lethal scoring ability with nice creativity on the attack and a big body to barrel down the center of the ice. He'll need to prove that claims he is lazy and unwilling to bang on the boards is unwarranted.

Still, with his pure skill the Canadians would be crazy to pass him up here.

4. New York Islanders: Ryan Murray, D, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Simply put, this is the safest pick available. Given the first three picks, the Islanders would be wise to add defensive depth.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs: Alex Galchenyuk, C, Sarina Sting (OHL)

There's no question the Maple Leafs covet a young difference-maker at forward, and they'll be thrilled that Galchenyuk will be available for them with this pick. 

Yes, this is a risk given the fact that he tore his ACL in October, but Galchenyuk has a wicked shot, a good grasp of the game and creates opportunities for his teammates. He'll be just what the doctor ordered for the Maple Leafs' attack.

6. Anaheim Ducks: Matthew Dumba, D, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

His speed, toughness and powerful shot make him a nice fit with the Ducks.

7. Minnesota Wild: Jacob Trouba, D, USNDTP (USHL)

He's the most well-rounded defenseman on the board, and while he'll need some time to develop, he should find himself as a top-pair defenseman in a few years. 

8. Carolina Hurricanes: Griffin Reinhart, D, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

He's a big (6'4") defenseman with two-way potential. Hard to see the Canes passing him up.

9. Winnipeg Jets: Morgan Rielly, D, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Rielly's skating ability, puck-handling and plus vision make him an excellent point man on the attack. 

10. Tampa Bay Lightning: Teuvo Teravainen, LW, Jokerit Helsinki (SM-Liiga)

After missing out on the first run of defensemen in this draft, the Lightning will be happy to land one of the elite playmakers in this draft.

11. Washington Capitals (from Colorado Avalanche): Brendan Gaunce, C, Belleville Bulls (OHL)

The Capitals will be thrilled to land this two-way power forward to add stability to the center position.

12. Buffalo Sabres: Cody Ceci, D, Ottawa 67s (OHL)

He may actually be a steal here. Ceci is a big, strong defenseman with a rocket for a shot.

13. Dallas Stars: Radek Faksa, C/W, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

He'll barrel down the ice given his size, strength and solid skating ability. The Stars will be glad to improve the center position with the physical Faksa.

14. Calgary Flames: Zemgus Girgensons, C, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

He's a leader, strong offensive player and defensive contributor. For a team in need of help across the board, Girgensons should help in multiple ways.

15. Ottawa Senators: Hampus Lindholm, D, Rogle (Allsvenskan)

The Senators could use some young, solid defensemen and Lindholm has the talent to become a well-rounded blue-liner at the next level.

16. Washington Capitals: Olli Maatta, D, London Knights (OHL)

The Capitals need to select the top available defenseman on the board. Olli Maatta, come on down! 

17. San Jose Sharks: Sebastian Collberg, RW, Vastra Frolunda HC (SEL)

He's the best available player. End of story.

18. Chicago Blackhawks: Pontus Aberg, LW, Djurgardens IF Stockholm (SEL)

He's as good a skater as you'll find in the draft. If he improves his offensive output, he could be a true steal here.

19. Tampa Bay Lightning: Matt Finn, D, Guelph Storm (OHL)

After going offensive with the first pick, the Lightning will look to shore up the defense with this selection.

20. Philadelphia Flyers: Slater Koekkoek, D, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

The Flyers have a ton of young offensive talent, but this team unquestionably needs to improve defensively. Koekkoek should eat a lot of minutes for the Flyers and impress with his ability to calmly move the puck out of the defensive zone. 

21. Buffalo Sabres (from Nashville Predators): Tom Wilson, RW, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)

With a defenseman already selected, Wilson is the best offensive weapon available and will add strength and speed to the Sabres' attack. 

22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Derrick Pouliot, D, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

I don't really think offense is an issue in Pittsburgh. But for anyone who watched them play the Flyers in the playoffs this year, defense is clearly a problem.

23. Florida Panthers: Brady Skjei, D, USNDTP (USHL)

Adding depth up the ranks on the blue line never hurt anyone. Skjei is a well-rounded prospect who is a nice value down the board. 

24. Boston Bruines: Dalton Thrower, D, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

His grit and fearlessness will make him a fan-favorite in Boston.

25. St. Louis Blues: Stefan Matteau, C, USNDTP (USHL)

He's an excellent scorer, but not at the sake of contributing as a two-way forward. He'll fit well with the Blues' defensive mindset.

26. Vancouver Canucks: Scott Laughton, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

On a team with so much skill, Laughton should add some grit and physicality. He could potentially be a nice addition to the team's checking line in the future.

27. Phoenix Coyotes: Tim Bozon, LW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Time to add some youth to an aging core of forwards. Bozon is a pure goal scorer.

28. Andrey Vasilevski, G, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

A goalie! Hooray! By the time Vasilevski is NHL ready, Henrik Lundquist will probably be in the twilight of his career. A long-term pick here. 

29. New Jersey Devils: Malcolm Subban, G, Belleville (OHL)

I don't know if you guys know this or not, but that Marty Brodeur guy is pretty old.

30. Los Angeles Kings: Tomas Hertl, C, HC Slavia Praha (Czech)

Kings won't believe its luck when Herti drops this far to them. His strength in the middle and strong forechecking ability will make him the perfect addition to the squad.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets really wanted to have another.