2012 NHL Draft Prospects: Analyzing Best Fits for Edmonton Oilers at No. 1

The Edmonton Oilers will have a few interesting options when they begin the 2012 NHL Draft by picking first for the third consecutive year. According to Mark Spector of Sportsnet.ca, the Oilers aren't going to give up the top pick and haven't chosen a player yet.

"

#Oilers won't trade No. 1 overall pick. Also won't decide until Thursday night, Friday morning who they'll take.

— Mark Spector Sports (@SportsnetSpec) June 15, 2012"

This is not very surprising since there isn't a clear top prospect on the draft board even though many have put Sarnia Sting star Nail Yakupov on top of their rankings.

Let's look at the three players that the Oilers should consider taking with the top selection in this year's draft.

Nail Yakupov, Sarnia Sting

It would be a bit surprising if the Oilers chose to pass on Nail Yakupov and select a different player No. 1 overall. He's been atop many expert's mock drafts for several months.

It will certainly be difficult for Edmonton to pass on a player who has 80 goals and 170 points in the past two OHL seasons.

Ryan Murray, Everett Silvertips

The Everett Silvertips defenseman is Central Scouting's top rated blueliner, and he would be a fine choice with the No. 1 pick.

When you look at the Oilers' depth on defense throughout the organization, it's clear that elite defensemen prospects is something they need.

Signing former first round pick Oscar Klefbom was a good move by Edmonton, but they need more talented blueliners in their organization. Murray would be a solid addition to the Oilers depth on defense.

Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia Sting

Yakupov's centerman for the Sarnia Sting was Alex Galchenyuk, and it wouldn't be surprising if he has a better NHL career than Yakupov.

However, Galchenyuk's ACL injury that prevented him from seeing much ice time this season is one concern that general managers will have on draft day.