NHL Draft 2012 TV Coverage: When and Where to Watch Day 1 Action

There is no rest for the weary in the NHL. Less than two weeks after the Los Angeles Kings won the first Stanley Cup in franchise history, and one day after the league released the 2012-13 schedule, teams start building for the future in the 2012 NHL draft. 

While not a deep class of talent, there are a handful of players who you can project as stars in a few years. Teams are likely to take more risks in the lower portion of the first round in order to take advantage of some raw athletes who have more upside than some of the safer players who would normally go very high. 

We will have all the information you need to get ready for the first day of the NHL's annual draft extravaganza. 

Where: Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

When: Friday, June 22 at 7:00 p.m. EST

Watch: NBC Sports Network (7-9 p.m.); NHL Network (9-10:30 p.m.)

Live Streaming: TSN.ca

2012 NHL DRAFT ORDER
1. Edmonton Oilers
2. Columbus Blue Jackets
3. Montreal Canadians
4. New York Islanders
5. Toronto Maple Leafs
6. Anaheim Ducks
7. Minnesota Wild
8. Carolina Hurricanes
9. Winnipeg Jets
10. Tampa Bay Lightning
11. Washington Capitals
12. Buffalo Sabres
13. Dallas Stars
14. Calgary Flames
15. Ottawa Senators
16. Washington Capitals
17. San Jose Sharks
18. Chicago Blackhawks
19. Tampa Bay Lightning
20. Philadelphia Flyers
21. Buffalo Sabres
22. Pittsburgh Penguins
23. Florida Panthers
24. Boston Bruins
25. St. Louis Blues
26. Vancouver Canucks
27. Phoenix Coyotes
28. New York Rangers
29. New Jersey Devils
30. Los Angeles Kings

Top Prospects Available

Nail Yakupov, RW, Sarnia

In a draft that skews heavily towards defensemen, Yakupov is the best and most dynamic offensive player available. He has the speed, power and versatility to become a superstar, though it will take time for him to adapt to the physical play in the NHL. 

Ryan Murray, D, Everett

Murray is the best of a very good group of defensemen available. He has more than enough offensive game to put up shiny numbers that casual fans like, while possessing the instincts and physicality to dominate without the puck. 

Filip Forsberg, C, Leksand

Given the nature of Forsberg's position and his natural ability on the ice, you could make a case for him as the No. 1 pick in this draft. While I don't see that happening, he should not make it out of the top five.

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