2012 NHL Draft Grades: Pittsburgh Penguins and Teams Who Excelled

The Pittsburgh Penguins had an exceptional 2012 NHL Draft this past weekend as hosts of the National Hockey League's annual selection process.

The Penguins traded away Jordan Staal to the Carolina Hurricanes and gained a center in Brandon Sutter, who can play right away.

In addition to the blockbuster trade, Pittsburgh added some young talent with the potential to keep the Penguins in the Stanley Cup hunt for years to come. 

The Pens are just one of several teams who excelled in the 2012 NHL Draft this weekend. 

Carolina Hurricanes: A+

Jordan Staal is a superb hockey player and the Carolina Hurricanes did well to acquire him from the Penguins on draft weekend. Carolina now has an elite playmaker up front to rely upon next season and to build around for the future. 

Second-round pick Phil Di Giuseppe was a standout selection for the Hurricanes. The University of Michigan product was projected by many to go in the first round but fell all the way to Carolina at No. 38 on Day 2. 

Pittsburgh Penguins: A

Pittsburgh eliminated a mighty distraction by trading away Jordan Staal and opening up the ice even more for talented offensive stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. In addition to moving Staal, the Penguins added potential with Derrick Pouliot and Olli Maatta. 

For a team that struggled mightily on defense last season and unraveled in the playoffs, defensive acquisitions were key this summer, and Pittsburgh made all the right moves. 

Washington Capitals: A+

The Capitals lucked out tremendously with Filip Forsberg dropping right into their laps at No. 11 overall. Forsberg was projected to go early on thanks to his incredible size and skating ability. Their second first-round pick, Thomas Wilson, should make an impact down the road as well. He's not afraid to set the tone for the team and enforce his will on opponents out on the ice. 

Washington made 10 total picks in this weekend's draft and focused on toughness and scoring, two important components of winning hockey. Washington made strides in the playoff last spring, and will now be ready to challenge for the Cup thanks to their extraordinary 2012 draft. 

Follow Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more on the 2012 NHL Draft.