Hindsight is nice as a result of it permits us to look again at occasions and decide if the right selections have been made. 10 years later and it’s clear there have been some misses within the 2012 NHL Draft together with the highest 4 picks. Now that we all know how these gamers turned out, here’s a re-draft of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
1st General – Edmonton Oilers: Andrei Vasilevskiy
Authentic Choice: Nail Yakupov
Think about a workforce proper now of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Andrei Vasilevskiy. On this re-draft, the Oilers choose arguably one of the best goaltender in hockey paving the way in which for a possible dynasty to be born. As an alternative, Edmonton chosen Nail Yakupov, who by no means discovered his footing within the NHL and has been enjoying in Russia for the final six seasons.
The Oilers have struggled to discover a goaltender for years in the meantime Vasilevskiy has gained the Vezina Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy and back-to-back Stanley Cups. He additionally has 305 wins in 498 regular-season video games performed together with 66 wins in 115 playoff video games. He’s one of the best participant chosen from this draft and it isn’t even shut.
2nd General – Columbus Blue Jackets: Morgan Rielly
Authentic Choice: Ryan Murray
The Columbus Blue Jackets chosen defenceman Ryan Murray with the second total choose in 2012. Whereas he become an honest defenceman who has performed over 400 video games, the higher choice would have been Morgan Rielly. He’s the chief amongst all gamers drafted in video games performed from the 2012 Draft with 818 and sits third in factors with 487.
Wanting again on the 2011-12 Blue Jackets, one factor they desperately wanted was an offensive defenceman. Their workforce chief in factors on the blue line was Nikita Nikitin who had 32 factors in 54 video games. As compared, Rielly has surpassed that complete seven occasions in his 11 seasons. Murray, alternatively, has by no means surpassed 30 factors in a season. Wanting again, the previous Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman was the higher choice.
third General – Montréal Canadiens: Tomas Hertl
Authentic Choice: Alex Galchenyuk
The Montréal Canadiens entered the 2012 Draft on the lookout for their subsequent franchise centerman. They determined to go together with Sarnia Sting middle Alex Galchenyuk who solely performed two regular-season video games in 2011-12. Regardless of restricted enjoying time, he was ranked excessive because of an 83-point rookie season the yr prior.
Galchenyuk had issues with consistency after becoming a member of the NHL. That’s the reason the Canadiens ought to have chosen Tomas Hertl. The Vegas Golden Knights middle has become every little thing Montréal was on the lookout for whereas their unique choose didn’t put up greater than 10 targets after the 2018-19 season.
4th General- New York Islander: Filip Forsberg
Authentic Choice: Griffin Reinhart
It is a choose the Islanders desperately need again. Griffin Reinhart seemed like a stud defenceman that was going to take over the NHL. As an alternative, he performed 37 complete video games and has now introduced his retirement. The Islanders not less than received one thing again for him down the road as they traded him to the Oilers for the choose used to draft Mathew Barzal.
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In hindsight, the best choice out there would have been Filip Forsberg. The Swedish winger has 622 factors in 726 video games and is coming off a 2023-24 season wherein he had 48 targets and 94 factors in 82 video games. The Islanders are a workforce determined for offence and he might have helped shore up that subject if he was chosen fourth total again in 2012.
fifth General – Toronto Maple Leafs: Jacob Trouba
Authentic Choice: Morgan Rielly
Sadly for the Maple Leafs, Rielly is unavailable within the re-draft so as an alternative, their most suitable choice can be Jacob Trouba. The now-Anaheim Duck has develop into a high defenceman within the NHL along with his bodily play and powerful defensive sport. General, this isn’t a foul trade-off because the Leafs have been on the lookout for a rugged, top-pair defenceman the previous few seasons.
Trouba ended up going ninth to the Winnipeg Jets. In his first season, he registered 29 factors in 65 video games, together with 10 targets. Whereas he doesn’t supply the identical offensive manufacturing as Rielly, he has been a really invaluable participant for each workforce he has performed on.
sixth General – Anaheim Geese: Jaccob Slavin
Authentic Choice: Hampus Lindholm
There are only a few defencemen within the league who’re higher at shutting down a play like Jaccob Slavin. Initially chosen a hundred and twentieth total, the previous Chicago Metal defender completed the 2022-23 season with 103 blocked pictures and has 1,151 in 692 regular-season video games. What’s most spectacular is that he doesn’t take penalties as he has solely 88 penalty minutes complete in his profession.
As for Hampus Lindholm, he has had a very good profession, however not on the similar stage that Slavin has. He nonetheless deserved to be a first-rounder, simply not the sixth total choose. The Carolina Hurricanes defenceman ought to have gone rather a lot increased within the draft, which is why he goes sixth within the re-draft.
seventh General – Minnesota Wild: Damon Severson
Authentic Choice: Matt Dumba
Whereas the battle between Matt Dumba and Damon Severson is shut, the Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman has proved to be the higher participant. Not solely does he have extra factors, however he has additionally proven to be a extra constant participant total. As talked about, the race could be very shut however the former Kelowna Rocket deserves to leap up from the sixtieth total spot all the way in which to seventh.
Severson just isn’t talked about a lot however he was the heartbeat of the New Jersey Devils’ blue line and continues to be an enormous a part of the Blue Jackets.
eighth General – Pittsburgh Penguins: Matt Dumba
Authentic Choice: Derek Pouliot
Matt Dumba didn’t have to attend lengthy to listen to his title known as within the re-draft as he drops one spot to eighth total. The previous Crimson Deer Insurgent has developed right into a top-four defenceman who has 249 factors in 693 video games. He has additionally been awarded the King Clancy Trophy for his management and humanitarian work.
As for Derrick Pouliot, his profession has not turned out as he hoped. In 226 video games, he has 54 factors and has spent nearly all of the final 4 seasons within the American Hockey League (AHL). It’s secure to say in hindsight that the Penguins whiffed on this choose.
ninth General – Winnipeg Jets: Connor Hellebuyck
Authentic Choice: Jacob Trouba
Within the re-draft, Trouba was already chosen so as an alternative, the Jets choose Connor Hellebuyck. They initially chosen him one hundred and thirtieth total however it’s onerous to argue that he wouldn’t be a top-10 choose on this re-draft. Not solely has he gained a Vezina Trophy, however he has additionally gained not less than 24 video games in every of the final eight seasons.
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Hellebuyck is a workhorse as he averages not less than 60 video games per season. Regardless of the workload, he has by no means posted a goals-against common increased than 2.97 within the common season. He has developed right into a high goaltender within the league and a participant worthy of being a top-10 choose within the re-draft.
tenth General – Tampa Bay Lightning: Tom Wilson
Authentic Choice: Slater Koekkoek
Few within the NHL play a extra bodily model than Tom Wilson. The previous sixteenth total choose jumps up six spots into the ready arms of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Including him to a workforce that already had Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and had drafted Nikita Kucherov the yr prior simply appears unfair.
As for Slater Koekkoek, he had an honest profession as a seventh defenceman who might fill in when wanted. He performed 186 video games within the NHL however by no means greater than 42 video games in a season. Within the re-draft, he’s a participant who falls out of the primary spherical.
eleventh General- Washington Capitals: Teuvo Teräväinen
Authentic Choice: Filip Forsberg
Forsberg just isn’t out there within the re-draft so the Capitals choose Teuvo Teräväinen as an alternative. The Finnish ahead initially went 18th total so he does see a bump up the checklist because of his stellar play the previous few seasons. He’s now a key contributor to the Hurricanes and has develop into one of many high two-way wingers within the league.
The Capitals shouldn’t be upset shedding out on Forsberg as Teräväinen is a powerful participant. Who is aware of, possibly they like him a lot they don’t commerce him down the road for Martin Erat. Ultimately, Washington cashes in huge with the eleventh total choose regardless.
twelfth General- Buffalo Sabres: Frederik Andersen
Authentic Choice: Mikhail Grigorenko
Ever because the Sabres traded Ryan Miller within the 2013-14 season, they’ve been in determined want of a goaltender. As an alternative of spending years making an attempt out completely different mixtures, they may have had Frederik Andersen to solidify their internet. In 499 video games, he has 298 wins together with a Jennings Trophy in 2015-16.
As for Mikhail Grigorenko, he has spent six of the previous seven seasons in Russia. In 249 NHL video games, he solely managed 76 factors that are fewer than the entire quantity of factors he registered in his rookie yr within the Quebec Maritimes Hockey League (QMJHL). Andersen is the higher participant and strikes from 87th total to twelfth within the re-draft.
thirteenth General- Dallas Stars: Colton Paryako
Authentic Choice: Radek Faksa
At thirteenth total, the Dallas Stars choose Colton Paryako. He has 273 factors in 687 video games and has solely dropped beneath 25 factors as soon as in his profession. In the course of the St. Louis Blues’ Stanley Cup win in 2018-19, he averaged 25 minutes within the playoffs and was a significant cause why St. Louis was in a position to seize their first championship. Initially chosen 86th total, it’s honest to say he’s worthy of a top-15 choose within the re-draft.
As for Faksa, he has become a dependable, third-line middle, as he can kill penalties and chip in 20-30 factors a season. Whereas that’s helpful within the NHL, the Stars have been anticipating much more after they chosen him thirteenth total.
14th General- Buffalo Sabres: Hampus Lindholm
Authentic Choice: Zemgus Girgensons
Hampus Lindholm sees a drop from sixth to 14th however nonetheless makes the highest 15. The Swedish defenceman continues to get higher yr after yr to the purpose the place he’s constantly across the 30-point mark. A bodily presence, he’s a dependable participant who can play top-four minutes.
As for Zemgus Girgensons, he has developed right into a bottom-six ahead for Buffalo. In 713 profession video games, he has 89 targets and 190 factors. Whereas he grew to become a helpful participant for the Sabres, it’s a great distance from the potential they noticed after they chosen him 14th total.
fifteenth General- Ottawa Senators: Alex Galchenyuk
Authentic Choice: Cody Ceci
At fifteenth total, the Senators add Galchenyuk to fill their third-line middle spot behind Jason Spezza and Kyle Turris. He had consistency and authorized points, however he was nonetheless a very good participant who had 354 factors in 654 video games, which is why he doesn’t fall out of the highest 15.
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Cody Ceci, alternatively, has by no means actually established himself as a high-end defensive defenceman. He can play within the top-four for a workforce however his manufacturing depends on who he’s partnered with. General, he’s a secure defenceman however unfit of a top-15 choose.
sixteenth General- Washington Capitals: Tanner Pearson
Authentic Choice: Tom Wilson
With Wilson now not out there, the Capitals choose Tanner Pearson from the Barrie Colts. The Stanley Cup winner has been very constant all through his profession and has proven he can play in a top-six function. He has additionally proven he can contribute to the ability play as a net-front presence.
Pearson jumps up from thirtieth total into the sixteenth spot as a result of he understands the sport so properly. He is aware of the place to be on the ice and understands the significance of a two-way sport. It is a participant that matches Washington’s fashion of play and would have thrived in a second-line place.
seventeenth General- San Jose Sharks: Shayne Gostisbehere
Authentic Choice: Thomas Hertl
Within the seventeenth spot, the Sharks go together with Shayne Gostisbehere who was initially drafted 78th total. The defenceman has 391 factors in 646 video games and has eclipsed 40 factors in a season on 5 events. Whereas he isn’t essentially the most constant participant, he’s a top-four defenceman who understands the right way to put up factors within the NHL.
Sadly for the Sharks, Hertl wouldn’t be out there, however they need to nonetheless be pleased with Gostisbehere. Bringing in an offensive defenceman like him could have even prevented the Erik Karlsson commerce which has led to nothing however issues for the franchise. Though many have criticized his play through the years, the previous Flyer continues to be a worthy top-20 choose.
18th General- Chicago Blackhawks: Brady Skjei
Authentic Choice: Teuvo Teräväinen
With Teräväinen now not out there, the Blackhawks add to their defensive depth with Brady Skjei. Initially chosen twenty eighth total by the Rangers, the 6-foot-3 defenceman has developed right into a strong, shut-down defender who’s closely relied upon on the penalty kill. A participant that the majority groups across the league would like to have on their workforce.
Whereas not recognized for his offensive sport, Skjei can nonetheless produce round 25 factors a season. He additionally has mastered getting the puck on the web with a 58 % shots-through proportion in his profession. A invaluable participant, he jumps up 10 spots within the re-draft.
nineteenth General- Tampa Bay Lightning: Ryan Murray
Authentic Choice: Andrei Vasilevskiy
With Vasilevskiy now not out there, the Lightning deal with defence and choose Murray. The shutdown defenceman was initially chosen second total however falls to nineteenth within the re-draft. His addition to the Tampa Bay lineup makes them a good stronger unit, particularly with the addition of Wilson earlier within the draft.
Murray would match properly in Tampa’s system as he will be an anchor to a extra offensive defenceman on the roster. He can play the penalty kill properly and thrives when enjoying a third-pairing function. Regardless of not residing as much as second-overall expectations, he’s nonetheless a top-20 participant from this draft.
twentieth General- Philadelphia Flyers: Connor Brown
Authentic Choice: Scott Laughton
Connor Brown is the kind of ahead each normal supervisor ought to need on their workforce. Not solely can he produce round 40 factors a season, however he’s additionally harmful on the penalty kill and might make groups pay along with his blistering pace. He’s a Swiss Military knife that has plenty of worth within the NHL.
As for Scott Laughton, issues haven’t labored out in Philadelphia. He has solely handed 30 factors in a season 4 occasions throughout his profession and has developed into a very good two-way ahead. Whereas he’s an honest participant, he isn’t one of many top-20 from this draft class.
twenty first General- Calgary Flames: Alexander Kerfoot
Authentic Choice: Mark Jankowski
The Calgary Flames get stronger up the center by choosing Alexander Kerfoot with the twenty first total choice. He was initially drafted a hundred and fiftieth by the New Jersey Devils however has proven to be a powerful, two-way middle who can kill penalties and play a shutdown function. In 551 regular-season video games, he has gathered 275 factors, which is 163 factors greater than Mark Jankowski who was initially drafted on this place.
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Jankowski by no means established himself as greater than a fourth-line participant within the NHL. This previous season, he spent extra time within the AHL than NHL and is finest suited as an harm substitute who can play 20 video games a season. A giant disappointment for the Flames, as they have been very enthusiastic about drafting him on the time.
twenty second General- Pittsburgh Penguins: Olli Määttä
Authentic Choice: Olli Määttä
10 years later, this choose nonetheless is sensible. Whereas Olli Määttä could not have develop into a top-pairing defenceman, he’s a gentle top-four defender who can play the penalty kill. He doesn’t present a lot offence however is an efficient anchor companion for a extra cellular defender.
One a part of Määttä’s sport that’s underrated is his shot-blocking. Over his 708 regular-season profession video games, he has registered 1,093 blocked pictures. He isn’t afraid to do what it takes to win, which is a good trait to have.
twenty third General- Florida Panthers: Chris Tierney
Authentic Choice: Mike Matheson
Chris Tierney is an efficient middle-six participant who just isn’t talked about sufficient. He does all of the little issues wanted to win like blocking pictures and performs a shutdown function at even power and on the ability play. General, he’s an efficient ahead who jumps up from fifty fifth total into the primary spherical.
As for Matheson, he’s nonetheless an efficient participant however will fall a number of spots. General, Tierney has been a greater participant over his profession which is why he will get the twenty third total spot. As talked about although, it gained’t be lengthy till the defenceman’s title is known as within the re-draft.
twenty fourth General- Boston Bruins: Matt Murray
Authentic Choice: Malcolm Subban
Though Matt Murray’s profession has seen a decline previously 5 seasons, that doesn’t imply he isn’t worthy of being a first-round choose. The previous 83rd total choice helped the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Staff in 2016-17. In 272 regular-season video games, he has 146 wins, together with 15 shutouts.
As for Malcolm Subban, his profession has not gone as deliberate, as he has solely performed 86 regular-season video games and is now on his sixth group previously 5 seasons. A minimum of he is aware of the right way to crush the nationwide anthem.
twenty fifth General- St. Louis Blues: Mike Matheson
Authentic Choice: Jordan Schmaltz
Falling two spots, Mike Matheson goes to the Blues within the re-draft. The rugged defenceman has seen his sport taper off a bit lately however continues to be one of many higher defenders from the 2012 Draft. In 573 video games, he has registered 249 factors and 495 hits.
The Blues would love a do-over on this spot as they chosen Jordan Schmaltz. In complete, he performed 42 video games registering 5 factors. After years within the AHL, he made his strategy to Europe the place he most not too long ago performed in Switzerland’s Nationwide League.
twenty sixth General- Vancouver Canucks: Josh Anderson
Authentic Choice: Brendan Gaunce
Josh Anderson makes the soar from ninety fifth total all the way in which to twenty sixth within the re-draft. At 6-foot-3, 227 kilos, he fills the bodily want the Canucks have been looking for these previous couple of seasons. Over his 563-game profession to date, he has registered 233 factors together with 1,272 hits.
As an alternative, the Canucks went with Brendan Gaunce. He’s an enormous middle who was projected to be an affect participant within the NHL. Quick ahead to in the present day and he has solely managed to play in 177 NHL video games and has spent nearly all of his profession within the AHL. Undoubtedly a missed alternative for Vancouver.
twenty seventh General- Arizona Coyotes: Esa Lindell
Authentic Choice: Henrik Samuelsson
With the twenty seventh choose, the Arizona Coyotes initially chosen Henrik Samuelsson. The now-retired ahead performed a complete of three NHL video games throughout his profession and spent nearly all of his time within the AHL. Whereas he had plenty of success in junior, his sport by no means translated correctly to the NHL.
Within the re-draft, the Coyotes go together with a greater choice in defenceman Esa Lindell. Initially drafted 74th total by Dallas, he has develop into a powerful top-four defender who can play in all conditions. He has performed 631 video games to date in his profession and has registered 201 factors, 1,154 blocks and 830 hits. Undoubtedly a first-round expertise from the 2012 Draft.
twenty eighth General- New York Rangers: Chandler Stephenson
Authentic Choice: Brady Skjei
With Skjei already chosen 18th total, the Rangers need to look elsewhere for his or her choice. The best choice within the re-draft can be Chandler Stephenson. The 77th total choose makes the soar up the draft and into the twenty eighth spot.
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Stephenson has develop into a key contributor within the NHL in the previous few seasons. The Stanley Cup winner is coming off a 65-point marketing campaign and has established himself as a bonafide middle-six ahead. In 523 regular-season video games, he has scored 91 targets and registered 289 factors. He’s a late bloomer however one which has proven lately that he has the expertise to have been a first-rounder in 2012.
twenty ninth General- New Jersey Devils: Erik Gustafsson
Authentic Choice: Stefan Matteau
Stefan Matteau has had a profitable AHL profession however sadly was by no means in a position to translate that to the NHL. In 92 NHL video games, he has six targets and 11 factors. Whereas he received the odd sport or two within the NHL, it’s secure to say he didn’t reside as much as the hype.
Within the re-draft, the Devils as an alternative choose defenceman Erik Gustafsson. He was initially chosen 93rd total as he was an over-ager through the draft however that didn’t cease him from changing into an NHL defenceman. In 475 video games, he has 227 factors proving that generally choosing an over-ager is one of the best choice.
thirtieth General- Los Angeles Kings: Jordan Martinook
Authentic Choice: Tanner Pearson
With Pearson already off the board, the Kings choose Jordan Martinook with the ultimate collection of the 2012 re-draft. Initially chosen 58th total, he has had a profitable profession enjoying in 668 video games and registering 210 factors. He is likely one of the high bottom-six forwards within the league as he understands what it takes to win on a nightly foundation.
Martinook is a participant that isn’t talked about rather a lot however is significant to a workforce’s success. He at present wears an “A” for Carolina and his play helps set the tone for the remainder of the group. Whereas he could not put up greater than 25 factors a season, he brings worth to the workforce because of his willingness to battle to get a win.
Overview:
The 2012 Draft was stacked with loads of future NHLers. In complete, 38 gamers have performed not less than 500 video games and 9 have scored over 100 targets. Whereas the primary few picks could not have lived as much as the hype, the remainder of the draft delivered with family names and star gamers.
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