2012 NHL Entry Draft First-Round Picks

Here is an up-to-date look at the players selected so far in the opening round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft at Pittsburgh.

• VIEW TOP-RATED PROSPECTS
• Complete Prospect Rankings

Listed to the right of each player's name is his final ranking from NHL Central Scouting as well the three major scouting publications. These are The Hockey News (THN), The International Scouting Service Draft Guide (ISS) and Red Line Report (RLR). Please note that these rankings are for informational purposes only, based on widely published reports with no relationship to preferences of the New York Rangers scouting staff.

PLAYERS SELECTED IN FIRST ROUND

RANKINGS

1. Nail Yakupov	EDMONTON Pick \| Interview \| Backstage
Right Wing (Sarnia Sting, Ontario Hockey League) Height: 5-10 - Weight: 189 - Shot: Left - Born: October 6, 1993 2011-12: 42 games; 31 goals; 38 assists; 69 points; 30 PIM
NOTES: Game-breaking talent dealt with some injuries this year. Amazing speed and play-making. Had 101 points as an OHL rookie in 2010-11. Had nine assists in seven games at World Juniors, including four vs. Canada. Hometown: Nizhnekamsk, Russia (Russian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 1 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
1	1	1

2. Ryan Murray	COLUMBUS Pick \| Interview \| Backstage
Defense (Everett Silvertips, Western Hockey League) Height: 6-0 - Weight: 201 - Shot: Left - Born: September 27, 1993 2011-12: 46 games; 9 goals; 22 assists; 31 points; 31 PIM
NOTES: Everett captain is can't-miss NHL player who has mastered his position and could be in NHL next year. Great speed, top-notch hockey sense and is NHL-ready as a passer. Had two assists at World Juniors. Hometown: White City, Saskatchewan (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 3 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
4	3	4

MURRAY VIDEO: Profile | Interview | Before Draft | Combine Interview | Combine Test

3. Alex Galchenyuk	MONTREAL The Pick \| Interview \| GM
Center (Sarnia Sting, Ontario Hockey League) Height: 6-0 - Weight: 198 - Shot: Left - Born: February 12, 1994 2011-12: 2 games; 0 goals; 0 assists; 0 points; 0 PIM
NOTES: Highly skilled with great hockey sense, commitment to two-way play, and much off-ice conditioning. Son of former Soviet Olympian missed all but last two games of OHL regular season with preseason knee injury. Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (American)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 4 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
7	14	5

GALCHENYUK VIDEO: Profile | Interview | On Air | Combine Interview | Combine Test

4. Griffin Reinhart	ISLANDERS The Pick
Defense (Edmonton Oil Kings, Western Hockey League) Height: 6-4 - Weight: 207 - Shot: Left - Born: January 24, 1994 2011-12: 58 games; 12 goals; 24 assists; 36 points; 38 PIM
NOTES: Hulking, two-way defenseman improved throughout season but needs to add toughness. Moves puck beautifully with poise and has NHL tools. Son of ex-NHL defenseman Paul Reinhart plays a lot like his father. Hometown: West Vancouver, British Columbia (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 10 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
8	10	9

REINHART VIDEO: Profile | Interview | NHL Live | At Combine | On the Day Before Draft

5. Morgan Rielly	TORONTO The Pick \| Interview
Defense (Moose Jaw Warriors, Western Hockey League) Height: 6-0 - Weight: 190 - Shot: Left - Born: March 9, 1994 2011-12: 18 games; 3 goals; 15 assists; 18 points; 2 PIM
NOTES: A great skater with tremendous talent might be best defenseman in draft. Dominates transition game with his amazing play-making abilities. Missed most of season with a knee injury but averaged a point per game. Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 5 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
6	7	6

RIELLY VIDEO: Profile | Interview | Combine Test

6. Hampus Lindholm	ANAHEIM The Pick
Defense (Angelholm, Swedish Allsvenskan) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 196 - Shot: Left - Born: January 20, 1994 2011-12: 20 games; 1 goal; 3 assists; 4 points; 12 PIM
NOTES: Rapidly improving two-way defenseman can provide offense and is great passer. Had four points for silver medalist Sweden at World Under-18s. Also registered 17 points in 28 games with club's junior team. Hometown: Helsingborg, Sweden (Swedish)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 4 (European skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
15	19	18

LINDHOLM VIDEO: Interview at Combine

7. Matt Dumba	MINNESOTA The Pick
Defense (Red Deer Rebels, Western Hockey League) Height: 6-0 - Weight: 183 - Shot: Right - Born: July 25, 1994 2011-12: 69 games; 20 goals; 37 assists; 57 points; 67 PIM
NOTES: An exceptionally hard hitter who scores a lot on power play, he was one of only two WHL defensemen with 20 goals. Led all scorers at World Under-18s with 12 points and named tourney's Best Defenseman. Hometown: Calgary, Alberta (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 11 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
5	6	3

DUMBA VIDEO: Profile | Interview | At Combine | Interview Day Before Draft in Pittsburgh

8. Derrick Pouliot	PITTSBURGH The Pick
Defense (Portland Winterhawks, Western Hockey League) Height: 5-11 - Weight: 186 - Shot: Left - Born: January 16, 1994 2011-12: 72 games; 11 goals; 48 assists; 59 points; 79 PIM
NOTES: Strong skater with great first pass had big Top Prospects Game. An offensive defenseman who is highly skilled, great on power play, and packs a punch when he chooses to fight. No. 1 pick in 2009 WHL draft. Hometown: Weyburn, Saskatchewan (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 12 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
13	22	12

POULIOT VIDEO: Interview at Combine

9. Jacob Trouba	WINNIPEG The Pick \| Interview
Defense (U.S. National Team Development Program) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 193 - Shot: Right - Born: February 26, 1994 2011-12: 50 games; 9 goals; 22 assists; 31 points; 65 PIM
NOTES: Amazing skater who has NHL size and big shot from point. Won two golds at World Under-18s and was youngest on U.S. World Junior team. Begins college career at Michigan in fall but could still opt for OHL. Hometown: Rochester, Michigan (American)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 9 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
9	5	11

TROUBA VIDEO: Profile | Interview | Combine Test | Off-Ice Fun | Interviewed Day Before Draft

10. Slater Koekkoek	TAMPA BAY The Pick
Defense (Peterborough Petes, Ontario Hockey League) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 184 - Shot: Left - Born: February 18, 1994 2011-12: 26 games; 5 goals; 13 assists; 18 points; 17 PIM
NOTES: Strong two-way defenseman was projected Round 1 pick who missed remainder of season with shoulder injury suffered in November. Hard worker who can play in all situations thanks to great hockey sense. Hometown: Manotick, Ontario (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 23 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
23	21	21

11. Filip Forsberg	WASHINGTON The Pick
Right Wing (Leksand, Sweden Allsvenskan League) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 181 - Shot: Right - Born: August 13, 1994 2011-12: 43 games; 8 goals; 9 assists; 17 points; 33 PIM
NOTES: Held his own in men's league. True power forward is strong in his own zone, has wicked shot and rarely gives up puck due to compete level. Youngest player on gold medal World Junior team has huge upside. Hometown: Ostervala, Sweden (Swedish)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 1 (European skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
2	2	2

FORSBERG VIDEO: Profile | Interview | On Lidstrom | Combine Interview | On Day Before Draft

12. Mikhail Grigorenko	BUFFALO The Pick
Center (Quebec Remparts, Quebec Major Jr. Hockey League) Height: 6-3 - Weight: 200 - Shot: Left - Born: May 16, 1994 2011-12: 59 games; 40 goals; 45 assists; 85 points; 12 PIM
NOTES: Gifted play-maker with NHL size and tons of skill. The QMJHL's top prospect led league rookies in goals and points and won silver with Russia at World Juniors. His consistency and physical play must improve. Hometown: Khabarovsk, Russia (Russian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 3 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
3	4	8

GRIGORENKO VIDEO: Profile | Prospects Game | Combine Interview | At Cup Final

13. Radek Faksa	DALLAS The Pick
Center (Kitchener Rangers, Ontario Junior Hockey League) Height: 6-3 - Weight: 202 - Shot: Left - Born: October 28, 1992 2011-12: 62 games; 29 goals; 37 assists; 66 points; 47 PIM
NOTES: Led all OHL rookies in goals, points, and plus-minus rating after coming over from Europe. An outstanding skater with great size and huge upside for NHL level was youngest member of Czech World Junior team. Hometown: Vitkov, Czech Republic (Czech)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 7 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
11	16	16

FAKSA VIDEO: Profile | Skills Competition

14. Zemgus Girgensons	BUFFALO The Pick
Center (Dubuque Fighting Saints, United States Hockey League) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 198 - Shot: Left - Born: January 5, 1994 2011-12: 49 games; 24 goals; 31 assists; 55 points; 69 PIM
NOTES: Big, strong center who will take faceoffs and kill penalties at next level. Led team in scoring and played for Latvia in World Junior tourney. Will begin college career at Vermont in fall but has option of going to WHL. Hometown: Riga, Latvia (Latvian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 18 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
16	24	20

GIRGENSONS VIDEO: Interview at Combine

15. Cody Ceci	OTTAWA The Pick \| Interview
Defense (Ottawa 67s, Ontario Hockey League) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 207 - Shot: Right - Born: December 21, 1993 2011-12: 64 games; 17 goals; 43 assists; 60 points; 14 PIM
NOTES: An outstanding offensive defenseman with great size, big shot, and mobility, he is often compared to Michael Del Zotto. Ran team's power play and was the second-highest scoring OHL defenseman in 2011-12. Hometown: Orleans, Ontario (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 6 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
10	9	19

CECI VIDEO: Profile | Interview | At Combine

16. Tom Wilson	WASHINGTON The Pick
Right Wing (Plymouth Whalers, Ontario Hockey League) Height: 6-4 - Weight: 203 - Shot: Right - Born: March 29, 1994 2011-12: 49 games; 9 goals; 18 assists; 27 points; 141 PIM
NOTES: Power forward is likely the hardest hitter in this draft and a true intimidator. Crushes opponents with his body checks. Got into fight during Top Prospects Game. Missed part of season with knee and hand injuries. Hometown: Toronto, Ontario (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 15 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
25	17	27

17. Tomas Hertl	SAN JOSE The Pick
Center (Slavia Praha, Czech Extraliga) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 198 - Shot: Left - Born: November 12, 1993 2011-12: 38 games; 12 goals; 13 assists; 25 points; 22 PIM
NOTES: Creative play-maker with relentless work ethic, superior hockey sense and skill was Extraliga Rookie of Year. Battles for loose pucks and is strong on forecheck. Tied for Czech lead with 5 points at World Junior. Hometown: Prague, Czech Republic (Czech)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 5 (European skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
24	30	26

HERTL VIDEO: World Junior Goal | Interview

18. Teuvo Teravainen	CHICAGO The Pick
Left Wing (Helsinki Jokerit, Finnish SM-Liiga) Height: 5-11 - Weight: 165 - Shot: Left - Born: September 11, 1994 2011-12: 40 games; 11 goals; 7 assists; 18 points; 6 PIM
NOTES: Among the most skilled players available. Amazing hockey sense and knack for scoring highlight-reel goals. Had eight points in six games at World Under-18s. Also had 20 points in 11 games for Jokerit junior team. Hometown: Helsinki, Finland (Finnish)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 2 (European skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
12	8	7

TERAVAINEN VIDEO: Interview at Combine

19. Andrei Vasilevski	TAMPA BAY The Pick
Goaltender (Ufa Tolpar, Russia MHL) Height: 6-3 - Weight: 204 - Catches: Right - Born: July 25, 1994 2011-12: 27 games; 2.23 GAA; 3 shutouts; .931 save pct., 15-8-3 record
NOTES: Tall, intimidating battler has huge NHL future ahead of him and is one of the best goalies to come out of Russia with .953 save percentage at World Juniors. Started six games for Russians at the World Under-18s.Hometown: Tyumen, Russia (Russian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 1 (European goalies)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
21	3G	10

20. Scott Laughton	PHILADELPHIA The Pick
Center (Oshawa Generals, Ontario Hockey League) Height: 6-0 - Weight: 177 - Shot: Left - Born: May 30, 1994 2011-12: 64 games; 21 goals; 32 assists; 53 points; 101 PIM
NOTES: Outstanding defensive forward who finishes his checks, kills penalties, also contributes on scoreboard. Dominated at World Under-18s and scored winner in gold-medal game of the '11 Ivan Hlinka tournament. Hometown: Oakville, Ontario (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 28 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
42	23	17

21. Mark Jankowski	CALGARY The Pick \| Interview
Center (Stanstead College, Quebec High School) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 170 - Shot: Left - Born: September 13, 1994 2011-12: 57 games; 53 goals; 41 assists; 94 points; 34 PIM
NOTES: Skilled playmaker who posted big numbers against less-than-best competition. Great nephew of Hall of Famer Red Kelly and grandson of NHL player Lou Jankowski will got o Providence College or USHL this fall. Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 43 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
37	64	28

22. Olli Maatta	PITTSBURGH The Pick
Defense (London Knights, Ontario Hockey League) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 202 - Shot: Left - Born: August 22, 1994 2011-12: 58 games; 5 goals; 27 assists; 32 points; 25 PIM
NOTES: Outstanding defender and great skater reads game well, making a strong first pass. Led OHL rookie defensemen in points. Has played in two straight World Juniors but suffered concussion in the 2012 opener. Hometown: Jyvaskyla, Finland (Finnish)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 8 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
20	12	13

MAATTA VIDEO: Profile | Interview at Combine

23. Mike Matheson	FLORIDA The Pick
Defense (Dubuque Fighting Saints, United States Hockey League) Height: 6-1 - Weight: 178 - Shot: Left - Born: February 27, 1994 2011-12: 53 games; 11 goals; 16 assists; 27 points; 84 PIM
NOTES: Big and skilled but needs to improve consistency and physical play. Oustanding puck-mover whose numbers tailed off this season. Will be entering Boston College in the fall but has an option to play in QMJHL. Hometown: Pointe Clare, Quebec (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 30 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
27	33	50

24. Malcolm Subban	BOSTON The Pick \| Interview
Goaltender (Belleville Bulls, Ontario Hockey League) Height: 6-1 - Weight: 188 - Catches: Left - Born: Dec. 21, 1993 2011-12: 39 games; 2.50 GAA; 3 shutouts; .923 save pct., 25-14-0 record
NOTES: Athletic, remarkably quick-reflex goalie who placed fourth in OHL GAA after starting five games in 2011 World Under-18s. Younger brother of Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban. Grew up idolizing Henrik Lundqvist.Hometown: Rexdale, Ontario (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 1 (North American goalies)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
48	2G	69

SUBBAN VIDEO: Profile | Interview | With Weekes | With His Brother | At the NHL R&D Camp

25. Jordan Schmaltz	ST. LOUIS The Pick
Defense (Green Bay Gamblers, United States Hockey League) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 189 - Shot: Right - Born: October 8, 1993 2011-12: 55 games; 10 goals; 31 assists; 41 points; 29 PIM
NOTES: Outstanding on power play and a great puck-mover who readily joins rush. Has not filled out his body yet, but size is a plus. 2011 USHL All-Rookie Team member. Begins college career at North Dakota in the fall. Hometown: Verona, Wisconsin (American)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 34 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
34	46	23

26. Brendan Gaunce	VANCOUVER The Pick \| Interview
Center (Belleville Bulls, Ontario Hockey League) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 215 - Shot: Left - Born: March 25, 1994 2010-11: 68 games; 28 goals; 40 assists; 68 points; 68 PIM
NOTES: Starred for Canada at Under-18s and led OHL team in scoring. Has outstanding size and could become physically dominating NHL center. Older brother an Avs prospect. No. 2 pick in 2010 OHL priority selection. Hometown: Markham, Ontario (Canadian)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 13 (European skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
17	11	34

VIDEO: Interview at Combine

27. Henrik Samuelsson	PHOENIX The Pick
Right Wing (Edmonton Oil Kings, Western Hockey League) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 211 - Shot: Right - Born: February 7, 1994 2011-12: 28 games; 7 goals; 16 assists; 23 points; 0 PIM
NOTES: Has great NHL size and hockey sense, but needs to improve skating to succed in future. Second son of ex-Ranger Ulf Samuelsson to be in draft. Also played 15 games for Ornskoldsvik in Swedish Elitserien. Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona (American)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 75 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
50	49	22

SAMUELSSON VIDEO: Profile | Interview

28. Brady Skjei	RANGERS The Pick
Defense (U.S. National Team Development Program) Height: 6-3 - Weight: 200 - Shot: Left - Born: March 26, 1994 2011-12: 56 games; 4 goals; 18 assists; 22 points; 32 PIM
NOTES: Stay-at-home blueliner is best skater among defensemen in draft but needs to use his big frame better. Plus-10 for gold medalist U.S. team at World Under 18s. Will begin his college career at Minnesota in the fall. Hometown: Lakeville, Minnesota (American)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 19 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
26	26	29

29. Stefan Matteau	NEW JERSEY The Pick
Left Wing (U.S. National Team Development Program) Height: 6-2 - Weight: 210 - Shot: Left - Born: February 23, 1994 2011-12: 46 games; 15 goals; 17 assists; 32 points; 166 PIM
NOTES: High-energy power forward is remarkably physical and loves to hit, which boosted his PIMs. Born one month before famous father was traded to Rangers for '94 Cup run. Will play for dad's QMJHL team. Hometown: Blainville, Quebec (American)

CENTRAL SCOUTING Ranked No. 17 (North American skaters)
OTHER RANKINGS
THN	ISS	RLR
30	32	48

MATTEAU VIDEO: NHL Live Interview | Having Some Off-Ice Fun

30. Tanner Pearson	LOS ANGELES The Pick
Left Wing (Barrie Colts, Ontario Hockey League) Height: 6-0 - Weight: 198 - Shot: Left - Born: August 10, 1992 2011-12: 60 games; 37 goals; 54 assists; 91 points; 37 PIM
NOTES: Hard-worker with exceptional hockey sense is a puck magnet who erupted this season. Was third in OHL scoring. Had six points in six games at World Junior. Passed over in two drafts but he will go this year. Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario (Canadian)