What will happen in the NHL Draft?

With Roberto Luongo actively on the market, Rick Nash still looking for a place to call home, and Jordan Staal just recently turning down a 10-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins, today feels more like the trade deadline than it does the first day of the 2012 NHL Draft. But still, we all know the important decisions that are in the process of being made, and all eyes are on Edmonton, who has number one pick. The only question is: will it be Ryan Murray, or Nail Yakupov?

Nail Yakupov (pronounced Nah-eel Ya-ku-poff,) is the best player among the many names being tossed around the for the NHL draft. This 18-year-old is already being compared to Pavel Bure for his lightning-quick speed and his accuracy with shots. But Yakupov also has one other similarity with Bure, and it’s one that could work against him this draft — they’re both Russian.

And while Russian players once drew huge scout crowds, today they’re much more hesitant — especially with the possibility of a lockout this year, and an all too tempting Russian league that players can move over to should the NHL not allow them to play. Also, Yakupov is a forward, something Edmonton doesn’t really need. What they do need however is defense, and that’s why they’re eyeing Ryan Murray.

Murray is a defenseman who already looks as though he’s spent some time in the NHL. This 18-year-old Canadian hockey player is one that always seems to know where he needs to be on the ice, and he knows how to block opponents. If Edmonton gets him, and they most likely will, Ryan will be ready to join their lineup next year. Murray’s already drawn his own comparisons with some pretty big names in the NHL — namely, Scott Neidermayer and Ryan Suter.

Edmonton will most likely choose Ryan Murray, but Yakupov won’t hang around for too long either. He’ll definitely go within the top five.

Categorized in: NHL