The final count is in – Nail Yakupov is the king of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

The crowning of the Sarnia Sting standout shouldn’t come as a surprise after Yakupov never relinquished his position as the elite performer in the 2012 draft class throughout the season. Yakupov isn’t alone though. He’s kept close company with teammate Alex Galchenyuk, who is ranked second heading into the draft next month.

It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to think either Mikhail Grigorenko or Filip Forsberg could have that honour as well. The duo are ranked fourth and fifth respectively.

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In what many have proclaimed the year of the defenseman, Ryan Murray could be the first name called on draft day by the Edmonton Oilers, who won the lottery and will have the top pick in Pittsburgh. With most projecting the Oilers’ need on the blueline, the Everett Silvertips defenseman who is ranked third overall could be the first out of the stands on draft day.

Murray wont be the only defenseman selected early in the draft. Jacob Trouba, Griffin Reinhart, Morgan Rielly and Mathew Dumba are all ranked in the top-10, while Cody Ceci and Derrick Pouliot are both knocking on the door as well.

Rank / Pos. / Name / Team / League / Ht / Wt /

1). RW Nail Yakupov, Sarnia, OHL, 5-10.5, 189
2). C Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia, OHL, 6-1, 185
3). D Ryan Murray, Everett, WHL, 6-0.5, 200
4). C Mikhail Grigorenko, Quebec, QMJHL, 6-3, 200
5). LW Filip Forsberg, Leksand, Swe., 6-2, 180
6). D Jacob Trouba, USNTDP U18, USHL, 6-2, 195
7). D Griffin Reinhart, Edmonton, WHL, 6-4, 205
8). RW Teuvo Teravainen, Jokerit Jr., Fin Jr., 5-11, 165
9). D Morgan Rielly, Moose Jaw, WHL, 5-11.5, 190
10). D Matt Dumba, Red Deer, WHL, 5-11.5, 180
11). D Cody Ceci, Ottawa, OHL, 6-2.5, 210
12). RW Sebastian Collberg, Frolunda Jr., Swe Jr., 5-11, 175
13). C Radek Faksa, Kitchener, OHL, 6-3, 200
14). D Derrick Pouliot, Portland, WHL, 5-11, 185
15). D Hampus Lindholm, Rogle Jr., Swe Jr. 6-2, 195
16). RW Colton Sissons, Kelowna, WHL, 6-1, 190
17). LW Nicolas Kerdiles, USNTDP U18, USHL, 6-1.5, 200
18). C Brendan Gaunce, Belleville, OHL, 6-2, 215
19). C Zemgus Girgensons, Dubuque, USHL, 6-1.5, 200
20). C Tomas Hertl, Slavia Praha, Czech Rep, 6-2, 195
21). G Andrei Vasilevski, Ufa, MHL, 6’-3.5”, 205
22). LW Pontus Aberg, Djurgarden, SEL., 5-11, 195
23). D Slater Koekkoek, Peterborough, OHL, 6-2, 185
24). D Ludvig Bystrom, Modo Jr., Swe Jr., 6-1, 205
25). G Oscar Dansk, Brynas Jr., Swe Jr., 6-2.5, 185
26). D Matt Finn, Guelph, OHL, 6-0, 195
27). D Olli Maatta, London, OHL, 6-1.5, 190
28). D Dalton Thrower, Saskatoon, WHL, 5-11.5, 190
29). G Malcolm Subban, Belleville, OHL, 6-1, 188
30). RW Tom Wilson, Plymouth, OHL, 6-4, 205

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