2012 NHL Entry Draft: Day 2 Preview

Let's just focus on the 2nd round and our #46 pick. Who might we see?

Christoval Nieves - Kent School (HIGH-CT) 6.3 184lbs

A big, lanky centerman that skates smoothly, quick hands, and great vision. He makes play at top speeds and when he uses his frame to bull his way to the net, he seems unstoppable. The problem is, that is only when he uses it. He is very inconsistent, needs to put on alot of muscle, and just needs to find a way to put his tools together on a consistent basis.

Devin Shore - Whitby (OJHL) 6.00 184lbs

If you are looking for the next available prospect with high upside, Shore is your prospect. Playing in the more less known OJHL, Shore is a raw but talented player. He has decent speed, very skillful with the puck and with dishing them out to his teammates. Great vision and hockey sense, and isn't afraid to do the dirty work. There are small things he needs to work on, but his main problem is that he needs to prove he can play against tougher competition.

Nicolas Kerdiles - USA U-18 (USHL) 6.02 201lbs

A smart and strong centerman, he plays in all situations and plays well in all of them. He keeps his game simple and is always in the right places at the right times. He has good puck skills and impressive mobility, as well as willing to play in the dirty areas. The question is, does he have enough creativity to become a top six forward or is he just a good third liner that eats up minutes?

Sebastian Collberg - Frolunda (SEL) 5.11 176lbs

Collberg had a wonderful year internationally, always making himself a key player for Sweden, but had 0 points in around 41 games back in Sweden. He has a deadly shot, willing to battle for the puck and skates very well. He is always moving and plays with determination. He is, however, undersized, and can't seem to be effective enough away from the puck because of the lack of strength. His 0 points may be contributed to limited ice time, but if he isn't scoring, he isn't doing much because of his size.

Pontus Aberg - Djurgarden (SEL) 5.11 194lbs

Very similar to Collberg in that he has skilled offensively but lacks the size to make himself noticeable away from the puck. But unlike Collberg, he had a very good year in the SEL but was not able to show anything internationally as he was injured in the exhibition games during this years WJC.

Colton Sissons - Kelowna (WHL) 6.01 189lbs

Phil Di Giuseppe - Michigan (CCHA) 6.00 176lbs

A good and agile skater, Di Giuseppe has a good frame that he can add more muscle to be even more effective. He protects the puck well and and works board battles effectively. He also has a good shot that he can utilize and even showed his stuff off in the Team Canada Selection Camp as the lone NCAA player (was one of the last cuts). He will have a good chance of making the team this year however some question whether he really has top six ability or will he just be a hardworking third liner.

Martin Frk - Halifax (QMJHL) 6.00 204lbs

Considered to be a top 5 talent early in the season, Frk did not come back from his injury successfully as he struggled to play a consistent game. He still has alot of interesting tools, such as size, physicality, and goal-scoring ability. His shot is dangerous and has dynamic hands to help himself out. However, he isn't the most mobile and there have been concerns of drive and passion.

Zach Stepan - Shattuck St. Marys (HIGH-MN) 6.00 166lbs

Obviously you need your annual Minnesotan to make the list and this year's highest ranked Minnesota High School player is Zach Stepan. He plays aggressively and physically, and skates well to compliment those attributes. He also has room to add alot of muscle to make him more effective in the future. However, he does not possess dynamic puck skills which have some questioning if his role in the NHL is more suited for the bottom two lines.

Matt Finn - Guelph (OHL) 6.00 195lbs

Ludvig Bystrom - Modo Jr. (SWE-JR) 6.01 208lbs

Why not add more to our Swedish movement? Bystrom is a safe, two-way defenseman that has NHL size, smooth skating, and good hockey sense. Not dynamic enough to run a team's offense but he has solid package that should translate into the NHL quite well with a few years of playing experience. He was a quick riser up the rankings and should look good with our developing defensemen.

Dalton Thrower - Saskatoon (WHL) 5.11 189lbs

Thrower is a defenseman that has seen alot of minutes and plays a hard-hitting game. Sounds a little like Dumba. And although Thrower is also mobile, tough and has a solid all-round offensive package, he doesn't possess the defensive skills and hockey sense our #7 overall pick has. He has trouble with his defensive decision-making, but that doesn't change the fact he is a hard player to play against considering his ability to play physical and hard.

Jake McCabe - U. of Wisconsin (WCHA) 6.00 195lbs

Seriously?