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Arctic Ice Hockey’s First Annual NHL Mock Draft: Pick #8

Hey all! Welcome to Arctic Ice Hockey's first annual NHL Mock Draft. Over the next thirty days, Ryan, Tim and myself will attempt to telepathically channel the minds of NHL General Managers as they complete their final rankings in preparation for the 2012 NHL Draft being held June 22, 2012 in Pittsburgh, PA.

In some instances, our analysis will require less insight than others *cough* *Edmonton* *cough*.

So without further adieu, we present our loyal readers with the eighth overall pick of Arctic Ice Hockey's 2012 Mock Draft.

Jim Rutherford: With the eighth overall selection in this years draft, the Carolina Hurricanes are pleased to select…


Morgan Rielly

Defenseman / Moose Jaw Warriors – WHL

6-0

March 9 1994
Hometown: Vancouver, BC

Shoots: Left



GP G A P +/- PIM
2011-12 Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) 18 3 15 18 6 2

Rankings: CSS (5 NA), ISS (7), TSN (3), Hockey Prospectus (7)

The Skinny: The Carolina Hurricanes currently possess two sought after young defensemen in Jamie McBain and Justin Faulk. With Morgan Rielly, their stronghold on defensemen just levelled up. While a torn ACL shortened his 2011-12 season, Rielly is still considered to be one of the best defensive talents available in this draft class.

Hockey Prospectus:

Rielly is a very gifted and advanced defender whose season was cut short early on by a torn ACL, limiting him to 18 WHL games. Prior to the injury, Rielly was seen as a plus skater but as with all knee injuries that is an aspect of his game to monitor going into next season to see if any effectiveness is lost. However, when he came back during the playoffs, his skating seemed to be in its usual great form. His speed is good with a dangerous top gear and Rielly can be especially impressive from a standstill with his acceleration, four-way mobility, and his elusive quickness. He can also really make things happen on a power play with his footwork and ability to maneuver in tight spaces. Rielly is a very skilled offensive player with plus puck skills and passing ability who can dangle an opponent out of his skates or thread a bullet pass through a tight lane. He creates a lot with his individual ability but much more so with his hockey sense and ability to control the flow. Rielly is very aware of his time and space and rarely seems pressured when making plays. That hockey sense also translates to the other end of the ice as Rielly reads his assignments well, makes a lot of good little plays defensively, and works hard in that aspect. – Corey Pronman

AIH Draft Board

Pick Team Player Pos Nationality Amateur Club
1 Edmonton Oilers Nail Yakupov LW RUS Sarnia Sting (OHL)
2 Columbus Blue Jackets Mikhail Grigorenko C RUS Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
3 Montreal Canadiens Alex Galchenyuk C USA Sarnia Sting (OHL)
4 New York Islanders Ryan Murray D CAN Everett Silvertips (WHL)
5 Toronto Maple Leafs Filip Forsberg RW SWE Leksands IF (Allvenskan)
6 Anaheim Ducks Teuvo Teravainen LW FIN Jokerit Jr. (SM Liiga)
7 Minnesota Wild Matt Dumba D CAN Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
8 Carolina Hurricanes Rielly Morgan D CAN Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Community Draft Board

Pick Team Player Pos Nationality Amateur Club
1 Edmonton Oilers Nail Yakupov
LW RUS Sarnia Sting (OHL)
2 Columbus Blue Jackets Mikhail Grigorenko C RUS Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
3 Montreal Canadiens Alex Galchenyuk C USA Sarnia Sting (OHL)
4 New York Islanders Ryan Murray D CAN Everett Silvertips (WHL)
5 Toronto Maple Leafs Filip Forsberg RW SWE Leksands IF (Allvenskan)
6 Anaheim Ducks Teuvo Teravainen LW FIN Jokerit Jr. (SM Liiga)
7 Minnesota Wild Matt Dumba D CAN Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

Option Votes
Cody Ceci 0
Sebastien Collberg 3
Radek Faksa 5
Morgan Rielly 8
Other (provide name in comments) 1
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