Arctic Ice Hockey’s First Annual NHL Mock Draft: Pick #10

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 tenth overall pick of Arctic Ice Hockey's 2012 Mock Draft.

Steve Yzerman: With the tenth overall selection in this years draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning are pleased to select…

Rankings: CSS (6 NA), ISS (9), TSN (11), Hockey Prospectus (13)

The Skinny: With the playing future of Mathias Ohlund in doubt and a defensive corps that features a plethora of middling players, Ceci will provide some stability on the back end. The Lightning also possess Detroit’s first round pick (part of the Kyle Quincey, Steve Downie three way deal) and could look at drafting one of the top goaltending prospects there.

Hockey Prospectus:

Ceci is a very sound all-around defenseman who doesn't have a standout skill other than his hockey sense, but he does everything else at a fine level which in the big picture makes for a very good defenseman. Ceci is an above-average skater who skates very well for a bigger player. He's fluid, but not extremely fast but he really gets around in all directions well, activates efficiently off the point, and looks technically sound in his movements. Ceci is a plus thinker who sees the ice very well, can make good split second decisions, and is able to quarter back the power play. He also has a pretty good shot that he leans into as a trigger man on the power play. Ceci is an advanced defensive player who uses his stick well to break up plays, reads his assignments fine, and has become a physical threat this year. He's filled out his body well and shows fine strength boxing forwards out of the crease or with his board battles. Ceci's puck skills are about average, but he creates offense the way a lot of coaches like as he generates a quick transition game and is a very good passer. Ceci is also a pretty well-conditioned player who logged ridiculous minutes this past season, typically at times playing 30 minutes a game. – Corey Pronman

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