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

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

Rankings: CSS (15 NA), ISS (17), TSN (21), Hockey Prospectus (76)

The Skinny: The Lightning seem to be building one of the bigger teams in the NHL. After already drafting a defenseman (Cody Ceci) with the eleventh pick in this mock draft, look for them to go with a forward here. With the selection of Wilson, they regain some of the power and grit which they lost upon trading Steve Downie.

Hockey Prospectus:

Wilson is a true power forward with great physical projection and intangibles, although his ultimate offensive upside is a little questionable. His physical game is elite, or close to that level, with a massive frame that has muscle on it and he can be such a pain to deal with along the boards. When Wilson turns his back to a checker, he can protect the puck well, showing decent hands in tight and the ability to make a few plays, but he really controls the puck and makes plays by overpowering his opponent. Wilson is dangerous on the forecheck and will land some thundering hits and will show an edgy side to his game which results in getting involved in a few scraps. Wilson skates at a decent level for a big man, and his first few steps look much better than 1-2 years ago, but he's' certainly not a threat with his skating. He will flash decent vision and doesn't have poor hockey sense but he's not an overly creative or instinctive player. The team that drafts Wilson is not taking a bona fide goon or energy player, but they have to understand they aren't taking a top-six power forward, either. - Corey Pronman

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