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 twenty-eighth overall pick of Arctic Ice Hockey's 2012 Mock Draft.

Glen Sather: With the twenty-eighth overall selection in this years draft, the New York Rangers are pleased to select..

Rankings: CSS (29 NA), ISS (15), TSN (51), Hockey Prospectus (27)

The Skinny: The New York Rangers have a soft spot for American-born talent, icing a roster that features the likes of Ryan Callahan, Derek Stepan, Brian Boyle, Ryan McDonagh, Stu Bickel, Mike Rupp and Chris Kreider. Although they may decide to draft Stefan Matteau (bloodlines!) at this spot, Kerdiles is a versatile centre that can be groomed by John Tortorella.

Hockey Prospectus:

Kerdiles is the top forward on the US U-18 team in what has been a weak crop of forwards for them this year. He's not a truly flashy player but certainly has good offensive skills and is a pretty well-rounded player with several offensive elements and gets it done in his own end as well. Kerdiles is a good skater who has a technically sound stride and can really be a pest on the forecheck with his speed. He has solid puck skills with the ability to make the odd move in open ice and shows some creativity off the rush. Kerdiles will flash the ability to be an above-average distributor but is inconsistent in that area as there will be times when he has tunnel vision and doesn't show desirable sense, only to make a great sense play later in the game. He's a hard-working two-way player who will drive the net, pressure physically on the forecheck, and hustle back diligently to help on defense. Kerdiles will also be used on the penalty kill and shows the ability to be effective. He doesn't have a really notable weakness other than his somewhat skinny frame, though as stated above, he doesn't have a standout skill. - Corey Pronman

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