Arctic Ice Hockey’s First Annual NHL Mock Draft: Pick #23

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

Dale Tallon: With the twenty-third overall selection in this years draft, the Florida Panthers are pleased to select…

Rankings: CSS (23 NA), ISS (21), TSN (34), Hockey Prospectus (23)

The Skinny: If the Florida Panthers were to select Koekkoek here, they get debatably the best player available on the draft board. He would be another solid young defenseman to go along with Erik Gudbranson, Keaton Ellerby and Dmitry Kulikov, all of whom are already on the pro roster. Because of this, Koekkoek will be given plenty of time to grow into his future role.

Hockey Prospectus:

Koekkoek is one of those prospects that I’ve heard widely differing reports from industry sources on. The top defense prospect whose season was significantly shortened by a shoulder injury will get praise from one scout as a safe, low-upside player and in the other corner I’ll hear he’s a high-upside boom/bust defenseman…gotta love this industry. From what I’ve seen, I tend to lean more towards the former. Koekkoek (which is an awesome name to say, may I add) is a pretty good skater with a good first step, smooth four-way movements, a technically sound stride, and quick, powerful feet. His puck skills are a tick above average, but he makes his offensive living with his puck-moving. He’s a pretty smart passer who can flash some fine creativity in that area but overall is not that flashy. Koekkoek is very smart though, showing good awareness on the power play when it comes to his decisions, he makes good defensive reads, and plays a pretty mistake-free game. However, I have heard from several scouting sources who have described Koekkoek in the complete opposite manner, stating he will dominate one night, and have several brain cramps per shift the next. What is universally agreed on, though, is that he is a fine physical player who will rub opponents off the puck and do what he has to in that area.
– Corey Pronman

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