Arctic Ice Hockey’s First Annual NHL Mock Draft: Pick #11

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

George McPhee: With the eleventh overall selection in this years draft, the Washington Capitals are pleased to select…

Rankings: CSS (10 NA), ISS (10), TSN (6), Hockey Prospectus (15)

The Skinny: While there’s no doubting that the Capitals lack a second-line centre, there is no forward left on the board that will provide immediate impact at this position. On the blue line, Dennis Wideman becomes a UFA as of July 1st and many Caps fans are left debating what management plans to do with Mike Green this offseason, who is an RFA in own right, and will command at least 5.25MM. With Reinhart, Washington will get another steady defeneseman to compliment John Carlson and Karl Alzner.

Hockey Prospectus:

Reinhart is a very toolsy big defenseman who has progressed nicely over the last year and even since the start of the season. He looks like a legit offensive defenseman who is well above average skill-wise considering his 6'4" frame. He's a smart player who is able to be effective in all situations and has learnt how to make the most of his tools, rather than your usual big defenseman who at 17-18 typically are much more raw. Reinhart is above average with the puck, showing good poise, and is quite calm under pressure. What separates him from other big defensemen is that he has the puck skills to make people miss, execute all the little plays in tight quarters, and to deliver crisp, accurate passes consistently. Reinhart also has a more aggressive offensive element to his game as he will join the rush and doesn't shy from being creative in the offensive end of the rink. He also has a pretty big shot from the point that he can put a lot of his big frame into. The thing that has seen Reinhart establish himself so well in the industry has been his improvements. He used to be a fringe skater but he really moves around better and his first few steps don't look as heavy. He also used to be a little shy with his physical work and got the label of a timid big man. While he isn't a crash and bang killer on the back end, he uses his body just fine now and I don't have any reservations from projection a high-end physical game from him at the highest level.

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