2012 NHL Draft Re-Draft
#8 Pittsburgh Penguins
Actual Pick: Derrick Pouliot
Re-Draft Pick: Jacob Trouba
The Penguins wanted a defenseman, but they blew this pick. Pouliut played over 200 NHL games, but never lived up to the top ten billing.
Touba, on the other hand is a top pairing defenseman currently patrolling the blue-line for the Rangers. I think he’s a bit overpaid, but he’s a solid player, and one you’d be thrilled to get eight overall.
#9 Winnipeg Jets
Actual Pick: Jacob Trouba
Re-Draft Pick: Hampus Lindholm
If this is a downgrade, it’s only slight. Hampus Lindholm is a solid top pairing player, who is underrated because he plays in Anaheim and doesn’t score too much.
Along with Morgan Rielly, Glachenyuk and Tom Wilson, Lindholm is just one of four players who have played 500 games so far from this draft.
#10 Tampa Bay Lightning
Actual Pick: Slater Koekkoek
Re-Draft Pick: Tomas Hertl
Look how good the Lightning are today and imagine where they’d be if they didn’t punt this pick. Koekkoek played with the Blackhawks this year, but he’s not exactly living up to his top ten selection.
On the other hand, Tomas Hertl is a legitimate star player. Hertl broke out last year in a big way, scoring 35 goals and 74 points for the Sharks. Originally picked 17th, Hertl now cracks the top ten.