NHL 'Prospects in review 2012'

With the 2012 NHL Entry Draft now behind us, I thought it was time to do some reflection. In early October 2011 I put up my own 'Top 15 prospects list' for this 2012 Draft. I listed in ranking accordingly back in October. It was slightly changed throughout the year as players would rise and fall. Lots of injuries this past season made things difficult to predict. So listed below is my prediction at the beginning of the season.

REVS 2012 TOP 15 NHL PROSPECTS LIST:(October 3/2011)

1.Nail Yakupov

2.Mikhail Grigorenko

3.Ryan Murray

4.Alex Galchenyuk

5.Morgan Rielly

6.Mathew Dumba

7.Nick Ebert

8.Filip Forsberg

9.Griffin Reinhart

10.Martin Frk

11.Derrick Pouliot

12.Cody Ceci

13.Olli Maatta

14.Zemgus Girgensons

15.Jacob Trouba

REVS 2012 TOP 15 NHL PROSPECTS LIST:(May 12/2012)

1.Nail Yakupov

2.Mikhail Grigorenko

3.Alex Galchenyuk

4.Ryan Murray

5.Morgan Rielly

6.Griffin Reinhart

7.Matt Dumba

8.Filip Forsberg

9.Olli Mattaa

10.Radek Faksa

11.Jacob Trouba

12.Cody Ceci

13.Derrick Pouliot

14.Zemgus Girgensons

15.Brandon Gaunce

OFFICIAL 2012 NHL Entry Draft June22-23rd/2012

1.Nail Yakupov

2.Ryan Murray

3.Alex Galchenyuk

4.Griffin Reinhart

5.Morgan Rielly

6. Hampus Lindholm

7.Matt Dumba

 8.Derrick Pouliot

9.Jacob Trouba

10.Slater Koekkoek

11.Filip Forsberg

12.Mikhail Grigorenko

13.Radek Faksa

14.Zemgus Girgensons

15.Cody Ceci

After looking back on my early rankings starting October 3/2011, I had 3 out of 15 100% accurate in their final ranking and selection. 12 of my original Top 15 ranked players were also taken in the draft.

According to my May 12th final rankings , I had 4 out of 15 100% accurate in their final ranking and selection. 13 of my original Top 15 ranked players were also taken in the draft. I think in the end, I might have surprised even myself...lol

Predicting prospects is a difficulty at the best of times but with today's insights and so many scouts and organizations and media streams, it has become a much easier job. I have found in my experience, not to over analyze. It's quite easy to second guess some early season picks but unless they have really gone off the deep end (ie: Nick Ebert) in their development you should be at least 50-60% accurate if you just stay with your original decision. Much like when taking a test, I am told not to second guess my original answer.

With this years draft now behind us, it becomes one of the busiest times of the year for myself. I will be compiling my "REVS TOP 15 2013 NHL PROSPECTS LIST" over the next few months and be releasing it here at 'Oilers Jambalya' early October once again. 

Also with the Oilers Development Camp just about ready to begin, I will be following our current prospects in the system who will be attending as well as our recent draft selections who will be attending from this weekends 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Last year, I wrote a write up on several of the prospects and will share the results from last year.  I was not writing here at Oilers Jambalya and many of you did not read my thoughts on those players, so will be re-releasing those this week.

During the development camp, (which I will be in full attendance at) I will try to keep the faithful here at our site, updated regularly. Any specific player you want some updates on during camp or questions on their development in particular, feel free to let me know under the comments section and I will do my best to give you what I can.

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to

 www.twitter.com/revingev