Justin Schultz – D – Edmonton Oilers
A second round pick by the Anaheim in 2008, Schultz became a free agent after the Ducks failed to sign him. The Oilers were able to sign him giving them the missing blueline prospect to complement the offensive young guns. In 34 games with Oklahoma during the NHL lockout, Schultz was second in AHL scoring with 48 points.
Mikael Granlund – C – Minnesota Wild
The 9th overall pick in 2010, Granlund has spent the last three seasons with HIFK in Finland and finished the 2011-12 season with 51 points in 45 games. Granlund became a national hero in Finland after scoring this goal at the 2011 World Championships.
Vladimir Tarasenko – RW – St. Louis Blues
The Blues selected Tarasenko 16th overall in 2010 and has played over 200 games in the KHL over the past few seasons. Tarasenko had 31 points in 31 games with SKA St. Petersburg this season.
Nail Yakupov – RW – Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton’s third consecutive 1st overall pick, Yakupov gives the Oilers another offensive weapon. During the lockout, Yakupov registered 18 points in 22 games in the KHL.
Jonathan Huberdeau – C – Florida Panthers
The 3rd overall pick in 2011, Huberdeau led the Saint John Sea Dogs to a Memorial Cup win in 2010-11. He also represented Team Canada twice at the WJC finishing with 9 points in both 2012 and 2013.
Chris Kreider – LW – New York Rangers
Kreider did not play for the Rangers during the 2011-12 regular season but he joined them during the playoffs and contributed with 5 goals including several clutch goals.
Marcus Foligno – LW – Buffalo Sabres
Known more for being a gritty forward, Foligno showed some potential offensively with 13 points in 14 games with the Sabres last season.
Jakob Silfverberg – RW – Ottawa Senators
In 2011-12, Silfverberg had 54 points in 49 games and was league MVP for the Elitserien Champion Brynas club.
Sven Baertschi – LW – Calgary
A 13th overall pick by the Flames in 2011, the Switzerland native had 94 points in 47 games with Portland of the WHL in 2011-12 and had 18 points in 21 games with Abbotsford in the AHL this season.
Alex Galchenyuk – C – Montreal Canadiens
Galchenyuk missed most of the 2011-12 season with an injury but was still selected 3rd overall in 2012. He had 83 points as an OHL rookie with Sarnia in 2010-11. Galchenyuk had 61 points in 33 games this season and helped Team USA win a gold medal at the WJC.
Cory Conacher – LW – Tampa Bay Lightning
Undrafted, Conacher was signed as a free agent. He had 80 points for the Calder Cup champions Norfolk Admirals and was named the AHL’s Rookie of the Year.
