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With the Eleventh Pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Washington Selects...

June 16, 2012, 11:17 AM ET [32 Comments]
Brian Huddle
CHL and NHL Prospects • RSSArchiveCONTACT



12. Cody Ceci
13. Brendan Gaunce
14. Zemgus Girgensons
15. Olli Määttä
16. Tom Wilson
17. Sebastian Collberg
18. Matt Finn
19. Andrei Vasilevski
20. Slater Koekkoek
21. Henrik Samuelsson
22. Derrick Pouliot
23. Tomas Hertl
24. Hampus Lindholm
25. Nicolas Kerdiles
26. Scott Laughton
27. Ludvig Bystrom
28. Cristoval 'Boo' Nieves
29. Oscar Dansk
30. Malcolm Subban

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Washington has franchise-like pieces still relatively young. They made a good run under Dale Hunter and are looking to compliment and invigorate their lineup with some playoff-style players for the the long term runs that they'll try to make.

"With the eleventh pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Washington is proud to select, from the US Under-18 Development Program: Jacob Trouba."



Standing at six-foot-two and 200 lbs, Trouba is a big boy with a ton of skill. Having already suited up at the World Juniors with Team USA, he's ahead of the curve developmentally and is heading to the University of Michigan in the fall to continue to his progression. Though, the Kitchener Rangers, who hold his rights, are always a threat.

trouba is a two-way defender with a huge edge to his game. A terrific skater, Trouba's legs are physical machines. He uses good footwork with a couple good first strides to accelerate quickly and reach a top speed able to get him out of jams when they arise. He has power in his legs to generate his speed but also give him strong balance. He likes to skate the puck up the ice and join the rush when he sees a chance.

Defensively, Trouba is a man-child. he shows good anticipating in closing lanes for both passes and shots. He's a very physical player who loves to step into gaps and challenge his opponents with bone-crushing open ice hits. He utilizes that same edge and strength to give his opponents a rough time down low and a long the boards with a couple shoves and whacks.

He brings good awareness offensively to make plays, but adds a very heavy and accurate slapshot as a real option offensively.

Defensively he can also get caught running around times, and will need to settle his game.

Opinions vary on Trouba. While some believe he'll be more of a mobile physical defensive defender with some puck movement to his game, others have expressed an opinion that he is the cream of the crop for Dmen in 2012 and will be an impact two-way defender for 15+ years. Personally, I fall closer to the idea that this is a guy who will play for a long time and make an impact felt.
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