The Anaheim Ducks had a rather forgettable 2011-12 NHL season. They finished with the worst record in the Pacific Division and one of the worst records in hockey overall. At least one good thing came out of their rough year, however: the Ducks held a very high first round draft pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. The first round of the draft is underway on Friday night in Pittsburgh and the Ducks have already made their first pick.
With the No. 6 overall pick, the Ducks selected Hampus Lindholm, a defenseman currently playing in the Swedish Elite League. Here is what Mat Wagner of SB Nation has to say about Lindholm:
Born in Helsingborg, Sweden, Lindholm was ranked as the fourth overall European skater by NHL Central Scouting, and ranked 15th overall by TSN in their June 2012 draft rankings.
A puck-moving defenseman with an impressive transition game, Lindholm is not afraid to join the rush and contribute offensively, but also possesses the skills to product the puck in his own end without becoming a liability. As part of a squad that pushed Rogle from Sweden's second tier, HockeyAllsvenskan, into the elite league, he has received raves for his ability to perform against mature competition and is expected to adjust well to the NHL game.
The Ducks can certainly use some reinforcements for next season. Lindholm is a good start.
For continued coverage of the 2012 NHL Draft, stay tuned to this StoryStream. For full time news and analysis about the Anaheim Ducks, check out Anaheim Calling.
