Ryan Murray: Puck Daddy’s 2012 NHL Draft FAQ

The 2012 NHL Draft is upon us. Many hockey fans know these prospects well. Others are aware there's a guy named "Nail" and some other dudes among the top picks. Please allow Puck Daddy's 2012 NHL Draft FAQ to fill in the gaps.

Who is this person?

Ryan Murray, 19, a left-handed shooting defenseman from Regina, Saskatchewan.

How do you say …?

Ray-hoe Roo-aht-suh-li-nen. Just kidding it's Ry-an Murr-ee.

Where did he play?

He's played for the Everett Silvertips of the WHL from 2009-2012, and was the rare draft-eligible player on the Canadian world junior team in 2012.

What does he do to make scouts drool on their wrinkled suits?

Scouts love to use the word "polished" to describe Murray, which is a code word for "you won't have to wait six years for him to develop" and also "he isn't going to make a bunch of overeager rookie mistakes that will make us looks like giant [expletives] for suggested you draft him."

Bottom line: He's Niedermayer-esque with his agility, positioning and ability to join the rush. But he also blocks shots and has an impressive shot himself, scoring 31 points in 46 games this year. All of these things will be on display in the NHL next season, because he's ready to contribute on the pro level now.

What does he do to make scouts pop antacids?

As Neate Sager points out on Buzzing The Net: "Some scouts believe he has the potential to be a franchise blueliner, similar to that of Nashville Predators' Ryan Suter. Others see the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder as less of a cornerstone defenceman and more of a strong No. 2 on a back end who can make an impact similar to Vancouver Canucks' Dan Hamhuis." This isn't to say Dan Hamhuis isn't a solid, important player … but he's not Ryan Suter.

Is he on Twitter?

Negative.

Most revealing personal "favorites" answer?

"Cartoon character: Bugs Bunny." Way to break that "wise beyond his years" stereotype by choosing a character that hasn't been relevant since "Space Jam."

Celebrity he most resembles?

Armie Hammer from "The Social Network" and that other "Snow White" movie.

Three Questions with Y! Sports' Junior Hockey Blog Buzzing The Net (see full profile here)

1. Which NHL defenceman do you not necessarily compare yourself to, but think, "In two years I think I can play more like he does?"

"It's hard to say. I like [Chicago Blackhawks star] Duncan Keith because he's a really good defenceman who skates well, moves the puck well and is really smart. He's an outstanding player. If I could get to where he is, that would be great."

2. When you need to take your mind off hockey — unplug, go off the grid — what do you do?

"I play a little guitar at home. I kind of zone out in that sometimes. After a rough game or something I'll go and jam for a bit.

"I've been playing for about a year now. My roommate, Alex Theriau, he plays for Medicine Hat now, he's a draft pick of the Dallas Stars, he taught me. I've been getting a little better. I can't get read notes or anything. Alex just taught me how to play and I learn songs off YouTube."

3. If you could meet one person, living or dead, whom would it be?

"One person? That's a tough one. I think Wayne Gretzky, probably. Great hockey player. He's a legend in Canada and all of hockey. He'd be a great person to meet."

Where will he be drafted?

There's still a segment of the media that thinks the Edmonton Oilers should snag Murray first overall. But the consensus is that Murray will go No. 2 to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have been looking for a homegrown stud defensemen since … well, the inception of the franchise. There's where Kyle Woodlief and My NHL Draft have him. Adam Kimmelman of NHL.com sees him tumbling to No. 4 and the New York Islanders.

Obligatory YouTube

All that and he fights too?