The 2012 NHL Draft begins on Friday, June 22 at 6 p.m. CT, and the Chicago Blackhawks hold the No. 18 overall pick heading into the event. The Blackhawks never quite matched high expectations in the 2011-12 season as they were bounced from the playoffs in the opening round, but the draft presents a chance to add depth to the organization and built a strong foundation for a sustainable future.
At pick No. 18 in their 2012 NHL Mock Draft, the Chicago Tribune projects the Blackhawks to take Derrick Pouliot, a defenseman from the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League.
Notes: Canadian defenseman is a bit undersized at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, but he is considered by scouts to be a superb puck mover and a speedy skater. Pouliot wouldn't fill a tremendous need for Chicago, but he could be the best available player left at No. 18.
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