Filip Forsberg, Teuvo Teravainen upbeat after Draft day falls
PITTSBURGH -- Every year there's at least one. This year, Filip Forsberg and Teuvo Teravainen were the two top-rated players who had to wait a little longer than expected to be taken in the first round.
The No. 1 and No. 2 ranked European skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Forsberg landed with the Washington Capitals at No. 11, while Teravainen was selected No. 18 by the Chicago Blackhawks.
According to scouts, Forsberg was one of the better developed forwards in this draft class having played a big role in Sweden's performances at the 2012 World Juniors, 2011 U-18 Worlds and 2011 Ivan Hlinka tournament.
"I would lie if I said I wasn't nervous," Forsberg admitted. "It was a D-man draft this year," he said as eight of the top 10 picks were blueliners.
Teravainen said he will spend next season with Jokerit in Finland and will look to bulk up his 5-foot-11 frame. The 17-year old has dominated playing against those of similar age, and while his production dropped off a bit moving up against men while with Jokerit, another year of developing will help him in the long run.
"Next season is very big for me," he said. "I have always dreamed to get to [the] Draft and now it's true. But I just know that my work has just begun and it's a lot of work I have to do."
One of Teravainen's favorite players to watch is Patrick Kane. After Blackhawks 2011 No. 2 pick and Pittsburgh native Brandon Saad announced the selection, Teravainen received an endorsement from a possible future teammate:
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