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NHL Mock Draft: Blue Jackets Take Swede Filip Forsberg, According To ESPN Mock

The Columbus Blue Jackets will take center Filip Forsberg of Sweden in the first round of the NHL Draft, according to this ESPN Insider Mock Draft.

From the ESPN piece:

His size/skating ratio is very good, and early in the season some made the case that the Swedish center should go No. 1 overall, particularly given his position. With Rick Nash likely out the door, selecting Forsberg allows the Jackets to rebuild down the middle, adds some depth behind rookie Ryan Johansen...

SB Nation's NHL Mock Draft also has the Blue Jackets taking the 17-year-old Forsberg, who is not related to former NHL player Peter Forsberg.

The ESPN piece mentions that Columbus might be inclined to take Russian Nail Yakupov at No. 2, but adds that past experiences with Russian draft picks -- coupled with Forsberg's talent -- will probably prevent that from happening.

The first round will be held Friday night, with Rounds 2 through 7 taking place Saturday.

For more on the Columbus Blue Jackets, go to The Cannon. You can check out more hockey news from around the league at SB Nation's NHL page, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.