Tomorrow is shaping up to be a big day for a few Blazers hoping to hear their named called at the NHL draft in Minnesota.
Blazer F Colin Smith didn't get a whole lot of respect from NHL's Central Scouting 130th - MT - 96th - F . Saving his best for last, Smith ended the WHL's regular season scoring 13 of his 21 goals after January 7th. He also helped his draft stock after a strong showing at the spring U-18's in Germany.
"I haven't really paid to much attention to the rankings...throughout the year I wasn't really acknowledged as much as maybe I feel I should have been. I think that motivated me to be better."
Blazer F Dylan Willick was perhaps the Blazers most consistent player all season. He also wasn't a big favorite of the NHL's Central Scouting rankings after being left off the mid-term rankings and finishing 164th in the final rankings.
D Tyler Hansen also has a chance to be drafted. He finished 131st in the final rankings amongst North American skaters.
Don't forget about Chase Schaber. Entering his over-age season, Schaber could be selected late in the draft after being passed over the last two years.
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Two Blazers were selected last year. D Austin Madaisky was taken by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 5th round - 124th overall. F Brendan Ranford was selected in the 7th round - 209th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers.
Since 1982, the Blazers have only gone one year where no one was selected from the club. That year was 2008. The Blazers have had only one player selected in four drafts ( 2007, 2006, 1998, 1988 - Mark Recchi)
The most players drafted from the Blazers was in 1994. That year, nine players were chosen including Nolan Baumgartner, Jason Holland, Chris Murray, Jason Strudwick, Hnat Domenichelli, Brad Lukowich, Mike Josephson, Bob Westerby, Tyson Nash)
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Blazer GM Craig Bonner and majority owner Tom Gaglardi are taking in the draft in Minnesota.
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New Blazer Associate Coach Dave Hunchak is in the city this weekend. He's house hunting along with his wife Kim. It's expected he will be working out of the Blazer office by mid to late July.
Jon Keen
1 comment:
I believe that if you are not drafted in the first 4 rounds you are better off not being drafted at all.
With all the money clubs are spending now on scouting a player will get noticed by a team drafted or not. I think Colin, Dylan and Tyler (and Chase) can take some comfort that they are now trying out for 30 NHL clubs instead of one.
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