First Round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft
Teams Select Next Generation of League's Talent
Jun 26, 2009
It was a secret that Garth Snow kept close to his vest for just over two months. After speculation that the Islanders would fool everyone and go with Brampton Battalion center Matt Duchene, Snow turned the tables and announced John Tavares as the first selection overall at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. The decision delighted the crowd both at the Bell Centre and at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island.
The jubilation was good news for Charles Wang’s struggling franchise, and in his first media scrum as an Islander, Tavares made it clear the feeling is mutual.
“There’s a great tradition there and to bring the winning tradition back to Long Island, that’s my goal. I want to be successful at the highest level. I can’t wait to get started; it’s a great opportunity for me,” he said.
Tavares knew he wouldn’t have to wait long to hear his name called and has known that expectations are quite high. But that’s nothing new for the Oakville, Ontario native.
“Leaving home at 14 years old, away from my family, I knew this is what I really wanted. And to achieve this is a special honor and great accomplishment for myself,” expressed Tavares. “But, it’s only day and one step in where I want to be, to bring success back to Long Island.”
Tampa Bay Solidifies Defense with Hedman
After the Islanders filled a hole, the Lightning did the same, with a 6-foot-6 plug known as Victor Hedman. The towering Swede is hoping to step right into the Bolts’ lineup next season and his experience against men in the Swedish Elite League is something he feels will help him achieve that goal.
“I think it helped me a lot playing two years in the men’s league,” admitted Hedman. “But I know what it’s all about, playing in the NHL; it’s another level and I need to bring my game to another level as well.
“But that’s what I’m looking forward to, as a challenge as well”
Brayden Schenn Selected Fifth Overall
While Brayden Schenn and older brother Luke won’t be wearing the same sweater when he hits the NHL, they will share one distinction from their respective draft years – the number at which they were chosen. The Los Angeles Kings nabbed the center with the fifth pick, the same spot as his brother in 2008.
Despite being on the opposite coast from Luke, the younger Schenn was looking forward being a part of the up-and-coming Kings.
“It’s really exciting for me. It’s a great feeling to hear your name called and I’m really happy to be joining Los Angeles because they’re headed in the right direction,” offered Schenn, who added that he’s also looking forward to touching down in the city for the first time come camp.
Now that he won’t be suiting up alongside Luke, the next obvious question appeared to be the day the Schenn brothers square off for the first time.
“I’ve got to make it first and then I’ll worry about,” he said. “L.A. only plays Toronto once or twice a year, so the first step for me is to make the jump to the NHL.”
Previous NHL Draft in Montreal
The NHL last welcomed top hockey prospects to Montreal for its annual selection back in 1992. Today, quite a number of first-round picks are still active in the league.
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