NHL Draft '09 Fourth Round Reaction

The Rangers didn't have a fourth round pick this draft. It marked just the second time since 2000 that they dealt it away (2007).

The fourth round has been pretty kind to the Rangers - Beezer, Mark Janssens, Tony Amonte, Marc Savard - and recent history hasn't been too bad either:

2003 - Corey Potter
2004 - Ryan Callahan
2005 - Tom Pyatt
2006 - David Kveton
2007 - No pick
2008 - Dale Weise

Since the Rangers didn't make a move to get into the round, let's look ahead. The fifth round is where we get even deeper into hit or miss territory but some names that have made it were Sergei Zubov, Dale Purinton and Nigel Dawes. Max Campbell was picked two seasons ago and has found some success at Western Michigan so we may yet see another name added to that this. We will see who gets their shot soon ...

On a personal note, I gotta step away for a few hours and will check back in later today.

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Title: "NHL Draft '09 Fourth Round: Hidden Gems and Missed Opportunities"

Introduction

The NHL Draft is a pivotal moment for aspiring young hockey players, as it marks the beginning of their journey into the professional ranks. While the first round usually garners the most attention, the later rounds can often reveal hidden gems and surprise selections. In this article, we will take a closer look at the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Draft, highlighting some of the notable picks, assessing their impact on the league, and exploring the questions and curiosities surrounding this round.

Section 1: Hidden Gems

1.1 Tomas Tatar: Detroit's Late-Round Steal

Explore how Tomas Tatar, selected 60th overall by the Detroit Red Wings, exceeded expectations and became a reliable goal scorer in the NHL.

1.2 Roman Josi: Nashville's Defensive Dynamo

Discuss the Nashville Predators' selection of Roman Josi with the 38th pick and how he evolved into one of the league's top defensemen and a team captain.

1.3 Robin Lehner: Goaltending Gold

Examine how Robin Lehner, drafted 46th overall by the Ottawa Senators, developed into a star goaltender and a Vezina Trophy winner.

Section 2: Missed Opportunities

2.1 Jordan Nolan: Passed Over by All

Discuss the surprising fact that Jordan Nolan, who went on to win two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings, was not selected in the 2009 NHL Draft.

2.2 Cody Eakin: A Late Bloomer

Examine how Cody Eakin, drafted 85th overall by the Washington Capitals, took time to find his footing in the NHL and later became a key player for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Section 3: Key Themes and Trends

3.1 The Art of Scouting

Discuss the challenges and successes of NHL scouts in identifying talent in the later rounds of the draft, including the importance of intangibles like work ethic and character.

3.2 The Unpredictability Factor

Highlight the unpredictable nature of the NHL Draft and how players' development paths can vary widely, even within the same draft class.

FAQs

1. How do teams approach the later rounds of the NHL Draft, and what strategies do they employ?

Explore the different approaches that NHL teams take when selecting players in the later rounds, including focusing on specific positions or traits.

2. Are there any other notable late-round steals from the 2009 NHL Draft?

Identify other late-round picks from the 2009 draft class who have made significant contributions to their respective teams.

3. What factors contribute to a player's success or struggle in the NHL after being selected in later rounds?

Discuss the various factors that can influence a player's journey to NHL success or their challenges in establishing themselves in the league.

Conclusion

The fourth round of the 2009 NHL Draft showcased the unpredictable nature of the selection process. It revealed hidden gems who have become stars in the league while highlighting missed opportunities that left talented players undrafted. The stories of players like Tomas Tatar, Roman Josi, and Robin Lehner serve as reminders that the NHL Draft is not just about the first round but about unearthing talent and potential throughout the entire event. Scouts and teams must navigate a complex landscape, and the development paths of players can vary widely, making the draft a captivating and sometimes mystifying process.