NHL Draft '09 Late Reaction

Since I posted earlier, the Rangers drafted four more guys and made a pair of trades. Let's take a look:

Fifth Round
127th overall - Roman Horak - A Czech who played for HC České Budějovice last season, he saw some guest action with the men but primarily played junior. Hockey's Future makes him sound like the second coming of Nik Zherdev - good skills but unmotivated. Great.

140th overall - Scott Stajcer - A big goalie who managed a .500 record on a terrible Owen Sound squad in the OHL. Much like the second round pick Werek, Stajcer had to have a big CHL Top Prospects game to draw some heads and did. Being able to take advantage of big opportunities is a good skill and it is nice to see the Rangers recognize that. There is an interesting audio interview with him here.

Sixth Round
170th overall - Daniel Maggio - A decent-sized kid from Sudbury (6-3, 198), the defenseman is trying to get over knee problems and will definitely return to the OHL next season. I won't even begin to guess at skills and upside so make sure to head to Prospect Park later for a real evaluation as I am sure Jess actually saw him play.

Seventh Round
200th overall - Mikhail Pashnin - Pashnin was the first overall pick in the KHL draft so you have to imagine he won't be joining the Blueshirts. But, just in case, the Rangers added the rights to the slick-skating defenseman. Just in case.

Trades
*The Rangers dealt their third fifth-round pick, No. 151 overall, to Pittsburgh Penguins for a goalie: Chad Johnson, a 2006 fourth-round pick from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Just like Matt Zaba, this kid put up good numbers in college and received some accolades but still has a way to go before becoming a NHL goaltender. But, considering we were worried about organizational depth in net, getting Johnson and Stajcer in the same day was good work by the brass.

*The Rangers traded next year's third round pick to L.A. for former first round pick Brian Boyle. At 6'7, 250 Boyle is massive. He also isn't particularly good. For the Kings this is a steal as they get a return for someone who couldn't even make their terrible team despite a distinct hole up the middle. I had him in fantasy hockey and was all-too-often disappointed last season. For the Rangers, they get a big body to throw out on the ice to get pummeled in Colton Orr's place. Boyle will stand up for his teammates but isn't a enforcer. As a former defenseman, Boyle is more of a fourth line defensive center - essentially Blair Betts' replacement.

Zipay spoke to Sather, who said that Betts could be wooed by Edmonton. Yet again I get to watch my favourite player leave the team. And you guys wonder why I dislike this team so ... Sather also told Zip that he didn't qualify RFA Freddie Sjostrom so say goodbye to the NHL's top penalty kill. But considering that the team will be so much more disciplined - following the example set by the coach - we won't have to worry about killing penalties, right?

 "Late Reaction to the 2009 NHL Draft: A Retrospective Look"

The NHL Draft is an annual event where dreams come true for aspiring young hockey players. It's the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and talent that leads to the opportunity to play in the most prestigious hockey league in the world. The 2009 NHL Draft was no exception, and in this article, we will take a late retrospective look at this historic event. We'll explore the top picks, the surprises, and how the careers of these young prospects have unfolded over the years.

Section 1: The Top Picks

1.1 John Tavares: The Chosen One

Discuss the excitement surrounding John Tavares, who was selected first overall by the New York Islanders and was hailed as a generational talent.

1.2 Victor Hedman: The Towering Defenseman

Examine the impact of Victor Hedman, the towering Swedish defenseman who went second overall to the Tampa Bay Lightning and has since become a cornerstone of their defense.

1.3 Matt Duchene and Evander Kane: Dynamic Duo

Explore the careers of Matt Duchene and Evander Kane, who were selected third and fourth overall, respectively, and have had significant impacts on their respective teams.

Section 2: Surprises and Steals

2.1 Ryan O'Reilly: The Hidden Gem

Discuss how Ryan O'Reilly, selected 33rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche, has blossomed into one of the NHL's premier two-way forwards and a Stanley Cup champion.

2.2 The Rise of Jamie Benn

Examine the surprising selection of Jamie Benn by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round and how he has become their captain and a star player.

Section 3: Notable Late-Round Picks

3.1 Tyson Barrie: A Defensive Gem

Discuss the selection of Tyson Barrie in the third round by the Colorado Avalanche and his subsequent rise as an offensive-minded defenseman.

3.2 Craig Smith: The Late Bloomer

Examine the Nashville Predators' choice of Craig Smith in the fourth round and how he has developed into a reliable forward.

Section 4: Regrets and Missed Opportunities

4.1 Brayden Schenn: The Trade That Shaped His Career

Explore how Brayden Schenn's early trade from the Los Angeles Kings to the Philadelphia Flyers impacted his career trajectory.

4.2 Jordan Schroeder: The First-Round Bust

Discuss the struggles of Jordan Schroeder, who was drafted 22nd overall by the Vancouver Canucks but failed to establish himself as an NHL regular.

FAQs

1. Which team had the most successful draft in 2009?

Analyze which team made the most of their draft picks in 2009 and the impact it had on their success.

2. Were there any notable undrafted players from the 2009 draft class?

Highlight undrafted players who went on to have successful NHL careers despite not being selected in the draft.

3. How have the careers of the top five picks from the 2009 draft panned out?

Provide an in-depth analysis of the careers of John Tavares, Victor Hedman, Matt Duchene, Evander Kane, and Brayden Schenn.

4. What lessons can be learned from the 2009 NHL Draft?

Discuss the key takeaways and lessons that can be gleaned from the 2009 draft, including the unpredictability of player development.

The 2009 NHL Draft will always be remembered for the emergence of young talents like John Tavares, Victor Hedman, and Matt Duchene. It was a draft filled with surprises, steals, and, in some cases, regrets. As we take a late look back at this pivotal event, we see how the careers of these young prospects have unfolded, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the NHL Draft. It's a reminder that talent can come from unexpected places, and the journey from draft day to NHL stardom is a unique and unpredictable one.