NHL Draft '09 Second Round Reaction

The Rangers selected center Ethan Werek with their second round pick - the one they got as compensation for Cherry. Werek spurned BU to play at Kingston of the OHL last season - one of Sean Avery's OHL squads. Werek nearly averaged a point per game for Doug Gilmour's squad despite his team coming in dead last. He is a tough kid who is willing to get his nose dirty to score and defensively capable of playing against the opposition's top players.

His father is Israeli but he turned down the chance to play for Team Israel in the hopes that he would get a shot at Team Canada. Can't imagine why ... the Canadian Jewish News put together a nice article about him.

Werek is certain not to make the team this season but is definitely not a long term project like our first round selection.

By the way, I am (rightfully) known as being down on the Rangers - I admittedly dislike the state of the franchise at the moment - but eternal optimist Jess of Prospect Park (someone who knows far more about the 16-20 crowd than any of us) mirrors my thoughts that picking Kreider was a bad move.

 "NHL Draft '09 Second Round: The Steals, Surprises, and Ongoing Impact"

The NHL Draft is a moment of great anticipation, where the league's brightest prospects are chosen to embark on their professional hockey journeys. While the first round garners significant attention, the second round often holds its fair share of surprises, steals, and intriguing selections. In this article, we delve into the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft, shedding light on notable picks, assessing their lasting impact on the league, and addressing frequently asked questions about this pivotal round.

Section 1: The Steals

1.1 Roman Josi: The Defensive Dynamo

Explore the journey of Roman Josi, selected 38th overall by the Nashville Predators, and how he evolved into one of the NHL's premier defensemen and the team's captain.

1.2 Tomas Tatar: Scoring Sensation

Discuss the selection of Tomas Tatar, picked 60th overall by the Detroit Red Wings, and his development into a consistent scorer for multiple NHL teams.

Section 2: Surprises and Ongoing Impact

2.1 Dmitry Orlov: Defensive Force

Examine the surprising selection of Dmitry Orlov by the Washington Capitals with the 55th pick and his emergence as a key blueliner for the team.

2.2 Robin Lehner: Goaltending Excellence

Highlight the choice of Robin Lehner by the Ottawa Senators with the 46th pick and his journey to becoming a Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender.

Section 3: Key Themes and Trends

3.1 The Importance of Player Development

Explore the vital role of player development in turning draft selections into impactful NHL players and how teams invest in this crucial process.

3.2 The Ongoing Evolution of Scouting

Discuss the evolution of scouting in the NHL and how technology and analytics have influenced the drafting process.

FAQs

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

Examine the various approaches NHL teams take when selecting players in the second round, including assessing positional needs and evaluating potential.

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

Identify additional second-round picks from the 2009 draft class who have made significant contributions to their teams.

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

Discuss the multifaceted factors, including coaching, opportunity, and personal development, that shape a player's trajectory in the NHL.

The second round of the 2009 NHL Draft proved to be a goldmine of talent and intrigue, with players like Roman Josi, Tomas Tatar, Dmitry Orlov, and Robin Lehner making lasting impacts on the league. These selections underscore the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the NHL Draft, where teams must navigate a complex landscape to unearth future stars. The development of these players highlights the essential role that player development and scouting play in turning draft-day selections into on-ice success stories. As the NHL continues to evolve, the draft remains a captivating event that keeps fans and experts alike eagerly awaiting the next wave of talent to grace the league's arenas.