NHL Draft '09 Third Round Reaction

"It starts now, it starts now."

Those were the words spoken by defenseman Ryan Bourque, the Rangers third round pick, when he was interviewed just after pulling on a Blueshirt for the first time. I love it.

The Rangers used the 80th pick on Bourque, one of Ray's son's. Like the second rounder Werek, Bourque decided not to go the college route - he decided against UNH to play for crazy Patrick Roy in Quebec. His dad also played in the QMJHL but his brother Chris, who will likely make the Caps this fall, spent a year in college. It is a tough call as the Quebec league isn't the most physical and Ryan is a small guy. In fact, his size is likely what let him slip down to the third round, but he is a Bourque so there is toughness in his DNA.

A solid skater with dual citizenship, Bourque went through the NTDP program and will play in the World Juniors for Team USA. It is fantastic top level experience to go along with league play for his dad's former teammate. From what I saw, he looks like his dad, and from what I read, he plays like his dad. Not a bad selection at all.

Before the draft a lot of folks (including myself) had the Blueshirts picking a goaltender in this spot. No netminders were picked in the first, two picked in the second and three before the Rangers picked. The Islanders grabbed two. I am still sure there will be a goaltender selected by the Blueshirts, but I'm guessing that one of the ones they wanted were picked so they figure they will bide their time.

 "NHL Draft '09 Third Round: Uncovering Hidden Gems and Missed Opportunities"

The NHL Draft is a defining moment for young hockey prospects, where their dreams of playing in the world's premier ice hockey league can become a reality. While the first round often grabs the headlines, it's in the later rounds that teams can find the true gems, the players who exceed expectations and become valuable contributors to their teams. In this article, we will explore the third round of the 2009 NHL Draft, shedding light on notable selections, assessing their impact on the league, and addressing common questions and curiosities surrounding this round.

Section 1: Hidden Gems

1.1 Tyson Barrie: A Defensive Dynamo

Delve into the journey of Tyson Barrie, the undersized defenseman chosen 64th overall by the Colorado Avalanche, and how he became a power-play specialist and a key contributor on the blueline.

1.2 Calvin Pickard: Goaltending Gold

Explore the story of Calvin Pickard, picked 49th overall by the Colorado Avalanche, and his path to becoming a reliable NHL goaltender.

1.3 Ryan O'Reilly: Buffalo's Bargain

Discuss the selection of Ryan O'Reilly by the Colorado Avalanche with the 33rd pick and his transformation into one of the league's premier two-way centers.

Section 2: Missed Opportunities

2.1 Reilly Smith: A Late Bloomer

Examine how Reilly Smith, drafted 69th overall by the Dallas Stars, developed into a consistent scorer for the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights.

2.2 Cody Eakin: A Hidden Gem Ignored

Highlight the fact that Cody Eakin, who was drafted 85th overall by the Washington Capitals but traded to the Dallas Stars, went largely unnoticed in a draft that overlooked his potential.

Section 3: Key Themes and Trends

3.1 The Art of Scouting

Explore the critical role of scouts in identifying talent in the later rounds of the NHL Draft and the challenges they face in assessing players' potential.

3.2 The Unpredictability of Player Development

Discuss the unpredictability of player development and how factors like coaching, opportunity, and determination can significantly impact a player's trajectory.

FAQs

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

Examine the different approaches that NHL teams take when selecting players in the third round, including balancing positional needs and taking calculated risks.

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

Identify additional late-round picks from the 2009 draft class who have made substantial contributions to their 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, including opportunity, development environment, and personal determination, that influence a player's journey to NHL success.

The third round of the 2009 NHL Draft showcased the league's enduring capacity for unpredictability. It revealed hidden gems who exceeded expectations while highlighting players who were initially overlooked but later proved their worth. The stories of Tyson Barrie, Calvin Pickard, and Ryan O'Reilly serve as reminders that the NHL Draft is about unearthing talent throughout its entirety. Scouts and teams must navigate a complex landscape, and a player's development path can be a winding road. The draft is a captivating journey that continues to captivate fans and experts alike, with every selection representing the promise of future success on the ice.