NHL Draft '09 First Round Reaction

Much like the NBA on Thursday evening, the biggest news to come out of the night of the NHL's draft came in the form of a big trade. The Philadelphia Flyers dealt their future for Chris Pronger. Lupul, Sbisa and a host of top picks for Pronger, who is perfect for Philly. He is mean, he hits hard, he cheats and he isn't very bright. To quote Slap Shot, as I so love to do, "for the sake of the game, they oughta throw him in San Quentin. He is a criminal element!" Pronger is as much as a goon as Chris Simon ever was and has skated off virtually scot-free because he is one helluva hockey player.

And now he is in the Atlantic Division with us.

As my buddy Eric said, now we have to keep Colton Orr. Orrsie has always been huge in keeping the Flyers in check and always stepped up his play against them. And now they have a monster on defense. Not good, not good at all.

Speaking of not good at all, my loathing for the Isles knows no bounds. Forget Tavares, hearing them make deal after deal and then select an idiot who can't even put a hat on his head properly made my night. Calvin De Haan? Really? Terrible pick for a terrible franchise.

Then again, De Haan will actually get a shot at the NHL in the next two, three years. The kid the Rangers picked should make the team right around the time that Wade Redden's contract comes up. Chris Kreider may be the top skater in the draft but it has to be mentioned that he has looked so good skating for Andover - a U.S. high school - against kids two, three years younger and while playing just 26 games. Bring up Brian Leetch all you like, Leetchie dominated averaging three, four points a game and played in three World Juniors. He then played a year in college and a year against top competition with Team USA before getting an Olympics under his belt. This Kreider kid will not see anything remotely close to professional-quality play for a long time.

Maybe he will turn into a NHL star, maybe he won't - we all know this is a crap-shoot and I am not going to bet against him. My biggest issue with the decision to pick Kreider is that it shows that the Ranger organization has no feasible plan. No direction. Are they looking to win right now? Are they looking to win a few years with Callahan and Dubinsky? Is Sather just killing time until retirement? Which should come right around the time this project player is ready for the NHL (hopefully, then again Iron Maiden sang that 'evil seems to live forever').

The prevailing thought is that the Garden brass doesn't believe in rebuilding, they want a winner. If that was the case, then the Rangers should have dealt the pick. If Tortorella is to be believed in that they have to build a winner (and thus justifying his decision to bench Avery), then they draft to fill a need and a power forward like Caron or Ashton would have been ideal. If they have no clue, then they throw a dart at the wall and hope that it sticks. Tonight they went that way and the dart landed on a virtually-unknown quantity that is a American high school player.

As someone who bent over and took the MSG ticket increase right in the wrong spot, I am disappointed by the decision to pick Kreider. By the time he makes the team I will almost certainly be priced out of the building and will be that much more sore for having gone through the experience. Perhaps Sather and the Rangers will pull something off tomorrow or next Wednesday to provide some lotion heading into this season. Man do I hope, cause this hurts ...

 "NHL Draft '09 First Round: The Birth of a New Generation of Stars"

The NHL Draft is an annual event that marks the beginning of a new era for young hockey talents. In 2009, the first round of the NHL Draft brought forth a wave of fresh faces and future stars who would go on to make significant impacts on the league. This article delves into the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft, discussing notable picks, analyzing their contributions to the NHL, and addressing frequently asked questions about this pivotal moment in hockey history.

Section 1: The First Overall Pick - John Tavares

Highlight the selection of John Tavares as the first overall pick by the New York Islanders and his journey to becoming one of the league's premier forwards.

Section 2: Notable Picks and Their Careers

2.1. Victor Hedman: The Swedish Defenseman

Discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's selection of Victor Hedman as the second overall pick and his development into a cornerstone defenseman for the team.

2.2. Matt Duchene: Offensive Prowess

Explore the Colorado Avalanche's choice of Matt Duchene as the third overall pick and his evolution into a dynamic scoring threat in the NHL.

2.3. Evander Kane: Power Forward

Highlight the Atlanta Thrashers' selection of Evander Kane as the fourth overall pick and his impact as a power forward in the NHL.

2.4. Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Defensive Brilliance

Examine the selection of Oliver Ekman-Larsson by the Phoenix Coyotes as the sixth overall pick and his rise to prominence as an elite defenseman.

Section 3: Key Themes and Trends

3.1. The Impact of the 2009 Draft Class

Discuss how the 2009 NHL Draft class has shaped the league's landscape and contributed to its continued growth.

3.2. The Role of Scouting and Player Development

Explore the importance of scouting and player development in identifying and nurturing young talent, as exemplified by the success stories of these first-round picks.

FAQs

1. How do teams decide on their first-round selections, and what factors influence their choices?

Examine the various factors, including team needs, scouting reports, and player potential, that teams consider when making their first-round selections.

2. Were there any late-round steals or surprises in the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft?

Identify any players selected outside of the top 10 who went on to have successful NHL careers.

3. What makes the first round of the NHL Draft so special and eagerly anticipated by fans and teams alike?

Discuss the excitement and significance of the first round in shaping the future of NHL franchises.

The first round of the 2009 NHL Draft marked the inception of a new generation of hockey stars, with players like John Tavares, Victor Hedman, Matt Duchene, Evander Kane, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson leading the way. Their journeys from draft day to NHL stardom exemplify the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the league, where young talents are scouted, developed, and groomed into the stars of tomorrow. As the NHL continues to thrive, the draft remains a pivotal event that showcases the promise of the sport and keeps fans eagerly anticipating the rise of the next generation of hockey legends.

Pronger Has No Passion For Hockey

Chris Pronger is a xenophobic idiot.

During a presser today before the Ducks/Kings London games (which I will rant on sooner or later), Pronger said that if the NHL placed franchises in Europe that Canadian kids wouldn't report to them if they were drafted.

Now I know this is coming from the guy who bitched and moaned his way out of Edmonton so it shouldn't be taken that seriously but he is a big enough name that his words resonate. And they are pretty f-ing stupid.

Only spoiled brats like Pronger and Lindros (see the post below) would pass up a chance to play in the biggest, best league in the world just because they would have to be away from home for a few months each year. I know guys who traveled to faraway hockey outposts like Norway just so they could keep playing the game they loved. And let me tell you, the level those guys played at pales in comparison to the NHL.

Personally, I think there should be teams in Europe, but not yet. Once the cost and time of travel comes even farther down thanks to improvements in technology, the league should absolutely have teams in Stockholm, Prague, Vienna, Moscow, etc. An ideal world would have the game spread like soccer and have the NHL become a Champions League. Now that may never happen, and expansion should be the last thing on the NHL's mind right now, but to say that players would report because of the distance is just foolish.

Some people love the game Chris; its too bad because a player with your skills would be a helluva ambassador.

 "Pronger Has No Passion for Hockey: Exploring the Complex Relationship of a Former NHL Star"

In the world of professional sports, few names carry as much weight as Chris Pronger. A former NHL star known for his physical play and defensive prowess, Pronger's career was marked by success, accolades, and controversy. Despite his undeniable talent, some have questioned whether Pronger truly had a passion for the game of hockey. In this article, we'll delve into the complex relationship between Chris Pronger and hockey. We'll explore his career, controversies, and the perception of his passion for the sport. Additionally, we'll address frequently asked questions to gain a deeper understanding of this enigmatic figure in the hockey world.

Part I: The Career of Chris Pronger

Early Success

Chris Pronger's journey in the NHL began with the Hartford Whalers, where he quickly made a name for himself as a rising star on defense. His combination of size, skill, and physicality set him apart from his peers.

Multiple NHL Teams

Over the course of his career, Pronger played for several NHL teams, including the St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Philadelphia Flyers. His presence on the ice often had a transformative impact on the teams he joined.

Part II: Controversies and Injuries

Injury-Plagued Career

Despite his talent, Pronger's career was plagued by injuries, including concussions and knee issues. These injuries forced him into early retirement and raised questions about the toll the game had taken on his body.

Controversial Moments

Pronger was no stranger to controversy on the ice. He faced suspensions for various incidents, including altercations with opposing players. These incidents added to the perception that he lacked a genuine passion for the game.

Part III: The Perception of Pronger's Passion

The "Love-Hate" Relationship

Pronger's playing style and occasional on-ice antics created a "love-hate" relationship with fans and fellow players. While some admired his competitiveness and commitment, others saw him as a polarizing figure.

Critics and Doubters

Throughout his career, Pronger faced criticism from those who questioned his dedication to hockey. Some believed that he played solely for financial gain or out of a sense of duty, rather than a deep love for the sport.

Part IV: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let's address some frequently asked questions about Chris Pronger's passion for hockey:

1. Did Chris Pronger ever publicly express his passion for hockey?

While Pronger did not often publicly express his passion for the game in the same way some players do, he did speak about his dedication to winning and the competitive nature of hockey.

2. Did Pronger's injury-plagued career contribute to the perception that he lacked passion for hockey?

Yes, Pronger's numerous injuries and early retirement did contribute to the perception that he may not have had the same enduring passion for the game as some other players.

3. How should we evaluate a player's passion for hockey?

Evaluating a player's passion for hockey is subjective. While some players wear their emotions on their sleeves, others may express their dedication through their actions, work ethic, and commitment to winning.

The question of whether Chris Pronger had a true passion for hockey is a complex and divisive one. His career was marked by undeniable talent, intense competitiveness, and a commitment to winning. However, his playing style, on-ice controversies, and the toll of injuries raised doubts in the minds of some fans and observers. Ultimately, passion for a sport can manifest in different ways, and Pronger's dedication to winning and his team cannot be denied. Whether you see him as a fierce competitor who gave his all to the game or as a controversial figure, Chris Pronger's impact on the NHL and his legacy in hockey history are undeniable. The complexities of his relationship with hockey only add to the intrigue of his storied career, leaving us with a lasting impression of a player who left it all on the ice, injuries and controversies notwithstanding.