Here are five reasons to stay in and watch the NHL Draft on Friday night: class depth, trade strategies and viewing parties are just a few.
By Patrick Comia
This year is proving to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. Possible generational players are projected to be taken early in the first round, and the players that will follow are considered not being too shabby either.
But, should sports fans stay home tonight and watch?
After all, it is Friday and most are free of the chains of work. We just want to let loose or vegg for the next two days. Well, two and half, if you go the end of the work day.
If you are looking for something to do, or something different, why not check out the NHL Draft tonight? You may not know the names, immediately. Heck, you might get even lost in the hoopla. However, you might be watch history unfold if the players selected make it big!
Here’s five reasons to sit back, relax, kick your feet up and watch:
1. Possible Franchise Players
Every year, a new crop of players have people foaming at the mouths. The possibility of someone becoming that “one” player that will bring salvation: the Michael Jordan of hockey.
This may be the case this year. Much hype and attention has been placed on the first two picks of this year’s draft. Projected to be these slam dunk picks are Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel.
Who are these guys, and what makes them so special, you may ask?
So, it might be worth your while to tune in and see where the two go. They are projected to make an immediate impact for whichever team selects them. More so for McDavid, as he has been described as the next Wayne Gretzky or Sidney Crosby.
According to NHL’s Central Scouting, McDavid is ranked the number one prospect. He’s proven himself to be a formidable player on the ice. Before, he was 15 years old, he registered 209 points (79 goals, 130 assists) playing in his Canadian childhood province of Ontario. After wards, he given exemption status into the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). There, McDavid played three seasons with the Erie Otters and compiled 285 points in 166 games.
Last season, McDavid set career-highs in goals (44) and assists (76), giving him 120 points in 47 games. He’s taken part in international competition as a member of Team Canada. He twice donned the Maple Leaf (Canada’s national symbol) jersey twice, taking gold in the 2015 World Junior Championships.
Behind him is Eichel.
The 6’2 center from Massachusetts, doesn’t have the junior hockey experience as McDavid. However, he does have plenty of international play under his belt, representing Team USA on six teams in two years.
At age 15, he participated in the World U-17 (Under 17) Hockey Tournament held annually in Canada, capturing a bronze medal with Team USA. He would capture silver and gold medals in the World Junior Under-18 Tournaments.
For two seasons, he played in the USHL (United States Hockey League), which is the top junior league in the country. In his career, he would score 139 points in 111 games. In 2013-2014, Eichel would see his highest offensive output with 38 goals and 49 assists in 53 games.
Eichel’s collegiate career was spent with Boston University. In his freshman season, he totaled 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) in 40 games.
2. Endless Trade Possibilities
With this year’s draft, the amount of quality players up for grabs has teams interested and making pitches to position themselves to grab one. The chatter also involves present NHL-roster players.
No one seems to be immuned, no matter how much of an impact a player has made in the past. This is partly due to the restrictions this salary cap era has caused. It’s caused teams to maneuver their way through the financial madness and set them up for success in the future.
You could say it’s the equivalent to the stock market. Better yet, trading cards as a youngster. In the hockey world, this is one of those days that fans mark on their calendar as a marquee event in the offseason. It’s up there with the annual Trade Deadline and Free Agency.
3. Deepest Draft Class since 2003
REUTERS – McDavid heads deepest draft class in years – (Reuters) – There is plenty of buzz heading into this week’… http://t.co/sZef3u7ZV4 — Sport News Break (@sportnewsbrk) June 25, 2015
Not to keep harping on this, but this year’s class is deep in talent. It could rival the draft class of 2003. That year so many big names available, selected, and went on to have brilliant NHL careers.
Players like former Stanley Cup Champions Dustin Brown (Los Angeles Kings-2012, 2014), Brent Seabrook (Chicago Blackhawks-2010, 2013, 2015), Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks-2007) just to name a few, were eligible.
If the hockey experts are right, then you could be watching history in the making tonight. Not saying they are going to win the Stanley Cup Champions, but these players could have All-Star written beside them.
4. U.S. College Development
United States hockey has come a long way from what it once was. It is on par with many of the Canadian development leagues.
A fascinating article about this topic could be read on NHL.com. The article’s writer, Michael G. Morreale, raised attention to the NCAA and how it has become a good proving ground for today’s players. With players like the before-mentioned Eichel, Noah Hanifin of Boston College and Zachary Werensky are projected to be taken within the top 10 picks of the first round. Here is an exert from his article:
“Competing against older, stronger players has no doubt helped ease the eventual transition to professional hockey for many collegiate hockey players. Eichel, Hanifin and Werenski competed against players who were, on average, 21.9 years old…”
Hockey is no longer no longer dominated by Canada. The quality of talent coming from the college ranks has started leveling the playing ground and putting the United States college programs, as destination for all players.
5. Another excuse to do something on a Friday night
If nothing else, the NHL draft gives reason to get together with like-minded fans. Visit your local sports bar, go out and buy your favorite pre-game food and beverage for your draft party, or just stay in if you’re financially strapped this weekend.
In fact, most cities with an NHL team have a Draft watch event, put on by the team themselves. It’s an opportunity to get together with other fans and discuss everything hockey. Plus, it is much safer for you, then going out to a club or going to a place that’s sketchy.
It’s a cheap alternative and you may have fun doing it.