The 2022 NHL draft: Winners and Losers

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MONTREAL — The 2022 NHL draft The results are in, with 225 players selected over seven rounds and two consecutive days.

Before we get to the annual draft winner and draft loser lists, let’s look at the event’s most important leader: Holding it in person, this time in Montreal.

It was the first NHL draft since 2019, with NHL executives sitting at tables in the centre of the arena, media doing interviews and fans filing in to cheer on their favorite teams. Montreal was the perfect place to hold it. Not just because Gary Bettman, the NHL commissioner, enjoyed cheering on the fans who booed him every step of the way to the podium but also because it made the return to normality even more grand.

During Thursday night’s first round, the crowd was pumped up and cheered for the Canadiens. Toronto Maple LeafsEvery unpredictable selection was analyzed and responded to accordingly.

The home team also picked No. 1 overall, as winger Juraj Slafkovsky was taken over centre Shane WrightHe was expected to be first overall for many years.

Montreal’s crowd made part cheer, part jeer and part gasp.

“I don’t believe I heard my name called.” “I heard the word ‘Slovakian’, then I was shocked and then I stopped listening,” Slafkovsky stated about the moment. “I felt like shaking and had goosebumps. It was an incredible moment for me.”

The 2022 NHL Draft had its moments, but there were also some less memorable moments. These are the draft’s winners and losers:

It is difficult to find (Potential), franchise centers. One landed in Seattle, and it was a lucky landing.

Montreal was selected Juraj Slafkovsky No. It set off a chain reaction that allowed Shane Wright To reach the Kraken at Number. 4. After drafting last year’s top-ranked pivot, Seattle was able to attract another elite center. Matty Beniers No. 2.

Kraken general manager Ron Francis Francis stated that he intended to build the franchise via the draft, and not through extravagant trades or free-agent signings. Francis now has two backbones which can be developed into anchors for Seattle’s top six over the years.

Wright will specifically come to Kraken with a chip on the shoulder. This was evident even before Wright admitted it. Wright, who took to the stage after the Kraken call on Thursday, shaked Gary Bettman’s hands while scanning Bell Centre smiling — until his eyes turned over to the Montreal Canadiens Draft table. And that smile was transformed into a stare. No chill.

Wright’s NHL-readiness is even greater than that of the average No. 4 pick. He is also an exciting, dynamic player who will revive a Kraken fanbase that understands the need to be patient and could use some cheering up after Seattle was among the league’s lowest-dwellers in 2021-22.

Francis continued to stock the cabinets and make 11 draft picks for 2022. Wright will be the most well-received and impactful of all draft picks. Maybe we can’t give Francis. All Wright gets the credit but Wright’s slide bodes well for Seattle. — Shilton

What is the Windy City’s secret plan? It’s not clear what Kyle Davidson, the general manager, has in mind, but it isn’t obvious.

The first was the Alex DeBrincat On Thursday, Chicago’s scoring winger was traded to Ottawa in exchange for three draft picks. DeBrincat, a 24-year old with two 40-plus goals seasons under his belts and a blossoming two-way hockey game. It was the return for something that didn’t really have to be done?

It’s a credit to the Senators for making bold moves to grab DeBrincat – who is now an unrestricted, free agent after this season – but what was the benefit to Chicago?

It remains a looming question mark. It’s unlikely that the Blackhawks want to be worse than last season.

Chicago acquired Chicago. Petr Mrazek. It was obvious that the Blackhawks didn’t have any signed goalies for next season. Mrazek’s deal was intriguing. Toronto had to drop the final two years Mrazek’s contract because of cap space. And Mrazek just finished his worst season in many years. To alleviate the Leafs’ problems, Chicago demanded Toronto’s No. 25 overall pick in 2022. 38 pick.

This is a difference of 13 points. It doesn’t seem like much. It’s possible that Mrazek will return to his best and have another great season for Chicago. The Blackhawks may have been fleeced at the moment.

Blackhawks win is their only real win of this week Duncan Keith Possible retirement. Chicago traded Keith for the Edmonton Oilers Last July, Keith thought it was ending Keith’s $5.5 million contract. Keith will have to pay a cap recapture penalty if he hangs up his skates. This will result in Keith losing $5,538,462 and $1,938,456 respectively in 2022-23. This helps Chicago reach the salary floor. Small victories. — Shilton

Winners: Personality-based prospects

Isaac Howard made quite a first impression.

Please excuse me. It’s “Ice Man.”

When you are Tampa Bay Lightning At No. 1, the U.S. National Team Development Program product was selected. It was evident from Howard’s outfit (blue turtleneck, American flag buckle, gold chain, crisp white suit) that he was not a wallflower.

Howard quickly dispelled all doubts.

In a post-draft interview, he said that he was the “best-looking guy” in the team. “So I thought I’d be best-dressed.”

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Isaac Thomas, after being selected for the Tampa Bay Lightning, discusses his outfit selection with Emily Kaplan.

What is the lack of personality in hockey players? The next generation isn’t ready for it.

Howard received the nickname “Ice Man”, from his father, because he never got off the ice as an infant. Howard’s story shows that this paid off in obvious ways. It also planted seeds of confidence.

It’s refreshing to see prospects embrace their individuality. Ty Nelson, a Seattle Kraken selection, wore a smart blue fedora with feather! Friday. Anaheim Ducks Pick Nathan Gaucher A jacket with a suit jacket and scenes from Montreal were stitched in the interior.

There is always a place and time for the classics. On the biggest night in these young career prospects, it was nice to see them having some fun. — Shilton

Loser: 31 NHL teams’ fashion sense

The Arizona Coyotes They arrived in Montreal with a mission. They wanted to use their many, numerous draft picks to increase their prospect pool. The 3rd overall pick Logan Cooley. They also wanted to be considered the NHL’s most stylish front office. Mission accomplished.

The Coyotes were the first NHL team to be founded. synchronize their fashion for the draft. When GM Bill Armstrong, Xavier Gutierrez, Arizona’s team president, and Arizona’s front office took to the stage to announce the first-round picks for Arizona, they all wore matching brightly colored suits with red ties.

“I don’t like it when everyone wears different colours. It’s okay to have complaints. [on] Armstrong stated, “It’s me.” We’re a team. “We should all look like one.”

What is the inside of these jackets’ linings? Of course, the logos of Arizona Coyotes are there.

Social media fans mocked the Coyotes, as per tradition. (We particularly liked those who wondered if the entire front office would be present at a screening of “Minions 2” following the draft. Armstrong believes the Coyotes are trendsetting.

“Remember Carolina, when they did post-game celebrations?” Armstrong made reference to the Storm Surge. They were laughed at by everyone. It’s now culture. It’s fun. It’s fun. The lining. — Wyshynski

Winner: Slovakia

Slovakian hockey is experiencing a moment. It began at the 2022 Beijing Games where the men’s team took home bronze and became the nation’s first Olympic gold medal. It continued at draft when two of those players were taken first- and second- overall: Winger Juraj Slafkovsky No. No. 1 through the Montreal Canadiens Defenseman Simon Nemec To the New Jersey Devils No. 2.

This was only the second time that an NHL country other than Canada or the United States had produced the draft’s first two picks. In 2004, Russia was the only exception. Alex Ovechkin Evgeni Malkin.

When asked what the moment meant for Slovakia, Slafkovsky replied, “Yeah. I think out of five millions people, at most like four are up, and they cheer for us.” That’s what matters at the end of it all. We are Slovakians and we represent Slovakia. This is a great thing.

Slafkovsky stated that it is a small country, but one that has made its mark over the years in the NHL and in the draft. In the first 63 picks, four Slovakian players were selected, including winger. Filip Mesar No. 26 to Canada. There were six Slovaks chosen.

“Yeah! Small [country]Nemec stated that we have very good players and that more and more players will be as talented as we are. “Everyone is proud, and so are we.” — Wyshynski

Marc-Andre Fleury He might be the most beloved hockey player. However, his popularity is not a surprise. new contract With the Minnesota Wild Cam Talbot is experiencing some drama.

Minnesota announced Thursday that Fleury, a 37-year-old Minnesotan, had agreed to a two year extension to remain with the team. GM Bill Guerin Fleury lured his old friend out of Chicago before March’s deadline for trades.

Prior to that, Talbot had a great season as Minnesota’s No. 1 (25-12-1),.910 Save Percentage. This didn’t seem important.

Fleury was chosen over Talbot as Minnesota’s starting pitcher for the postseason. But, Fleury could not stop the Minnesotans from the first round against St. Louis.

Fleury has returned, and Talbot can still exercise unrestricted agency for the season. Evidently, the veteran was concerned about his standing with club. George Bazos, Talbot’s agent, stated to Pierre LeBrun on TSN’s Pierre LeBrun he met Guerin at the draft Friday and relayed that “we both stated our positions.” Billy has much to think about.

Guerin, apparently, disagrees.

“I don’t know what I can do.” Cam Talbot is under contract,” Guerin said to reporters. “George can speak whatever he likes. My team is set now and that’s how it works. We can have any discussion we like. Cam is a member our team. Cam is a great friend. All we want is to win.”

It’s not exactly a happy message to send — or hear, if Talbot is listening. Will Guerin take advantage of an ever-hot goalie market to trade Talbot? Can the Wild afford to have an unhappy netminder among their ranks? Cam Talbot’s 48-hour work week is not great. — Shilton

Winners: House picks for the late round

For projected late-round picks, it’s always risky to go to the draft in person. What if their name doesn’t get called? Domenic DiVincentiis had this in mind when the seventh round started Friday. He sat waiting inside Bell Centre to claim his name.

DiVincentiis might not have been among the first or last prospects to fail to make it to the draft floor. His story was happier.

It would take this long to get Winnipeg’s pick at No. DiVincentiis won his moment with a pick of No.207 in the seventh round. Winnipeg Jets Kevin Cheveldayoff, GM, made the selection official. It was a celebration of a long-awaited accomplishment that saw DiVincentiis, family members and friends erupt in joy.

Although the draft moved quickly without a pause in between, those moments are a reminder of the essence of the two-day event: young people achieving their dreams with the support they received.

No matter how successful DiVincentiis’s NHL career, there is a Montreal memory that he will cherish forever. That was worth the wait. — Shilton

Loser: Needing to justify your trade

The Philadelphia Flyers A right-handed defenseman, who can also play power play quarterback, was acquired by the team. He scored 51 points in 64 games last year. They are expected to extend his contract for a second year. It’s exciting times! But only when the defenseman’s not there Tony DeAngeloChuck Fletcher, Flyers general manger, must spend most of his time explaining to media and fans why this isn’t going bring down Philadelphia.

Fletcher explained that they did a lot last summer. He is a young man. He has played on many teams. He has certainly had his share of incidents that could have gotten him in trouble. He has paid the price for his actions. We believe that he has learned from those mistakes.”

“From everything that we can gather, and speaking with [Hurricanes GM] Donny Waddell spoke with Carolina players and other league members. “It seems like he has really worked hard over the past year and a quarter to change his ways,” continued the GM. “He’s getting older, maturing and, from all accounts, he did a great job on and off ice last season.”

Fletcher: What would you say to fans that are not comfortable with Fletcher’s comments about a player who was accused of using a racist slur in past and got into a fight?

Fletcher stated, “You must certainly appreciate their opinions.” “He has made some mistakes. He apologised for their mistakes. He has not made the same mistakes again since those early days of his career. He has grown and is working hard to become a better person on and off the ice.

How about Tony DeAngelo being coached by John Tortorella

“I know Torts is eager to work with me,” Fletcher replied. Fletcher responded that he loves the passion. He loves the flame. He values his skill set. You won’t have any problems as long as you work hard and are a good teammate.

It is just a normal trade. — Wyshynski

Bruce Boudreau is the winner

Vancouver Canucks Bruce Boudreau, the head coach, is known for his love for professional wrestling, especially old-school grapplers who can talk just as well as they can wrestle. He has a favorite wrestler: Kevin Owens (WWE superstar), who can give an insult as well as take a bump.

The NHL draft is, perhaps more than anything, a place where dreams are realized. Boudreau was making a hit on NHL Network. Jackie Redmond, a host for WWE — also made a hit. surprised the coach with a special guest: K.O. K.O.

Owens stated, “I was sitting up there in a box and I thought I’d come down and say hello.”

Boudreau stated, “I’m all-red,” slowly becoming a 12-year old fan.

Boudreau asked Owens immediately about his injury and whether WWE wrestlers know ahead of time which “brand” it is they are being drafted into.

“I’m telling ya, I’m going phone Vince [McMahon] If you don’t get the title shot that you deserve, I am right there for your!” Boudreau said.

You’ve probably seen a child meet Mickey Mouse first at Disney World. It was quite a wholesome moment. — Wyshynski

Loser: Teams who didn’t make it to the goalie carousel.

The goaltending market was strong last summer. The demand for goaltending is just as strong, but there is also less supply, particularly on the free-agent markets. Some teams took a more aggressive approach to addressing their goaltending issues during the draft.

Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche For Alexandar Georgiev The following are the New York Rangers The second round will be played in the afternoon. The Minnesota Wild Goalie resigned Marc-Andre Fleury He remained in Canada for two years, thus ending any speculation that he would be heading to Toronto. The Detroit Red Wings Acquired St. Louis Blues Free agent in the pending Ville HussoHe signed him to a 3-year contract. The New Jersey Devils Acquired Washington Capitals Restricted free agent Vitek Vanecek To pair with incumbent Mackenzie Blackwood.

Some teams tried to be aggressive, but were stopped. The Buffalo Sabres Tried to trade for Ottawa Senators goalie Matt MurrayHe did, however, use his trade protection to prevent the deal.

“The reality is that we worked hard on the deal, but players have to make those choices when it’s in there contract,” SabresGM Kevyn Adams said. “And we want player who wants to be here. So we continue to believe this.

The Sabres require a goalie. Also, the Edmonton Oilers. The Toronto Maple LeafsWho traded? Petr Mrazek To the Chicago BlackhawksTwo is better than one. Many other teams will also be looking to strengthen their creases.

Next week will see a few free-agent options, including Darcy Kuemper Jack Campbell. You might be able to trade with others. It is possible to get better deals and even better goalies if you shop early than those who wait.


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