The National Hockey League Entry Draft begins tonight at the Xcel Center in Minnesota
As we speak, the Edmonton Oilers, again, have the # 1 choice and there are a number of directions the Oilers could follow in complimenting an already talented young group, that needs seasoning before they become contenders.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, in their ongoing crusade to win a Stanley Cup, have 2 first rounders, # 25 and # 30.
Of greater interest to me, is the selection of players with ties to this area.
I expect Attack netminder Jordan Binnington will be the highest player with local connections to be drafted.
Binnington, who has never lacked self confidence, told me earlier this week he’s nervous, because he hasn’t heard anything from anybody.
After coming on with 27 regular season wins, 4 additional playoff wins including two pressure cookers to win the OHL title, and finally a shutout at the Memorial Cup, I don’t think Binnington should be uptight.
Ripley native Garrett Meurs, coming off a season in which he upped his points total but saw his goal production dip with the Plymouth Whalers, is another player to watch.
NHL Central Scouting has Attackers Andrew Fritsch, who had 28 goals this year, and defender Keevin Cutting who authored a remarkable 43 goal turnaround in his plus/minus , listed in the top 100 of the final North American rankings and we certainly wish them well.
Matt Petgrave ? Andrew Shaw ? Daniel Zweep ? Cameron Brace ?
They might be reaches for an NHL team, but that too is what makes the annual NHL Entry Draft compelling.
I’m Fred Wallace