Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “, brought to you by Hal Wright Chevrolet-Cadillac-GMC-Buick on the Sunset Strip in Owen Sound.
The National Hockey League Entry Draft begins tonight at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
Round One goes tonight followed by the conclusion of the draft tomorrow.
I think it’s fair to say, from an Owen Sound standpoint, this will be one of the leaner years in terms of Attack players being selected, as there’s nobody guaranteed to be chosen.
At a function last week, an NHL scout in the Western Conference admitted he fully expected Jaden Lindo of the Attack to be drafted, noting the interview process with Lindo was impressive, plus they liked what they saw when he was healthy.
And there’s the rub with Jaden Lindo, he wasn’t always healthy, missing expanded stretches of the season twice last year before finally calling it a year in mid-February.
Speaking to Attack General Manager Dale DeGray, he’s of the opinion, based on calls he fields from NHL scouts and GM’s, that Lindo WILL be drafted and notes that there’s been inquiries about 3 other members of the existing Attack roster.
The Florida Panthers, at the moment, hold the number 1 pick this evening.
The Panthers might choose Ekblad. Or Bennett. Or Reinhart. But it’s unlikely there will be an Attack name announced at the draft tonight.
I’m Fred Wallace