NHL Draft 2010
Well here we are, once again. Another draft gone, another several hours of useful life wasted watching something that it so utterly uncompelling that it forms it's own paradox and sucks you in just to see how bad it can be. In truth, most of us only watch for two things: trades and to see who our team picks.
I wsn't planning on watching the draft at all this year. Mina came over and we had a girls day out which I mistakenly assumed would still be going on when the draft started. (I forgot it wasn't a noon Pacific start this year) But, as it turns out, I got home just in time to see all of the first round. Despite assurances to the contrary, I watched. I'm not sure why. I suppose it's because I love hockey and ANY hockey news right now is worth tuning in for. I'm a sucker for this sport, what can I say?
Anyway, as we all know, Llama went first and not llama went second, surprising no one. After that, things got all kinds of crazy (well, at least as crazy as things can get an an event like the draft) as everyone tossed central scouting's rankings out the window and picked whoever they damn well pleased. This made both the televised and tweeted commentary insanely amusing and kept me watching despite knowing I had better things to do with my time.
About 2.5-3hrs after the first pick was made the Sharks FINALLY got to make theirs and selected this guy. He's not a known name and was expected to go in Round 2 (although I think I saw FTFLNC say that he was ranked 24th on some list) so of course, some people started freaking out. Given who was left, I understand, but then again, I trust the Sharks scouts have watched this kid and they clearly wanted him, so, I'm cool with it. I don't know anything about him, and I don't pay much attention to prospects until they hit Woostah anyway, so, I can't really freak out about him.
In the later rounds, also know as the rounds which do not drag on unnecessarily, the Sharks selected the following:
Right Wing Max Gaede (3rd round)
Right Wing/Center Cody Ferriero (5th round) Brother of Ben Ferriero
Center Freddie Hamilton (5th round)
DMan Isaac MacLeod (5th round)
The Sharks picked up a 6th rounder from the Flames for goalie Henrik Karlsson and nabbed DMan Konrad Abeltshauser. Considering that we have some good goalies in the system already, I'm not really worried about losing Karlsson.
DMan Lee Moffie (7th round)
The Sharks also got a 7th rounder this year from the Pens in exchange for a 7th rounder next year. With that pick they selected right winger.
Perhaps the most interesting occurrence of this years draft, at least as far as the Sharks are concerned, is the trading of Nabby's rights to Philly. Now this means next to nothing, as Nabby doesn't have to sign with Philly and can test the free agency waters come July 1st is he so chooses. IF Nabby signs with the Flyers before July 1st the Sharks will get a 7th round pick next year.
Seems like a low price for Nabby, but as the Sharks have already made it know than he's not going to be resigned, they don't have much room to bargain for more right now. And with the signing not guaranteed, I can't see any team being willing to give more than a later rounder for the right to talk to Nabby in the hopes that he'll sign.
You have to wonder how Boosh feels right now. The guy plays his heart out, helps his team advance to the Conference Finals, blows out both MCLs, and now might get repaid by being made Nabby's back up. Again. Leighton probably feels equally as put out. The Flyers do need a clear starter, and Nabby can provide them with that but it has to suck to be the two guys already there, the guys who took their team to the Cup Finals only to hear they MIGHT be replaced. That's business, but it sure does suck.
If Nabby is going to move, and he is, I'd prefer he move East. Can you imagine how annoyingly hard it would be to play AGAINST him on a regular basis? Ugh. I do get a little sad watching him do his happy dance in all the TSN free agency frenzy commercials. I will miss him, but, the time had come for a change to be made in net. I'll be much happier if he signs in the East. less awkward meetings in the halls under the Tank. Less likelyhood of having to boo th man who was THE GUY in the nets for the Sharks for 10 years. It would just suck less all around, even if he does end up on a team with Pronger.
