NHL Drafts: The Big Picks

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LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com)- The NHL Drafts on Friday held some surprises and some disappointments for the players and fans alike. In spite of the Staples Center at Los Angeles being abuzz with rumors of some major transfers and picks, the first round of the NHL Drafts was a far more subdued affair than expected. The first overall pick was Taylor Hall who went to the Edmonton Oilers and he was followed by Tyler Seguin from Plymouth Whalers (OHL) who went to the Boston Bruins. Stanley Cup Champions Chicago Blackhawks chose 24th and picked Kevin Hayes. They were also due to pick 30th but traded it for the 35th and 58th picks with the New York Islanders.

Taylor Hall said that he was shocked when he heard his name being announced and later said that he was shaking badly while going up on the podium and putting on the jersey. His shock was more obvious because he was ranked second by the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau. He said that being picked in the NHL Drafts meant a lot to him and his family. The mid-season evaluation by the Scouting Bureau had put the name of Tyler Seguin on the top reportedly but he became the second pick and went to the Boston Bruins. He said that he was happy to join the Boston Bruins and said that he was also happy for Taylor Hall who was the first pick.

Kevin Hayes said that its a dream come true to be picked by the Stanley Cup Champions in the NHL Drafts and revealed that his favorite players were Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith. He said that these players were his idols and he himself tries to play like Jonathan Toews.