Leafs Net Seventh Overall Pick In June’s NHL Entry Draft
Posted April 7, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Another disappointing season for the Toronto Maple Leafs wasn’t enough to net them the top pick in June’s NHL entry draft.
Instead, that honour went to the Tampa Bay Lightning Monday night, when the Florida franchise entered with a 48.8 per cent chance of winning after a 31-42-9 record that placed them firmly at the bottom of the league.
The Leafs netted the seventh overall pick, behind the L.A. Kings, Atlanta Thrashers, St. Louis Blues and New York Islanders.
What that means for the Buds is anyone’s guess, though the Lightning will almost assuredly be looking to take Sarnia Sting forward Steven Stamkos with the first selection after a season in which he ranked second in the Ontario Hockey League in goals (58) and fifth in points (105).
“Obviously we’ll sit down with scouts and talk about it,” said Feaster. “But when you look at the results of the moves we made at the trade deadline, trading away (Brad) Richards, trading away (Vinny) Prospal … We were an improved hockey club as a result, but we weakened ourselves offensively.”
It’s the first time Tampa’s had the first overall pick since they selected Vincent Lecavalier in 1998.
Other high-end prospects sure to go in the top 10 include defencemen Drew Doughty of the Guelph Storm, Alex Pietrangelo of the Niagara IceDogs and Zach Bogosian of the Peterborough Petes.
The draft will be held June 20 at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa.
