Starting with the third pick things become a little more interesting, with a dozen or so names floating around....kids that are destined to be the NHL starts of tomorrow - like Swiss born Nino and Jack the Goalie.
Then, there's Brett Connolly. NHL Central Scouting has him ranked third. TSN has him projected 8th. Any other mock draft you see will probably have him ranked somewhere in between.
His story reads like that of a a kid near the top of the board... a first round pick of the Prince George Cougars (10th overall) back at the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, the CHL Rookie of the Year in 2008–09 (while scoring 30 goals as a 16-year-old) and he's been a member of the highly regarded Team Canada under-18 team.
So, what's the issue? Perhaps it's this... Connolly is a self-confessed former Mighty Ducks fan - “I was a huge Ducks fan when I was young, that was my first NHL jersey”.
Well, it's either that or some recent health issues. TSN's Bob MacKenzie says fear not though, reporting that "his agent maintain(s) those problems are all behind him" and Mac adds that Team Canada "remains bullish" on the 6'2" right wing, thinking his "lack of conditioning and game shape hurt him more than anything else." Something that will surely be addressed this summer.
In what has been one of the busiest weeks of his life, Connolly was kind enough to connect with The Mayor earlier today to talk a little stick and puck leading up to the draft. Like a two two minute penalty, this one will be over before you know it...
First off, who got you started in hockey?
My dad brought me out to the local rink when I was about 3 or 4 and got me skating.
Besides the injury this season, what one other thing will you be glad to stop talking about once the draft is over?
Well, it will be nice for me to have one team and not a bunch of teams. I can focus on the team that drafts me and them only.
With all the crazy questions thrown at you from various teams at the combine, which team was the most intimidating to interview with?
