The NHL draft had a distinct Hollywood feel to it at the Staples Center in L.A. on Friday night. A few stars were involved and fans filled the arena. The buzz in the crowd was created by the top two picks, Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin. They were ranked as the top two players and went first and second to the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins, respectively.
The Atlanta Thrashers haven’t created a buzz in a while. They have languished in mediocrity throughout their franchise history. Atlanta has only made the playoffs once and made an incredible nine top 10 draft picks since their inception in 1999.
Despite their past, the franchise made a monumental trade before the draft by acquiring Dustin Byfuglien, Ben Eager, Ben Sopel and Akim Alieu from the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. In turn, they gave up the 24th and 54th pick along with Joey Crabb, Marty Reasoner and Jeremy Morin. The new players give the Thrashers a combination of scoring, defense, toughness and championship experience.
Atlanta also had the eighth pick overall and used it on the fastest skater in the entire draft class – Alexander Burmistrov. He played center for the OHL’s Barrie Colts and played for Russia at the 2010 World Junior Championships.
Burmistrov won the fastest skater competition at the NHL top prospects skills competition. He had 65 points (22 goals, 43 assists) last year for the Colts. He has been compared to the Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk.
The NHL’s Central Scouting Service referred to Burmistrov as "light on his feet, but he’s got a venomous strike like a snake when he goes on the offense. Speed and agility, great fakes and he’ll bring players, fans, alike out of their seats."
The 18-year old center was the 12th ranked prospect by TSN’s Bob McKenzie. The only issue may be his size; at six feet and 159 pounds he doesn’t put the fear into anyone physically. However, that hasn’t stopped him yet. He should be able to fit in with Atlanta’s other young players like Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian.
The first two picks were the most intriguing because they can make an impact on their teams immediately. Before the draft the question was Taylor or Tyler? Both could be top players in the league for years to come.
Taylor Hall came in as the highest regarded player, since maybe Sidney Crosby. The left winger won just about every award that could be won in the Ontario Hockey League. Still 18-years-old, he has been OHL rookie of the year, league MVP and two-time Memorial Cup champion and tournament MVP for the Windsor Spitfires. Now as an Edmonton Oiler, he will help turn their franchise around.
Tyler Seguin has been compared to Steve Yzerman and Steven Stamkos, which is very high praise. As a center for the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL, he tallied 106 points (48 goals, 58 assists) in 2009-10. He should be able to help an already strong Boston Bruins squad.
Atlanta still has five remaining picks to make, but that will take place on Saturday when rounds two through seven are scheduled.
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