We are not immune to surprises in the National Hockey League Draft. In recent history, Pierre-Luc Dubois’ third-choice selection by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2016 particularly marked Morale.
What if the Anaheim Ducks surprised everyone in Nashville on June 28? This is a theory shared by Jeff Marek On the latest episode of the popular podcast 32 Ideas, which he co-hosts with Sportsnet insider Elliott Friedman.
“I received an interesting text message recently from someone who reminded me of Pat Verbeek [le directeur général des Ducks] Marek mentioned that working with Steve Yzerman has been a long time. What we do know about Yzerman is that he forms his own opinions and does not allow himself to be influenced by the surrounding noise.
It was in this state of mind that the GM of the Detroit Red Wings drafted Moritz Seider to be everyone’s surprise #6 in 2019. In that vein, the mysterious speaker Marek was texting went there with a crazy expectation: The Ducks would claim Russian Matvey Michkov for second.
It would be a very bold choice from the California formation. Instead, it was said that he intended to put Canadian center Adam Fantelli second.
However, the ducks are in the process of rebuilding – and may continue for a few more years. It might be easier to accept the contract that binds Meshkov for another three years to SKA Saint Petersburg under the circumstances.
Choosing Meshkov at the second level will create a huge domino effect. Fantilli could come in third. Leo Carlson IV. Will Smith V.
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