LOTTERY LUCK SWIRLS THROUGH CANE-TOWN
Carolina
With 4 teams first round draft picks in the lottery of 16 teams, the odds were that the Canes might luck out and snag one of the top 4 picks. As luck would have it, the Canes snagged the second overall choice with the New Jersey Devils pick, a pick acquired last season in a deal for Marco Sturm.
The second overall pick has opened the door to something the Canes have wanted, and made no bones about it, in order to select Calgary Hitman forward Andrew Ladd. Ladd, a powerful left winger has put up some impressive numbers in his time in the WHL and more importantly, has a gold medal from the World Junior Championships to show for his efforts. Centered by current Cane Jeff Carter, on a line with fellow Hurricane Ryan Getzlaf, the trio was one of the more important lines in World Junior history, as Carter has now claimed top spot all time for Canadian goals scored in the tournament. Ladd was a key part of that success.
"I guess I could still end up in Atlanta," said Ladd. "But the chances of that are slim in a draft that has big Evgeni Malkin. I am really excited about playing with my former team mates, I think it will be a great experience all around."
The Canes boast several members of that gold medal winning team now, including two complete lines, the top defensive pairing and both netminders.
"The plan was to try and pick up as many as we could without sinking ourselves into debt to do so," said head coach Joel Quenneville. "So far, the plan is starting to come together. Adding Ladd will really benefit us in the long term. This year, we will add a few to our pro roster. Getz, Carter, Phaneuf, and Dawes will all get more than enough looks at camp."
The Canes also hold the 6th overall selection in the draft. The team is holding their cards close to their chests with that pick however.
With 4 teams first round draft picks in the lottery of 16 teams, the odds were that the Canes might luck out and snag one of the top 4 picks. As luck would have it, the Canes snagged the second overall choice with the New Jersey Devils pick, a pick acquired last season in a deal for Marco Sturm.
The second overall pick has opened the door to something the Canes have wanted, and made no bones about it, in order to select Calgary Hitman forward Andrew Ladd. Ladd, a powerful left winger has put up some impressive numbers in his time in the WHL and more importantly, has a gold medal from the World Junior Championships to show for his efforts. Centered by current Cane Jeff Carter, on a line with fellow Hurricane Ryan Getzlaf, the trio was one of the more important lines in World Junior history, as Carter has now claimed top spot all time for Canadian goals scored in the tournament. Ladd was a key part of that success.
"I guess I could still end up in Atlanta," said Ladd. "But the chances of that are slim in a draft that has big Evgeni Malkin. I am really excited about playing with my former team mates, I think it will be a great experience all around."
The Canes boast several members of that gold medal winning team now, including two complete lines, the top defensive pairing and both netminders.
"The plan was to try and pick up as many as we could without sinking ourselves into debt to do so," said head coach Joel Quenneville. "So far, the plan is starting to come together. Adding Ladd will really benefit us in the long term. This year, we will add a few to our pro roster. Getz, Carter, Phaneuf, and Dawes will all get more than enough looks at camp."
The Canes also hold the 6th overall selection in the draft. The team is holding their cards close to their chests with that pick however.
posted by Lohaus at 11:30 AM
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