The top pick in the NHL draft is selected by the Montreal Habs. It takes 2 minutes. Slovakian-born skaters dominated the first two rounds of the NHL draft, with Juraj Slafkovsky going to Montreal and Simon Nemec going to the New JerseyDevils. Marian Gaborik was the highest-selected Slovakian player of all time. Slafkovsky was the choice over Wright at the top of the list. Wright, a Kingston Frontenacs center, had been considered the top prospect, but Slafkovsky's stellar year elevated his stock enough to oust him. 3 pick, and left wing Cutter Gauthier went fifth to the PhiladelphiaFlyers Slafkovsky has the size of a power forward to complement his skill in the offensive zone. He had five goals and 10 points in 31 games last season, and was a hard-nosed, competitive skater. Slafkovsky has experience playing against men around the world. When he was 17 he was named to the Slovakian Olympic team and excelled. Slovakia's first Olympic medal in ice hockey was earned by Slafkovsky, who was the tournament's Most Valuable Player. This is the first thing. The hockey team has a player named Juraj Slafkovsky.
2. Devils: D Simon Nemec, Nitra (Slovakia)
3. Coyotes: C Logan Cooley, USA U-18 (NTDP)
4. Kraken: C Shane Wright, Kingston (OHL)
5. Flyers: LW Cutter Gauthier, USA U-18 (NTDP)
6. Blue Jackets (from CHI): D David Jiricek, PLZEN (Czech Republic)
7. Blackhawks (from OTT): D Kevin Korchinski, Seattle (WHL)
8. Red Wings: C Marco Kasper, Rogle (Sweden)
9. Sabres: C Matthew Savoie, Winnipeg (WHL)
10. Ducks: D Pavel Mintyukov, Saginaw (OHL)
New Jersey probably wouldn't pick a center because of its depth. The Olympic teammate of Slafkovsky was chosen by theDevils. Right-shot blueliners with offensive upside and projected NHL readiness are rare. He could make a huge difference to a New Jersey back end.
The Arizona Coyotes had a chance to get Wright at 3, but chose to go with a different center. Although he is smaller than Wright, Cooley plays a big two-way game and has great offensive ability, as evidenced by his 75-point performance with the NTDP last season.
Ron Francis named Wright as the team's selection when he stood at the podium. Wright offers a franchise cornerstone to build around for years to come, even though he is not a great talent.
Gauthier is a big man with a booming shot and solid defensive upside. His skill set is less dynamic than some other top prospects, which makes him a good fit for the physical style of the Philadelphia team. It's a good match.
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