2009 NHL Entry Draft Re-Draft
#3. Colorado Avalanche
Actual: Matt Duchene
Re-Draft: Ryan O’Reilly
This pick is actually kind of ironic because the Avalanche selected O’Reilly with the 33rd overall pick in this actual draft. In that real draft, Colorado had one of the greatest draft year’s of all-time.
The Avalanche’s first three round selections went as followed: First Round (Matt Duchene), Second Round (Ryan O’Reilly), Third Round (Tyson Barrie). That is incredible.
In a re-draft, the Avalanche would be lucky to pick him up again, as he’s shown to be one of the best two-way centers in the NHL. O’Reilly is not only a Stanley Cup champion, but he’s also won the Conn Smythe Trophy, Selke Trophy and Lady Byng Trophy.
O’Reilly is a proven winner and his determination and passion on the ice is what makes him such a high pick in this re-draft.
#4. Atlanta Thrashers
Actual: Evander Kane
Re-Draft: Evander Kane
It’s a real shame that the Atlanta Trashers no longer exist, because selfishly I loved their jerseys.
This was a tough pick to make because Matt Duchene is still available, but the Thrashers made the right choice with Kane.
Duchene and Kane statistically are similar players but it comes down to which player would you want when it matters?
Kane can score 30 goals a year while playing with an edge that teams love in the playoffs. Kane has also seen a resurgence in his career since moving to the San Jose Sharks whereas Duchene’s career has slipped after moving to Ottawa, Columbus and recently Nashville.