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Toronto Maple Leafs: The Great 2009 NHL Entry Re-Draft

By Stephen Nixon

MONTREAL - JUNE 26: Nazem Kadri poses with members of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization after being drafted during the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft at the Bell Centre on June 26, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
MONTREAL - JUNE 26: Nazem Kadri poses with members of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization after being drafted during the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft at the Bell Centre on June 26, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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MONTREAL – JUNE 26: Nazem Kadri  (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
MONTREAL – JUNE 26: Nazem Kadri  (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

2009 NHL Entry Draft Re-Draft

#5. Los Angeles Kings

Actual: Brayden Schenn

Re-Draft: Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Although Schenn didn’t play long with the Los Angeles Kings, he ended up being a trade chip which helped guide the Kings to two Stanley Cups.

After only playing nine NHL games with LA, Schenn was sent to Philadelphia with Wayne Simmonds and a second round pick, in exchange for Mike Richards and Rob Bordson. Richards wasn’t as statistically great as he was with the Flyers, but played a key part in the teams two Stanley Cup runs.

On the other hand, if the Kings were to re-draft, Oliver Ekman-Larsson would have been be a no-brainer pick, as he’s one of the most talented offensive defenseman in the NHL. With six consecutive double-digit goal seasons, Ekman-Larsson would be a top pairing defenseman on almost every team.

#6. Phoenix Coyotes

Actual: Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Re-Draft: Matt Duchene

The Phoenix Coyotes would have missed their All-Star defenseman if they were awarded a re-draft this year. However, they still would have been awarded with 2014 Olympic Gold medalist Matt Duchene.

Duchene has had a very interesting career. There is no doubt that he’s incredibly talented, but he hasn’t had a huge breakout season that many expected. As the original third overall pick in this draft, it felt like Duchene would be among one of the NHL’s best forwards.

It’s not like Duchene has been a bust or anything. In 793 career NHL games, he has 589 points which is second among active players. However, the true reason why he falls here is because he’s failed to score 20 goals in two of his last four seasons.

#7. Toronto Maple Leafs

Actual: Nazem Kadri

Re-Draft: Nazem Kadri

It’s never as exciting when a team actually picks the right player during a re-draft, especially when it’s the hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. However, Toronto’s newly appointed G.M. Brian Burke made the right pick with Kadri.

Kadri took a little development in the OHL and AHL before making the Leafs roster, but when he jumped in as a full time player in 2012, he proved to be worth the wait.

Kadri scores roughly 20 goals each year and is perfect second-line center on any team.

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