The NHL draft is complete, with three Everett players selected:
– Goaltender Kent Simpson, second round (58th overall), Chicago Blackhawks
– Defenseman Radko Gudas, third round (66th overall), Tampa Bay Lightning
– Defenseman Alex Theriau, fourth round (109th overall), Dallas Stars
Simpson and Theriau were both taken right about where they were projected, maybe on the high end of the range. Simpson was particularly happy with being drafted by the Stanley Cup champions. Where Gudas was going to be taken was a mystery, since he’d been passed over twice in previous drafts, so the third round was pretty good for him. Gudas was the first 1990-born player taken in the draft.
Tips winger Tyler Maxwell, who had an outside shot at being picked as a re-entry, was not selected.
Here’s what the drafting teams had to say about Simpson, Gudas and Theriau.
Three players selected is the most Everett’s had since 2007, when center Zach Hamill, defenseman Taylor Ellington and right wing Dan Gendur all got picked. It’s also the third straight year Chicago’s picked an Everett player as the Blackhawks took winger Kyle Beach in 2008 and center Byron Froese last year.
Next up for the Tips is the CHL import draft, which takes place Tuesday. Everett has the 52nd pick in the first round. With Gudas expected to play professionally next season, the Tips plan on using that pick to fill their second Euro slot. Finnish defenseman Rasmus Rissanen is Everett’s other Euro.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
