The Nashville Predators selected Ryan Ellis from the Windsor Spitfires at the #11 pick in the 1st round of the NHL Draft tonight. Ellis is a D-man who is considered a PP quarterback with a lethal slap shot. Here is the quote from David Poile regarding the selection that apparently they wanted all along the past few weeks:
“This is probably the most dynamic player in the draft, and by far the best offensive defenseman in the draft. This will be the guy that could be a big offensive defenseman in the National Hockey League. He will be running the power play and he can help us be the offensive team we are striving to be.”
Well I sincerely hope he will help the team become “the offensive team we are striving to be.”
I was at the draft party in Franklin and the selection was soundly booed. Yep, not many happy Pred Fans at that nice restaurant. Many, like myself, were hoping the Preds would select Jordan Schroeder, but alas, Mr. Poile just couldn’t pass up the 5-9, 173 pounder with a great slap shot from the blueline.
I of course want to hear your reactions and will leave you with the many reactions I received on Twitter:
matthewswhite: Apparently the Predators have decided to play every game to a 0-0 tie.
tbegley: I don't get this pick. I'm scratching my head. Can't wait for Ellis to try and move Holmstrom out of the crease!
caschmidt4: No matter what DP says, they're only assets if u use them. We'll have ~10 NHL dmen under ~26 yrs old in 2yrs. What?!?!??!?!
mikebarnes5: that picked sucked a**
CrummyJoel: Not surprised. It's Poile. Hope he has something else up his sleeve.
goverjkg: All of my bad-mouthing Poile for picking Ellis will be null & void if they trade up (from the 2nd rd) to get Schroeder.
stackiii: Very tough to be a #preds fan right now. We do not need more young D. Exceptionally tough to swallow since we know absolutely nothing will happen on Wednesday...maybe not even re-signing @Sully26. BTW, I second @goverjkg re: trading up for a crack at Schroeder...
DaveTilson: I can't say I'm totally shocked Poile drafted a defenseman, but was Ellis truly the "Best Player Available"?
vipe29: Still can't believe that we picked him. Even if He was 'a steal' Another 1st round D-man was not what we needed.
lethargicj: My opinion: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
NavierStoked: I think it's a good pick. Wonder if Poile will ever trade one of our d-men for a forward.
So there you go. Interesting reactions and I can understand the frustration completely. Wednesday has promise though, and what happens during the Free Agency period and the rest of this Draft may give fans more hope. We’ll see…
Take care.
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