Arizona Coyotes president and CEO Anthony LeBlanc is looking for the silver lining in losing out on the Connor McDavid sweepstakes.
The Thunder Bay-raised co-owner’s team will select third in the NHL Entry Draft, scheduled for June 26 in Miami. They went into Saturday's draft lottery with the second-best chance to win, after finishing with the second-worst record in the league.
“We’re disappointed, but you immediately have to turn your focus to the fact that we have a tremendous pick,” LeBlanc is quoted as saying on the team’s official Twitter feed.
McDavid is projected to go No. 1 to the Edmonton Oilers, who moved up two spots to grab the No. 1 pick. The Buffalo Sabres, who slipped to No. 2, are expected to take Boston University forward Jack Eichel.
Boston College defenceman Noah Hanifin is ranked as the third-best prospect. London Knights winger Mitch Marner and McDavid's Erie Otters linemate Dylan Strome are also in the mix
The Toronto Maple Leafs will pick fourth, the Carolina Hurricanes one slot later.
The Coyotes had a 13.5 per cent chance to win the lottery, Edmonton an 11.5 per cent chance. The Sabres had the best odds, at 20 per cent.
“We are very pleased to own the No. 3 overall selection in this year’s NHL Entry Draft,” LeBlanc said in a release issued Saturday night by the NHL team.
“This is a very talented, deep draft and with the third overall pick, general manager Don Maloney and our hockey operations department will explore all of our team’s options and make the best decision that adds a great player to our young, talented nucleus of players. We are looking forward to the draft in Florida.”
The Coyotes noted several top NHLers have been chosen at No. 3, including Henrik Sedin, Marian Gaborik, Jonathan Toews and Matt Duchene.
