Pick #26: Henrik Zetterberg
July 27th, 2009 | by Vance |I’m not sure in what alternate reality that Henrik Zetterberg would be the 26th player chosen to build a franchise. But I suppose it’s the one in which I’m GM of the Buffalo Sabres. After a lot of analysis and thoughts about who would be the best fit for Lindy Ruff and the Sabres, I ultimately choose Zetterberg over Marian Hossa, Eric Staal, Jason Spezza, and Dany Heatley, in that order.
I used a number of criteria; experience, leadership, stats, Corsi ratings, defensive responsibility. Not to mention all the attributes that Lindy drives into his troops, Zetterberg personifies each and every one. In all honesty I’m not sure there’s a European better suited to play Lindy’s system than Henrik Zetterberg. But, ok, come on, let’s get serious, what did it really come down to?
Emma Andersson. Yes, Buffalo could use an infusion of Swedish glory like her on Chippewa.
By H on Jul 29, 2009
Where’s Kane on that list? You picked him 2nd round ahead of Hossa, Spezza
By Vance on Jul 29, 2009
Well, I was originally going to draft a goalie with that 2nd round pick, but then I was looking at elite right wings, and frankly, there isn’t many of them.
Between the mantra of Hossa being 2nd best, and Heatley being a team cancer, how could I take them over Buffalo native Patrick Kane?
Aside from being able to create for himself and his teammates, this kid has never been under 70 points in a season.
Frankly, it’s a pick I won’t regret.
By H on Jul 30, 2009
I think Kane’s a great pick, but what I was trying to get at is that Kane wasn’t a consideration for your 1st rounder, yet you chose Kane over some of those who were in consideration for your 1st rounder. Anyways, doesn’t matter!
By Vance on Jul 30, 2009
You’re right, when I did my initial evaluations, I had Kane higher than Hossa, et al, however when he continued to fall, he obviously came back into consideration.