Rosner Wrap: Draft Bombshells, Islanders Swing Trade & More

MONTREAL, QC– What an opening round of the 2022 NHL Draft, eh? It started with the Montreal Canadiens not taking Shane Wright first, as he fell to the Seattle Kraken at no. 4. You had the New York Islanders make a splash in trading their pick for Montreal Canadiens Alexander Romanov. You had trade chatter, more trades come to fruition, chants, horrendous wifi…you know all you could ask for.

Here are the stories from what was a crazy draft day one in today’s Rosner Wrap:

NYI Hockey Now: It was rather likely that New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello was going to move the 13th overall pick. The question was more for who? And that who was 22-year-old defenseman Alexander Romanov of the Montreal Canadiens.

NYI Hockey Now: What made Alexander Romanov an attractive piece to add to the New York Islanders? Was there a prospect at no. 13 that the Islanders wanted or was moving the pick always the decision? New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello answered questions following the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Were the Pittsburgh Penguins ever going to part ways with defenseman Kris Letang? No more questions need to be answered except the term of his new extension, which is a six-year deal at $6.1 million annually that takes him to his age 41 season.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: The Philadelphia Flyers are a team that needs to replenish their farm system and drafting forward Cutter Gauthier with the fifth overall pick is one way to do it.

Montreal Hockey Now: When the 2022 NHL Draft began, it began with a shocking move as the Montreal Canadiens did not choose Shane Wright, but went with the Slovakian forward Juraj Slakofsky. The initial reaction was not ideal, but then the Montreal fans embraced their first overall selection and gave him a heck of an ovation.

Washington Hockey Now: At no. 20, the Washington Capitals selected Ivan Miroshnichenko, a Russian left-winger who saw his draft stock drop following a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma back in March. Let’s just say he was ecstatic to be drafted.

Detroit Hockey Now: With the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Detroit Red Wings selected Marco Kasper. He has a knack for driving to the net, but as of now, he cannot legally drive to the rink. Here’s his story.

Colorado Hockey Now: Prior to the start of the 2022 NHL Draft, the Colorado Avalanche acquired the rights of netminder Alexandar Georgiev from the New York Rangers for three draft picks. Despite how he played in New York, the Avalanche believe he has a lot of promise.

Vegas Hockey Now: Because of the deal for Jack Eichel, the Vegas Golden Knights and their fan base had nothing cooking in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft. That meant they could sit back, relax and enjoy the show, which turned out to be a heck of a night.

San Jose Hockey Now: Newly appointed general manager Mike Grier has not been on the job long yet has already shown his competence in trusting his scouting team. The Sharks traded back from no. 11, sending the pick to the Arizona Coyotes for no. 27, 34, and 45. At no. 27, Grier drafted Filip Bystedt.

Vancouver Hockey Now: Unless a team holds a top-five draft pick, the player selected is likely not to make an impact immediately. And that’s what the Vancouver Canucks said about Jonathan Lekkerimaki, who they took 15th overall on Thursday