The Islanders decided one wasn't enough for the first round, trading with the Chicago Blackhawks to get their 30th overall pick, in exchange for the Isles' 35th and 38th (2nd Round) picks in the draft.
New York took Minnesota-born center Brock Nelson with the choice, made by Entourage star Kevin Connolly (well, announced, you obviously can't allow E to make your draft pick). He was the 11th American player taken in the first round, a record for USA Hockey.
Scouting report on Nelson, from NHL.com:
Director of NHL Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire
"Big, strapping center in the Minnesota High School league. Going to North Dakota next year and destined to be an NHLer with 6-2 frame, 205 pound build. Guaranteed, hard-skating power forward."
Warroad head coach Albert Hasbargen
"I have coached Brock for three years, when he started out as a tenth grader he skated one period of JV and three with the Varsity. By the end of the season his line was creating more scoring chances than the top two lines. He continued his upward push as a junior centering our top line. His work ethic, size and tremendous skills put him at the top of High School Players as a senior. I believe he will continue to rise on the ladder of hockey players, he can easily add several pounds of muscle, he is very coachable, he does stuff with the puck in practice and games others can only dream about, his work ethic along with self discipline will continue to move him upward. This young man not only has great skills, but is a great person as well."
Here are some of his personal favorites:
NHL Team: Boston Bruins
NHL Player: Anze Kopitar
Shootout move: "Kopitar's backhand five-hole"
Goal celebration: "It's a spontaneous decision, if any"
Video Game: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Movie: Miracle
TV Show: Family Guy
Actor: Gerard Butler
Cartoon Character: Stewie Griffin
Website: espn.com
Book: The Firm by John Grisham
Breakfast food: Burritos
Activity away from the rink: Golf or Tennis
Superhero: Superman
That's it for round one, see you tomorrow with Rounds 2-7. For more on your local hockey teams, checkout Lighthouse Hockey, Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust.