Prospect Tkachuk wants to emulate Jackets’ Foligno
DALLAS — Keith Tkachuk is regarded as one of the greatest American-born players in NHL history, but his 18-year-old son, Brady, a left wing like dad, has modeled his game after a different player: Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno.
Projected to be one of the first players picked on Friday at the NHL draft, Tkachuk said he started following Foligno and became a fan a couple of years ago while participating in USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.
“He’s captain of the team — that’s the first thing that jumps out,” said Tkachuk, who also has patterned his play after the Flyers’ Wayne Simmons. “He’s high-character, seems like he is always looking out for his teammates and seems very well-liked. And his play backs it up. He’s not afraid of anybody, or to take it to the net and make plays. He’s got a sneaky skill set that people probably don’t realize.”
Tkachuk, whose enduring image of Foligno is of the captain on his knees celebrating a goal, said he hopes to get a chance to meet, and speak with, Foligno in the future. Left wing Brady Tkachuk talks to reporters in Dallas on the eve of Friday night’s NHL draft, where he is expected to be one of the first players taken.
helping conduct a youth hockey clinic.
Fellow prospects Evan Bouchard, Rasmus Dahlin, Noah Dobson, Andrei Svechnikov and Filip Zadina also participated.
“So many kids would give up anything to be in my shoes, so I’m just grateful to be here, take it all in and enjoy the whole day,” Dobson said.
Zadina, who is from the Czech Republic, said the experience reminded him of a clinic he attended in Prague as a 7-year-old that featured Jaromir Jagr.
Several of this year’s top prospects got their first taste of the draft watching their older brother get drafted.
Svechnikov, whose brother, Evgeny, was selected by the Red Wings 19th overall in 2015, said he envisioned his own draft day at that time. Tkachuk’s brother, Matthew, was the sixth overall pick two years ago by the Flames. Adam Boqvist’s brother, Jesper, was drafted 36th by the Devils last year.
“It was fun to be with him,” Boqvist said. “I was so happy when I heard his name. I hope it’s the same when he hears mine, and it will be as special.”
Quinton Hughes’ brother, Jack, is a 2019 prospect. “He’s watching closely, for sure, but I don’t really need to tell him anything,” Hughes said. “He’s really mature for his age.”
Zadina, a right wing, has long been projected to be Montreal’s pick at No. 3, but recent reports have suggested that may not happen.
“It’s the draft, nobody knows where I’ll be,” Zadina said. “I would like to be the third pick, but it doesn’t matter if I’ll be the fourth or fifth pick. I just want to go to a good team.”
After meeting with the Canadiens three times, Zadina said he has “a good feeling” they will choose him.