Day of Michigan draftees, blockbuster deals
The NHL draft turned Michigan maize and blue Friday night. And there’s a Hughes sibling reunion set to happen in New Jersey.
The Buffalo Sabres opened the draft by selecting University of Michigan defenseman Owen Power with the top pick, and were immediately followed by the expansion Seattle Kraken choosing Michigan center Matthew Beniers at No. 2. It marked the first time since 1969 that teammates went with the first two selections.
Three picks later, the Wolverines became college hockey’s first program to have three teammates go in the first round after the Columbus Blue Jackets selected Michigan wing Kent Johnson fifth.
That’s not all, however. Luke Hughes, who is committed to playing at Michigan, was chosen fourth overall by the the Devils, where the defenseman is united with brother Jack, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft. Hughes watched the draft on his family’s living room couch with both of his NHLplaying brothers.
“It’s a dream come true to play in the NHL, and it’s also a dream come true to play with your brother,” Luke Hughes said. “Both those things are happening tonight.”
Ontario junior center Mason McTavish was the only player without Michigan ties to round out the top five, after he was selected third overall by Anahiem.
Trades: Chicago acquired AllStar defenseman Seth Jones from Columbus just before the draft began. The Blackhawks got Jones and the 32nd pick in the draft and a 2022 sixthrounder from the Blue Jackets for defenseman Adam Boqvist, the 12th and 44th picks in the draft and a 2022 firstrounder.
Jones then agreed to terms on an eightyear, $76 million extension.
The Blackhawks acquired Seth’s brother, Caleb, last week in a trade that sent defenseman Duncan Keith to Edmonton.
Arizona pulled off the other blockbuster, sending defenseman Oliver EkmanLarsson and forward Conor Garland to Vancouver for the No. 9 selection, a 2022 secondround pick, 2023 seventhrounder and three forwards.
St. Louis also acquired highscoring forward Pavel Buchnevich from the New York Rangers for forward Sammy Blais and a 2022 secondround pick. Earlier, Philadelphia traded the 14th pick and a 2023 secondrounder to Buffalo for defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
Briefly: Boston and wing Taylor Hall agreed on a fouryear, $24 million. He will count $6 million against the salary cap through the 202425 season . ... Montreal goalie Carey Price had knee surgery but the team expects him to be ready for the start of the regular season in midOctober.