Fansided

Re-Drafting the 2006 NHL Draft

By David Rouben

VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 24: (L-R) Second overall pick Jordan Staal of the Pittsburgh Penguins, first overall pick Erik Johnson of the St. Louis Blues, and third overall pick Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks pose for a portrait together backstage during the 2006 NHL Draft held at General Motors Place on June 24, 2006 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images for NHL)
VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 24: (L-R) Second overall pick Jordan Staal of the Pittsburgh Penguins, first overall pick Erik Johnson of the St. Louis Blues, and third overall pick Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks pose for a portrait together backstage during the 2006 NHL Draft held at General Motors Place on June 24, 2006 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images for NHL) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 19: Derick Brassard
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 19: Derick Brassard /

67. . Center. Drummondville Voltigeurs. Derick Brassard. 11. player

Original pick: Jonathan Bernier

It would make sense that the Los Angeles Kings would target a goalie in the draft, since they used a three-man rotation of Dan Cloutier, Mathieu Garon, and Sean Burke. However, the Kings already got a steal in last year’s draft when they snagged Jonathan Quick at 72nd overall. However, he wasn’t going to start right away, so they doubled down by taking the top rated goalie in central scouting.

But given that Bernier never really got a chance to start at LA, the Kings would’ve been better served landing a center. Derick Brassard actually went five picks earlier to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but he deserves to play on a team that doesn’t trade away its best players.

Arguably the Kings’ biggest strength now is at center, with a devastating one-two punch of Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter. But back in 2006-07, Kopitar was still young, and their offense didn’t have many reliable weapons outside of Mike Cammalleri.

Derick Brassard is characterized by his two-way play, which is why he fits on New York’s top line since he helps shut down opposing team’s top units. He’s capable of putting up good offensive numbers as well, as he put up 76 points in the 2014-15 season,16 of which came in the playoffs.

The Kings’ recent success has come because they’ve been able to build their team through the draft. They haven’t made many mistakes, but using a first round pick on a goalie just a year after they got Jonathan Quick wasn’t the wisest move on their part.

Building depth at the center position is never a bad thing to do, and Brassard would’ve set them up for the future very well.

Next: 12. Atlanta Thrashers

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