The embattled Phoenix Coyotes delivered the first surprise of the first round when they drafted Swedish defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson with the sixth pick.
Toronto GM Brian Burke was subjected to a chorus of boos from the Montreal Canadiens fans filling the upper reaches of the arena before he announced center Nazim Kadri, Tavares’ Knights teammate, with the seventh selection.
Right wing Scott Glennie, Brayden Schenn’s Brandon linemate, was chosen eighth by Dallas. Ottawa drafted 6-foot-5, 220-pound defenseman Jared Cowen of the Spokane Chiefs with the ninth pick, followed by Edmonton, which took Swedish center Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson to complete the top 10.
A record seven player from Sweden were selected in the first round.
The Minnesota Wild, which dealt its No. 12 pick to the Islanders, made defenseman Nick Leddy of Eden Prairie, Minn., the top American drafted with the No. 16 selection, which they acquired from New York in their trade of draft picks along with the 77th pick overall in the third round.
“You never really know what can happen but I’m just happy that they picked me and I can be one of the hometown guys,” said Leddy, whose parents, Mike and Vicky, were on hand to share the moment as part of a group of about 10 family and friends.
Other U.S. prospects drafted early included 6-foot-2, 202-pound center Chris Kreider, a native of Boxford, Mass., selected 19th by the New York Rangers, defenseman John Moore of Chicago, taken 21st by Columbus, followed immediately by University of Minnesota center Jordan Schroeder, who was selected 22nd overall by Vancouver.
The Canadiens drew the loudest cheer of the evening when they selected center Louis Leblanc, a Montreal native, with the 18th pick.
The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins capped the opening round with another roar from the crowd, selecting 6-foot-4, 205-pound defenseman Simon Despres to the delight of his considerable contingent of family and friends in the stands.
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