Seven Minnesota natives were selected in the 2015 NHL Draft, which was held today at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida. The 2015 NHL Draft featured the selection of 55 players from the United States.
Burnsville native Brock Boeser was selected with the 23rd overall pick in the first round by Vancouver. Boeser’s selection marked the highest draft pick used on a Minnesotan since the 2010 NHL Draft when Derek Forbort (Duluth) and Nick Bjugstad (Blaine) were taken with the 15th and 19th picks, respectively.
One of the biggest surprises of this year’s draft was the rise of defenseman Will Borgen from Moorhead. Borgen was ranked as the 194th rated North American skater by the Central Scouting Service (CSS) in their midterm rankings. After a strong finish to his senior year with Moorhead, including recognition as a Mr. Hockey finalist, and a good showing in the United States Hockey League (USHL) this spring, Borgen’s stock rose rapidly, rising to 114 in the final rankings and eventually being selected 92nd overall by Buffalo.
With their final pick of the draft, the Minnesota Wild selected home grown defenseman Jack Sadek from Lakeville. As a senior this season, Sadek capped off his high school career with an undefeated season and a Class AA State Hockey Championship at the Xcel Energy Center. Sadek will attend the University of Minnesota this coming season, giving him a unique opportunity to go from Mites to professional hockey all in his home state.
Here is the complete list of Minnesotans taken in the 2015 NHL Draft:
Name | Round | Pick | Overall | NHL Team | Amateur Team | Hometown |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brock Boeser | 1 | 23 | 23 | Vancouver | Waterloo | Burnsville |
Paul Bittner | 2 | 8 | 38 | Columbus | Portland | Crookston |
Thomas Novak | 3 | 25 | 85 | Nashville | Waterloo | St. Paul |
Will Borgen | 4 | 1 | 92 | Buffalo | Moorhead | Moorhead |
Ryan Zuhlsdorf | 5 | 29 | 150 | Tampa Bay | Sioux City | Edina |
Jack Becker | 7 | 14 | 195 | Boston | Mahtomedi | Mahtomedi |
Jack Sadek | 7 | 23 | 204 | Minnesota | Lakeville North | Lakeville |