It was an exciting day for Ottawa fans at the National Hockey League Entry Draft at Scotiabank Place Saturday. There were some new faces, some goodbyes and some rising stars may have their dreams come true.
In with the new
The Senators had five picks and took three forwards and two defenceman from around the world.
With their second-round pick, 42nd overall, they took British Columbia-native Patrick Wiercioch, a defenceman who played in the USHL last season.
The Sens also netted Zach Smith, a forward from Swift Current, a pair of forwards from Sweden, Andre Petersson and Emil Sandin, as well as Kanata-native Mark Borowiecki, a defenceman from Smiths Falls.
Erik Karlsson, a defenceman from Sweden was grabbed Friday.
Out with the old
The Senators were unable to trade Ray Emery this weekend. Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray says the controversial goaltender will be bought out immediately and the search for a backup goaltender has started.
Brian McGrattan has also played his last game as a Senator as the club looks to give a new look for new head coach Craig Hartsburg.
The biggest Senators move this weekend was the re-signing of Chris Kelly to a four-year deal worth $8.5 million. The Sens most versatile player would have become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
Up and coming stars
It was also a hugely successful draft for local-area players, with 10 from the Capital alone now a step closer to having their NHL dreams come true.
Ottawa native and 67's defenceman Julien Demers waited longer than he had anticipated, but his name was finally called in the fifth round, 146th overall, by Doug Wilson and the San Jose Sharks.
Demers joins fellow 67's Logan Couture, Jamie McGinn and Derek Joslin as Sharks prospects.
Many other players have NHL homes as of today including the Capital's Eric O'Del, Shawn Lalonde, and Adam Comrie.
Gatineau's Sameul Groulx, Kingston's Jamie Arniel and Belleville's Nathan Moon were also selected.
