So the Devils got to pick first in an entry draft for the first time since they became the Devils back in 1982. Over the years they've had a few high picks including guys like Scott Niedermayer (Thanks Toronto), Bill Guerin, Brendan Shanahan etc. One player who was a very high pick was John MacLean who was drafted in 1983 and he went 6th overall. Yzerman, Lafontaine and Barrasso all were picked ahead of him and can't really judge those choices at all and Sylvain Turgeon and Brian Lawton happened to be the number 2 and 1 picks respectively and they may not have ended there on a re-draft. John was an excellent player in junior and in his draft year scored 18 goals and 38 points in just 17 playoffs games as the Generals would go on to win the OHL Championships that year and would fall just short in the Memorial Cup Finals. Despite the loss in the finals, John MacLean would still be named to the tournament all-star team.
1982-83 Durham Police Oshawa Generals John MacLean
Here is a card that was sent to me by Sal from
Puck Junk which features a John MacLean from his draft year. These cards are larger than your typical card and are very well done. This card predates his rookie card by several seasons as Johnny Mac wouldn't get his NHL rookie card until the 86-87 season.
There is just so much to love about this card. The Titan hockey stick, the Cooperalls and the classic stopping/snow shower photo. Thank you very much Sal for a card I didn't have yet and greatly appreciate. John MacLean was my first ever favourite player and to get a card you've never even seen before of them is just down right fantastic!
Regional promos are cool! I think picking Nico was a good choice for the Devils.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I agree. I also agree with the pick Billy and felt when we made the move for Mueller that we would be drafting Nico. Next season will be very exciting for Devils fans and I believe we may land one or two free agents in a couple days which should really dictate which direction we're going with the club.
DeleteInteresting card, had never seen these before.
ReplyDeleteYeah me neither! Of interest to you Shane, in the same set is Peter Sidorkiewicz and a few other future NHLers like Toni Tanti and Joe Cirella.
DeleteAwesome card! Some of these hockey pre-rookies are hard to track down. I've been looking for the 95/96 Seattle Thunderbirds Patrick Marleau for years.
ReplyDeleteThanks Fuji! If I should ever come across the card myself I will snap it up for you.
DeleteThe hockey card gods were looking down up on me. I decided to check eBay after I left my comment and found one for under $10. But I won't celebrate until it's in my hands.
DeleteThat is so awesome! I love when stuff like that happens and a serendipitous event rewards patience. I will cheer for it's quick and safe arrival in your hands.
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