Toronto Maple Leafs Draft Josh Nicholls 182nd Overall

by PPP on Jun 26, 2010 5:16 PM EDT in News

The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Josh Nicholls with the 182nd pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He plays for the Saskatoon Blades in the Western Hockey League. Do you know who was the last player that the Leafs drafted from the Blades? ~~Wendel Clark~~ Turns out it was two players that never made the NHL. Those are expectations friend. Anyway, looks like a decent pick. He represented Team Pacific at the U17 Worlds and any pick is going to be a stretch here anyway.

Around the 0:56 mark Nicholls jumps into the picture in a fight. He doesn't win but he definitely lands the biggest punch.

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Those are expectations friend.

Jeez, way to terrify the kid. Now he has to worry about getting cut and getting his blood punched out if he don’t perform, what’s next? Sign him and give him #13 as well?

by Be26 on Jun 27, 2010 6:29 AM EDT reply actions

Do I know who was the Last player drafted from the Saskatoon Blades?

Of course I do, it was Mark Deyell in ’95 I think. Mark was a high scoring junior player and American League Player. Finished runner-up too Darcy Tucker in WHL MVP voting one year. Unfortunately an eye injury derailed his career and he never played in the NHL.

Do I know who the second last player drafted from the Saskatoon Blades? Again, I do. It was Mark Raiter in either ‘92 or ’93. Mark was a big tough bruising d-men and one of my favourite Blades of all-time. Yes, he was a goon but a damn good one. I don’t believe the Leafs ever offered him a contract. He toiled around in Saskatchewan beer leagues and probably Alberta too. Last I heard he was involved in that Hockey Fighting Competition.

So, Wendel Clark was actually the 3rd last pick by the Leafs from the Blades. But he was the last one with any real success. All hail Wendel.

Josh Nicholls is no Wendel Clark, unfortunately. He’s fast and he should develop into an good scoring threat for the Blades this year. Definitely fit’s the mold of a Brian Burke player, never afraid to get his nose dirty. Although he’s not a great fighter. I would say he’s a long-shot to make the NHL. Comparables:Vladimir Sobotka, Erik Nystrom, Rick Rypien

by moimoi28 on Jun 27, 2010 10:12 AM EDT reply actions

Damn. Had a spreadsheet with all of the Leafs’ picks and there were no Blades in it. Going to have a word with the friend that made it. Thanks for the heads up.

So the good news is that the bar has been lowered.

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by PPP on Jun 27, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions