Former Bruins star was selected in the KHL draft before joining the NHL
In the lesser-known corners of hockey history, 2014 marked the year when Medvescak Zagreb decided to take a chance on young talent.
Surprisingly, it was none other than
Connor McDavid who found himself selected as the 77th overall pick in the KHL draft.
Fast forward to today, and McDavid's name has become synonymous with the NHL's brightest stars.
But McDavid isn't alone in this intriguing chapter of cross-drafting. The KHL draft has, on occasion, woven a web of connections to future NHL legends.
In 2009, when the talented Taylor Hall, once part of the Bruins, found himself selected at the 89th position by the Ak Bars Kazan in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) draft on June 1.
What's intriguing is that Hall was joined by two other Canadian junior players, all hailing from the OHL, who were plucked in the 2009 KHL Draft. Notably, this draft starts the player selection process one year younger than the NHL's approach.
However, destiny had different plans for them. Despite their selection, none of these players ever graced the ice in a KHL jersey.
As time marches on, this quirky piece of history reminds us that the path to hockey stardom is often a winding one, lined with unexpected turns and fascinating "what if" scenarios.
Previously on Bruins Insider
POLL |
AOUT 25 | 65 ANSWERS Former Bruins star was selected in the KHL draft before joining the NHL Do you think Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno being traded from Boston to Chicago to exchange for defensemen Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula was a smart decision? |
Yes | 31 | 47.7 % |
No | 34 | 52.3 % |
List of polls |
|
13 hours ago | By Bruce Raymond Boston Bruins place a goaltender on waivers: The real reason was just revealed |
|
17 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin NHL insider confirms the fate of four Boston Bruins players after being placed on waivers |
|
18 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin 26-year-old Boston Bruins goaltender being claimed off waivers takes an unexpected turn |
|
19 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Three former Boston Bruins players placed on the waiver wire |
|
20 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin A huge forward was just placed on waivers: The Boston Bruins have multiple options |
|
21 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Two teams preparing to claim Boston Bruins goaltender off waivers: "It sounds like he's a Maple Leaf" |
|
21 hours ago | By Bruce Raymond A newly acquired player has stolen a roster spot from a Boston Bruins fan favourite |
|
23 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Boston Bruins to officially retire a fan favourites jersey |