In a lesser-known chapter of hockey history, the year 2014 witnessed Medvescak Zagreb's gamble on youthful potential. The unexpected twist? None other than Connor McDavid himself emerged as the 77th overall pick in the KHL draft.
Yet McDavid isn't alone in this intriguing tale of cross-drafting. The KHL draft has occasionally spun a web linking to future NHL legends. Former Bruins Taylor Hall, along with Victor Hedman, Zack Kassian, Erik Gudbranson, Jack Eichel, and Aaron Ekblad, share this unique connection to KHL drafts.
A look back at 2009 reveals that the talented Taylor Hall, once aligned with the Bruins, earned the 89th spot in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) draft. Ak Bars Kazan welcomed him on June 1.
What adds intrigue is the company Hall had in this venture. Two fellow Canadian junior players, originating from the OHL, also had their names called in the 2009 KHL Draft. Notably, this draft starts the selection process one year earlier than the NHL.
However, destiny had distinct plans for them. Despite their KHL selection, none of these players stepped onto the ice sporting a KHL jersey.
As time unfurls, this curious piece of history serves as a reminder that the path to hockey stardom often meanders, with unforeseen bends and captivating "what if" narratives.
