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Draft Preview '89
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
NEW YORK RANGERS
KEY DECISION-MAKER: Coach-general manager Phil Esposito presides over the decision-making process. “I know these guys (my scouts) pretty well and I listen to everybody,” he says, “then we count up the votes and I count them up…my way.” STAFF: Al (Smokey) Cerrone. Minnesota scout; John Chapman, western Canada scout; Tony Feltrin, WHL and Tier II junior scout; Lou Jankowski, WHL scout; George Kozak. New England college, high school and prep school scout; Don Murdoch. OHL and CCHA scout; Richard Rose, Quebec and Ontario scout; Angelo Bumbacco and Dan Summers, consultants to the GM; Pierre Larouche, professional player development assistant. BEST DRAFT PICKS: Tomas Sandstrom, 36th overall in 1982, was one of Lars-Erik Sjoberg’s many good finds; a big player with talent and combativeness, hidden away in the second round. Tony Granato, 120th overall…
NEW YORK ISLANDERS
KEY DECISION-MAKER: Gerry (Tex) Ehman, the assistant general manager and director of scouting since 1982, is general manager Bill Torrey’s right-hand man. He is a former NHL right winger who joined the Islanders as a scout in 1974. STAFF: Earl Ingarfield, western Canada scout and cross-checker; Bert Marshall, cross-checker; Harry Boyd, Ontario scout; Richard Green, northeastern U.S. scout; Mario Saraceno, Quebec scout; Jack Vivian, midwestem U.S. scout. BEST DRAFT PICKS: Kelly Hrudey, 38th overall in 1980, was the second goalie taken that year, one pick after Minnesota chose Don Beaupre. Sent to Los Angeles at the 1989 trading deadline, he’s one of the best goalies in the NHL. Center Pat LaFontaine, third overall in 1983, is the Islanders' most exciting performer. Torrey stole the pick from Colorado in 1981, by trading Bob Lorimer…
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
KEY DECISION-MAKER: Scouting director Jack Davison, who doubles as assistant general manager, calls most of the shots, subject to the approval of general manager Bob Pulford. STAFF: Jan Spieczny, U.S. scout; Jim Pappin, U.S. college and high school scout; Jim Walker and Kerry Davison, western Canada scouts; Mike Dumas. Quebec scout; Don Smith and Dave Lucas, Ontario scouts. BEST DRAFT PICKS: Steve Larmer, 120th overall in 1980, has scored 40 or more goals four times, including the last two seasons. The right winger has never missed a game in his seven seasons (560 straight games) and is one of the most reliable and underrated two-way players in the NHL. Denis Savard, third overall in 1980, has had five 100-point seasons. This year an ankle injury and troubles with coach Mike Keenan contributed to…
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
KEY DECISION-MAKER: This will be the second draft general manager Tony Esposito has overseen since replacing Eddie Johnston last spring. He trimmed the scouting staff last summer, and other changes probably are coming. Johnston is now assistant general manager. STAFF: Ken Schinkel, director of player development; Bruce Haralson, chief scout; Greg Malone, Ontario scout; John Gill, Minnesota scout; Fred Gore, Boston scout. BEST DRAFT PICKS: Mario Lemieux, first overall in 1984, saved the franchise. The high-scoring center is considered by many the best player in the world. It seems only a matter of time before he breaks Wayne Gretzky’s single-season record of 215 points. He had 199 this season—including 85 goals, third-highest total ever. Lemieux won his second straight scoring title this year. He was in on 57.3 per cent of all…
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