Bill Armstrong was optimistic about the prospect of Tij Iginla being available with the 6th overall pick in the draft. Despite Ivan Demidov being widely regarded as the second most talented player, concerns about the “Russian factor” and his injury history caused him to slide to 5th place, much to the delight of the Montreal Canadiens.
Following the Canadiens’ selection of Demidov, it was the Utah hockey team’s turn to make their pick at 6th. General manager Bill Armstrong expressed his satisfaction upon realizing that Tij Iginla was still on the board when their turn came up.
Armstrong’s excitement was palpable, possibly even causing him to momentarily fumble the team’s official name during the announcement. His enthusiasm for potentially drafting Jarome Iginla’s son was evident, as highlighted by his recent comments on TSN Overdrive.
The draft event in Las Vegas, with Céline Dion announcing the Canadiens’ pick, added to the anticipation. Armstrong, like many observers, was hopeful that Demidov would be chosen, although he faced considerably more pressure in making the decision.
Contrary to Demidov, Tij Iginla possesses attributes that set him apart. Described as a tenacious player with a strong work ethic and intense competitiveness, Armstrong emphasized these qualities during his interview on TSN 1050. Despite being perceived as having slightly less potential than others in the top 10, Iginla is considered to have the highest floor, indicating his ability to contribute consistently to an NHL team.
Looking ahead, time will reveal whether the Canadiens made the right choice in selecting Demidov over Iginla. Meanwhile, other notable events included a 39-year-old veteran embarking on his 20th NHL season, Joshua Roy’s participation at the Canadiens hockey school, and the potential exclusion of TNT Sports from a new media broadcast deal after covering the NBA since 1980. Additionally, Linus Ullmark’s requirement to learn French added an intriguing dimension to recent developments in the NHL landscape.
