Seven Wolverines Picked in 2007 NHL Draft

A total of seven projected members of the 2007-08 Michigan Ice Hockey team heard their names called at the 2007 NHL Draft held at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, earlier this weekend. Incoming freshman Max Pacioretty led the pack going No. 22 overall to the Montreal Canadiens, and six other Wolverines were selected on the final day of the 2007 Draft.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Incoming freshman Max Pacioretty led the pack as the lone Wolverines selected in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, but six others expected to don the Maize and Blue helmet during the 2007-08 Michigan hockey season followed suit as seven Wolverines were selected in this weekends NHL draft at Nationwide Arena.

Pacioretty, a skilled forward from Sioux City of the USHL, was selected No. 22 overall in the first round by the Montreal Canadiens. Pacioretty tallied 63 points (21-42-62) in 60 games with Sioux City during the 2006-07 season.

"I'm a two-way player who gets all the little things done, such as blocking shots. I think I offer more at the table than just all offense," Pacioretty said from the NHL Draft.

Aaron Palushaj was the second future Wolverine to hear his name called at the weekend event. Gone to the St. Louis Blues with the No. 44 pick in the second round, Palushaj is expected to be an offensive spark for Michigan in 2007-08.

Louie Caporusso, coming to Michigan from St. Michael's., the same school that produced former first round pick Andrew Cogliano, went to the Ottawa Senators with the No. 90 pick in the third round. Caporusso finished last season with 23 goals and 27 assists in just 37 games.

Just three selections later, rising sophomore defenseman Steve Kampfer became the lone returning Wolverine to hear his name on draft day. Kampfer played in 35 of Michigan's 41 games and is expected to log significant minutes on the depleted Michigan blue line.

Incoming freshman Matt Rust, the lone newcomer from the U.S. National Team Developmental Program this season, was selected as the Wolverines second fourth round pick. Rust was selected by the Florida Panthers with the No. 101 selection.

Ben Winnett, another incoming freshman packing a lot of offensive punch, followed Rust at No. 104. After putting up 27 goals and 30 assists in just 39 games last season, the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted the soon-to-be Wolverine.

The New York Rangers selected Carl Hagelin, joining the Wolverines all the way from Sweden, with the No. 168 pick of the sixth round.

The seven Wolverines selected in the 2007 NHL Draft are the most since having seven selected back in 1990.